Ododo to Awoniyi at 66: Your counsel, goodwill strengthen my administration

By Florence Kalu

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has described the counsel and goodwill of former Deputy Governor of the state, Yomi Awoniyi, as valuable sources of strength and reassurance to his administration.

Ododo stated this in a goodwill message congratulating Awoniyi on his 66th birthday, describing the former Deputy Governor as an elder he holds in very high esteem and whose experience and guidance he continues to value.

The Governor expressed gratitude to Awoniyi for his consistent support and goodwill, noting that his contributions and counsel had remained valuable to him both personally and in the discharge of his responsibilities as Governor.

“You are one of the people I hold in very high esteem, and I consider myself fortunate to have your counsel and support,” Ododo said.

The Governor said Awoniyi’s importance to him went beyond political considerations, describing him as an elder whose words carried considerable weight and whose presence provided a sense of strength and reassurance.

“Beyond politics, I value you as an elder whose words carry weight and whose presence brings a sense of strength and reassurance. I am particularly grateful for the goodwill you have consistently extended to me,” he said.

Ododo’s message highlighted the relationship between the incumbent administration and experienced political figures whose knowledge of the state and years of public service continue to provide a pool of guidance for those currently entrusted with its leadership.

The Governor acknowledged Awoniyi’s years of experience and his contributions to the development of Kogi State, stressing that his understanding of the state and its political landscape made his perspectives particularly valuable.

According to Ododo, experienced leaders such as Awoniyi have an important role to play in providing constructive counsel and supporting efforts aimed at advancing the interests of the people.

He also commended the former Deputy Governor for his continued commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as his support for the present administration in Kogi State.

Ododo further acknowledged Awoniyi’s support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his commitment to the party and its programmes as evidence of his continued interest in the progress of the state and the country.

The Governor said the former Deputy Governor’s goodwill had been particularly appreciated, emphasising that political differences or changing circumstances should not diminish the value of experience and wise counsel in governance.

He noted that Awoniyi’s support represented more than political solidarity, as it also reflected the importance of maintaining relationships across generations of leadership for the benefit of the state.

At 66, Awoniyi has accumulated decades of experience in public affairs and political activities in Kogi State, making his perspective relevant to contemporary discussions about the state’s development and political future.

For Ododo, the birthday therefore offered an opportunity not only to celebrate the former Deputy Governor but also to publicly recognise his contributions, experience and continued support.

The Governor expressed his appreciation for the confidence Awoniyi had continued to show in his administration, saying such goodwill remained a source of encouragement as his government pursued its development agenda.

He prayed Almighty God to grant Awoniyi many more years in good health, peace and fulfilment, while asking for continued divine protection and blessings for him and his family.

“Happy 66th Birthday, Your Excellency. Please accept my warmest wishes and heartfelt appreciation. I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you,” Ododo said.

The Governor’s message ultimately portrayed Awoniyi not simply as a former occupant of the state’s second-highest political office, but as an elder whose experience, counsel and goodwill continue to command respect and contribute to the broader political and governance process in Kogi State.