New governor of Kogi state, Usman Ododo was sworn in on Saturday in Lokoja, the state capital.
Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office Ododo said he will run an open door policy and carry every section of the state along.
In his inaugural speech, Ododo said he will not be “an ethnic governor”, adding that his administration will work for everyone irrespective of religion, ethnicity and political affiliations.
He expressed gratitude to Yahaya Bello, the outgoing governor and President Bola Tinubu for their support during the electioneering process.
He called on the people of the state to come together and support his administration irrespective of their ethnic groups.
He said, “Our government shall hit the ground running with people-oriented projects that will focus on the wellbeing of our people”.
Ododo said his administration will build on the foundation laid by the immediate past governor of the state.
He added that his administration will be open, firm, rugged, while calling on investors to make the state an “investment hub”.
He assured that the Kogi is safe for investment adding that his administration is ready to partner with the private sector for job opportunities for the youths.
The governor also announced 16 commissioner nominees to be screened by the state house of assembly as members of his cabinet.
“I will today be presenting the names of the following nominees to the Kogi state house of assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the Kogi state executive council,” he said.
Many of the nominees had served as commissioners in the administration of Bello.
The nominees include, Farouk Danlami, Salami Ozigi-Deedat, Basiru Abubakar, Adams Abdulaziz, Joseph Oluwaseun, Muzi Yinusa Abdullahi, Wemi Jonze, Rabiatu Okute, Fanwo Kingsley, Fatima Momoh, Mohammed Yusuf, Timothy Ojoma, Sunday Faleke, Abanika Taye, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, and Mohammed Adbulmutalib
The governor asked the Kogi state assembly to grant the nominees a speedy consideration.
During the inauguration, Ododo also announced the appointment of the secretary to the state government (SSG) and other aides.
The appointees are:
Folashade Ayodele Arike — Secretary to state government
Ali Bello — Chief of Staff to the governor
Hilary Ojoma — Deputy chief of staff
Elijah Evinemi — Head of service
Jerry Omodara — State security adviser
Isah Ismail — Special adviser on media
Sulaiman Ibrahim — Director-general protocol
Oladele John Niyi — Chief press secretary
Shaibu Orisa — Director-General Government House
Femi Adegboyega — State Legal Adviser
