The Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, alongside sons and daughters of Ofu at home and in the diaspora, on Saturday organised a grand reception in honour of Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, in Ejule.
The event also witnessed a major political boost for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as over 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other political parties defected to the APC in solidarity with the deputy governor.
Declaring the event open, the Eje Ofu and Chairman of the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, HRH Dr. Akwu Obaje, said the reception was organised to celebrate “our own son” and appreciate his humility, loyalty, and representation of the people of Ofu in government.
The royal father commended Salifu for remaining calm, accessible, and respectful despite the demands of public office, while also appreciating Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the confidence reposed in the deputy governor and for respecting traditional institutions across the state.
Dr. Obaje pledged the continued support of the traditional council to the Ododo administration in promoting peace, unity, and development. He also urged youths to embrace education, hard work, and peaceful coexistence.
The monarch appealed for more government intervention in critical sectors including roads, healthcare, security, youth empowerment, and rural development in the predominantly farming and trading communities.
Responding, the deputy governor described the reception as a deeply emotional and honouring moment.
“Today is a very special day for me. Standing here before my people, I feel deeply honoured, happy, and grateful for this reception organised by the Ofu Traditional Council and sons and daughters of the local government, both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.
Salifu thanked the traditional ruler, political office holders, women, youths, and all those who contributed to the success of the event, noting that the honour meant a lot because it came from his own people.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and expressed gratitude to former Governor Yahaya Bello for the opportunity to serve the state.
The deputy governor assured the people of Ofu of his continued humility, loyalty, and commitment to service, stressing that leadership is about serving the people.
Highlighting achievements of the Ododo administration in Ofu Local Government Area, Salifu disclosed that several roads had already been earmarked and measured for construction, while transformers had been provided to some communities.
He added that primary schools across the area were being remodelled under the state government’s ongoing education intervention programme, while some communities were already benefiting from improved access to clean water.
Salifu also warned youths against engaging in kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities, stressing that the Ododo administration remained committed to tackling insecurity across the state.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, he urged the people of Ofu to massively support the APC from the presidency to the governorship in appreciation for the opportunity given to the area to produce the deputy governor.
He further cautioned residents against politicians who only surface during election periods.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, called on citizens to uphold peace, unity, and tolerance regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Fanwo described the deputy governor as a humble and dedicated public servant whose loyalty and competence had strengthened the Ododo administration, adding that Governor Ododo enjoyed a cordial working relationship with him.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Muhammad Lawal, reaffirmed the support of the council area for the Ododo administration and commended the government’s developmental strides across the state.
The event featured prayers for the deputy governor, cultural displays, musical renditions by church choristers, and the formal reception of the defectors into the APC.
Among dignitaries present were the Kogi State Commissioners for Youth and Sports, Hon. Monday Anyebe, and Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, APC Zonal Chairman for Kogi East, local government chairmen, and other party leaders.
