Saturday, 27 January 2024: Lokoja, Kogi State (Summit Post News) Usman Ododo, the newly inaugurated governor of Kogi state, has hit the ground running, presenting a list of 16 commissioner nominees to the state house of assembly for screening and confirmation as members of his cabinet.
Taking the oath of office earlier on Saturday in Lokoja, the state capital, Governor Ododo immediately focused on building his team, declaring, “I will today be presenting the names of the following nominees to the Kogi state house of assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the Kogi state executive council.”
Interestingly, many of the nominees are familiar faces, having served as commissioners in the administration of Ododo’s predecessor, Yahaya Bello. This move suggests a desire for continuity and stability in certain areas while potentially signaling a fresh approach in others.
The list includes Farouk Danlami, Salami Ozigi-Deedat, Basiru Abubakar, Adams Abdulaziz, Joseph Oluwaseun, Muzi Yinusa Abdullahi, Wemi Jonze, Rabiatu Okute, Fanwo Kingsley, Fatima Momoh, Mohammed Yusuf, Timothy Ojoma, Sunday Faleke, Abanika Taye, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, and Mohammed Adbulmutalib.
Governor Ododo urged the Kogi state assembly to expedite the confirmation process, highlighting his need for a functional cabinet to tackle the state’s challenges.
Beyond the commissioners, Ododo also announced key appointments within his administration, including Folashade Ayodele Arike as Secretary to the State Government, Ali Bello as Chief of Staff, Hilary Ojoma as Deputy Chief of Staff, and Elijah Evinemi as Head of Service.
Other crucial positions filled include Jerry Omodara as State Security Adviser, Isah Ismail as Special Adviser on Media, Sulaiman Ibrahim as Director-General of Protocol, Oladele John Niyi as Chief Press Secretary, Shaibu Orisa as Director-General of Government House, and Femi Adegboyega as State Legal Adviser.