Kogi State Governor,Alh. Yahaya Bello has been commended for upgrading the stool of Onu Itobe in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi state.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, the Onu/District head of Itobe, HRH, Chief Salihu Adaji Ocholi described the action of the Governor as an effective linkage between the grassroot and Government at the centre.
“The Governor has by this, enhanced our cultural heritage and value as a people”, stated Chief Salihu.
The monarch commended the state Governor, saying that his professional knowledge and executive experience of the traditional institution is worthy of commendation.
According to him:” The Governor has by this action raised the status of the stool of his ancestors to the peak of approbation”.
The Chief reiterated his commitment to the state Government saying that: “Iam united with the Governor in his war against crime and criminalities in the state,insecurity and youth delinquency”.
” Iam united with the Governor in building bridges of peace and unity across the state, religious harmony, youth empowerment and other developmental strides as well as the preservation of our sense of community “.
The traditional ruler pledged his loyalty to the Government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello stating that he owes the Governor lots of debt of gratitude .
” I owe His Excellency,the trust and confidence he has reposed in me and the honour he has bestowed on me and the entire people of Itobe district by upgrading the stool of Onu Itobe to a first class status”.
“My entire community will drive the change Process of this administration especially in the communal life such as mobilising the entire Itobe community for the enlightment, education and participation in government programmes,peace building and security”.
The monarch thanked all those that made the excercise a success as well as those that rejoiced with him on hearing the announcement of the upgrading of his stool to a first class status.
” I will continue to guard and protect the core social values,customs and traditions that distinguished us as a people “, he promised.
Itobe is one of the ancient and riverine town located on the banks of River Niger.It is linked to Ajaokuta with about a 60 metre long bridge on River Niger.
The town was agog on hearing that the stool of their chief has been upgraded to a first class status with effect from 18th October, 2021.
In a letter addressed to the monarch in that regard,signed by Kogi state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Barrister Salami Ozigi,it states in parts:
” Your appointment is based on Governments conviction that you possess the requisite quality of tact,integrity,maturity,industry and patriotism to shoulder the responsibility of the office of Onu Itobe”.
Itobe district was created as far back in 1926.The town was an International River port and also evolved to be the commercial nerve centre of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi state.
Chief Salihu Adaji Ocholi was appointed the Onu/ District head of Itobe last year on 7th December, 2020 on a second class status.
Since then has carried out many desired reforms in the area to the admiration of his subjects.