By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has described Prince Olatunji Olusoji as a proven leader and committed philanthropist whose entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) will further strengthen the party’s structure in Kogi State.
The governor stated this during a grand reception held at Iyara in Ijumu Local Government Area to officially welcome Prince Olusoji into the APC.
Governor Ododo said the event was not just about receiving a new member but celebrating a man whose contributions to humanity have already impacted thousands across Kogi and beyond.
“He comes as a leader and an achiever who has demonstrated courage, unity and the true attributes of a progressive,” Ododo said. “Through the Olatunji Olusoji Foundation, widows, artisans and students from institutions across the country have benefited from interventions running into hundreds of millions of naira. This is leadership without laziness and service without seeking reward.”
The governor also acknowledged former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, for mentoring Prince Olusoji, describing him as a father figure who contributed to shaping his character.
Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his reforms are expanding resources available to states, enabling Kogi to invest more in electrification, education and other developmental projects.
“These reforms are restoring confidence and attracting high-profile Nigerians like Prince Olusoji into the APC family. As a government, we will continue to partner with capable men and women to make Kogi a model of inclusive growth,” he added.
He further thanked President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Ajaokuta Economic Zone also known as the Kogi Free Trade Zone, noting that the projects will transform the state’s economy.
Presenting the APC flag to Prince Olusoji, the State Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Bello, described him as “a golden fish and a bridge-builder whose generosity and humility are felt across Ijumu Local Government and Kogi State.”
Bello highlighted Olusoji’s empowerment initiatives, including his donation of 15 motorcycles to all ward chairmen in the area saying his actions reflect true commitment to grassroots development.
In his remarks, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, the Agba Akin of Ijumu Kingdom, pledged unwavering support for Governor Ododo, whom he described as a visionary leader.
“I do not shy away from the truth. Your Excellency, you are a good man with genuine love for this state, and I will do everything within my means to support you,” he said.
Olusoji added that since meeting the governor, he had been treated as part of the political family without discrimination.
He declared his support for Ododo’s continued leadership, stating, “There is no vacancy in Lugard House. Your 4 plus 4 is sacrosanct. Ododo again and again.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government, Ibrahim Haruna, and the member representing Kabba/Bunu–Ijumu Federal Constituency, Hon. Salman Idris, commended Governor Ododo for his developmental strides across the three senatorial districts, especially in Okun land.
The highlight of the ceremony was the empowerment programme sponsored by the Olatunji Olusoji Foundation, where 15 motorcycles were presented to ward chairmen in Ijumu Local Government.
Also distributed are sewing machine, grinding machine, Generators among others.
The event drew political leaders, supporters and community members, marking a significant moment in the political landscape of Ijumu and the wider Okun region.
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