The Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commissioned and handed over the newly renovated and reconstructed Old Ibaji Local Government Secretariat in Onyedega, Ibaji Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, the Governor represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, noted that the project reflects the government’s commitment to bringing development closer to the grassroots.
He commended the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, for facilitating the project, describing her as a true leader who has remembered her people and delivered meaningful development to them.
Governor Ododo stated that the newly renovated secretariat is not just a physical structure, but a symbol of progress and effective governance. According to him, the facility will improve service delivery, provide a better working environment for staff, and make government more accessible to the people of Ibaji.
While addressing the people, the Governor spoke on the challenges of bad roads facing Ibaji Local Government Area. He assured residents that the road is already being addressed, revealing that measurements for the road project have been completed and construction will commence soon.
He reassured the people that his administration is listening and actively working to solve their challenges step by step.
Governor Ododo appreciated the people of Ibaji for their continued support, patience, and trust in his administration, urging them to take proper care of the facility so it can serve the area for many years.
Ealier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Onuche Ugeh, said the Deputy Speaker has done what history will never forget. He thanked her for rebuilding the burnt secretariat, noting that the project has rekindled government administration at the grassroots.
He also appealed to the state government to prioritize the construction of roads in the area, stressing that poor road conditions continue to affect development and the movement of goods and services in Ibaji.
In her address, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and Member representing Ibaji State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, explained that the secretariat was originally built in the year 2000 but was later destroyed by fire caused by destructive elements, leaving the local government without a functional structure.
She noted that the difficult working conditions faced by staff prompted her to take action by reconstructing and renovating the facility. According to her, the new structure will restore governance, improve productivity, and create a more conducive working environment at the grassroots level.
She appreciated the Governor for giving her the opportunity to carry out the project and make a meaningful impact in the lives of her constituents. She further assured the people of Ibaji that she would continue to use her office to translate representation into tangible projects that directly benefit the area.
Prior to the ceremony, the Deputy Governor paid a royal homage to the Ejeh Ibaji and Chairman, Ibaji LGA Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Chief John Egwemi, for his royal blessings.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Auditor General of Kogi State, Alhaji Y.Y. Okala; the Chief Whip of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Asema Baba; the Kogi East Zonal Chairman of the APC, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhasan; members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, APC faithful, and residents of Ibaji Local Government Area.
