By Oiza Bello
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration has commenced steps to bolster the nation’s security apparatus through increased manpower, advanced weaponry, and enhanced intelligence capabilities.
He said prioritising the safety and welfare of citizens remains central to his governance agenda.
The President made this known at the tenth memorial ceremony of former Governor of Kogi State, Late Prince Abubakar Audu, held at the Government House in Lokoja.
President Tinubu who was represented at the event by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris described the late Prince Audu who was the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State in 1992 and again in 1999 as a visionary leader and pathfinder who laid the foundation for the state’s development and contributed significantly to the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
He commended Governor Usman Ododo for sustaining the developmental strides of the late leader and assured that the Federal Government was prepared to collaborate with the state to deliver further dividends of democracy to the people.
In a major step to immortalise the late statesman, Governor Ododo announced the renaming of the stretch from Ganaja Junction to Ganaja Roundabout, extending to the riverbank, as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, effective immediately.
Paying tribute, Governor Ododo described Prince Audu as “not just a political leader, but a big idea that believed Kogi State could be great, that its people could rise, and that governance could bring hope to every home.”
He recalled that Prince Audu’s tenures were marked by transformational projects, including the construction of over 1,500 housing units for civil servants, establishment of hospitals, township roads, the first state university and polytechnic, the Government House, and other landmark developments.
Governor Ododo urged citizens to uphold the legacy of the late hero by embracing unity, service, and progress, and by building bridges of love across social divides, as he did with physical infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the Audu family, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his longstanding support and friendship with his late father.
He also thanked the dignitaries present for honouring a man he described as deeply committed to public service and passionate about transforming Kogi State.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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