Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has approved the appointment of 1,192 additional aides, raising concerns over the state’s already strained finances.
This development was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade.
According to the statement, “The aides include Yakubu Abdulhakeem who is to serve as the Executive Secretary, Kogi State Office for Disability, 165 Senior Special Assistants, and 36 Special Assistants.”
Giving a breakdown of the appointment the appointment says that “others on the list approved by the governor are 574 Ward Special Assistants and 290 Local Government Special Assistants.”
In addition to these appointments, Governor Ododo also approved the selection of Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulsadiq as the Director of Protocol for the First Lady’s Office, along with other aides.
While congratulating the appointees, the governor urged them to “put in their best service to the state and humanity at large.”
However, the timing of these appointments has raised eyebrows, given Kogi State’s high poverty index. Critics argue that the state’s limited resources are being squandered on unnecessary appointments instead of being directed toward alleviating poverty.
Dr. Ayoade confirmed that all appointments would take effect from September 1, 2024.
