Organisation boss calls for peaceful coexistence in Kogi communities

THE Chief Executive Officer of  Connected Development (CODE), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Ambassador Hamzat Lawal,  has called for peaceful coexistence among the people of Kogi State in order to pave the way for economic and infrastructural development in the state.

Lawal said this during a  visit to the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe Kingdom,   Abdulrazak Gambo Isah-Koto, in Kogi Local Government Area of the state, as part of his post- election advocacy visit to the kingdom.

According to him, Kogi,  under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, had performed well in ensuring that the people of the state live peacefully with one another.

He said the traditional leaders in the state have roles to play to complement the effort of the governor, through preaching of peace and the need for people to live a life devoid of crisis.

“Knowing  well that you are a   first- class  traditional ruler and a peaceful  monarch which you demonstrated during the last governorship election in your domain , you still have a role to play in ensuring that the existing peace in your kingdom   is sustained

“In the last off-cycle governorship election, the people of Koton-Karfe came out en-masse to cast their  votes peacefully and this happened through  the  continuous sensitisation and encouragement you gave to your people

“In the last eight years, the state had enjoyed relative peace and I know the role you played working  with the governor  to achieve the feat for the people of your kingdom.

“As the governor-elect takes over the leadership of the state on January 27, it is expedient that we unite to support the new government for the progress of the state,” he said.

Responding, the traditional ruler said he had heard much about the visiting chief executive officer and expressed confidence that the new administration will perform creditably.

The traditional ruler thanked him for demonstrating love for the community through the empowerment, adding that the people would continue to pray for him and the government.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of  N5,000 each to  100 vulnerable people in Kogi Local Government Area of the state.