President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscored the importance of unity for Nigeria’s progress at the Kogi Dialogue event in Lokoja, Kogi State, marking Governor Usman Ododo’s first year in office. Speaking at the event, President Tinubu highlighted the natural convergence of the River Niger and River Benue as a powerful metaphor for collective strength and national cohesion.
“The confluence of these rivers is not just a geographical event; it symbolizes the power of unity, where individual streams combine to create a force capable of shaping destinies and carving paths,” President Tinubu said. He emphasized that, just as water merging with water becomes stronger, Nigerian leaders and citizens must unite their efforts for a prosperous nation.
The President commended Governor Ododo for initiating the Kogi Dialogue, calling it a critical step toward fostering reconciliation and progress. Tinubu further urged leaders at all levels to prioritize dialogue as a tool for resolving differences and promoting unity. “Dialogue is not just an opportunity to air grievances, but the true path to justice, reconciliation, and understanding,” he stated, adding that without dialogue, history would pass Nigeria by.
Addressing the current challenges facing the nation, including economic pressures and security threats, President Tinubu stressed that true leadership is tested in times of adversity. He appealed to all Nigerians to see themselves as integral to the nation’s progress, urging them to reject division and embrace unity as the key to national advancement.
“Kogi State stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we recognize the strength in our diversity,” the President remarked. “From the confluence of rivers to the convergence of ideas, this state symbolizes what Nigeria can become when we unite with purpose and vision.”
Governor Ododo, in his speech, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the people of Kogi for their support over the past year. He also highlighted significant developments in the state, including the upgrade of healthcare facilities, improvements in education, the introduction of free education at the basic level, and bursaries for tertiary students.
The Governor called on the people of Kogi to prioritize the state’s growth and leverage its rich human, natural, and cultural resources for economic transformation. He urged indigenes to place Kogi first in all endeavors, emphasizing the importance of unity in harnessing the state’s potential.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also praised the healthy relationship between the current and former governors of Kogi, stressing that such cooperation is vital for the state’s development.
The Kogi Dialogue, part of Governor Ododo’s ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation and unity, provided a platform for discussing the state’s future and Nigeria’s broader challenges. The event emphasized the critical need for leadership that prioritizes collective well-being over personal ambitions.
Comments