By Salawu Nneka Patience
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Sunday paid a working visit to Ibaji Local Government Area, where he met with stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and residents as part of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ododo said the visit was in fulfilment of his promise to remain connected to the people by personally assessing their needs and gaining firsthand knowledge of the developmental challenges facing the area. He noted that effective governance requires continuous engagement with the people and assured the residents that their concerns would continue to guide the policies and programmes of his administration.
The Governor announced that the design for the proposed Ibaji Road Project has been completed and available to the stakeholders and members of the public for review and constructive input before the commencement of construction. He explained that the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to participatory governance and ensuring that projects are tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of the communities they are intended to serve.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that the road project remains one of the priority infrastructure projects of his administration and assured the people that it would be executed in line with approved engineering standards. He stated that upon completion, the road would improve connectivity among communities, facilitate the movement of people and goods, open up the rich agricultural potential of Ibaji, stimulate commercial activities and enhance the overall socio-economic development of the area.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening agriculture as a major pillar of economic growth and food security in Kogi State. As part of activities during the visit, he officially flagged off the 2026 Wet Season Farming Programme with the distribution of improved seedlings, fertilizers and other essential farm inputs to farmers across the local government area. He encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the inputs effectively to increase productivity, improve household incomes and contribute to the state’s food sufficiency agenda.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security welcomed the Governor to Ibaji and expressed appreciation for his unwavering commitment to the agricultural transformation of Kogi State. He described the Governor’s visit as a clear demonstration of an administration that places farmers and rural communities at the centre of its development agenda.
The Commissioner noted that the distribution of farm inputs would significantly reduce the financial burden on farmers, improve crop yields and encourage increased participation in agricultural production. He assured farmers that the Ministry would continue to provide extension services, technical guidance and other necessary support to ensure the effective utilization of the distributed inputs and the success of the wet season farming programme.
In her remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Comfort Egwuaba, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Ododo for his continued commitment to the development of Ibaji Local Government Area. She described the Governor’s visit as timely and significant, noting that it reflects his determination to maintain close contact with the people and respond to their developmental needs.
Hon. Egwuaba commended the Governor for prioritizing the construction of the Ibaji Road, describing the project as a strategic intervention that would transform the economic fortunes of the area. She observed that the road would improve access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities while creating opportunities for investment and sustainable development. She also appreciated the Governor for the agricultural intervention, noting that it would strengthen food production and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the local government.
The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi State House of Assembly to supporting policies and programmes that promote equitable development and improve the welfare of citizens across the state.
Also speaking, the incoming member representing the Ibaji federal constituency in the House of Representatives Hon. Victor Omale Uchola commended Governor Ododo for his responsive and people-centred leadership.
He pledged continued collaboration with the state government to facilitate more developmental projects and programmes that would positively impact the lives of the people of Ibaji and the entire federal constituency.
Goodwill messages were delivered by traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders from across Ibaji Local Government Area. They commended Governor Ododo for sustaining the principles of inclusive governance through regular engagement with the people and applauded his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and agricultural empowerment.
The stakeholders described the proposed Ibaji Road Project as a long-awaited intervention that would unlock the vast economic and agricultural potential of the area. They also welcomed the distribution of farm inputs as a timely initiative that would enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of farming communities. They pledged their continued support and cooperation with the Governor in advancing sustainable development across Ibaji Local Government Area.
