Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has thrown his support behind calls for greater unity, peace and development among the people of the historic Kwararafa Confederacy.
Governor Ododo was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, at the Kwararafa Development Forum (KDF) summit held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The summit was convened by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to bring together traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen relationships and promote development among communities linked to the Kwararafa heritage.
Kogi Traditional Rulers Join Kwararafa Summit
The gathering attracted prominent traditional rulers from Kogi State, including the Attah of Igala and President of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa, CFR, who was represented by the Ejeh Dekina, Alhaji Dr. Usman Obaje.
Also represented at the event were the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Anaje; the Achadu Oko Attah Igala, His Royal Highness Alih Yusuf Ameh Adaji III; the Ejeh of Ofu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Akwu A. Obaje; and the Ejeh of Ankpa, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed Yakubu II.
The participation of the traditional institutions reflected the importance attached to dialogue and cooperation among communities associated with the Kwararafa heritage.
The role of traditional institutions has also featured prominently in recent discussions about Kogi’s identity, peace and development. At the Idah Truth, Peace and Reconciliation Summit, stakeholders similarly stressed the importance of dialogue, reconciliation and stronger relationships among communities.
Royal Fathers From Across the Region Attend
Traditional rulers from outside Kogi also attended the Abuja summit, including the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Majesty Dr. Manu Ishaku Adda Ali; the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I; the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III; the Emir of Nasarawa, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril; and the Emir of Awe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Isa Abubakar Umar II.
The presence of the royal fathers provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss areas of common interest and reinforce relationships among the diverse communities connected to the Kwararafa historical heritage.
The summit comes against the backdrop of continuing efforts by Kogi stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence and address issues affecting communities across the state. Earlier, political developments in Lokoja had also drawn attention to the role of institutions and leadership in the state’s affairs.
Focus on Peace, Unity and Development
Discussions at the summit centred on strengthening unity, deepening understanding and identifying pathways for sustainable development across the Kwararafa Confederacy.
The forum also offered traditional and political leaders an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of peaceful cooperation among the communities that share the Kwararafa heritage.
For Kogi, the participation of the state government and its traditional institutions underlined the state’s engagement with broader regional conversations involving its diverse ethnic and traditional communities.
The emphasis on peaceful engagement also comes as Kogi continues to confront security challenges in some communities. Recent incidents, including the attack on an ADC meeting in Ejule, have reinforced calls for stronger community security and cooperation.
Ododo’s Representation at Summit
Governor Ododo’s decision to participate in the forum through his Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, placed Kogi among the states represented at the high-level gathering of political and traditional leaders.
The Kogi government has continued to pursue development initiatives across sectors, including infrastructure and agriculture. The state’s recent Executive Council decisions on infrastructure, agriculture and other development projects form part of its broader development agenda.
Beyond government programmes, the summit provided an opportunity for leaders to consider how stronger relationships among communities can support economic and social development.
Kwararafa Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Peace
The Abuja gathering concluded with an emphasis on cooperation and peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities associated with the Kwararafa heritage.
Participants also used the occasion to celebrate the historical connections linking the communities while committing to stronger bonds and collaboration in pursuit of shared interests.
For Kogi State, the participation of Governor Ododo’s administration and leading traditional institutions places the state within the wider regional conversation on unity, peaceful coexistence and development.
The summit therefore provided another platform for political and traditional leaders to engage on the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships while pursuing development that benefits communities across the Kwararafa region.
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