Earlier today, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, attended the public presentation of the book, ‘OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block,’ authored by the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, CFR, at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre in Abuja.
The Governor was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, and accompanied by Hon. Inah Hussein, former member of the House of Representatives for the Idah Federal constituency; Hon. Sadiq Abubakar Ainoko, the former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Hon. Aboh Ibrahim, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, among other aides.
The event was presided over by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, who was represented by Senator Pius Anyim Pius, the former President of the Senate.
The ceremony featured Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the Vice President of Nigeria, as the Special Guest of Honor.
In attendance were Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the current Minister for Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, former Governors Nasir Elrufai, Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, Kayode Fayemi, and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as well as former Ministers Rotimi Amechi and Lai Mohammed, legal experts, a host of former senior government officials, and traditional rulers.
The memoir brought before court of public opinion the complexities in the most controversial Oil Prospective Licence 245 deal, with a view towards giving a deeper understanding of the factors and actors involved. It is through events like these that leaders can learn to cultivate a culture of openness and honesty in public service.
Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,
Kogi State
July 10, 2025