Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has sworn in the 21 elected Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the state.
The chairmen took the oath of office on Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
Mr Ododo, who was represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu, urged the chairmen to strengthen security in rural communities and ensure accountability in governance.
He urged them to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to protect lives and property across the state.
He said no community in the state would be abandoned to criminal activities, stressing the need for proactive security at the grassroots.
The governor also tasked the council chairmen to prioritise rural roads, primary healthcare, basic education, environmental sanitation and programmes that would create opportunities for youths and women.
Mr Ododo congratulated the chairmen on their victory at the polls and thanked the people of the state for their support for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The governor described the victory as a call to greater service, urging the elected officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering on their campaign promises.
He reaffirmed the state’s continued support for President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections
He commended the President for his leadership and commitment to national development through his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mr Ododo further charged the chairmen to manage public funds transparently and responsibly, and to remain humble, accessible and fair to all, irrespective of political differences.
He wished the chairmen a successful tenure and assured them of the state government’s support to drive development at the grassroots.
Stakeholders at the event described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter in local government administration in the state, with emphasis on improved security, prudent management of resources and effective grassroots governance.
The APC on Saturday, won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 21 local government areas and 239 wards in the Kogi council poll.