25/06/2025
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THE SMART DIVISIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS, EKINRIN ADDE, IJUMU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
Protocols.
1. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and great pride that I stand before you today in Ekinrin Adde, a vibrant and strategic community in Ijumu Local Government Area, to commission this state-of-the-art Smart Divisional Police Headquarters, constructed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.
2. This facility is not just another structure; it is a bold statement, a clear commitment to the safety, progress, and prosperity of our people. As a border Local Government Area connecting Kogi State to the South West of Nigeria, the security of Ijumu is critical, not only to the peace and stability of Kogi West, but to the entire security architecture of our dear state. This project could not have come at a better time.
3. I want to express profound appreciation to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for this laudable intervention. I particularly wish to commend the Executive Secretary of the Trust Fund, our own son, Mr. Femi Mohammed Sheidu. This project reflects his deep understanding of the security needs of our state and his passion for deploying technology in combating crime. Mr. Sheidu has been nothing short of outstanding since assuming office, and we are proud of the excellence and innovation he continues to bring to national service.
4. Today, we are not just commissioning a police station, we are unveiling a Smart Police Facility equipped with modern tools, digital surveillance systems, and infrastructure that reflects the future of policing. This speaks volumes about the direction we must all embrace: technology-driven solutions for crime prevention and control.
5. This landmark contribution to our security architecture is a demonstration of the power of synergy in combating insecurity. The Executive Secretary has shown how patriotic zeal can help secure the people through the right support to the State Government. Instead of politicizing insecurity and raising frivolous alarms like some desperate politicians, he has taken a bold step by working with the State Government to address insecurity. Any politician who sees insecurity as a political card is clearly against his people. Their noises will not save them as our administration is determined to work with patriotic Kogites to make Kogi a safe haven for all.
6. Let me also take this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Police and all our security agencies for their tireless efforts in keeping Kogi State safe. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. I assure you that my administration remains unwavering in its support to providing you with the tools, logistics, and political will required to carry out your mandate effectively. Together, we shall continue to make Kogi State a no-go area for criminals.
7. Permit me to also salute the bold and courageous leadership of our dear President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Jagaban of Africa. Mr. President has shown clearly that there will be no hiding place for bandits, terrorists, or any criminal element in our land. The onslaught against them is yielding results, and Kogi State is benefitting immensely from his renewed commitment to national security.
8. But the good news does not stop there. From security to the economy, Mr. President is charting a new course, laying the foundation for a more prosperous Nigeria. It is evident that the opposition knows the truth that 2027 is a done deal. The people know. The streets know. And here in Kogi, we are saying it loud and clear: Kogi State is 100% for Mr. President in 2027!
9. We will continue to stand by him because he is empowering us to deliver good governance to our people. And his dear wife, the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, is empowering the vulnerable across communities. This is true leadership. The coalition of angry politicians cannot defeat the coalition of the great people of Nigeria who see our President as the man to lead Nigeria through this time of reforms and transformation into greatness.
10. As we celebrate this great stride in policing, I call on our people to support our security agencies. Offer them the intelligence they need. Work with them. Protect them. Let us build a synergy that puts fear in the hearts of criminals and confidence in the hearts of our citizens. When we get the cooperation of the people, insecurity will be a thing of the past as we are ready to always crush any agent of criminality. We went after those who kidnapped and killed a highly respected retired Major from Odo Ape and with the information at my disposal, the perpetrators have been apprehended by security agents. Let me assure you here today that justice will be done and be seeing to have been done on this matter and many more that we are prosecuting.
11. I also extend my gratitude to our revered Royal Fathers for their continued support. Your wisdom and leadership remain crucial to the stability of our communities. I urge you to continue upholding your custodianship over our ancestral lands. Let us ensure that land is not arbitrarily sold or misused in a way that compromises security.
12. My fellow Kogites, we are building a state of peace, prosperity, and possibilities. But I cannot do it alone. I need your hands. I need your hearts. Let us walk together, work together, and win together.
13. Let this Smart Divisional Police Headquarters serve as a symbol of our resolve to secure our future and create a safer Kogi State for generations to come.
14. I hereby declare this state-of-the-art Smart Divisional Police Headquarters commissioned to the glory of God Almighty and for the benefit of the people of Kogi State. God bless Kogi State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thanks and may God bless you all.
HE Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo
The Chief Servant of Kogi State
25th June, 2025.
© Kogi State Government