Kogi West Leaders Forum Inaugurates Members, Charges Unity for Rapid Development

 

The Kogi West Leaders Forum has inaugurated its members with a strong call for unity and collective commitment toward the rapid development of the district.

The forum, convened under the chairmanship of the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, brought together prominent elders, political stakeholders, and opinion leaders from across Kogi West to deliberate on the urgent need for a unified political direction and sustainable development of the area.

The gathering featured a high-powered assembly of respected leaders, including Prince Olusola Akanmode, Barr. Sola Ojo, Hon. Aro Samuel Bamidele, Hon. Jetrurh Oni (popularly known as Chop-Chop), Chief Faniyi, and many other distinguished personalities.

In his remarks, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi emphasized that the core objective of the forum is to foster unity, peace, and purposeful direction for the people of Kogi West. He clarified that the platform has no political undertone but is designed to encourage collective decisions that will promote development and strengthen cooperation among all communities in the district.

Leaders at the meeting expressed concern that although the forum was originally created to promote unity and a shared sense of ownership, the reality of disunity and fragmented coordination had created uncertainty within the district. They noted that at a time when significant reforms and progress are taking place at the national level, Kogi West must align with the development strides being witnessed in the state under the leadership of the People’s Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The meeting recorded wide participation across the political spectrum, including commissioners from Kogi West extraction, Local Government Chairmen, and members of the State House of Assembly representing the district. Also in attendance was the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, whose presence underscored the national party’s interest in the unity and stability of the district.

During the deliberations, leaders called for collective sacrifice and commitment. Hon. Funsho Olumoko from Ijumu Local Government Area likened the task ahead to the biblical story of Nehemiah rebuilding the collapsed walls of Jerusalem, urging stakeholders to come together to rebuild the political and developmental strength of Kogi West.

Similarly, Cdr. Jerry Duro Omodara (Rtd.) from Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area encouraged members to remain steadfast and focused, while Barr. Alfred Bello reminded the gathering that the unity of their forefathers was founded on the principle of fairness and rotational representation.

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a strategic proposal aimed at resolving issues of fragmented political interests within the district. Prince Philip Orebiyi advocated for the extension of the current leadership arrangement in order to ensure stability and cohesion in the region. According to him, the Senate seat should be retained in Yagba Federal Constituency for another tenure of one term as a deliberate step to strengthen unity and provide a clear political roadmap for the district.

The proposal received overwhelming support from several prominent leaders present at the meeting, including Alhaji Isa Adeboye from Yagba East, Alhaji Ado Shuaibu from Kotonkarfi, and other stakeholders who emphasized that sustainable peace can only be achieved through respect for traditional agreements and equitable power-sharing among the various local governments in Kogi West.

They stressed that such a decision would help eliminate uncertainty and ensure that every constituency feels a sense of belonging and ownership in the collective progress of the district.

In his closing remarks, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi reiterated the importance of unity of purpose among leaders and stakeholders in Kogi West. He urged members to remain committed to the forum’s objectives and to prioritize development, peace, and cooperation above personal or political interests.

The issue of development also took center stage during the meeting, as leaders were charged to ensure regular meetings of the forum beginning from the local government areas that make up Kogi West. Coordinators were mandated to convene local government meetings and report back within two weeks. To facilitate effective mobilization and coordination of activities, the sum of seven million naira was approved to support council members in carrying out the assignment.

The meeting concluded with a group photograph of members in attendance, marking a renewed commitment toward unity and progress in Kogi West.

*Confluence News Reporting from Revaton Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State*