Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has declared that the safety of Kogi State is intrinsically tied to the security of Nigeria, stressing that the state’s strategic position makes it central to national stability.

Ododo made the assertion in Abuja at the Kogi State Security Summit and Fundraising, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property as its foremost responsibility.

“Kogi State holds a critical place in Nigeria’s security architecture. Securing our state is, in many ways, securing the nation,” he said.

The governor noted that security remains the bedrock of development, warning that without peace, economic growth, investment, and social progress would remain unattainable.

He described the summit as a call to collective action, urging stakeholders to renew their commitment to safeguarding the state.

Highlighting the evolving nature of security threats, Ododo said criminal activities have become increasingly complex, ranging from kidnapping and banditry to terrorism and cybercrime, requiring more sophisticated and intelligence-driven responses.

In his remarks, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, emphasised that tackling insecurity requires sustained funding, modern technology, and a comprehensive approach that addresses root causes.

Drawing from Borno’s experience in combating insurgency, Zulum said the state had reduced insecurity by over 90 per cent through consistent efforts and federal support, but warned that the fight remains resource-intensive.

MEANWHILE, a socio-cultural advocacy group, Think Yoruba First Organisation Worldwide, has rejected assertions regarding the historical and cultural identity of Yoruba communities in Kwara and Kogi states, as well as interpretations of alleged political motivations linked to the presidency.

This was contained in a statement signed by the general secretary of the group, Dr Bukola Adeniji, while reacting to an article authored by Prof. Farooq Kperogi, titled “Tinubu’s Yoruba Agenda Risks Deep Rupture in Kwara,” which the group said presented a one-sided narrative capable of distorting public understanding of the socio-political realities in the region.

The organisation maintained that although Kwara State is geographically located within the North Central zone, Yoruba-speaking communities in parts of Kwara and Kogi states have deep historical roots, with identity shaped by language, culture, and long-standing settlement patterns.