By Rotimi Odofin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration in Kogi State has adopted a governance model that prioritizes tangible developmental outcomes over political friction. By focusing on human capital development, healthcare infrastructure, and a robust security architecture, the administration has effectively neutralized traditional political opposition through what analysts describe as “performance-based legitimacy.” This approach aligns with broader political science theories regarding subnational governance in Nigeria, where service delivery often serves as a primary tool for consolidating political stability and reducing partisan rancour.
The administration’s strategy is rooted in an inclusive style of leadership that integrates members of the opposition into policy formulation and appoints a significant percentage of youth and women to key positions. By addressing the fundamental needs of the grassroots—specifically through the revitalization of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) and the implementation of the minimum wage—Ododo has shifted the public discourse from political rivalry to administrative efficiency.
Human Capital Development and Education
Governor Ododo has emphasized human capital as the engine of state growth, allocating substantial resources to education and vocational training. A significant milestone includes the expenditure of over ₦10 billion on the Kogi State University, Kabba, to ensure course accreditation and infrastructure completion. This focus on education is supported by academic literature which posits that investment in specialized universities, such as the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), acts as a catalyst for regional economic integration and reduces youth restiveness. Furthermore, the administration has cleared backlogs of promotions for local government staff, restoring morale and professionalizing the civil service.
Healthcare Delivery and the PHC Revolution
The “Ododo Example” in healthcare is characterized by a comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC) revitalization program. The administration approved ₦7 billion for the rehabilitation of 88 PHCs, aiming for a minimum of three functional, solar-powered facilities per Local Government Area (LGA).To combat the “Japa” syndrome (the emigration of health professionals), the Governor approved a ₦300,000 welfare package for health personnel. On October 1, 2025, the administration further institutionalized social welfare by launching the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme for local government staff, moving the state closer to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Tackling Insecurity and Regional Stability
Kogi State’s unique geography, bordering nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, makes it a transit point for criminal elements fleeing military operations in the North-East and North-West.[ Governor Ododo has responded by “re-jigging” the state’s security architecture, which includes the recruitment of over 2,000 local hunters and the expansion of vigilante ranks. This community-based security model is designed to provide intelligence-led interventions that complement federal military efforts. By securing farming communities and linking them to markets through over 200 kilometers of new rural roads, the administration simultaneously addresses food security and physical safety, further silencing critics who previously cited insecurity as a failure of governance.
