The Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, alongside many indigenes, hosted a grand reception in honour of the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu.

The event, held in Ejule on Saturday, was marked by the defection of over 600 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party and other political parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress in solidarity with the deputy governor.

Declaring the occasion open, the Eje Ofu and Chairman of the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, HRH Akwu Obaje, said the gathering was organised to celebrate “our own son” and acknowledge his loyalty, humility and representation of the Ofu people in government.

He commended the deputy governor for remaining calm, respectful and accessible despite the demands of public office.

The monarch also thanked Governor Ahmed Ododo for the confidence reposed in Salifu and for respecting traditional institutions across the state.

The royal father pledged the council’s continued support for the administration in maintaining peace, unity and development.

He urged youths to embrace education, hard work and peaceful coexistence.

Obaje appealed for more government intervention in roads, healthcare, security, youth empowerment and rural development for the predominantly farming and trading community.

In his response, the deputy governor described the reception as a deeply honouring moment.

“Today is a very special day for me. Standing here before my people, I feel deeply honoured, happy and grateful for this reception organised by the Ofu Traditional Council and sons and daughters of the local government, both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.

He thanked the traditional rulers, political office holders, women, youths and others who made the event possible, noting that the honour meant much because it came from his own people.

Salifu expressed loyalty to his principal, Ododo, and gratitude to former governor Yahaya Bello for the opportunity to serve.

“I assure my people of continued humility, loyalty and commitment to service because leadership is about service to the people, and that is what this administration stands for,” the deputy governor said.

Highlighting ongoing projects by the Ododo administration, he said roads in Ofu had been earmarked and measured for attention.

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He added that transformers had been provided to some communities, while primary schools were being remodelled under a statewide project flagged off by the governor.

He also said some communities were now accessing clean water through government interventions.

Salifu urged youths to shun kidnapping, cultism and other crimes, warning that the Ododo administration was serious about fighting criminality.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, called on citizens to uphold peace, unity and mutual tolerance irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

The commissioner urged Kogites to shun divisive actions and sentiments, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and collective progress.

Fanwo congratulated the deputy governor on the warm reception, describing him as a humble and dedicated public servant whose loyalty and competence had strengthened the Ododo administration.

He said Ododo shared a cordial working relationship with Salifu and had confidence in his leadership.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Muhammad Lawal, reaffirmed the support of the council area for the Ododo administration and commended the government’s developmental efforts across the state.

The event featured prayers for the deputy governor’s continued rise and service to Kogi State, cultural displays and renditions by church choirs, among other activities.

The event also witnessed the formal reception of over 600 defectors into the APC, signalling a boost for the party in Ofu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dignitaries at the event included the Kogi State Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, and Agriculture, Timothy Ojomah; APC Zonal Chairman for Kogi East; local government chairmen; and other stakeholders.