Kogi State governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to promote peace, unity, security and grassroots development in the state.
Ododo gave the assurance on Saturday in Ankpa during the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the ascension of the Ejeh of Ankpa, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu II, to the throne.
The governor described traditional rulers as custodians of cultural heritage and vital partners in governance, noting that their closeness to the people positions them to understand community needs and contribute meaningfully to addressing grassroots challenges.
He commended the Ejeh for his leadership over the past five years and urged him to sustain efforts to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and development among communities under his traditional authority.
Ododo also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property.
He stressed that effective collaboration among traditional institutions, government and security agencies is essential to maintaining peace and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.
He urged traditional rulers to continue serving as a bridge between the government and the people by communicating the concerns of their communities and supporting government initiatives in key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.
The governor added that sustained engagement at the grassroots level was necessary to ensure that government policies and development programmes adequately addressed the needs and aspirations of the people.