The Olu Apata-Oworo, Oba Frederick Balogun, has felicitated with  his subjects over  the new year celebration, urging them to keep faith in God for the growth and development of the land.

The traditional ruler gave the urge in a New Year message in Lokoja on Thursday to the people of Apata-Oworo and kogi as a whole.

Mr Balogun, who said that the new year signified a new beginning, hope, and fulfilment, urged communities to support their leaders genuinely for the desired growth and development.

The traditional rural thanked God and the people for displaying utmost faith in him as their community leader, and promised never to let them down.

He noted that God has been so faithful to the Apata-Oworo kingdom throughout the year 2025.

He said, “The support and cooperation I have been enjoying from my people for over 11 years now is indeed, a pill, empowering and encouraging me to lead as expected of me”.

He charged them to remain law-abiding citizens of the state and prayed, “as we entered into the new year in peace and with joy, no evil shall befall anyone of us throughout the year”.

On Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration, he said that it has been so committed to uplifting the well-being of the people of kogi in all ramifications.

“We have seen the government’s commitment  security wise, with the successes so far recorded in 2025 in restoring peace and security of lives and property.

“Our support to the administration will go a long way in making  it  do more towards the growth and development of the state,” he said.

Mr Balogun also expressed gratitude to Aliko Dangote and the management of  Dangote Cement Plant Plc for the infrastructural development the company has brought to his  domain that has positively touched the lives of the Apata-Oworo people. 

(NAN)