Lokoja – Governor Yahaya Bello has directed his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to immediately commence all necessary official process of upgrading the traditional stool of Akinrin Ekirin-Ade to a first class status.
Bello gave the directive on Saturday in Ekinrin-Ade town in Ijumu Local Government area of the state during the coronation of the new Akinrin of Ekunrin-Ade, Oba Johnson Kolade-Otitoju.
Bello said his decision to upgrade the stool to first class was to ensure fairness, justice and equity which his government represents.
He explained that the community deserved such recognition.
Bello affirmed his respect for the traditional institutions in the state, particularly that of Ekirin-Ade, a community he described as peaceful and courageous.
The governor congratulated the newly coronated traditional ruler, who he recalled to be a pioneer teacher at Abdul-Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene.
He described him as a disciplinarian while also attesting that the Royal Father has lived a fulfilled life with point of reference to successful wards the Oba has raised.
While assuring the Royal Father of continued support from the government, Bello said Ekirin-Ade would benefit from several of his administration’s plan for the traditional institution.
He revealed that the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters had concluded plan to give facelift to selected traditional palaces.
The governor also used the occasion to congratulate the people of Kogi West senatorial district whom he described as great lovers of education over the recent approval and siting of the Kogi State University at Kabba.
He also thanked the citizens for their efforts, co-operation and support toward the the actualisation of this long desired aspiration by the people of the zone.
The governor pointed out that his administration was solely interested in ensuring that the people make progress and feel the impact of good governance.
Bello also appreciated the traditional institutions for their support and encouragement which he noted has encouraged his government to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
In his vote of thanks, Veteran journalist and son of the coronated traditional ruler, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju thanked the governor and his entourage for gracing the occasion to rejoice with the community and the surprise announcement of the upgrading of Akinrin stool to first class status.
He noted that the governor through his presence made the occasion a memorable one.
Kolade-Otitoju said Bello’s good deeds would continue to be remembered in the history of the state.
The governor was accompanied to the event by the Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the coming governorship election, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, his Chief of Staff, Abdulkareem Jamiu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deedat Ozigi, State Accountant- General, Alhaji Jubril Momoh as well as other top government functionaries.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
