In a bid to deepen grassroots mobilization and foster unity across Kogi State, a prominent political movement, Kogi First, has formally inaugurated its executive management teams across all 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The inauguration exercise, which took place over the weekend in Lokoja, was presided over by the Convener and Leader of the group, Commander Jerry Duro Omodara (Rtd).
Delivering his address at the event, Omodara stated that Kogi First was established to bridge political divisions and build a direct line of communication and mobilization connecting the grassroots directly to the state leadership. He stressed that peace, security, and socio-economic growth cannot thrive in a divided house, warning that fragmented politics only serves to breed mutual suspicion and stall meaningful state development.
Omodara explained that the movement’s vision fully aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the federal level and the governance trajectory of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in Kogi State. He highlighted the key achievements of the Ododo administration, pointing to the consolidation of security operations, delivery of critical road networks, revitalization of primary healthcare centres, upgrading of educational institutions, and strategic investments in agriculture aimed at positioning Kogi as a primary food security hub.
According to the convener, the strong synergy between the Federal Government under President Tinubu and the Kogi State Government under Governor Ododo is yielding direct dividends for the people. He noted that policy consistency remains crucial if citizens are to reap the full benefits of ongoing developmental programs. He further asserted that leadership must be judged by measurable milestones rather than political rhetoric, arguing that governance should not be treated as a revolving door where every election cycle leads to the abandonment of vital projects. He emphasized that political continuity is essential to ensure the completion of ongoing roads, hospitals, and schools, as well as the consolidation of regional security and grassroots reforms.
Charging the newly inaugurated coordinators and their two-member support teams, Omodara designated them as the frontline ambassadors of the movement. He mandated them to take the gospel of unity, peace, and performance to every ward and polling unit across the state, while actively resisting divisive and ethnic narratives. He reminded the gathering that Kogi State transcends any single ethnic bloc, maintaining that political discourse should focus squarely on competence, character, measurable delivery, and the capacity to keep citizens safe and prosperous.
Speaking earlier, the Coordinator of Kogi First, Alfred Bello, affirmed the movement’s total commitment to securing a seamless second term for Governor Ododo at Lugard House to enable him to consolidate on his administrative strides. Bello warned that acts of political disloyalty would not be tolerated within the ranks, urging all appointees to work tirelessly for the re-election of President Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from key political figures, including the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar, alongside Gabriel Olofu, Sunday Shigaba, James Fabola, and Austin Ochu, all of whom pledged their total loyalty and support toward the re-election of the governor and the advancement of the movement’s goals.
