By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Wednesday urged the newly sworn-in chairmen of the state’s 21 local government areas to strengthen security in rural communities, manage public funds transparently and focus on grassroots development.

Gov Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, spoke at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.

He told the chairmen to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to protect lives and property. No community in the state, he said, would be abandoned to criminal activities.

The governor also asked the council chairmen to give priority to rural roads, primary healthcare, basic education and environmental sanitation, as well as programmes that create opportunities for youths and women

Gov Usman Ododo congratulated the chairmen on their election and thanked residents of Kogi for backing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which won all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 21 local government areas and 239 wards.

He described the outcome as a call to greater service and urged the officials to justify the confidence placed in them by delivering on their campaign promises

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He wished the chairmen success in their tenure and assured them of the state government’s support for further development at the grassroots.

Stakeholders said the swearing-in marks the start of a new chapter in local government administration in Kogi state.

They called on the chairmen to improve security, use public funds wisely and ensure the government’s presence is felt at the grassroots