“ODODO–TINUBU SEASON 2” 2027 ENDORSEMENT EVENT 28TH DECEMBER , 2025
Protocols duly observed.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Esteemed leaders and stakeholders, Representatives of government and political parties, Our gallant members of the Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association, Members of the press, And my dear brothers and sisters.
Today is not just another political gathering. Today is a day of history, gratitude, conviction, and renewed hope. I stand before you with a heart full of appreciation, pride, and confidence—confidence in leadership that listens, leadership that includes, and leadership that delivers.
On behalf of the Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association, and as the Executive Secretary, Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs, I am deeply honoured to welcome you all to this historic endorsement event, an event convened to publicly declare our total support and endorsement for:
His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, and
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Executive President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for a second term in office come 2027.
WHY ARE WE HERE TODAY?
We are here today because gratitude demands expression. We are here because justice demands recognition. And we are here because progress demands continuity.
For decades, persons with disabilities in Nigeria—and indeed in Kogi State—have struggled, not because we lacked ability, intelligence, or vision, but because we were denied opportunity, inclusion, and trust. But history changed under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
For the very first time in the history of Kogi State, a person with a disability was entrusted to head the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs. This singular decision was not an act of pity—it was an act of belief. It was a clear statement by the Governor that persons with disabilities are not objects of charity, but partners in governance. That decision restored dignity. That decision inspired confidence. That decision gave us a seat at the table where decisions are made.
Distinguished guests, Governor Ododo’s leadership has gone beyond words. His administration has translated inclusion into action. Under his administration:
– Persons with disabilities have received strategic political appointments, affirming our relevance in governance.
– Bursary opportunities were extended to support the education of persons with disabilities.
– Empowerment programmes were designed to promote economic independence.
– Mobility aids and assistive devices have been distributed to enhance movement, dignity, and participation.
– Support has been provided in education, health, and social welfare, ensuring that no one is left behind.
These interventions are not symbolic—they are transformational.
We must also acknowledge the remarkable Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme, through which about 250 persons with disabilities across Kogi State received the sum of ₦200,000 each to strengthen their businesses and livelihoods. This life-changing initiative was carried out through the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and faithfully implemented through the Office of the Kogi State First Lady, Her Excellency Hajiya Safinat Usman Ododo, with the full support of her husband, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
This is what leadership with compassion looks like. This is what governance with a human face represents.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
Why we are going to endorse Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo because:
– He believes in ability, not disability.
– He governs with equity and fairness.
– He listens to the voices of the vulnerable.
– He delivers the dividends of democracy to all segments of society.
Continuity is essential—not to start afresh, but to consolidate on the gains already recorded.
At the national level, we proudly align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to emphasize inclusion, empowerment, and social protection. His administration has created a policy environment where:
– Vulnerable groups are recognized,
– Social investment programmes are strengthened, and
– Hope is renewed for millions of Nigerians.
Our endorsement today is a vote of confidence, trust, and belief in the future Nigeria we all desire.
Distinguished guests,
This endorsement is not sponsored by threatening. It is not driven by sentiment alone. It is born out of experience, evidence, and impact. As persons with disabilities, we understand what exclusion feels like—and we also understand what true inclusion looks like.
That is why we have resolved, collectively and unanimously, to raise the Ododu–Tinubu 2027 flag.
Let me conclude by saying this: When leadership gives you dignity, you respond with loyalty. When leadership empowers you, you respond with commitment. When leadership includes you, you respond with support.
Today, the Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association stands firmly, boldly, and proudly to say: Ododo has done well. Tinubu is doing well. And together, they deserve our support for 2027.
May Almighty God continue to guide their leadership, strengthen their vision, and grant them the wisdom to serve humanity better.
Thank you all for standing with us. Thank you for believing in inclusive governance.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live inclusive leadership!
Long live Ododo!
Long live Tinubu!
Thank you and God bless you all.
Hon Yakubu Nazir Abdulhakeem
President; Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association & Executive Secretary, Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs