Presidential Media Tour Day 3: Tope Ajayi Praises Governor Ododo, Says Federal, State Governments Enjoy Strong Synergy

_By Segun Adegboyega_

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for prioritising rural development, saying the strong synergy between the Federal and State Governments is delivering meaningful infrastructure and development to Nigerians, regardless of their location.

Ajayi gave the commendation on Tuesday during the Presidential Media Tour while inspecting the ongoing Iyale–Ogane-Enugu Road construction project in Kogi State.

According to him, “We arrived in Kogi State on Saturday. We started this tour across the state on Sunday, and this is the third day. One thing we have established and can all attest to is the emphasis the state government has placed on rural development. Governor Ododo is bringing development to the people where they live, especially in agricultural communities where farmers need good roads to transport their produce to the markets.

“So, we commend the Governor for the work he is doing across the state, particularly in rural development, healthcare and agriculture.”

He noted that opening up rural roads would significantly ease the movement of agricultural produce from farming communities to markets, thereby boosting economic activities and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Ajayi further stated that sub-national governments across the country are now better positioned to fund critical infrastructure, including roads, schools and hospitals, following the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which have increased revenue allocations to states.

The Presidential aide also inspected completed and ongoing TETFund projects at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.

Speaking during the inspection of the Iyale–Ogane-Enugu Road project, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, described the road as critical to agricultural development, noting that it would enable farmers to transport their produce from remote communities to markets with ease.

He said Governor Ododo remains committed to taking development to every part of the state, describing the Governor’s approach to governance and security as exemplary. Ojomah also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing reforms that have increased resources available to states for developmental projects.

At Prince Abubakar Audu University, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Sanni Rufai, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and TETFund for providing infrastructure and facilities that have enhanced teaching, learning and research, while creating a more conducive and secure academic environment.

Also speaking, a resident of Otutulu, Mr. Amodu Joseph Silva, described the construction of the Iyale–Ogane-Enugu Road as a dream come true, noting that the road had been neglected for decades, even during the tenure of a governor from the area.

He commended Governor Ododo for extending development to the community despite its remote location. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling fiscal environment that has made such transformative projects possible. He pledged the community’s continued support and cooperation with the government.