Ododo Thanks Anyigba People for Sustaining Peace, Pays Royal Homage To Ogohi Of anyigba After Inspecting 21 Battalion Barracks
........ Commends Community's Unity, Says Politics of Division and Violence Are Over
By Friday Joseph
Anyigba - Kogi State
June 24, 2026
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, embarked on a thank-you visit to the people of Anyigba and the entire Dekina Local Government Area after inspecting ongoing projects and operational facilities at the newly established 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba.
The visit began with an inspection of facilities at the 21 Battalion Barracks, where he assessed the level of work and operational readiness of troops deployed to enhance security across Kogi East. He noted that the military formation has significantly contributed to the reduction of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities within the region.
The Governor, who later paid a royal homage to the Ogohi of Anyigba Alhaji Abuh Shaibu Okolo, expressed profound appreciation to the people, particularly the youths, women and community leaders, for embracing peace, unity and development, which he said have transformed the area from a former flashpoint into one of the most peaceful parts of Kogi East.
Following the inspection, the Governor proceeded to Unity House in Anyigba town where he addressed a large gathering of residents, describing the visit as an opportunity to personally appreciate the people for their unwavering support for peace and stability.
"We are not here to speak grammar. The time has come when performance and service to the people matter more than rhetoric. What our people want is service, development and security, and that is what we are committed to providing," the Governor declared.
He said the purpose of the visit was to thank the youths, women and all stakeholders in the community for their commitment to peaceful coexistence and for rejecting attempts by divisive elements to sow discord among the people.
"We have come here simply to say thank you to our youths, thank you to our women and thank you to all the people of Anyigba and Dekina. Your support, maturity and commitment to peace have made a remarkable difference," he said.
Governor Ododo observed that before now, Dekina and Anyigba were often associated with political tensions and communal disagreements, but noted that the situation has changed dramatically due to the people's collective decision to embrace peace.
"Today, Dekina Local Government stands as one of the most peaceful local government areas in Kogi East. During the recent political activities and party primaries, many people expected crisis, but they were disappointed because our people chose peace over conflict."
According to the Governor, the people have successfully established a template of peace, unity and mutual respect that has become a model for other communities across the state.
"You have built a template of peace, a template of unity, a template that guarantees development and a template that makes us see ourselves as one family. Gone are the days when selfish politicians would divide our people for personal gain. That era is over."
He stressed that modern politics should focus on attracting development, creating opportunities and improving the welfare of citizens rather than promoting bitterness and division.
"Our politics today must be about development. It must be about attracting investments, building infrastructure and creating opportunities for our people. We do not believe in politics of bitterness or deceit. Anyone seeking support from the people must be able to point to what they have done for the community."
Governor Ododo also highlighted the positive impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration on the area, citing the establishment of the 21 Battalion Barracks as a landmark intervention that has strengthened security and restored confidence among residents.
He noted that for many years, communities suffered from recurring crises that brought little benefit other than loss of lives and destruction of property, but said the coming of the military formation has changed the narrative.
"The establishment of this barracks has brought tremendous relief to our people. Kidnapping has reduced, armed robbery has reduced and peace has returned to our communities. This is a direct result of deliberate efforts by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."
The Governor further described the appointment of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and the emergence of sons and daughters of the state in strategic national positions, including military leadership, as evidence that the present administration recognizes and values the contributions of Kogi people to national development.
Governor Ododo also paid a royal homage to the Ogohi of Anyigba Alhaji Abuh Shaibu Okolo, where he was warmly received by the traditional ruler, members of the royal council and prominent community leaders.
During the palace visit, he commended the traditional institution for its vital role in promoting peace, preserving cultural values and fostering unity among the people.
He assured the royal father and the people that his administration would continue to prioritize security, infrastructure development and economic empowerment programmes across Dekina Local Government Area and Kogi State as a whole.
In his remark, the chairman of Dekina Local Government Area Hon. John Utah Ikani thanked Gov. Ododo for the visit to the Local Government. He also promised his support for his administration.
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