Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has charged the new ministerial nominee from the state, Professor Stephen Ikani Ocheni, to do the state proud by serving the nation with his wealth of experience if cleared by the Senate.
Through his spokesman, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, the governor said that the appointment was “further testimony of the President’s determination to drive his change agenda with Nigerians imbued with excellent ideas and administrative acumen”, saying Ocheni is coming into his system with “a brilliant mind, high integrity and a desire to make Nigeria better for all.”
“All of us in Kogi State thank Mr. President for nominating another remarkable Kogite into the Federal Executive Council after the demise of our leader and brother, the late Barrister James Ocholi. The late Ocholi did not take time to showcase his prowess as an unimpeachable technocrat before the cold hand of death snatched him from us. One of the best ways to immortalize him was the nomination of another brilliant, detribalized Nigerian, Prof. Ocheni, as his replacement.
“If Prof. Ocheni is cleared by the Senate, Nigerians will witness great contributions from the man who had proven his mettle as a trailblazer and a committed change driver.”
Ocheni was chosen to succeed the late Ocholi, who died in a motor accident alongside his wife and son.