By Rotimi Odofin.
One of the primary focuses of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododos’ administration in Kogi State over the past year has been the development of infrastructure within the state. This Initiatives, aimed to improve the overall quality of life for residents and enhance the economic growth and prosperity of the State. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Governor Ododos has worked tirelessly to upgrade and expand critical infrastructure such as roads and public facilities. Ododo’s commitment to infrastructure development is a testament to the governor’s dedication to building a stronger and more resilient Kogi State for generations to come.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration prioritizes infrastructure development in Kogi State, focusing on the completion of projects initiated by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Some of the Notable projects include the construction of the Nine Kilometres Zone 8-Barrack-Zango road and the 5.5 Kilometres Zone 8-Crusher road, both equipped with street lights to enhance visibility and beautification at night. This commitment to infrastructure marks a significant shift from previous administrations before that of Former Governor Yahaya Bello, that left many projects abandoned.
Again Security Enhancements
Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, has seen substantial improvements. The governor had provided regular support to security agencies and approved the recruitment of fifty hunters in each Local Government Area to combat crime effectively. A notable success was the rescue of twenty students from Confluence University of Science and Technology who were abducted on campus. Additionally, a Forward Operation Base (FOB) was established in Bagana community, restoring peace and commercial activities after years of crisis caused by herdsmen invasions.
Equally the Agricultural Initiatives
of Governor Ododo administration has shown marvelous commitment to revolutionizing agriculture activities in Kogi State which is part of his administration’s strategy for economic growth. In June last year, he launched a wet season farming initiative with an investment exceeding seven billion naira for farm inputs and deployed over one hundred tractors across seven thousand hectares of farmland. This initiative has tremendously boost food sufficiency and position Kogi as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
Also The health sector has immensely benefited from Governor Ododo’s administration, with swift completion and upgrading of over one hundred primary health care centers within his first year in office. Which includes providing essential medical supplies to enhance healthcare delivery across the state this great achievement has transformed into remarkable healthy living amongst the people of kogi State.
The Educational Investments of the ododo’s administration in the last one year has remains a core value of the administration,
Education has been a focal point for Governor Ododo, who approved six hundred million naira for WAEC fees for over eighteen thousand senior secondary school students in public schools, alleviating financial burdens on parents and reducing out-of-school children numbers. Furthermore, he allocated five hundred and twenty-two million naira for other critical examinations such as Common Entrance and JAMB fees. As at today both primary and secondary education in kogi State are absolutely Free for the citizens.
Again workers welfare has been a focal point of ododo’s administration in the past one year; Workers’ Welfare
Stands as a prominent priorities of the current administration in kogi State, and this was further demonstrated when the governor approved seventy-two thousand five hundred naira as the minimum wage for all categories of workers—higher than the federal government’s seventy thousand naira benchmark. Additionally, pensioners received a ten thousand naira harmonization allowance, marking a significant improvement after two decades without such benefits.
Trade and Investment Promotion
The Ododo’s administration stimulate trade and investment in kogi State with the approved plans for a multi-billion naira international market along Zone 8-Crusher road, expected to be completed within two years. This initiative aims to enhance commercial activities within the state.
Community Engagement through “The Kogi Dialogue”
Therefore when Governor Ododo celebrated his first anniversary in office with “The Kogi Dialogue,” a town hall meeting that brought together stakeholders from various political backgrounds to discuss progress and future development strategies for Kogi State. This event has remains an indelible Mark in the Anna’s of kogi State and Thurs highlighted ododo’s commitment to inclusivity and unity among diverse groups within the state.
Conclusively, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s first year in office is marked by significant achievements across various sectors including infrastructure development, security enhancements, agricultural initiatives, health sector improvements, educational investments, workers’ welfare advancements, trade promotion efforts, and community engagement through dialogue.
