His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is an accomplished accountant, public administrator and development-focused leader whose career reflects a strong commitment to public service, prudent resource management and the advancement of economic opportunities for the people.

Born on 1st January, 1978 in Upogoro Community, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, Governor Ododo began his education at the Local Government Primary/Roman Catholic Mission School, Upogoro, before proceeding to the Local Government Secondary School, Upogoro.

His pursuit of professional excellence led him to the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, where he obtained both his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Accounting. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, with a focus on Forensics, from Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Accounting from Salem University, Lokoja.

A distinguished professional in finance and public administration, Governor Ododo is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria, a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Before becoming Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo served as Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, where his professional expertise in accounting, auditing and public financial management contributed to the oversight and accountability of local government resources.

He is married to Her Excellency, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, and their union is blessed with children. Together, they have remained committed to values of family, service and the wellbeing of the people they represent.

Since assuming office as Executive Governor of Kogi State in January 2024, Governor Ododo has pursued a development agenda anchored on infrastructure, human capital development, security, agriculture and food security, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and economic expansion.

Under his leadership, infrastructure has remained a critical pillar of Kogi State’s development strategy. Through investments in roads, public facilities, educational infrastructure, healthcare infrastructure and other strategic projects, his administration has continued to strengthen connectivity, improve access to economic opportunities and create an enabling environment for trade, investment and enterprise.

Governor Ododo’s vision is particularly significant in the context of Kogi State’s unique geographical advantage. Located at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, Kogi occupies a strategic position at the heart of Nigeria, connecting major regions of the country and offering enormous possibilities in inland water transportation, logistics, agriculture, tourism, commerce and the broader blue economy.

His administration’s development philosophy recognises that infrastructure must serve as a bridge between people, markets and opportunities. By placing connectivity, transportation, agriculture, commerce and economic inclusion within the broader development agenda of the State, Governor Ododo is helping to position Kogi to harness its geographical and economic assets for sustainable growth.

The significance of this vision extends beyond the boundaries of Kogi State. The State’s strategic location and waterways provide an important platform for expanding conversations around inland waterways, logistics, trade corridors, regional connectivity and cross-border economic cooperation.

His combination of professional competence, public-sector experience and development-oriented leadership represents an approach to governance in which sound financial management is connected to infrastructure delivery, economic opportunity and inclusive prosperity.

SOURCE: KOGI STATE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS