Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and education of orphaned students in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Governor Ododo Orphan Students Care (GOOS-Care) initiative, organized by the Kogi State Forum of Local Government Special Assistants in Lokoja, the governor emphasized his stance that no child in the state should feel abandoned or forgotten as a result death or financial condition of their parents or guardians.
“You are not orphans as far as we have God Almighty,” the governor said, urging the benefiting students to believe in themselves and avoid tendencies to succumb to emotional setbacks.
Governor Ododo commended the Forum of Local Government Special Assistants for their proactive efforts, describing the initiative as a testament to the success of his administration’s policy to take governance to the grassroots.
“What you are doing here today shows we never made any mistake in our decisions because this government is for the people,” he stated.
The Governor emphasized that his administration is focused on collective responsibility in governance, stressing that leadership should prioritize service to the people at all times.
“Governance is not for one person; it is for all of us. By giving back, you are making a lasting impact,” he said.
Governor Ododo further assured the forum of LSAs of his administration’s commitment to addressing issues related to outstanding appointments within the ranks of grassroots supporters of the government.
He enjoined members of the forum and benefiting students to remain steadfast, emphasizing that their efforts today would shape a brighter tomorrow.
“What we are doing now may not be fully appreciated today, but its value will be evident in the future,” he said.
Also, speaking the Auditor General for Local Government in Kogi State, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege lauded the efforts of the forum of LSAs in bridging the gap between the government and the people at the grassroots.
The Auditor General urged beneficiaries to make wise use of the resources provided emphasized the need to sustain the program to enhance education and grassroots engagement, describing them as critical tools for fostering collective progress and lasting impact in the state.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Forum of Local Government Special Assistants, Jafar Kamarudeen, expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Usman Ododo, for his visionary leadership and commitment to uplifting lives, emphasized the importance of establishing a GOOS-Care Trust Fund to ensure the program’s sustainability and long-term impact.
Highlights of the event included expressions of gratitude from the orphans, students, and their caretakers to the former Governor of Kogi State and Governor Ododo for their kind gestures. One of the proprietors noted that Governor Ododo had gifted the orphanage a borehole to provide accessible water supply, while some orphanage homes also pleaded with the governors for more support.
