Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved the appointment of 1,192 new aides, according to a communique from Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the State Government.
The appointments include Yakubu Abdulhakeem as Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for Disability, along with 165 Senior Special Assistants, 36 Special Assistants, 574 Ward Special Assistants, and 290 Local Government Special Assistants. Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulsadiq has also been appointed as the Director of Protocol for the First Lady’s Office.
Governor Ododo emphasized the need for the appointees to serve the state and its people with dedication, with all appointments effective from September 1, 2024.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, explained that these appointments are part of the Governor’s strategy to enhance grassroots participation in governance. Fanwo noted that the Governor’s approach ensures that Special Assistants are closely connected to the rural communities they serve, addressing issues of past appointees being detached from grassroots realities.
Fanwo also addressed concerns about the potential cost increase, clarifying that the salaries of three Ward Special Assistants are equivalent to that of one Senior Special Assistant.