By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on residents of the state to embrace the timeless values of sacrifice, love, unity and compassion as Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
Speaking shortly after Eid prayers at the Okene Eid praying ground, Governor Ododo said the spiritual significance of the festival goes beyond celebration, stressing that it is a reminder of selflessness, obedience to God and responsibility to humanity.
He urged citizens to extend kindness to the less privileged, strengthen communal bonds, and continue to pray for peace, stability and national progress.
“I urge the good people of Kogi State to support the needy and continue to pray for our nation,” the governor said, adding that prayers for national leaders were essential for wisdom and divine guidance.
The governor specifically called for sustained prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders across all levels of government, noting that leadership in a challenging period requires divine direction and collective support.
“Let us pray for Mr President and all our leaders for wisdom and divine guidance,” he added.
Security and unity at the centre of governance
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining security across Kogi State, describing safety as a continuous task that demands collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens.
He commended the President, security operatives and residents for their cooperation and timely intelligence sharing, which he said had helped strengthen ongoing efforts to keep the state secure.
“By the special grace of God, we will continue to work together to keep Kogi safe and secure,” he stated.
Drive to attract investment and reshape Kogi’s image
On economic development, the governor said his administration is deliberately projecting Kogi State’s strengths in agriculture, solid minerals, culture and tourism to attract investors and accelerate development.
According to him, the way a state is perceived externally is largely shaped by how its people present it internally.
“There is no magic; you address how you want to be addressed,” he said, emphasizing the need for positive narratives about the state’s potential.
He insisted that Kogi remains safe, open for business and strategically positioned for investment inflows if properly projected.
Bello calls for continuity, support for Tinubu
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, also addressed the gathering, delivering a message centred on hope, continuity and national consolidation.
Bello urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that nation-building requires patience, resilience and collective commitment rather than division or short-term expectations.
He praised Governor Ododo for sustaining and consolidating the achievements of previous administrations in the state, describing continuity in governance as essential for development.
Bello further called on citizens to continue praying for and supporting the current administration to succeed, noting that stability and progress depend on unity of purpose among leaders and the governed.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Kogi was marked by prayers, goodwill messages and renewed calls for unity, peace and sustained development across the state.