The Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, alongside residents and political stakeholders, organised a grand reception in honour of Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, in Ejule on Saturday.

The event was highlighted by the defection of more than 600 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other political groups to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in support of the deputy governor.

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

The monarch praised Salifu for remaining calm, respectful, and accessible despite the responsibilities of public office.

He also commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo for the trust reposed in the deputy governor and for showing respect to traditional institutions across the state.

Obaje pledged the continued support of the traditional council for the administration’s efforts toward peace, unity, and development.

He further encouraged young people to embrace education, hard work, and peaceful coexistence while appealing for more government intervention in areas such as road infrastructure, healthcare, security, youth empowerment, and rural development within the predominantly farming and trading communities.

Responding, Salifu described the reception as a deeply emotional and honouring experience.

“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.

The deputy governor expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, political office holders, women, youths, and others who contributed to the success of the event, noting that the recognition meant even more because it came from his own people.

Salifu reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Ododo and also appreciated 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,” he stated.

Speaking on development projects in the area, Salifu said several roads in Ofu had already been identified and measured for rehabilitation.

He added that transformers had been distributed to some communities, while primary schools were undergoing renovation under a statewide education project initiated by the governor.

According to him, some communities are also benefiting from government-backed clean water projects.

The deputy governor urged youths to stay away from kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities, stressing that the Ododo administration remains committed to tackling insecurity across the state.

Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, also called on residents to promote peace, unity, and tolerance regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

Fanwo urged citizens to reject divisive tendencies and focus on peaceful coexistence and collective development.

He congratulated Salifu on the reception, describing him as a humble and committed public servant whose loyalty and competence have strengthened the current administration.

The Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Muhammad Lawal, also reaffirmed the council’s support for Governor Ododo’s administration and praised its developmental efforts across the state.

The event featured prayers for the deputy governor, cultural performances, and musical renditions by church choirs, among other activities.

It also marked the formal reception of over 600 defectors into the APC, a development seen as a political boost for the party in Ofu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among dignitaries present were the Kogi State Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, and Agriculture, Timothy Ojomah, as well as APC stakeholders, local government chairmen, and other political leaders.