The Ebira Peoples’ Association, Lokoja branch and it’s affiliate Associations, on Thursday 15 September, 2023 organized a prayer session for peaceful conduct of the November, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State and the victory of Ododo Ahmed Usman, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the election.
Speaking during the prayer session at the Riverton Hotel, Lokoja the Kogi state capital, the chairman of EPA Comrade Moses Momoh, noted that the character and disposition of an Ebiraman is completely Godly, saying that was the reason they have come together to thank the Almighty God and seek for more blessings from Him.
The prayer session was put together by Ebira Peoples Association (EPA), Lokoja branch in collaboration with ‘Circle Win for Ododo’, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) from Abuja who are desirous of a peaceful election and the success of Ododo the APC candidate.
The EPA chairman also extend his appreciation to those who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the programme. Speaking he said “On behalf of Ebira Peoples’ Association Lokoja branch, I sincerely ànd humbly appreciate everyone that grace our prayers ànd other programms today at Riverton Special thanks to the Executive Chairman Lokoja LGA, Hon Commissioner for commerce and Industry, Hon Jibo SSA On Urban Development and Ebira political leaders Lokoja.
Others are Hon Yakubu Adabenege (Fancy), P.A to the incoming Governor of Kogi state come November 11 2023), All political office holders, Deputy president general of EPA, all former chiarman and vice, major umbrellas associations, president and secretaries of all associations.
The list includes; Traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy men, Imams, personalities from different places, youths and above all our father the DG Govt House Administration who magnanimously provided us the befitting venue for the success of the programmes. God almighty will grant us all our heart desires and we shall leave to witness the victory and celebration of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Speech in full
ADORESS BY THE CHAIRMAN EBIRA PEOPLES’ ASSOCIATION (EPA) LOKOJA ON THE OCCASION OF PRAYER SESSION FOR PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF 2023 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION AND THE SUCCESS OF ODODO USMAN AHMED
It gives Me great pleasure to address you this morning on the step that will further enhance the popularity and prospect of Ebira nation and in particular the Ebira Opete extraction.
We have gathered here today to offer prayers to Almighty God in various denominational approach to seek His blessings, for the free conduct of 2023 gubernatorial election in the State and the success of our dear son Alh. Ododo Usman Ahmed emerging victorious during the pool. The character and disposition of an Ebiraman is completely Godly and that is why we have come together today to thank Him, the Almighty God and seek for more blessings from Him.
This prayer session is put together by Ebira Peoples Association (EPA) in collaboration with Circle Win for Ododo, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), from Abuja. If you recalled in about four weeks back, EPA adopted Ododo as the only candidate that is fit to emerge as the next governor of the State, who will proceed to compliment on the achievements of Alhaji Yahaya Bello our dear son.
The political history of Nigeria dating back from pre-colonial to Colonial period and the self rule in Nigeria, Ebira People have always featured prominently in government justifying their knowledgeability in public administration and blessing of Almighty God. This is the more reasons why we should always be thanking Him.
We are living witness to the emergence of the present governor, our dear son Alhaji Yahaya Bello, which can only be attributed to the divine blessing. According to various scriptures, the more you show appreciation, will be blessed the more.
The leadership of EPA and the co partner bought this wisdom, calling on Almighty God to bless us more by making Alhaji Ododo Usman Ahmed, another industrious son of Ebiraland as the successor of Alhaj Yahaya Bello.
Our prayers is not just centered on the victory of Alhaji Odedo Usman Ahmed, we are also praying for peaceful conduct of the election, Maintaining the relative peace entrenched in the state by Alhaj Yahaya Bello led administration and the harmonious relationship among the diverse cultural groups in the State. Alhaji Yahaya Bello introduced a modern ideology of governance, providing opportunities for fast development of infrastructure, social economic development coupled with the ideology of fairness, equity, justice and commitment to transformation. His new direction policy has really upturned the narrative of the State to a more prosperous environment where freedom is guaranteed for initiative in development of individual economic and social lives.
According to the position of EPA in the recent press release, a new government from different political group in the state tends to abandoned the ongoing projects as observed from history, leading to considerable loss of resources. We are not talking sentiment, Alh. Ododo, an insider in the present administration will continue and consolidating on Yahaya Bello’s initiative especially the nurturing of the two newly established universities and other laudable projects.
Let me not take much of your time, we have put our intention before Almighty God, who seeks shall definitely get. I am sure Alhaji Ododo Usman Ahmed will succeed Alh. Yahaya Bello. This is our prayer and so Shall it be in the name of Almighty God.
I want to thank all our prayer warriors, Islamic scholars and our traditional men for this clarion effort at actualizing our dreams. | want to use this opportunity to appeal to his Excellency Alhaji Yahya Belo to please complete the ongoing construction of EPA house in Lokoja, He has once showed interest and I am sure it is the numerous projects, at his hand that may have cause the distraction. I shall be more grateful if the house is completed during your tenure Sir. I equally appeal for more inclusion of the youths/women from Ebiraland into you empowerment programmes. We cannot stop requesting for more. Almighty God will continue to guide you through to the end of your tenure and handing over to Alhaji Ododo Usman Ahmed.
As we commence the prayers with our heart solely devoted to God, it shall be answered.
Let me appreciate our partner, Circle Win for Ododo for the laudable project, commitment and contributions to actualization of our dear dream.
The NGO took responsibility of other programmes which commence since yesterday with football match, empowerment training and the inauguration of coordinators for Ododo 2023 in 21 LGAs. We say welldone.
I also appreciate all groups associations and individuals for their support and contributions. Almighty God will see us through.