The Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, in conjunction with sons and daughters of Ofu at home and in the diaspora, has hosted a grand reception in honour of Kogi Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu.
The event, held in Ejule on Saturday, was marked by the formal defection of over 600 members from the PDP, SDP, and other parties into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with the deputy governor.
Declaring the occasion open, the Eje Ofu and Chairman of the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, HRH Dr. Akwu Obaje, said the gathering was to celebrate “our own son” and acknowledge his loyalty, humility, and representation of Ofu people in government.
He commended the deputy governor for remaining calm, respectful, and accessible despite the demands of public office.
The monarch thanked Gov Ahmed Usman Ododo for the confidence reposed in him and for respecting traditional institutions across the state.
The royal father pledged the council’s continued support for the administration in maintaining peace, unity, and development.
He urged youths to embrace education, hard work, and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Obaje appealed for more government intervention in roads, healthcare, security, youth empowerment, and rural development for the predominantly farming and trading community.
In his response, the Deputy Governor said the reception was a deeply honouring moment.
“Today is a very special day for me. Standing here before my people, I feel deeply honoured, happy, and grateful for this reception organized by the Ofu Traditional Council and sons and daughters of the Local Government, both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.
He thanked the traditional ruler political office holders, women, youths, and all who made the event possible, noting that the honour meant much coming from his own people.
Salifu expressed loyalty to his principal and Chief Servant of Kogi State, Gov. Ododo and gratitude to former Governor Yahaya Bello for the opportunity to serve.
He assured Ofu people of continued humility, loyalty, and commitment to service, stressing that “leadership is about service to the people, and that is what this administration stands for.”
Highlighting ongoing projects by Ododo’s administration, he said roads in Ofu had been earmarked and measured for attention.
He added that transformers had been provided to some communities, and primary schools being remodeled under a state-wide project flagged off by the governor.
He emphasised that some communities were now accessing clean water through government interventions.
He urged youths to shun kidnapping, cultism, and crime, warning that the Ododo administration was serious about fighting criminality.
Ahead of 2027, he appealed to Ofu people to give massive support to the APC from the presidency to the governorship as appreciation for the honour of producing the deputy governor.
He also advised against being deceived by politicians who only appear during elections.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, called on citizens to uphold peace, unity, and mutual tolerance irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or politics.
The commissioner urged Kogites to shun divisive actions and sentiments, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and collective progress.
Fanwo congratulated the deputy governor on the warm reception, describing him as a humble and dedicated public servant whose loyalty and competence had strengthened the Ododo administration.
He said Governor Ododo shared a cordial working relationship with Comrade Salifu and had confidence in his leadership.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ofu LGA, Muhammad Lawal, reaffirmed the support of the council area for the Ododo administration and commended the government’s developmental efforts across the state.
The event featured prayers for the deputy governor’s continued rise and service to Kogi State, cultural display, rendition from various church choristers, among others.
The event also witnessed the formal reception of over 600 defectors into the APC, signaling a boost for the party in Ofu ahead of 2027.
Dignitaries at event include: Kogi Commissioners: for Youth and Sports, Hon Monday Anyebe; Agriculture, Hon Timothy Ojomah, APC Zonal Chairman, Kogi East, LG Chairmen, among others
