Army Barracks Community in Lokoja Endorse Ododo, Tinubu for Re-election

Representatives of  Barracks Community in Lokoja, Kogi State, have declared their support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of their anticipated re-election bids.

The endorsement followed an engagement between the community representatives and Governor Ododo in Banquet Hall, Government House Lokoja during the Etsu of Adankolo Kingdom vist along with Etsu Lokongoma Traditional Community with Army Barrack Community, which was facilitated by his Special Adviser, Hon. Nda Aaron, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots participation in governance and address the concerns of residents.

During the meeting, the representatives commended the governor for what they described as exemplary leadership, improved development efforts and his commitment to fostering unity among the state's diverse ethnic groups, irrespective of religious beliefs and political affiliations.

They said the engagement provided an opportunity to appreciate the administration's efforts while presenting concerns and requests aimed at improving infrastructure and expanding development opportunities in their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Barracks axis, Hon. Aliyu Akaaba appealed for greater inclusion of the community in the state's development agenda.

He expressed concern over what he described as inadequate infrastructure and limited community participation since the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration came to power, urging the government to pay greater attention to the needs of residents.

Akaaba said sustained engagement between the government and community stakeholders would help identify pressing challenges, strengthen public confidence and ensure that development initiatives reach the grassroots.

The representatives expressed optimism that the meeting would lead to improved infrastructure, stronger grassroots representation and increased development opportunities across Adankolo, Lokongoma and the Barracks axis of Ward "A".

They also called for continuity in governance and closer collaboration between the Kogi State Government and the Federal Government to improve the welfare of residents and Nigerians at large.

The communities reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity and constructive engagement with the government, stressing the importance of sustained cooperation between public officials and local stakeholders.

They further commended Hon. Nda Aaron for facilitating the meeting, describing him as a worthy representative of the Ododo administration who had provided them with an opportunity to present their concerns directly to the governor.

“Hon. Nda Aaron has represented this administration well, and we are proud of him for facilitating this meeting with our performing governor. Through his efforts, we have been able to bring our concerns directly to the government and seek immediate attention to the issues affecting our communities,” the representatives said.

They added that their endorsement was a demonstration of their confidence in the leadership of both Ododo and Tinubu, pledging to mobilise residents in support of the two leaders.

“We, the residents of Army Barracks community, are pledging our unalloyed support for Governor Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We believe in continuity and are prepared to mobilise our people in support of their re-election,” the group stated.

“There is no vacancy in Lugard House or Aso Rock. We will continue to work with our community members to promote unity, support the government's development agenda and mobilise grassroots backing for Governor Ododo and President Tinubu,” they added.

The representatives expressed hope that the engagement would mark the beginning of more regular consultations between the state government and the communities, allowing residents to contribute meaningfully to policies and projects affecting their welfare.

They maintained that sustained dialogue, inclusive governance and a stronger partnership between the government and grassroots communities remained essential to achieving lasting development across Kogi State.

This statement was signed by the communities leaders and representative;

Alhaji Aliyu Akaba -Leader Army Barrack Community, Alhassan Yusuf -Secretary 

and Mike Jones Elukpo PRO.