Kogiflame
Ahead of 2023 governoship election, the people of Kogi State have been urged to shift focus away from ethnicity, religious bigotry and biases for the overall development of the state.
The Convener, Avoyi Team for Ododo, Hon. Avoyi Nwogu, made the remark in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Team’s Information Manager, Halimat Isah, in Lokoja.
According to the statement, the strength of any nation lies in its diversity and willingness to come together in a unified manner, without which unprecedented opportunities for growth cannot be unlocked.
Nwogu who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, stressed the need for people to focus their energies and attention more on championing causes that unite, adding that ethnic and religious divisions were major issues that impeded development.
“Embracing unity, tolerance and collaboration most definitely pave the way for a brighter future, where the people can thrive together as one united community rather than foes.
“Let’s give unity a chance. There is no viable progress where the people are in conflict. We can choose to begin to build a stronger Kogi State starting from this phase that transcends divisions and fosters growth by uniting and working together.
“Recognising the need to address this challenge is why the Avoyi Team 4 Ododo has taken up the responsibility of promoting a shared vision of unity and progress without which much will not be achieved.
“One key aspect the Avoyi Team for Ododo has also continuously projected since its establishment is the movement that aims to foster inclusivity, understanding and cooperation among diverse communities, prioritising the collective well-being of the people over divisive ideologies that have held us back.
“The leadership of our amiable Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has done creditably well in demystifying religious biases and ethnic divisions which hitherto hindered the potential growth and development of our dear state.
Avoyi urged the electorate to remain resolute in electing Usman Ododo, the APC Governorship candidate who will continue in the footsteps of Governor Bello to realise a better Kogi State on November 11.
“We will keep preaching the need to sustain and build on the tempo collectively, both as a group and as individuals,” Nwogu stated.