Kogiflame
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has called on citizens to embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025 with renewed hope, unity, and determination.
Describing the new year as “a renewed opportunity for us to deepen our collective resolve,” Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support and resilience demonstrated by the people of Kogi State throughout the past year. He emphasized that the state’s progress and achievements were made possible by the collective contributions of its citizens.
“As your Chief Servant, I am deeply committed to fostering a state where development, innovation, and inclusivity thrive,” the governor stated. He pledged to continue delivering impactful projects, empowering youth and women, and ensuring that every community feels the positive impact of governance.
Governor Ododo also urged the people of Kogi State to remain united and steadfast in their efforts to support one another, highlighting that unity remains the greatest strength of the state.
In his message, he reaffirmed his administration’s support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commending the President’s vision and bold initiatives. He described President Tinubu as a “blessing to our nation” and a leader whose courage and creativity would continue to yield positive results for Nigeria.
The governor concluded by wishing all Kogites a prosperous New Year and calling for collective efforts to make Kogi State a beacon of progress and peace. “Together, we will continue to make Kogi State a shining example of progress and peace,” he declared.
Governor Ododo’s message has been widely received as a call to action and a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to the people of Kogi State. As the state moves into 2025, his words serve as both an inspiration and a roadmap for continued growth and development.
Similarly, the Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, called on Nigerians to embrace 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism, hope, and collective resolve to build a brighter future.
In her heartfelt New Year message, the distinguished Senator emphasised the importance of unity, resilience, and faith in the face of challenges, while urging citizens to reflect on the past year’s triumphs and trials.
She encouraged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to chart a progressive path forward, one that prioritises inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable development.
“This New Year is not just a change in the calendar; it is a time for us to reaffirm our commitment to building the Nigeria we all dream of—a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
“Despite the hurdles we may have faced, I am confident in the indomitable spirit of Nigerians and our capacity to overcome any obstacle,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted key milestones achieved in the past year, particularly in the areas of governance, women’s empowerment, education, and infrastructural development.
She noted that while progress has been made, much work remains to be done to address issues such as poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
“As leaders, we must ensure that every Nigerian feels the impact of government policies in their daily lives.
“We must work tirelessly to foster peace, provide opportunities for the youth, and protect the vulnerable in our society,” she noted.
The Kogi lawmaker also reiterated the importance of unity across political, ethnic, and religious lines.
She stressed that collaboration among citizens, leaders, and institutions is essential to achieving lasting development.
“Our diversity is our strength. Let us use this New Year as a chance to bridge divides and come together with a shared vision for progress. Only by working hand in hand can we unlock Nigeria’s full potential,” she remarked.
Addressing the youth, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged everyone to play their part in nation-building.
She admonished young Nigerians to be proactive and innovative, to channel their energy into ventures that uplift themselves and their communities.
“To the women, who are the bedrock of our families and communities, I say: your voice matters, your contributions matter. Let us continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations,” she added.
Concluding her message, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her unwavering hope for Nigeria’s future.
She affirmed her commitment to serving the people with integrity, transparency, and dedication in the coming year.
“As we step into 2025, let us do so with hearts full of hope and determination. Together, we can create a nation where peace, prosperity, and progress reign supreme,” she said.
Also speaking, Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf has congratulated the people of the State, Nigerians and the global community for witnessing the New Year, 2025.
This is contained in a Press statement signed and made available to journalists in Lokoja by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Yabagi Mohammed.
According to the statement, Rt Hon Umar stated that the past year brought some peculiarities with it and prayed that year 2025 would bring success and many reasons for the people of the State and the country to smile.
The statement further noted that while wishing the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo a spectacular and Happy New Year, he prayed to Almighty God to grant the Governor the necessary wisdom and resources to continue to bring progress and development to the entire state.
He also used the occasion to wish the deputy governor, the deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly, principal officers and other members of the executive, legislative and the judicial arms of Kogi State government a fulfilling new year.
The Speaker further used the opportunity to charge the citizens on the need to continue to be good representatives of their communities by being patriotic and supportive of policies and programmes of government.
Rt Hon Umar noted that it was only through collective efforts that the state and the country could move forward, stressing that government is the responsibility of all.
He said the State House of Assembly under him shall continue to evolve legislations that would improve the lives of every Kogi citizen, as it is the vision of members of the current Assembly across the 25 Kogi State constituencies.