* Charges leaders to build bridges as Kogi Gov marks first anniversary

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has declared that unity is the only formula that works for national progress, urging Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from the natural confluence of River Niger and River Benue in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. 

Specifically, he said the confluence of the two rivers in Kogi is a metaphor for the collective strength required to navigate Nigeria’s challenges and foster unity and collaboration for the nation’s prosperity.

Speaking on Monday in Lokoja at the Kogi Dialogue, as part of events marking Governor Ahmed Ododo’s first year in office, the president, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said: “The convergence of these rivers is not just a geographical event; it is a divine lesson in strength and continuity. It symbolizes the power of unity—where individual streams combine to create a force capable of shaping destinies and carving paths. 

“Just as water merging with water becomes stronger, so must we as leaders and citizens merge our efforts to build a united and prosperous Nigeria.”  

President Tinubu praised Governor Ododo for launching the Kogi Dialogue, describing it as “a spark of wisdom and a critical step towards fostering reconciliation and progress”.

He charged leaders at all levels to build bridges across the country, as well as prioritise dialogue as a tool for resolving differences and promoting national cohesion.  

He said: “Dialogue is not just an opportunity to air grievances. It is the true path to justice, reconciliation and understanding. Without dialogue, history will pass us by, leaving us abandoned by time and forgotten by progress.”  

The president particularly appealed to political and community leaders to be more amenable and unified in their support for government to create the needed environment for growth. 

“Now is the time to reject division and embrace unity as the only formula that works. Chaos and discord are ladders for the self-serving, but unity is the bridge that carries us all forward.

“Kogi State stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we recognize the strength in our diversity. From the confluence of rivers to the convergence of ideas, this state symbolises what Nigeria can become when we come together with purpose and vision,” President Tinubu said. 

The president however acknowledged that though there are challenges with governance in turbulent times such as the economic pressures and security threats facing the nation, true leadership is tested in tumultuous times. 

He called on the people of Kogi and Nigeria to see themselves as “threads in the intricate fabric of progress”.

“Each of us has a role to play in weaving a stronger, more united nation. Let us ensure that personal desires do not pull against the collective current of unity and development. We cannot hope to build a stronger Nigeria if we allow division to fester at home. Leaders must rise above personal ambitions and put the welfare of the people first,” President Tinubu added.   

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Ododo thanked President Tinubu and the people of the state for their support for his government since assumption a year ago, even as he urged them to remain committed to the growth and development of the state, leveraging the opportunities and resources available in Kogi.

The governor paid glowing tributes to the vice-president for his support and inspiration in all that his government has done since assuming leadership about a year ago.

According to him, Kogi is blessed with rich human, natural and material resources with an enviable cultural diversity that needs to be harnessed for the prosperity and transformation of the state.

Urging indigenes of the state to put Kogi first in all they do, especially in the exploitation and management of its resources, Ododo said the time is ripe to recalibrate the socio-economic fortunes of the state and take the area to greater heights.

He noted the important development in the state since his assumption of office, including the upgrade of healthcare centres, improvement of infrastructure in the education sector and the introduction of free education at the basic level, and bursary for students in tertiary institutions.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, applauded the cordial relationship between the current and former governors of Kogi State, noting that a healthy relationship between a predecessor and his successor was necessary for the development of the state.

He urged other state governors to emulate the example set by Governor Ododo especially in engendering development and improving party politics in the country.

On his part, former governor Yahaya Bello recalled the vision of the founding fathers of Kogi State, noting with satisfaction that the current administration was moving in the right direction. 

The highpoint of the vice-president’s visit was the inauguration of road projects executed by the Ododo administration during his first year in office.

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