Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has urged the leadership and members of the Apostolic Church to sustain prayers for the greatness, peace and prosperity of the state.
Ododo, who gave the charge on Sunday at the maiden Convention of the Apostolic Church, Lokongoma Area, Lokoja, also donated SUV and N5 million to the church.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the governor declared that the state was “rising and shining” under his administration.
Ododo said his administration was steadily rediscovering the lost glory of Kogi through landmark projects and people-oriented policies.
He listed the ongoing Lokoja International Airport, modern markets, and major investments in education and healthcare as evidence of the state’s repositioning.
Ododo said the donation of N5 million was to support the convention and that the SUV was for the newly appointed superintendent of the Church.
He noted that the theme of the convention aligned with his administration’s vision to make Kogi an epicentre of development and investment in Nigeria.
“The theme of this convention resonates with our administration’s drive to reposition Kogi State.
“Our state is accepting the charge to arise and shine.
“In a couple of years, we will boast of an international airport, and in a couple of months, we will be launching a safer and more commercially viable ultramodern market.
“We are building schools, primary healthcare centers, clinics and hospitals.
“We are constructing roads and providing other social amenities for the benefit of our people.
“Our civil servants are happy with the governor,” Ododo added.
Reaffirming his commitment to religious harmony, the governor said his administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for all faiths to worship freely.
“Despite being a Muslim, I am a friend of the church, and I will continue to provide a conducive environment for all faiths to thrive,” he said
Responding, the Vice Chairman of LAWMNA Territory, who represented the Chairman, Pastor Abe Geoffrey, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support and for allowing himself to be used by God to bless the Church.
He assured the governor of the Church’s continued prayers and support for his administration and for the development of Kogi.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, and the Auditor-General for Local Government, Mr Yakubu Adabenege, commended the Apostolic Church for its consistent intercessions for Ododo and his government.
