The new President-General of the umbrella development body of Kabba people in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the Kabba Development Union (KDU), Mr Emmanuel Bobinihi, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Ododo for their efforts to root out bandits and other criminal elements in the state at large.
He stressed that the recent security clearance carried out in Bunu Forest has restored hope and safety for the residents of the local government.
The President-General gave this commendation shortly after his inauguration in Kabba, describing the efforts of the President, through the office of the National Security Adviser, and the Governor of Kogi State to restore peace, safety, and tranquillity as laudable.
He also eulogised the outgoing executives, led by the erudite Engr Emmanuel Ajibero, who, in the last eight years, has changed the narrative of the Union, which has now become the darling of all Owe patriots.
He acknowledged the innovation of introducing technology into the electoral process of the union, which has made it a pacesetter in that regard, and pointed out that, though the process may not be popular now, it remains the best way of involving all Owe sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, in the process.
He pledged to provide a safe and friendly environment for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive and also to work with relevant stakeholders to create opportunities for the teeming youths of the community in both public and private sectors, enabling them to be gainfully employed.
He also used the opportunity to call on all stakeholders to close ranks and collectively work together for the overall development of the community, stressing that the union, under his leadership, will work hard to surpass the records of the immediate past regime.
He said the new executives are open to any meaningful discussions that will propel development for the community, pointing out that they are ready to collaborate with the Okun Development Association (ODA), Bunu Development Association (BDA), security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a secure community.
Also speaking, the immediate past President-General, Engr Emmanuel Ajibero, said his executive and the Board of Trustees (BOT), in line with the constitution of the union, met and decided, in adherence to the recent circular of the Kogi State Government, which prohibited the gathering of too many people in one place and, coupled with the security situation in the area, and also to involve stakeholders from branches in and across the world, to opt for the seamless innovation.
He noted that, in all these processes, the relevant stakeholders, such as the Ololus, family heads, chairman of Kabba-Bunu, and others who needed to be informed, were fully carried along. He expressed surprise at the turn of events whereby those who were not recognised by the constitution of the union forcefully gained entrance into the Secretariat of the union to stage a kangaroo election.
He used the medium to appreciate all Owe sons and daughters for their cooperation and support during his tenure in office and added that they were able to achieve much for the union through their immense support and understanding.
While charging the new executives, the BOT chairman, Dr Stephen Olorunfemi, urged them to continue in line with the commitment and determination of the outgoing executives to build on the solid foundation, pointing out that they should put in their best with the knowledge that it is a selfless service to the community and humanity.
He commended the laudable innovation of the online voting initiative, which has now placed the community ahead of others in organising a credible and seamless way of conducting elections without any rancour, calling on all the stakeholders of the community to rally around, cooperate, and support Emmanuel Bobinihi’s led executive for the growth and development of the Kabba (Owe) community.
Most family heads present at the occasion expressed full support for the online voting process, citing its inclusivity and ability to accommodate stakeholders from various locations.
They commended the outgoing executives for their achievements and charged the new leadership to prioritise peace and unity in the community.
The family heads promised to collaborate with the new executives to achieve great success, acknowledging the significant contributions of branches and stakeholders.
They praised the outgoing leadership’s efforts and looked forward to continued progress under the new administration.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the new executive by Barrister Segun Modeyin, who is now the legal adviser of the union.
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