Kogi Governor Praises Olu of Apata’s Leadership
By Thompson Yamput
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Saturday praised the achievements of Olu of Apata, Oba Frederick Balogun, in his ten years on the throne.
Ododo gave the commendation at the 10th Anniversary Coronation Ceremony of Oba Balogun, held at Apata Arena, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion included the conferment of chieftaincy titles on nine personalities, including the governor, Alh. Aliko Dangote, Mr Edwin Devakumar, and Mal. Dauda Momoh.
A N500 million Skill Acquisition and Multipurpose Centre was launched, with donations received from governments, individuals, and corporate organisations in support of the initiative.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, the governor pledged to establish a Primary Health Care Centre in Apata Community for residents’ well-being.
The governor acknowledged the leadership qualities of the Oba, which have contributed to significant growth and development in Apata Community and Lokoja Local Government Area.
Earlier, Oba Balogun expressed gratitude to God for the communal efforts he spearheaded upon assuming the throne, leading to unprecedented success in the community.
The royal father said: “It is my firm belief that if we continue in this spirit, we will remain a positive reference, and our community will keep expanding rapidly.
“Upon assuming the throne, I made the security of lives and properties in our community a top priority.”
He recalled leading efforts to establish a police post in 2015, building a block of four classrooms for L.G.E.A. Primary School and another two-classroom block.
The traditional ruler praised former Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, whose commitment to improving living standards brought peaceful coexistence and development to Apata Community.
He also commended Governor Ododo, the first Kogi governor to visit Apata, for his significant interventions in the community’s development.
According to him, Ododo’s administration has enhanced security by engaging young men as vigilantes, donating a patrol van, and providing motorcycles to protect lives and properties.
“I assure Alhaji Aliko Dangote and all our visitors that we have reserved land for development. You should seize the opportunity to establish businesses here,” he said.
He thanked Dangote Cement PLC for illuminating Apata Community, donating transformers, constructing boreholes, building classrooms, providing access roads, and constructing culverts and drainage systems.
Responding, Chief Dauda Momoh, General Manager of Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency, who was honoured as Mayegun of Apataland, expressed gratitude for the recognition. NAN
