By James Joshua
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Hon. Mrs Aishat Blessing Ekele, has joined the people of the state, founding fathers, political stakeholders and citizens in the diaspora to celebrate Kogi as the state marks 35 years of existence.
Ekele, a former Vice Chairman of Olamabaro Local Government Area, described the 35-year journey of Kogi State as one characterised by resilience, challenges, diversity and gradual transformation.
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She made the remarks in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, where she acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, political leaders, traditional rulers and citizens to the development of the state.
According to her, Kogi State has made considerable progress across various sectors since its creation on August 27, 1991, despite the difficult circumstances that confronted the new state at inception.
She recalled that the state faced severe infrastructural and developmental challenges in its early years, with Lokoja, the state capital, particularly affected by the absence of basic facilities needed to support the newly created state.
“The fact remains that Kogi State at inception, 35 years ago, was written off. Everything that makes life worth living was lacking, chaotic or comatose due to non-existing infrastructure or facilities to kick-start the new state then. Lokoja, the capital of the state, was the worst hit,” she said.
Ekele, however, noted that three and a half decades later, Kogi had witnessed significant transformation, with projects and infrastructure spread across Lokoja and other parts of the state.
“Thirty-five years after, the state has experienced transformation in all sectors, with sprawling legacy projects in Lokoja and across the state to the benefit of present and future generations. Thanks to consistency in leadership,” she added.
The former APC governorship aspirant said the anniversary should not only be viewed as a celebration of the passage of time but also as an opportunity to acknowledge resilience, purposeful leadership, unity, peace and harmony among the people.
She urged citizens to continue to appreciate the contributions of those who have played roles in the development of the state while looking forward to a stronger and more prosperous Kogi.
Ekele further said Kogi possessed enormous human and natural resources capable of supporting greater development in the years ahead.
According to her, no single administration can provide all the needs of a state within its tenure, stressing that successive governments should build on the achievements of their predecessors.
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She advocated inclusiveness, proper consultation and unity of purpose among political leaders and citizens.
“With the spirit of enduring inclusiveness, proper consultation and unity of purpose on the part of leadership, this state will join the comity of great states in the country in no distant period,” she said.
Ekele also paid tribute to political, traditional, spiritual and other community leaders whose contributions, according to her, had helped sustain the state over the years.
She congratulated Kogi citizens at home and abroad on the 35th anniversary and called for continued unity in the pursuit of development.