The Kogi state Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja has felicitated with the state, Yahaya Bello on the conferment of a traditional title on him by HRH, Alh. Muhammed Alhassan Abba, the Nyiwo of Gegu Beki in Kogi LGA of the state.
Chief Onoja said that the traditional honour done to the Governor Bello earlier today was proof of his connection to the traditional institutions in the state and appreciation by the people at the grassroots.
‘When you look at the particular title of ‘Omeiza Obanyi’ conferred on His Excellency, which denotes generosity to others and a heart of sacrifice, you will realise immediately that a message of gratitude is being sent’, said the Deputy Governor.
‘The Royal Father and his Chiefdom are in essence thanking our Governor for services rendered while asking for more in line with our 2nd term mandate to do more.’, said Chief Edward Onoja while noting that both in his first term and now into his second, Governor Yahaya Bello has displayed a cosmopolitan outlook which is unprecedented in the history of the confluence state.
‘The Governor, he explained, ’embraced Kogi’s extensive ethnic and religious diversity from inception. He saw it as a strength instead of a threat. His openness of heart saw him granting equal access to every Kogite irrespective of community or creed. Even residents from other states are well represented, both in government and in the New Kogi which the Governor is building.’
The Deputy Governor, who was Chief of Staff in the Governor’s first term before assuming his current position stated that the key to Kogi’s greatness lies in uniting her diverse peoples to build a colourful heritage marked by multidimensional progress and prosperity.
‘Governor Bello believes that we have an unbelievable wealth of natural endowments in Kogi State and is determined to unite us into working together by all means.’
He therefore congratulated the Governor on his new title and urged him to remain steadfast in his EBIGO Agenda, a reference to the administration’s mission of getting the Ebira, Igala and Okun ethnic nationalities, the three major tribes in the state, to take the lead in exemplifying inclusiveness, cooperation and integration for all the others.
Chief Onoja also sent greetings to the state’s commissioner for solid minerals development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu who was turbaned the Masani of Gegu Beki Kingdom at the occasion, describing it as well deserved.
