As the calendar turned to 2026, His Royal Majesty, Oba Frederick Balogun JP, the Olu Apata-Oworo, delivered a resonant New Year’s address that extended beyond seasonal felicitations to articulate a vision for communal resilience and development. Speaking from Lokoja, the traditional ruler issued a heartfelt call to his subjects and the wider Kogi State community, framing the new year as a pivotal moment for collective action grounded in shared faith.
Oba Balogun characterized the new year as a symbol of “new beginning, hope, and fulfilment.” He emphasized that this potential can only be realized through a symbiotic relationship between leaders and the people. “The support and cooperation I have been enjoying from my people for over 11 years now is indeed, a pillar, empowering and encouraging me to lead as expected of me,” the Oba stated, acknowledging that legitimate authority is sustained by popular mandate and trust. He pledged to reciprocate this faith by never letting his community down, a commitment central to the social contract in traditional governance.
The monarch’s message carried a dual charge: spiritual steadfastness and civic duty. He urged citizens to “keep faith in God for the growth and development of the land,” linking divine providence with tangible progress. This was paired with a direct appeal for communities to “support their leaders genuinely for the desired growth and development.” This reflects a prevalent philosophy in Nigerian communal life, where development is seen as a tripartite endeavor involving divine blessing, diligent leadership, and an engaged, law-abiding citizenry. Oba Balogun reinforced this by charging everyone to remain law-abiding, praying that the peace and joy marking their entry into 2026 would shield them from evil throughout the year.
Turning to the political landscape, the Olu Apata-Oworo offered notable commendation for the state administration under Governor Ahmed Ododo. He highlighted the government’s commitment “to uplifting the well-being of the people of Kogi in all ramifications,” with specific praise for security sector achievements in 2025. “We have seen the government’s commitment security wise, with the successes so far recorded… in restoring peace and security of lives and property,” he said. The Oba positioned continued communal support as a catalyst for further governmental action, noting it “will go a long way in making it do more towards the growth and development of the state.” This endorsement underscores the influential role traditional institutions play in shaping public opinion and legitimizing state policies.
The address also included recognition of corporate partnership, as Oba Balogun expressed gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the management of Dangote Cement Plant Plc. He credited the company for bringing infrastructural development to his domain that has “positively touched the lives of the Apata-Oworo people.” This acknowledgment points to a critical modern dynamic for many resource-rich communities: balancing industrial investment with tangible local benefits and community development agreements.
In essence, Oba Frederick Balogun’s 2026 New Year message serves as a microcosm of contemporary traditional leadership in Nigeria. It intertwines spiritual exhortation, reaffirmation of traditional bonds, commentary on state governance, and appreciation for private sector role in development. His call is ultimately for a unified journey into the new year, where faith translates into cooperative action for the security, prosperity, and growth of the Apata-Oworo kingdom and Kogi State at large.
Reported by Thompson Yamput for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Gabriel Yough.
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