By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
GOVERNOR Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has installed and presented a Staff of Office to the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Mohammed Anaje.
Bello while presenting the Staff of Office to the 49-year-old monarch on Thursday at the Ohinoyi Palace in Okene, Kogi Central Senatorial District, charged him to promote unity, development and greatness of the people.
The Governor who said he was fulfilled by performing the all-important task of the appointment and installation of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland thank God Almighty for the success of the ceremony.
He also charged the Royal Father to ensure the safety and security of the people and the land saying that he would go emotíonal if he should give a long speech.
“Rather, I want to call on all of you, the sons and daughters of Ebiraland, that we should all come together and rally around our Ohinoyi of Ebiraland for the greatness of our land.
He said that God Almighty had chosen and enthroned Ohinoyi Alhaji Dr Ahmed Tijani Mohammed Anajeh out of the 70 eminently qualified contestants that applied to ascend the throne.
Bello appreciated the contestants for their sportsmanship and display of maturity, unity and comradeship throughout the process of selecting the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
The governor charge the newly installed paramount ruler on inclusiveness saying, “Today, you don’t belong to any religion. You belong to both Islam and Christianity. You equally belong to those of us that believe in our culture.
“You don’t belong to only the former clan you belonged. You belong to every clan that exists as far as Ebiraland is concerned. You belong to every district, every royal district that exists in Ebiraland.
“You must bring everybody together. I want to assure you that you are going to have the government of Ahmed Usman Ododo to support you and consolidate on all the successes that I have achieved in these eight years of my administration.
“I want to assure you that even after leaving office, I will be by your side to always render any helping hand and to support you.
In his post installation speech, the new Ohinoyi Anaje, said he was humbled and honoured to be installed as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland adding, “My heart is filled with a multitude of emotions, Joy, determination to serve with integrity and a profound sense of gratitude.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, (CON) for his unwavenng commitment to the overall development of Kogi State and well-being of Ebiraland.
“Your leadership and trust in our people have paved way for this new dawn. My appreciation equally goes to His Excellency Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo”, he said.
Anaje held that the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company posed immense promise for Ebiraland and the nation’s economic future as he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the faith in Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Ohinoyi implored the Federal Government to consider the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) saying that it would address the long-standing neglect and marginalisation faced by the region and unlock its vast potentials for growth and prosperity.
Anaje also urged Kogi State Government to consider establishing a ministry of Religious Affairs saying that it would foster greater understanding and collaboration between faith Communities and strengthening the moral fabric of our society.
“As I begin my reign as Ohinoyi, I pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the service of Ebiraland. I will be a voice for your aspirations, a champion of your rights and a tireless advocate for your development”, he pledged. (Ends)