By Abubakar Ohida
In a bid to foster unity, cooperation, and development among traditional institutions in Okene Local Government Area, the incoming Chairman of Okene LGA under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Bello Tijani, paid a courtesy visit to the Agada Supreme Council of Chiefs, the forum of traditional heads within the Agada clan.
Hon. Tijani acknowledged the crucial role of traditional institutions in advancing peace, cultural heritage, and grassroots development. He stressed the importance of unity among traditional leaders and their continued partnership with the government at all levels.
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Chairman of the Agada Supreme Council of Chiefs, HRH Ibrahim Ozi Omeiza, commended Hon. Bello Tijani for the visit and assured him of the council’s support.
He also expressed appreciation to Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, and recognized the contributions of former leaders whose efforts have strengthened the relationship between government and traditional institutions.
HRH Omeiza affirmed that the five clans in the Agada traditional structure remain dedicated to grassroots development and the well-being of their communities. He further appealed for increased government support and welfare provisions for traditional rulers in the region.
In his response, Hon. Bello Tijani thanked the council for the warm reception and reiterated his commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with traditional institutions. He stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved through collective efforts and mutual understanding among political leaders, traditional rulers, and the general public.
He appealed to traditional institutions to maintain their support for government initiatives irrespective of partisan differences, and to foster peace and cohesion across their domains.
Hon. Tijani stressed the need to strengthen traditional institutions by improving the welfare of graded chiefs and grading deserving ungraded ones through established procedures. He further discussed the historical significance and clan structures of the Agada descendants.
Hon. Tijani lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his proactive approach to addressing security challenges in Kogi State, reaffirming that protecting the lives and property of residents is his utmost priority.
He urged all traditional rulers to stay vigilant and security-conscious, stressing that they are vital stakeholders in local security and intelligence gathering.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments to peace, unity, and partnership between the government and traditional institutions to drive development in Okene Local Government Area and Kogi State.
