VP Shettima says Tinubu working towards optimising Kogi’s vast potentials

Vice President Kashim Shettima has told the people of Kogi State that the President, Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the numerous solid minerals and other potentials of the state are maximally harnessed for the benefit of Nigeria and the state in particular.

Shettima spoke on Saturday during the inauguration of the new Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo. He expressed that the administration would deliver dividends of good governance to the people of the state.

He said the “change of baton from one progressive to another will not disrupt the dividends of good governance”, noting that “Kogi State remains bound by the ideals and promises of a unified council of leaders and the largest party in Africa-” the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ododo and his Deputy, Salifu Joel Oyibo were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively, at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, the state capital.

Delivering his speech titled, “Standing Together, Standing for the People,” the Vice President conveyed what he described as the heartfelt goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the people of Kogi State, saying the President holds absolute confidence in Ododo as the new helmsman of the state.

He stated: “The President remains committed to collaborating to optimise the vast potentials of Kogi State and bring to fruition the aspirations of its illustrious people.

“This historic day is not an orphan; it is born from a collection of sacrifices and an inventory of commitments to serve the people. This historic day is the ultimate demonstration of faith in Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, a man fit for the shoes he is about to step into”.

For the outgoing Governor, Yahaya Bello, VP Shettima described him by his nicknames, “indefatigable White Lion, the people’s lion” and pointed out that the historic inauguration of Ododo as his successor “is an eloquent referendum on” Bello’s stewardship.

“We are not here by accident, for none of us would ever escape our destiny. It’s this fatalism in our service to humanity that inspires our humility to stay on track. We are here merely because we are chosen by the people to represent their ideals.

“While political parties embody ideologies, it is the people who uphold the value system that appeals to our humanity, and Kogi State is fortunate to have our trusted patriots safeguarding their interests,” he added.

The VP further observed that Ododo is stepping in as the next Governor of Kogi at a time it may seem difficult “to assume a leadership position in Nigeria, especially as Nigeria adjusts to geopolitical events that have exerted pressure on our economy and the inherited greed and grievances that have threatened our national security”.

He however implored the Governor not to despair, stating that while “it is precisely during these tumultuous times that leaders of note prove their resilience.”