Alhaji Usman Ododo, the All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, has been inaugurated as the governor of Kogi State, succeeding Yahaya Bello, who completed his second term in office.
The ceremony was held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Bello handed over to Ododo.
Alhaji Ododo’s inauguration occurred shortly after Salifu Joel Oyibo took the oath of office as the deputy governor of Kogi State. With his swearing-in, Ododo assumes the position of the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State.
The Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who represented President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, witnessed the ceremony.
In his address, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the former governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for the opportunity to lead Kogi State. He pledged to transform the state into a key player in national economic growth, aligning with the vision of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
The governor called on the people to embrace unity, cooperation, and make tough decisions for the collective benefit.
He assured the citizens of a new era, emphasizing the end of bitter politics. He urged everyone to contribute to building a strong Kogi State and pledged to govern with the principles of fairness, equity, justice, and transparency.
Governor Ododo vowed to uphold the trust placed in him and work tirelessly to meet the aspirations of the people.
The governor was declared as the winner of the November 11, 2023 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ododo won with 446,237 votes, defeating his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who garnered 259,052, while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party pulled 46,362 votes.