By Friday Idachaba | Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Omonu Jackson James as the pioneer Managing Director of the newly established Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOSOPADEC).
Omonu’s confirmation came during Friday’s plenary session after a screening exercise involving other top nominees for the Commission, including Prince Mathew Kolawole, the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, who was confirmed as Executive Director, West.
Also confirmed were: Mr. Suleiman Ndalaye – Chairman, Engr. Isah Yakubu Jatto – Executive Director, Central, Usman Nda Muhammed – Executive Director, East, Olori Michael – Executive Director, Central and Suleiman Hameed – Secretary
Their screening followed a letter from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, seeking legislative confirmation for the appointments.
Reading the governor’s communication, Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf said the nominees were expected to ensure that the objectives of KOSOPADEC are realized—particularly in delivering tangible benefits to oil-producing communities.
“We expect you to hit the ground running and make sure that oil wealth brings real progress to the people,” the Speaker said while congratulating the appointees.
Speaking to reporters after his confirmation, Omonu Jackson James expressed deep appreciation to the governor and lawmakers for the opportunity. He assured residents of oil-bearing areas that the Commission would prioritize the delivery of basic infrastructure and social amenities.
On his part, Prince Mathew Kolawole, now Executive Director, West, described his appointment as a call to greater service, promising to bring his legislative experience to bear on the new assignment.
The nominations followed the signing of the KOSOPADEC bill into law on July 31, which formally established the Commission to oversee development in Kogi’s oil-producing zones.
In a related development, the House also confirmed appointments into the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), with Mamman Nda Eri retaining his position as Chairman.
Other confirmed members include: Labran Yahaya Ayigebe – Member, East, Umar Makun Abdulmalik – Member, West, Jamiu Abdulkareem – Member, Central, Jimoh Ozigizigi Omeiza – Member, Central, Achema Friday – Member, East, Segun Ogbonika – Member, West and Alhaji Muhammed Usman – Secretary
The Assembly also screened and approved the nomination of Salihu-Otaru Kehinde Augustine as Director General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands.
With the confirmation of these appointments, the Ododo administration continues to fill key leadership positions in its developmental push for the state.