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The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, on Sunday received an overwhelming reception at the 2025 Ofabo Day celebration in Ofabo, Ofu Local Government Area, a development widely seen as a strong endorsement of the Ododo–Salifu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The annual cultural and community event, which attracted sons and daughters of Ofabo from within and outside the country, showcased unity, shared aspirations, and a renewed commitment to grassroots development. According to a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, the celebration also provided a forum for stakeholders to reflect on collective progress and chart a sustainable path for the community’s future.

The enthusiastic turnout and electrifying welcome accorded the Deputy Governor underscored the growing political consciousness of the people of Ofabo and their resolve to sustain the developmental strides of the current administration beyond 2027.

Comrade Salifu was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including the Member representing Ofu State Constituency at the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmodu Shehu; the Director-General, Kogi State Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Muhammed Nasiru Alfa; the Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Hon. Eunice Achimugu; the State Coordinator of the AGILE Project, Comrade Abdullahi Tijani Oricha; and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Ayoola Abayomi, among other dignitaries.

Their collective presence, observers noted, reflected the administration’s emphasis on grassroots engagement and inclusive governance.

In his address, the Deputy Governor commended the people of Ofabo for their unity and the successful organisation of the event. He urged the community to remain steadfast and to always place collective interest above individual considerations, stressing that unity remains a non-negotiable pillar for political stability, especially as the 2027 election cycle approaches.

He recalled his longstanding relationship with the community and expressed deep affection for the people, a sentiment warmly acknowledged by the cheering crowd. The visible bond between the Deputy Governor and the community further reinforced the sense of acceptance and trust that defined the occasion.

Comrade Salifu encouraged the people to continue supporting the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in order to attract more dividends of democracy. He also pledged to convey the community’s requests to the Governor, assuring them that sustained loyalty would yield tangible developmental benefits—an assurance that resonated strongly with the gathering.

Earlier, the National President of the Ofabo Community Development Association, Hon. Daniel Onojah, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for facilitating the appointment of qualified sons and daughters of the community into key positions. He appealed for the provision of potable water, restoration of electricity supply, construction of the major road linking Ofabo to Enugu State to boost economic activities, as well as the renovation of schools and deployment of more teachers. He further assured the Deputy Governor of the community’s unwavering support for the Ododo-led administration and pledged a landslide victory in 2027.

The Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa, cautioned residents against deceptive politicians who make empty promises, urging them instead to support the credible and people-oriented leadership of Governor Ododo. His remarks reinforced the prevailing sentiment at the event that continuity, rather than uncertainty, remains the preferred choice of the people.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Kogi State Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Muhammed Nasiru Alfa, warned against collaboration with criminal elements, stressing that anyone found aiding criminal activities would face the full weight of the law. He linked peace and security to sustainable political and community development, particularly urging youths to embrace law-abiding citizenship alongside political participation.

The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of an award of honour to the Deputy Governor in recognition of his contributions to the development of Ofabo over the years. The symbolic gesture stood as a clear expression of the community’s trust, appreciation, and endorsement as the political journey toward 2027 gathers momentum.