Kogiflame
The unifier, bridge builder, and chief servant of Kogi State was on January 27, 2024 sworn in along with his Deputy, Joel Salifu Oyibo.
Kogi citizens across the nation and dignitaries both federal and international converged at the Muhammad Buhari Square to celebrate the swearing-in of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as the 6th democratically elected Governor of Kogi state.
The inauguration was well attended by notable personalities led by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shetima who represented the president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Just after his swearing-in, Governor Ododo in his acceptance speech promised to consolidate on the numerous achievements of his predecessor, Former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
He said and I quote. “It is always more tedious to prepare the land. It is energy-sapping to cultivate the land. GYB has prepared the land, cultivated the land, and planted seeds. It is our responsibility to water the seeds into fruition and plant new ones for a bumper harvest. Kogi can only get better. We have trained our mentality and will up our determination to make Kogi State greater.
“We must all be prepared to begin from where the immediate past administration stopped.
“A lot needs to be done to keep our communities safe and secure, help our young people find jobs, keep families in business, keep pupils in school and our teachers looking forward to the next school day, connect our farmers to markets even as we sustain food sufficiency in all parts of the state, get corporate organizations into partnerships that work for our communities and help our pensioners to live dignified and fulfilled lives.
“Our administration will be aggressive, deliberate, and strategic in making our business environment attractive. Kogi has all it takes to fulfill Nigeria’s dream of becoming the industrial hub of the global south.
We are one of the most endowed states in Nigeria with abundant mineral resources and many gifts of nature.
Kogi is where two of Africa’s biggest rivers, Niger and Benue, form a Confluence.
The huge water bodies can serve in the areas of transportation, agriculture, and tourism. We have all it takes with the many rivers and dams in the state to produce food all year round with all seasons of farming.
We must produce what we eat, eat what we produce, and produce what others eat. Aside from the very valuable mineral resources our state is blessed with, we have no excuse not to be the food basket of Africa with the robust agricultural platforms already put in place by my leader and predecessor, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON.
“I therefore call on the global investment community to see Kogi as the destination of choice. Our environment is safe for investment and our policies are friendly. We will protect the investors and the interests of our people. Kogi is the place to be. For the past few years, we have been working on how to launch our Confluence and our State on the world tourism map. In the next couple of months, we are hopeful that the world will make Kogi their tourism destination of choice. As your Governor, I will be at the forefront of our investment drive and we shall put in place, a Diaspora Investment Platform to make every Kogite around the world our investment Ambassador. It is economically imperative to build an economy that is basically driven by the private sector.”
That was part of his inaugural speech, so far, appraising his performances going by his statements, you would agree with me that he has backed his words with actions and are evidence to all.
Governor Ahmed Ododo’s approach can only be defined as a panacea for progress in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo is determined to empower kogi youths irrespective of faith, ethnicity, and political affiliation.
He has appointed youths to man sensitive quarters to inject new ideas to create wealth into the system and for efficient service delivery to the development of Kogi.
Interestingly, Kogi is up-to-date in the payment of salaries and also payment of pension, gratuities, and death benefits arrears to date.
He is the first to commence a minimum wage payment of N72,000 naira to state workers.
He has also commended an upward review of monthly pension which pensioners are enjoying till today
He has implemented hazard allowances for medical doctors, nurses, and health workers, coupled with his interventions for the accreditation of courses mainly in state-owned tertiary institutions. No wonder, he has been ajudged by the Nigeria Labour Congress as civil servant-friendly governor.
His harmonious working relationship with leaders of joint unions was cultivated in the interest of peace and the development of kogi.
Knowing that the state is noted for agricultural production, he has prepared well for the farmers generally. He has secured hectares of land for cluster farmers and provided fertilizer.
Paid counterpart fund and compensation to rehabilitate all gully erosion sites across kogi state.
On security, many communities are being invaded by armed bandits, and it is difficult for farmers to access their farms, due to the strategic location of Kogi State, governor Ododo engaged hunters, and vigilantes to fight insecurity along with formal security task forces in the state.
