By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa Local Government Area of kogi state have passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
They cited the governor’s remarkable strides in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, and worker welfare across the state to butress their action.
This is contained in a statement signed by Uredo Omale,
Director, Public Relations and Protocol,Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja and copied The Reporters on Friday.
According to her,the resolution was made during a high-level meeting held onThursday at the Ankpa Local Government Secretariat as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day.
The meeting, which drew party leaders, political appointees, elected officials, traditional rulers, and grassroots mobilizers, showcased a united front in support of Governor Ododo’s administration.
In a communiqué at the end of the meeting,read by Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, the stakeholders praised the Governor for his proactive leadership, highlighting several ongoing projects.
This, they noted,include the Olubojo erosion control initiative and the construction of 10 kilometers of inter-street roads within Ankpa and acknowledged the inclusion of the Ankpa Water Board’s reticulation project in the 2025 state budget.
In the health sector, Ododo was commended for constructing six new primary healthcare centres across Ojoku, Amoke, Emekutu, Uborji, Inye, and Ankpa town.
On transportation infrastructure, the stakeholders welcomed the budgetary inclusion of key road projects such as Ankpa–Abejukolo, Egbeche–Emenyi–Enale–Ojowu, and Abache–Okenyi–Ejinya roads.
The education sector also received positive appraisal, with the construction of new classroom blocks in Akarapiya and Akwu and the renovation of schools in Enjema.
Economically, the stakeholders also praised the Governor for clearing a ₦98 billion debt inherited by the administration, describing it as a significant step toward restoring fiscal discipline.
Consistent payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, alongside a two-year tax holiday on Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and the recent disbursement of leave bonuses, were also highlighted as signs of a worker-friendly Ododo-led administration.
The communiqué further appreciated the Governor’s inclusive leadership style, noting the appointment of several Ankpa indigenes into strategic positions in government.
The meeting, however ,condemned what it described as “biased and unsubstantiated criticisms” from certain political elders, warning that such comments could undermine local progress and endanger active contributors to the area’s development.
The communique urged the opposition to engage in constructive and fact-based criticism devoid of character attacks.
Following deliberations, the stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ododo and extended similar endorsements to the Chairman of Ankpa LGA, Engr. Adamu Yahaya Muhammed; State Assembly members Hon. Akus Lawal and Hon. Abbas Linco; as well as all elected councillors in the local government.
They expressed appreciation to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for “identifying and supporting a worthy successor” in Governor Ododo and reaffirmed their continued support for the APC beyond 2027.
In a related event, the meeting also featured the presentation of a two-year stewardship report by Hon. Akus Lawal, the member representing Ankpa I State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly. Chaired by Prof. Usman, the session applauded Lawal’s legislative and developmental accomplishments.
Meeting noted that Hon. Lawal has sponsored seven bills and motions, executed 16 community projects, awarded 12 scholarships and palliatives, and committed to delivering 19 additional projects by December 31, 2025. Prof. Usman described his performance as “a model of responsible representation” and urged other office holders to emulate his dedication.
Dignitaries at the event include APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Abdul Ogwu Alhassan; Kogi State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi; APC State Women Leader, Hon. Hauwawu Aduku; as well as traditional leaders, led by representatives of the Ejeh Ankpa and Onu Ankpa.
Former Deputy Speakers of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rabiu Isiaka Alfa and Rt. Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, were also in attendance, alongside former local government chairmen, political appointees, party stalwarts, and constituents.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
