From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
From left is Ali Atabor, Representative of former Minister of State for labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni.
A former Minister of State for labour and employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni has called on all stakeholders to join hands together in building a united and prosperous Kogi State”.
Prof. Ocheni made the call in Lokoja on Monday, during the Nigeria Post Kogi at 33 lecture and awards 2024 with the topic, “sustaining Kogi’s unbroken unity, prospects and possibilities, this house must not fall”
Represented by a former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Comrade Ali Atabor, Kogi State Council, the former Minister noted that fanning the embers of division around ethnic or religious line will spell doom for Kogi State.
While congratulating Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on his recent victory affirming him as the duly elected Governor in Kogi State, Prof. Ocheni said “As we mark this significant occasion, we reflect on the journey of our state from its inception to the present day. We remember the visionaries who fought for its creation and the sacrifices made to build a better future for us.
“Today, we celebrate the progress we have made, the challenges we have overcome, and the opportunities that lay ahead. We recognize the contributions of our past leaders, who paved the way for us, and the resilience of our people, who have made Kogi State a beacon of hope.
“As we gather here, we are reminded of the rich cultural heritage that binds us together. We celebrate our diversity, our traditions, and our values, which make us stronger and more united.
“This event with the theme,”Sustaining Kogi’s Unbroken Unity, Prospects and Possibilities, This House Must Not Fall” is not just a celebration but also a call to action.I have been told that many scholars are bill to present papers on topics that highlight the importance of building a united and prosperous Kogi State”.
He, however, commended Editor-in-Chief of the Nigeria Post Newspaper Mike Abu for the initiative and commitment to promoting the state’s history and development.
He enjoined participants to celebrate Kogi State achievements and looked forward to a brighter future.
“Let us use this opportunity to rekindle our sense of purpose, to recommit ourselves to the development of our state, and to work together towards a common goal”he added.
Adding his voice on the need to promote unity in diversity in Kogi State, a former lawmaker representing Kogi West, Senator Tunde Ogbeha recalled his role that led to the creation of Kogi State in 1991.
Represented by a former Commissioner in Kogi State Alhaji Yabagi Bologi, Senator Ogbeha said” despite the dynamic of power play 33 years ago, I ensured that Lokoja is the State capital. I am very optimistic that Kogi State will be great. We won’t allow the house we built over the years fall”.
The immediate past Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly Hon Mathew Kolawole stressed the need for Kogites to develop under the unity of purpose and not divided by politics.
He commended the Publisher of Nigeria Post newspaper for his efforts in promoting unity in the State adding that, the idea of sentiment, nepotism should be shunned by the People.
The guest Speaker at the event Prof. John Alabi stressed on unity and Justice for development to strive in Kogi State.
“There cannot be development when there is no unity. Unity will be a mirage except their is justice. When we are looking at development, we must be united because we are one. Every one has a part to play in promoting unity and development in Kogi State” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Post newspaper Mike Abu acknowledged the current economic quagmire in the Country noting that, Nigerians should support the present administration to succeed.
“Never in the history of Kogi State has the people been so divided following what played out during the last Governorship election. We thank God that the supreme Court has given it.