He provided vehicles and gadgets for all security agents, local hunters, and vigilantes. And today, farmers have returned to farming, resulting in more food harvest and security.
During the kidnapped of students from state owned university, CUSTECH, Osara, the Governor hardly slept to ensure the release of them except 2 who unfortunately died before their rescue. May their souls RIP. Amen.
*KEY ACHIEVEMENTS*
*Payment of Salaries and Benefits*.
Governor Ododo resumed with determination to balance the salary payment challenge, especially in the local government, he immediately swung into action by engaging all his commissioners and Accountant General to fix all abnormalities that have caused percentage payment in local government areas, first, he jacked it up to 90% and subsequently 100% which was adjudged the best ever happens in the history of kogi local civil service.
The state workers have continued to enjoy timely payment of 100% salaries across all MDAs, Agencies, and parastatals.
This determination can only be from a leader who cares for his people.
The testimonies of Ododo’s administration’s timely payment of salary are spread everywhere you go in kogi state
“We are grateful to Governor Ododo. He pays salaries regularly. He even paid before any festivities in the country, we were able to shop well for Christmas and New Year because he paid us on Dec. 14, 2024 He is just a kind leader who notices how the poor and the civil servants struggle daily for survivor” said by some civil servants in the state.
As his popular saying, he is a people servant and will deliver optimally. He also extended the welfare package to all pensionable retirees in the state.
Ensuring timely payment of gratuities, and pensions, morale, and productivity among civil servants.
*INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE*
Governor Ododo within one year in office has reconstructed adjacent roads that connect to the main township of the state capital, Lokoja
first, he made sure that the construction of zango road to welcome to lokoja, a popular GYB junction began and was completed, also the construction of Zone 8 to Crusher, and installed street lights to illuminate the roads at night, which has helped to reduce road theft and harassment by hoodlums on some points along the street or roads.
This decision has also been judged to enhance connectivity, commerce, and quality of life of individuals. Opens up areas for more business owners to enjoy patronage and sponsors.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo under his watch, approved the upgrade of the Adogo airstrip to an international cargo airport after nearly 20 years of being abandoned. His concept of building a state where investors would strive for improvement and job creation never stopped as he took another bold step to approach the federal government on the rehabilitation of federal roads. This action was followed with evidence of the construction of another overhead bridge at the popular Kabba Obajana junction along with Ganaja Road with contractors still working.
Governor Ododo has not limited his development to only Lokoja but to all senatorial districts
Again, Governor Ododo opened up more environments for development by commissioning another ultra-modern market along Crusher Express Road. This market when completed will serve as the international market that will generate income for thousands of households.
*HEALTHCARE*
Fulfilling the promise made to continue to consolidate on the ex-Governor Yahaya Bello’s achievements has enrolled thousands of kogites into the state health scheme to provide adequate quality medical care to all at an affordable rate. Revitalizing healthcare services, upgrading healthcare facilities, and implementing each household entitlement to quality health care.
*EDUCATIONAL REFORM*
Kogi Governor Ododo to engage more on information technology to drive the economy, and remove the information and technology from the ministry of education. Makes it a ministry that has open policies to build a tech hub in kogi through relevant stakeholders.
Commenced the parameter fencing of all tertiary institutions and the building of more structures in all schools.
The Governor resumes by paying for all government primary and secondary schools examination that covers Common Entrance in primary schools and WAEC and NECO in secondary schools.
The educational reforms have significantly impacted human development in the state and created more jobs for qualified unemployed youths.
*AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT*
Governor Ododo is a leader who leads by example, he had before he emerged as the governor, supported agricultural businesses and as a farmers’ governor, he has supported farmers in the state through various federal and state programmes, of recent ones is the AcReSAL project that provides millions of naira to farmers in the state
He provided tractors and supported farmers with subsidized fertilizers, equipment, and training to foster food security and economic growth.
He successfully partnered with ACReSal and HYPADDEC to turn the agricultural sector over for the benefit of the people.
