Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The Kogi state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has called for improved collaboration with traditional rulers to accelerate development and promote peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.

The governor made the call on Wednesday during the presentation of staff of office to the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju ,a first class traditional rulers in Kogi west Senatorial district.

The event took place at Government House,, Lokoja on Wednesday.

Governor Ododo also called on the new Akinrin to support community policing initiative and attract investors to the community to usher in rapid development of the area.

“The need for cooperation between the traditional institutions and this administration is Paramount for the peace and progress of the state. This administration sees the traditional institution as the closest authority to the people at the grassroots and will, therefore, continue to encourage traditional rulers to collaborate with the government for the development of the state.”

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He emphasised the role of the traditional institution in protecting moral values among the people, adding that his administration is prepared to support the traditional institution in the state to achieve its goal as custodian of culture and tradition.

He noted that his administration is working to ensure that the state’s resources begin to work for the people and cautioned against indiscriminate sale of land to potential land grabbers posing as investors in different communities in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami Ozigi Deedat praised Governor Ododo’s commitment to equity and justice.