By Thompson Yamput
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi says late Prince Abubakar Audu, a former governor of the state, was not just a political leader but an idea to the state’s greatness.
The governor made the assertion during the 10th Year Memorial Anniversary of the former governor of Kogi, held at the Government House, Lokoja on Sunday.
Ododo said, “Audu was more than just a political leader; he was a big idea , an idea that believed Kogi could be great, that our people could rise, and that governance could bring hope to every home.”
He noted that when Audu became the first executive governor of Kogi, he saw beyond the confusion of a new beginning.
“He saw a land full of promise, and he set out to lay a foundation strong enough for generations to build upon. He was a man who dreamt with purpose and worked with passion.
“He built roads that connected our communities and hearts that connected our people. He provided houses for public servants and dignity for the workforce. He built schools for the minds of our children and hospitals for the health of our residents.
“He turned Lokoja into a true state capital and transformed the face of our dear state with projects that still define our physical and administrative landscape today.
“Audu built, reformed, and modernised. He was a man who wanted the best for his people.”
According to him, we have continued from where he stopped, building more schools, strengthening healthcare, expanding infrastructure, and empowering our youths.
Ododo said, “Just like Audu, we believe that development must touch the people, not just decorate reports because his passion for results drives us daily.
“His love for Kogi fuels our determination to make her greater still.”
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman, Organising Committee and Deputy Governor of Kogi, Joel Salifu, said that 10 years might have passed but the legacy of Audu remained fresh, powerful, and influential.
He was a visionary whose leadership laid the foundation for the development we proudly build upon today.
“This memorial anniversary is not merely a ceremony, it is a reminder of the values he stood for: service, courage, and an unshakable belief in the future of Kogi.
“It is important that each generation understands and honours the sacrifices of the leaders who paved the way,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Late Prince Abubakar Audu had contested and won the 2015 Governorship election of Kogi under the platform of APC, but died on Nov.30 shortly before the results were declared by INEC.
Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who had came second at the party’s primary election, was sworn in in his stead and governed Kogi for good eight years. (NAN)
