By Maryam Abubakar Gulma.
In a strong call for unity and progress, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, congratulated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on his one-year anniversary in office. Addressing the people of Kogi, Tinubu stressed the importance of resolving internal conflicts to ensure the state’s forward movement, highlighting that unity was essential to realizing its full potential.
The President commended Governor Ododo’s focus on the welfare of the people, pointing to significant infrastructural developments completed within just one year as a testament to his leadership. Tinubu also praised Kogi’s central role in Nigeria’s economic and national security landscape, due to its strategic location and rich mineral resources.
Governor Ododo, in his address, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing the security of Kogi, making significant strides in safeguarding lives and property. He further emphasized the need for collective effort to transform Kogi into a model state and pledged to lead with dedication and the fear of God.
Under Ododo’s administration, Kogi has seen notable achievements, including the distribution of NGN 316 million in student bursaries to over 8,700 students. His commitment to education is clear, as he vows to ensure no child is deprived of learning opportunities. Additionally, Ododo is tackling maternal mortality by upgrading 960 healthcare centers across the state.
In agriculture, the state has seen investments of over NGN 900 billion, with 7,800 hectares of land cleared for farming. His administration is also addressing ecological challenges through the Acresal program, which aims to raise the capacity of young people while ensuring access to affordable food.
As Kogi State emerges as a potential mining hub, Ododo’s administration has undertaken a thorough review of the state’s mineral wealth, including deposits of gold, copper, lithium, and iron ore, in commercial quantities. By removing barriers to investment, the governor aims to position Kogi as a key player in Nigeria’s development.
Former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello applauded Ododo’s progress, noting his commitment to advancing the 33-year development plan previously launched by his administration with World Bank support. Bello emphasized that Ododo’s approach was accelerating Kogi’s growth. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support, requesting further assistance to enhance the state’s development.
All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the positive relationship between Ododo and Bello, signaling a strong foundation for future progress. He also assured Ododo of APC’s continued support to build capacity and foster development through new initiatives.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
