By Ismail Shuaib
ABUJA: The Executive Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area in Kogi State,vHon. Amoka Eneji Monday, on Thursday marked his first anniversary in office with a colourful celebration held at the council secretariat in Obangede.
The event, which drew a large crowd of dignitaries, political stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, as well as residents, highlighted one year of impactful governance and grassroots empowerment under Hon. Amoka’s leadership.
Among the prominent personalities in attendance were former local government chairmen Alhaji M.K. Ibrahim and Alhaji Yusuf Mamman, as well as a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkarim Salihu.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Salihu commended the council chairman for demonstrating uncommon dedication and for maintaining close ties with community leaders and party members despite the financial constraints faced by local governments.
Other dignitaries present included Hon. Idris Ozi Shaib, Special Adviser on Finance; Hon. A.A. Okene, Chairman of the Kogi Central Forum of Senior Special Assistants; Hon. Isah Dolly, Chairman of Kogi State Sports Council; members of the Okehi Legislative Council; and top officials of the council.
Also in attendance were the Ohi of Ihima, HRH Alhaji Ahmed Abdulraheem Ogido, heads of religious bodies from the League of Imams and the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, the Provosts of the Federal College of Education, Okene, and the College of Nursing, Obangede, as well as student leaders, NYSC members, and other guests.
A major highlight of the celebration was the empowerment of hundreds of beneficiaries across the 11 wards of the local government. Millions of naira were disbursed to support small-scale enterprises and boost self-reliance among residents.
In his address, Hon. Amoka Eneji Monday expressed gratitude to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for their steadfast support and mentorship.
He pledged to sustain his administration’s focus on good governance, rural development and continuous empowerment of the people, assuring that the progress recorded in his first year was only a foundation for greater achievements ahead.
