Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s One Year in Office: A Legacy of Progress and Development

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has made remarkable strides in governance, infrastructure development, security, agriculture, health, education, and workers’ welfare during his first year in office. His administration has focused on continuity, progress, and innovation, ensuring that Kogi State continues on a path of sustainable growth and prosperity.

Infrastructure Development: Transforming Kogi’s Landscape

Governor Ododo has prioritized the completion of strategic projects initiated by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, reinforcing the state’s commitment to infrastructural growth. Notable projects include:

• Nine-Kilometer Zone 8-Barrack-Zango Road

• 5.5-Kilometer Zone 8-Crusher Road

Both roads are equipped with modern street lighting, enhancing visibility and aesthetics at night. This commitment breaks from past administrations that abandoned projects, ensuring that Kogi’s infrastructure keeps pace with its development ambitions.

Security: Strengthening Peace and Stability

Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, security in Kogi State has significantly improved. His administration has:

• Provided consistent support to security agencies

• Approved the recruitment of 50 hunters per Local Government Area to combat crime

• Successfully rescued 20 abducted students from Confluence University of Science and Technology

• Established a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Bagana, restoring peace and boosting commercial activities after years of crisis

These efforts have solidified Kogi’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest states.

Agriculture: Boosting Food Security and Economic GrowthGovernor Ododo’s revolutionary agricultural initiatives have positioned Kogi as a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security. His administration:

• Invested over ₦7 billion in farm inputs for wet season farming

• Deployed over 100 tractors across 7,000 hectares of farmland

• Boosted food production and economic diversification

This initiative has strengthened Kogi’s agricultural potential, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary resources to thrive.

Healthcare: Expanding Access to Quality Medical Services

Governor Ododo has transformed the healthcare sector, ensuring quality medical services are accessible across the state. Key achievements include:

• Completion and upgrading of over 100 primary healthcare centers within one year

•Provision of essential medical supplies to enhance healthcare delivery

These improvements have contributed to a healthier Kogi populace, ensuring that citizens receive timely and quality healthcare services.

Education: Prioritizing the Future of Kogi’s Youth

Education remains a cornerstone of Governor Ododo’s administration, with bold policies to improve access and affordability. His administration has:

• Approved ₦600 million for WAEC fees for over 18,000 senior secondary school students

• Allocated ₦522 million for other critical examinations, including Common Entrance and JAMB fees

• Declared free primary and secondary education across the state

These initiatives ease financial burdens on parents and ensure that every child in Kogi has access to quality education.

Workers’ Welfare: A Commitment to Economic Prosperity

Governor Ododo’s administration has prioritized workers’ welfare, approving:

• ₦72,500 minimum wage, higher than the federal benchmark of ₦70,000

• ₦10,000 harmonization allowance for pensioners, marking a historic improvement after two decades

This move underscores Governor Ododo’s commitment to fair wages and economic well-being.

Trade and Investment: Driving Economic Growth

To stimulate commerce and attract investment, the Ododo administration has:

• Approved plans for a multi-billion naira international market along Zone 8-Crusher Road

• Set a two-year completion target, ensuring economic opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs

Community Engagement: Strengthening Unity through “The Kogi Dialogue”

Governor Ododo marked his first anniversary with “The Kogi Dialogue”, a town hall meeting uniting diverse political and community stakeholders. The dialogue emphasized inclusivity, shared progress, and strategic development plans for Kogi State.

Conclusion

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s first year in office has been defined by remarkable achievements in infrastructure, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, trade, and governance. His commitment to development and inclusion has set a strong foundation for a greater Kogi State.