By Abubakar Abraham
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has applauded his Senior Special Assistant on Surveillance, Chief Iweha Empire, for his significant contributions to state development, particularly through water infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives.
The commendation was delivered at the commissioning of two boreholes initiated by Chief Empire in Lokoja.
The Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Uchuola Egwaba, who stood in for the governor, described the Ododo led administration as “Igbo-friendly” and a strong ally of Igbo community.
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The governor highlighted Chief Empire’s track record, noting that he has completed five borehole projects — two in Abia State and three in Kogi State — while also awarding scholarships to over 50 students.
He emphasised themes of unity in diversity, pointing to intermarriages and shared values between communities, and urged the Igbo community to sustain peaceful coexistence with the government.
“As long as you are in unity with governance, all that is going to be added blessings,” he said, describing Chief Empire as “a worthy son.”
The borehole projects were commissioned in loving memory of late Hajia Hauwa Oziohu Bello, mother of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The event drew participation from the Abia State Welfare Association in Lokoja and the Igbo Community Association, who welcomed delegates from Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
The representative of the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, commended Governor Ododo for treating the Igbo community well by appointing several Igbo indigenes into strategic positions in his government. He described this as reflective of the good spirit of Nigerian unity and merit-based governance.
Rt. Hon. Meregini applauded Chief Empire’s achievements, noting that his retention as SSA on Surveillance across two administrations in Kogi State underscores his proficiency and integrity in a sensitive role.
He revealed that about 11 Igbo sons and daughters currently serve in the Kogi State Government and encouraged the Igbo community to remain law-abiding and fulfill their civic responsibilities.
In his remarks, Chief Empire Iweha, thanked Governor Ododo for creating an enabling environment to serve in his administration. He praised the governor for being non-tribalistic and for allowing the Igbo community to thrive under his leadership.
The Abia delegation, which included figures such as Hon. Anderson Kelechi and Sen. Chris Adighije, delivered goodwill messages praising Chief Empire’s accomplishments both as SSA to the Kogi State Government and as President General of the Igbo Youth Congress.
Various cultural groups provided music performances to enliven the occasion.
Chief Empire’s initiatives have been hailed as promoting not only infrastructural development but also stronger inter-state and inter-ethnic relations between Abia and Kogi.