*YOUTH EMPOWERMENT*
As a youthful governor, he is investing in youth and sports programs to harness local talent, promote innovation, and drive progress. A better example is the recently launched Ihima marathon race, Inter state soccer competition, and lots more.
*TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY*
Governor Ododo a professional accountant and Forensic Auditor knows every loophole to be blocked and has Fostered a culture of transparency, accountability, and open communication to build trust and ensure effective governance.
*COMMUNICATION*
Under his watch, a state without a tv station to complement the state radio station has successfully launched an online tv (Lugard ) that is making waves across social networks. Soon the main terrestrial tv state-owned station will be launched due to his readiness to make information close the the grassroots.
This has made the dissemination of happening within and across the government circle to get to the people, promoting the state government activities at all times.
*ECONOMIC GROWTH*
Governor Ododo’s Administration witnessed a notable increase in internally generated revenue as it moved from the former N6. 5bn figure to N23. 5bn per annum according to the Executive Chairman of Kogi Inland Revenue Service, Salihu Sule Enehe.
This growth can be attributed to the revamping of agriculture, solid mineral ministries, education, health, and the impressive performance of all service sectors.
*SHELTER*
The State Governor through the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has announced a plan to provide affordable housing units to vulnerable kogites across the state under its proposed State Social Housing Scheme. The government has used the channel to invite Real Estate Managers and investors to grab the opportunity.
When the housing is ready it will reduce the cost of rent in the state.
*SOCIAL IMPACT*
Governor Ododo’s policies have had a mixed impact on the social landscape. While his economic growth strategies have shown promise, the rising inflation rate and unemployment have also posed significant challenges ahead, for example, the Inflation Control.
The rising inflation rate, which reached 33.69% in April 2024, poses a significant challenge to the administration and caused the government to provide millions of naira to provide palliative to reduce the hardship.
*UNEMPLOYMENT*
The unemployment rate reduced to 3% highlighting the need for sustained job creation initiatives.
*POVERTY ALLEVIATION*
With 4 in 10 Nigerians living below the poverty line, Governor Ododo’s administration has prioritized poverty alleviation strategies to reduce it through various empowerment programmes from the office of the federal and state first ladies together with President Bola Tinubu and state-owned initiatives to reduce poverty in the state.
His first year in office was crucial in setting the tone for continued progress but tackled it by paying full salaries for state workers including using some key features to contribute to successes recorded by former Governor Yahaya Bello.
It is obvious that the people of kogi State did not make a mistake voting Governor Ahmed Ododo as their governor during the November 11, 2023, Governorship election.
Since he was sworn in last January 27, 2024, he has left no one in doubt as to his mission in the state. He has continued to baffle those who did not believe in his abilities to take charge as the Governor
But drawing from the promises he made during his campaigns, he has matched them with action, particularly when he repeatedly underscored that the payment of salary was never an achievement; but an obligation while re-echoing the Biblical injunction that a labourer is worthy of his wages
The civil servants have never had it so good since he came on board
During the election campaigns, he stood on the fact that he would not sack any worker who was duly employed in line with the civil service rule, rather he would create room for more employment, particularly of young graduates.
Kogi now enjoy significant advancements in infrastructure development, healthcare provision, educational reform, agricultural enhancement, and the fight against insecurity among others during his administration’s first year in office.
These achievements underscore the administration’s commitment to fostering holistic growth and development in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo has times without number that under his leadership, the state would witness notable improvements in infrastructure, with a focus on enhancing roads, bridges, and public facilities to facilitate smoother transportation and connectivity for residents and boost economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life for citizens.
Congratulations to our amiable and chief servant of the state, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. as he clocks one year in office.
May God bless you with more wisdom to complete the remaining years of your first tenure with more achievements that have a direct impact on the people you govern.
Compiled and written by Hon. Barikisu Avoyi Nwogu. the Senior Special Assistant on Print Media To Gov. Ahmed Ododo,
