By Rashida Bello
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.
The president 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 in Lokoja at the Kogi Dialogue, which was part of events marking Governor Ahmed Ododo’s first year in office, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged leaders across all levels to build bridges across the country, as well as prioritise dialogue as a tool for resolving differences and promoting national cohesion.
“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.”
A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of The Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the President praises Governor Ododo for launching the Kogi Dialogue, describing it as “a spark of wisdom and a critical step toward fostering reconciliation and progress.”
The statement appeals to political and community leaders to be more amenable and unified in their support for government to create the needed environment for growth.
According to the statement, Governor Ododo, commends President Tinubu and the people of the state for their support to his government.
The statement notes 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 on his part, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, applauds 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.
Earier, the 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 commissioning of road projects executed by the Ododo administration during his first year in office.
