Ahmed Usman Ododo has been sworn-in today, January 27 as the 5th Governor of Kogi State, taking over from Yahaya Bello, who ruled the state for two terms of eight years.
The new governor, who rode to power on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November 11, 2023 election, quickly went on to nominate 16 members of his cabinet and made some other vital appointments.
It was learnt that majority of the commissioner nominees have served as commissioners in the administration of the immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello, and are to be sent to the State House of Assembly for screening.
The appointees are:
Mrs. Folashade Ayodele Arike, Secretary to the State Government
Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to the Governor
Hilary Ojoma, Deputy Chief of Staff
Elijah Evinemi, Head of Service.
The commissioner nominees are:
Farouk Danlami, Salami Ozigi-Deedat, Basiru Abubakar, Adams Abdulaziz, Joseph Oluwaseun, Muzi Yinusa Abdullahi, Wemi Jonze, Rabiatu Okute, Fanwo Kingsley, Fatima Momoh, Mohammed Yusuf, Timothy Ojoma, Sunday Faleke, Abanika Taye, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, and Mohammed Adbulmutalib
Other aides include:
Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser
Isah Ismail, Special Adviser on Media
Sulaiman Ibrahim, Director-General, Protocol
Oladele John Niyi, Chief Press Secretary
Shaibu Orisa, Director-General, Government House
Femi Adegboyega, State Legal Adviser
Shortly after taking the oath of office in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, Ododo expressed his intention to present the names of the nominees to the House for confirmation as members of his cabinet.
Seeking to maintain continuity and build upon previous successes, the governor hoped that the Assembly would give the list swift consideration.
It was gathered that governor’s appointments reflect a combination of experienced individuals from the previous administration, highlighting his commitment to blending continuity with the injection of fresh hands for the progress and prosperity of Kogi State.
