LONDON, United Kingdom, July 30, 2026 — Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on Kogites and Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to become ambassadors of Nigeria by supporting the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and channeling their investments, expertise and global networks towards the development of Kogi State and the nation.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting with Kogites and Nigerians in London on Thursday, Governor Ododo said the country’s future depends on the collective efforts of citizens at home and in the diaspora, urging them to actively participate in nation-building by taking advantage of emerging investment opportunities in Kogi State.
The Governor described the engagement as more than a reunion with citizens abroad, saying it was designed to strengthen collaboration between the diaspora and the state government in pursuit of sustainable economic growth and development.
“You may have crossed oceans in search of opportunity, but you have not crossed beyond your identity. Wherever you excel, our homeland is honoured. Wherever you break new ground, our flag flies a little higher,” he said.
He challenged Kogites abroad to contribute not only financial investments but also innovative ideas, technical expertise and international networks, stressing that nations are transformed by the knowledge, vision and values their citizens bring home.
Governor Ododo attributed the state’s steady progress to the unity deliberately fostered over the past decade, noting that Kogi people have risen above ethnic and religious differences to embrace a common vision of development.
“There was a time when our differences were exploited against us. Today, we understand that poverty has no tribe, hunger has no religion and underdevelopment respects no ethnicity. Our unity has become the engine of our progress,” he stated.
The Governor paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing what he described as courageous but necessary economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market and fiscal policy reforms, which he said have strengthened the financial capacity of states to invest in critical sectors.
He also highlighted several Federal Government projects in Kogi State, including the approval of the Kogi International Airport, the Kogi Free Trade Zone, the Agricultural Processing Zone, renewed efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reconstruction of key federal roads.
According to him, sustained investments in security, agriculture, solid minerals, tax reforms and policies aimed at improving the ease of doing business are restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity.
Governor Ododo maintained that Kogi State has effectively leveraged the opportunities created by the Federal Government through investments in road infrastructure, free education from primary to secondary school, payment of public examination fees, improved healthcare delivery, expanded health insurance coverage, agricultural mechanisation and targeted empowerment programmes for women and youths.
He said security remains the cornerstone of development, explaining that collaboration between the state government, the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies has created a safer environment for farming, commerce and investment.
The Governor also used the forum to promote the Kogi Rebrand Initiative, urging Kogites across the world to project a positive image of the state and Nigeria.
“No nation rises above the story it tells about itself. Let us become ambassadors of hope, confidence and possibility because every positive story we tell about Kogi State and Nigeria opens another door to investment and opportunity,” he said.
Also speaking, the member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Salman Idris, commended Governor Ododo’s collaboration with the Federal Government towards the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing the initiative as a game changer for the economic future of Kogi State and Nigeria.
He praised the Governor’s development agenda, saying it was already yielding tangible results across the state, and urged Kogites in the diaspora to support the administration through investments, professional expertise and global partnerships.
Participants at the meeting applauded Governor Ododo for what they described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development. They noted that it was the first time in many years that a sitting governor had visited the United Kingdom to directly engage Kogites in the diaspora and provide a comprehensive account of developments in the state.
The participants pledged to deploy their professional expertise, technical knowledge and international experience to support Kogi State’s development while encouraging investors to explore the state’s vast economic opportunities.
They also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing it as a bold initiative capable of repositioning Nigeria’s economy, strengthening investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by Kogites in the diaspora to deepen collaboration with the Kogi State Government in advancing the state’s development aspirations.
