Council Hails Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Benin Highway; Approves Farmer Support, SAPZ Push, Airport, Hospital Hostel, KSBC Upgrade, End Care Programme
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
September 7, 2026
The Kogi State Executive Council has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s developmental interventions across the country, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of the strategic Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Benin Highway.
The commendation was contained in decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, in Lokoja on Monday.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the pace and quality of work on the highway, describing the project as a transformational infrastructure intervention with far-reaching implications for Kogi State and the national economy.
According to him, the completion of the corridor will significantly improve connectivity between the North Central and South-South regions, facilitate the movement of people and goods, boost trade and investment, improve access to markets and unlock fresh economic opportunities for communities along the route.
Beyond the highway intervention, the Council approved a broad range of projects, contracts and policy measures covering infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, public communication and institutional development.
FARMERS GET FRESH SUPPORT
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojoma, disclosed that the Council approved and ratified government support for farmers through the procurement of fertilisers, agricultural chemicals and other essential farm inputs.
«“The Council graciously approved and ratified support to farmers, including the procurement of fertilisers, assorted chemicals and other agricultural inputs for farmers,” Ojoma said.»
He explained that the intervention would support food production during both wet and dry seasons, stressing that agriculture remains a major pillar of the Ododo Administration’s economic development strategy.
The Commissioner also announced significant progress towards the take-off of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Kogi State, supported by the African Development Bank.
He said necessary studies, qualification processes and approvals had been concluded, while land preparation and site allocation had also progressed.
Ojoma described SAPZ as a major opportunity to transform Kogi’s agricultural economy by strengthening value chains, attracting investment, creating reliable markets for farmers and reducing post-harvest losses.
He further disclosed that strategic road projects in parts of Ibaji, Bassa and Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas had received attention, noting that improved rural access roads would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to processing centres and markets.
The Commissioner added that the state was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Bank of Agriculture on initiatives aimed at expanding food production, including plans for poultry and egg production centres across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.
AIRPORT PROJECT GATHERS MOMENTUM
Also briefing journalists, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Taiye Abanika, disclosed that construction work had commenced on the Kogi International Airport, with site clearing, mobilisation of equipment and perimeter fencing already underway.
«“The necessary certificates have been obtained and construction has commenced in earnest. Site clearing has been carried out and other facilities and equipment have been mobilised to the project site,” Abanika said.»
He said the airport would strengthen transportation connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods and create additional opportunities for investment and economic expansion.
CUSTECH TEACHING HOSPITAL GETS NEW HOSTEL
The Council also approved the construction of Phase Two of students’ hostel accommodation at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital in Okene, including furniture for students’ accommodation and doctors’ quarters.
Abanika said the intervention was designed to accommodate students advancing into clinical training while strengthening the infrastructure required to support medical education and healthcare delivery.
OVER 5,000 INDIGENT RESIDENTS TO BENEFIT
In another major social intervention, the Council approved implementation of the End Care Programme, which is expected to provide support and welfare benefits to more than 5,000 indigent residents across the state.
«“The End Care Programme has been deliberated upon and approved by the Council. It will benefit over 5,000 indigent people in the state, and implementation will commence soon,” Abanika stated.»
KSBC TO GET SOLAR POWER, QUARTERLY GOVERNMENT BRIEFINGS
In the information sector, the Council approved the renovation of the headquarters of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC) in Lokoja, as well as the installation of solar power systems at the Corporation’s radio stations in Ocheja and Okene.
The Council also approved the introduction of a Quarterly Media Briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communications.
The initiative is expected to provide regular updates on government policies, programmes, projects and achievements while strengthening public engagement and access to official information.
COUNCIL MOVES TO REFORM LOTTERY, SIGNAGE, FOOD ADMINISTRATION
The State Executive Council also moved to reposition key regulatory areas through new legislative measures covering lottery administration, signage regulation and food administration.
The move is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve institutional efficiency and provide a more structured framework for the administration of these sectors.
At the meeting, the Council reaffirmed the Ododo Administration’s commitment to implementing projects and policies that directly impact the lives of citizens, stimulate economic activity, strengthen infrastructure, promote food security and expand opportunities for sustainable development.
The wide-ranging approvals further underscore the administration’s focus on combining infrastructure development with agricultural transformation, human capital development, social intervention and institutional reforms as part of its broader development agenda for Kogi State.
