The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), representing a coalition of civil society organizations across Kogi State, extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the remarkable milestone of his one year in office.
Your leadership has ushered in a new era for our dear state, marked by significant advancements in civil servant welfare, road infrastructure, enhanced citizen engagement through Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative, and improved social service delivery. Your one year in office as the chief servant of the state has witnessed developmental strides that can be better.
We commend your administration for the noticeable improvements in agricultural sector expenditures for 2024, showcasing a commitment to fostering agricultural growth compared to previous years. However, we urge you to intensify efforts to achieve food sufficiency and security for the people of Kogi State.
It is indeed commendable that your administration has diligently pursued the twelve thematic focal areas outlined in your election manifesto, which include:
1. Good Governance and Leadership
2. Infrastructural Development and Maintenance
3. Education and Human Capital Development
4. Healthcare and Social Welfare
5. Agriculture and Rural Development
6. Security and Peace Building
7. Women Empowerment and Gender Equity
8. Environment and Sustainable Development
9. Industry and Commerce
10. Information and Communications Technology & Innovation
11. Youth Empowerment and Sports Development
12. Entertainment and Tourism Development
While these focal areas reflect a well-rounded vision for Kogi State, there remains a critical need for improved engagement with citizens through town hall meetings. Such platforms are essential for providing updates on the implementation of your electoral promises and for addressing the concerns of the populace directly.
Furthermore, we would like to draw your attention to certain initiatives that have not met expectations. For instance, the release of 22 billion naira for palliative measures between January to September 2024 has raised concerns regarding transparency and accountability. The perceived lack of involvement from non-state actors in the distribution process has left citizens unaware of the criteria being used, creating a gap in trust that needs to be addressed.
Additionally, the pressing issues within the transport and water sector demand urgent attention, as citizens seek more affordable transport alternatives and portable drinking water, the dry seasons are here again. While we appreciate the swift action taken to quell the concerns of citizens regarding the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) requirements to conclude students registration across the state tertiary institutions, we would be indeed glad, if you intervene to ensure the burden of school fee costs for medical students which is currently as high as #508,000 is adjusted drastically considerating the current economic hardship in the country.
The long-standing housing deficit in the state remains unaddressed, and the waste management situation continues to deteriorate as the concerned authorities are yet to designate a proper waste dump and effectively manage the waste within the capital city. We also express concern regarding the availability of some critical political appointees who seem to be disengaged from their responsibilities always out of the state, inhibiting effective governance.
As we celebrate your achievements, we urge your administration to remain responsive to the needs of the people and to foster a collaborative environment that includes all stakeholders in the governance process. Together, we can achieve the Kogi State of our dreams.
Once again, congratulations on your first year in office. We look forward to seeing continued progress in the coming years.
Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina
Chairperson, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET).
