By Salawu Nneka Patience
The Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Temitope Ajayi, has inspected key infrastructure and development projects across Dekina Local Government Area and Prince Audu Abubakar University, Anyigba.
The inspection began with the 60-kilometre Iyale–Ogane-Enugu road project being constructed by the Kogi State Government. The road, which links several farming communities, is expected to ease the movement of agricultural produce from the hinterlands to urban markets, improve economic activities and enhance the livelihoods of rural dwellers.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Ojomah described the project as a strategic investment in agriculture, noting that the road would significantly reduce the challenges farmers face in transporting their produce to markets.
He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is deliberately investing in rural infrastructure to boost food production, strengthen food security and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of communities across the state.
The Commissioner stated that the Governor’s commitment to agriculture goes beyond supporting farmers with inputs, extending to providing critical infrastructure that enables them to access markets with ease.
He noted that the road project would unlock the agricultural potential of the area by connecting farming settlements to commercial centres, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes. According to him, improved road infrastructure remains a critical component of Governor Ododo’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Hon. Ojomah also commended the remarkable improvement in security within the Ogane-Enugu axis, which was once regarded as a security flashpoint. He noted that the Ododo administration has demonstrated a proactive and rapid response to security challenges, ensuring that incidents of insecurity are promptly addressed.
According to him, security remains one of the cardinal priorities of Governor Ododo’s administration, creating an enabling environment for farming, commerce and investment to thrive across the state.
Speaking during the inspection, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Temitope Ajayi, said the projects reflected the Kogi State Government’s commitment to taking development to the grassroots where the majority of the people live and earn their livelihoods.
He noted that rural communities remain the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, stressing that investments in roads, healthcare, education and other critical infrastructure would unlock the economic potential of rural settlements and improve the standard of living of the people.
Ajayi explained that the Iyale–Ogane-Enugu road would serve as an economic corridor for farmers by reducing transportation costs, minimising post-harvest losses and ensuring that farm produce gets to markets faster and in better condition.
He commended Governor Ododo for prioritising rural development, describing the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education and agriculture as practical interventions that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to him, the increasing capacity of states to fund critical infrastructure and social services is a direct outcome of the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration three years ago.
Ajayi further noted that President Tinubu’s intervention programmes, particularly through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), are making visible impacts in tertiary institutions and communities across the country, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development.
The inspection team later visited Prince Audu Abubakar University, Anyigba, where they assessed several TETFund-sponsored infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing teaching, learning and research.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbonge ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Sanni Rufai Abdullahi, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support for the institution and his commitment to advancing higher education in Kogi State.
He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), noting that the intervention agency has continued to support the university through the provision of modern infrastructure, academic facilities and other critical projects.
Also speaking, the Director of the Physical Planning Unit, Dr. Kayode, gave a comprehensive overview of the ongoing TETFund intervention projects in the university.
He explained that TETFund has continued to play a transformative role in the institution’s development through the construction of modern academic buildings, lecture theatres, laboratories, office complexes and other critical infrastructure that have significantly enhanced teaching, learning and research.
According to him, the projects are being executed in line with approved specifications and are designed to meet the growing academic and infrastructural needs of the university.
Dr. Kayode stated that the interventions have strengthened the university’s capacity to deliver quality education while providing a conducive environment for students, lecturers and researchers to excel.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and TETFund for their sustained support to the institution, adding that the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has also continued to complement the university’s developmental efforts through policies and initiatives that promote excellence in higher education.
He assured the delegation that all intervention projects are being carefully supervised to ensure quality delivery, timely completion and maximum value for the university community.
The inspection also highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in driving inclusive development, improving rural connectivity, strengthening food security and expanding access to quality education.
