President Bola Tinubu has tasked the governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, to sustain the bold, visionary and developmental legacies of the state’s former governor, the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

Mr Tinubu stated this on Sunday in Lokoja at the 10th memorial anniversary celebration of Mr Audu.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said sustaining the legacies was the best way to immortalise the late leader.

Commending the efforts of the state government in that regard so far, Mr Tinubu urged sustainability of the late governor’s legacy.

Mr Tinubu stated, “The continuity of good governance is the greatest good you can pay to a hero that has long joined our ancestors. I urge you to continue on this path and the federal government stands ready to partner with you to deliver even more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi State.

“As we remember Prince Abubakar Audu today, let us not only reflect, but also commit ourselves to the future that he has left to envision. A future of united, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where democracy dividends are delivered to all. Audu’s legacy is a challenge to all of us in leadership. A challenge for us to be bold and visionary.”

Also speaking,  the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described the late Audu as a man of expertise and courage.

He said the late former governor contributed immensely to the development of modern Kogi State.

Mr Akume said, “When Kogi State was created, he became the first elected governor of the state. That shows you the love his people had for him.

In 2015, he was cruising to electoral victory when we heard the sad news of his demise. By renaming the Kogi State University after him, the state government has shown leadership.”

Similarly, James Faleke, represented by Samuel Idris, said Mr Audu was a true progressive and architect of modern Kogi State.

Mr Faleke stated, “The honour we can pay to him is by recommitting ourselves to his dreams, legacies and desire for progress of the state. Let us continue to build Kogi State where no tribe is left behind.”

On behalf of the late Audu’s family, the Minister of Steel Development,  Shuaibu Abubakar, appreciated Messrs Tinubu, Ododo and other dignitaries at the celebration.

He said his father’s legacy projects, vision and reforms continued to speak for him, adding that, the anniversary celebration reinforced the saying that, “work of a true leader never fails.””

He added, “He died for his people and in service to them. His legacies are for us to protect, preserve and advance. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”

(NAN)