By: High Chief Stephen Salawu, Da’audu ÖBARÉMA-1,
A Community Mobilization Specialist and Public Affairs Commentator
The author.
A new dawn was hatched with the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election held on November 11, 2023, during which the good people of Kogi State went to the polls to elect the Governor of Kogi State. Ahmed Usman Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the election with over 446,000 votes, defeating Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who got about 259,000 votes, and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured about 46,000 votes. The election was marked by controversy, with the runners-up rejecting the results and headed to the courts. However, the Supreme Court ultimately upheld Ododo’s victory in a ruling in August 2024.
His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo took office as the Governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2024, succeeding Governor Yahaya Bello. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to bring about positive change and development to the state, focusing on areas such as security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and human capital development. The election was significant, given Kogi State’s diverse population and its rich mineral resources, the election marked an important milestone in Kogi State’s democratic process.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State is a highly skilled manager, with a strong background in accounting, auditing, and financial management. He has a keen eye for detail and a meticulous approach, which has enabled him to uncover financial discrepancies and implement corrective measures to boost financial management and accountability in the state. As a former Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, he has overseen the financial audit and management of local government councils, and has a proven track record of improving financial performance.
His management skills are not limited to finance, however. He has also demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the progress and prosperity of Kogi State. In just one year as governor, he has achieved groundbreaking results across every sector of the economy, from infrastructure development to youth empowerment, and from healthcare to education. He is a unifying force, and his ability to bring people together and foster peace and unity among diverse communities is truly impressive.
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s assumption of office as Governor of Kogi State marked the beginning of a new era for the people of Kogi State. As he took the reins, he brought with him a vision of transformative leadership, having done away with percentage payments at LG level and regularized salary payment to civil servants as at when due. His administration has also launched various initiatives to improve the lives of citizens, including community policing, technological advancements in security, and collaboration with federal security agencies.
One of the notable events during his assumption of office was his commitment to delivering a governance that is visible, impactful, and equitable, ensuring that the standard of living for all citizens reaches new heights. He has prioritized transparency, accountability, responsiveness, participatory government, and the rule of law as the guiding principles of his administration.
Governor Idodo went on to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, youth empowerment, healthcare, and education. His tenure has been characterized by groundbreaking achievements, including the provision of modern farming tools and support for smallholder farmers, which has boosted food security in the state. He has also invested in hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, and community health outreach programs, ensuring that no one is left behind. So also is the creation of new job opportunities for the vibrant and energetic youth of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo’s administration has prioritized the welfare of citizens, taking steps to address food inflation, improve infrastructure, and enhance security. Overall, Governor Ododo’s management skills are a major asset to Kogi State, and his leadership is helping to drive progress and prosperity in the state. To achieve his administration ‘s continuity and consolidation mantra in Kogi State, Governor Ododo is focused on unity, inclusivity, good governance and promoting religious tolerance, unity, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the discharge of official duties.
He is able to develop and implement effective policies and programs, manage resources efficiently, and inspire and motivate others to work towards a common goal. He is also an excellent communicator, able to connect with people from all walks of life and build strong relationships with stakeholders cutting across and breaking down all known barriers of ethnicity, religion and geopolitical zones.
His approach to governance is also characterized by a focus on inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. He has emphasized the importance of collaboration among tiers of government and with the federal government to address national issues more effectively. Additionally, Ododo’s administration has made significant strides in improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education, which are critical to the state’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
By focusing on these areas, Governor Ododo’s administration is building on the progress made so far and consolidate gains for the benefit of all Kogites due to his people-oriented projects and initiatives. He has shown a strong commitment to the welfare of the citizens, prioritizing their safety and security as a cornerstone of his administration. By strengthening law enforcement agencies, introducing community policing initiatives, and leveraging technological advancements in security, Ododo’s administration has successfully reduced crime rates and created a safer environment for residents.
What’s more, Governor Ododo has demonstrated a willingness to listen to the people and engage with stakeholders from all sectors of society to ensure that his policies address the diverse needs and aspirations of the citizens. His commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability has earned him the respect and admiration of the people, and his administration is already making Kogi State proud. Overall, Governor Ododo’s administration is making a positive impact on the governance of Kogi State, and his people-centered approach is yielding tangible results.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has been making positive waves in Kogi State, and his one-year anniversary in office is definitely worth celebrating. His Excellency has been focused on transforming the state through various initiatives. It’s impressive to see how he’s been able to bring people together and foster a sense of unity among the diverse communities in Kogi State. His commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability is truly commendable.
Overall, Governor Ododo’s first year in office has been marked by significant achievements. Kogi State, under his servant leadership outlook, has showcased strides on several key areas, including, but not limited to; excellent financial management, transparency and accountability, Infrastructure Development projects aimed at upgrading roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure across the state. So also is Education and Human Capital Development with a focus on improving access to quality education at all levels. Also getting adequate attention is Healthcare delivery efforts to improve access to primary healthcare, upgrade medical facilities, and strengthen the healthcare workforce and security to ensure the safety of citizens by collaborating with security agencies to address security challenges and maintain law and order.
It’s clear that he is a working state governor in his continuity and consolidation mantra, who is making significant strides with his transformative leadership for the good people of the Confluence State, our Kogi. With his vision for the state, it’s no wonder he’s been dubbed “The Servant Leader” and it’ll be exciting to see what the future holds for Kogi State under his leadership. Governor Ododo has no doubt set a remarkable standard of transformative leadership as a quintessential servant leader and a pathfinder who is leading Kogi State to a prosperous pedestal.
High Chief Stephen Salawu is the Kogi State Chairman, Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Aging, an affiliate of the National Senior Citizens Centre.
