The Wife of the Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has urged the newly elected local government chairmen to ensure that dividends of democracy benefit people at the grassroots.

Gov. Ahmed Ododo on Monday, swore-in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of the 21 local government areas in Kogi.

The candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) emerged winners in the 21 LGAs as declared by the Chairman of Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mr Mamman Nda-Eri, on Saturday.

A statement by the Governor’s wife on Monday in Lokoja, described the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as the will of God.

Hajia Ododo congratulated the council chairmen, vice chairmen, as well as councillors, and urged them to prioritise the people’s welfare at the grassroots.

She said that the party’s victory was a testament of the dedication of the present administration of Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo to serve the people of the state.

The governor’s wife advised the elected officers to commit themselves to ensuring that people at the grassroots benefit more from the dividends of democracy.

“As you prepare to take on the responsibilities of your new offices, I wish you a successful tenure in office.

“It is my believe that your leadership across the 21 LGAs would impact lives at the grassroots and speed up development in your council areas as championed by the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,” she said.

Hajia Ododo further called on the council chairmen to give priority to issues of infrastructure development, improved healthcare, education, and inclusion in governance.

She added: “I have no doubt that you will work assiduously in your various local government councils to address areas of priority such as healthcare, education, women, and youth empowerment.

“These would go a long way in improving livelihood of the rural populace, particularly as it affects vulnerable groups in our communities”.

The wife of the governor, therefore, urged the chairmen to work with relevant stakeholders to make rural communities feel the impact of governance. (NAN)