27/01/2025
Governor Ododo's First Year: A Symbol of Purposeful Achievements - Hon. Onimisi
Celebrating One Year of Exceptional Leadership, Symbolic Achievements
As we mark the first anniversary of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's administration, it's an absolute pleasure to congratulate him, and the wonderful people of Kogi State on this remarkable one year in office. The past twelve months of his leading Kogi State as the Chief Servant have been truly transformative, with significant developmental strides, as all segments and sectors of government are enjoying the dividends of democracy under his leadership.
A Run-Down of A Few Key Achievements
- Healthcare Advancements: he allocated over 7 billion naira for the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centers across the state. Qualified medical personnel to be engaged, and provision of modern equipment to enhance healthcare services.
- Education: Over 8 billion naira was approved for educational infrastructure development at the newly established Kogi State University Kabba. Approval of the 200-bed space hostel accommodation project for Kogi Korean Institute and the training of 250 youths at the institution to enable them acquireskills development. The administration paid over 600 million naira in WAEC fees for final-year students in government-owned secondary schools and provided bursary scholarship support of over N316 million to 8,750 undergraduate students last week.
- Infrastructure Development: Contracts awarded for the construction of township roads in nearly all the 21 Local Government Areas. The Zone 8 – Zango – GYB junction and the road from Zone 8 – House of Assembly – Crusher road were completed with asphalt laying and solar-powered lights.
* Economic Growth: A cargo airstrip is set to be established at Adogo in Ajaokuta Local Government Area. Soft loans were provided to owners of small and medium enterprises, and a new modern market was approved along Okene Highway road.
- Agricultural Development: Tractors, fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides were provided to thousands of farms across the state.
- Security: Hundreds of security vehicles were purchased and distributed to all security agencies. The number of local vigilantes was increased across the 21 Local Government Areas.
- Human Capital Development: Prompt payment of salaries to civil servants was ensured, and percentage salary payments to Local Government workers eradicated. The new minimum wage of 70,500 naira was approved and implemented.
- Democratic Dividends: Free and fair Local Government elections were conducted, ensuring all 21 Local Government Areas are administered by democratic structures.
- Gender Sensitivity: Women were given significant roles in the cabinet, including a woman Secretary to the state government, commissioners, and Local Government Vice-Chairmen and Council Leaders.
These are just but a few among many others not captured. Governor Ododo's leadership has been truly impressive, he has shown himself to be a leader of integrity, and intelligence, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex situations and delivering exceptional results. His commitment to climate change actions, with a focus on the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of Nigeria and the global net zero target of 2050 is commendable.
As we celebrate this milestone, as supporters, loyalists and well-wishers of the government, we acknowledge the governor's tireless efforts to transform Kogi State and enable it to compete favourably with its peer states! Let's continue to support him. He has the good of the people he leads at heart.
Here's to many more years of progress, prosperity, and good governance! We wish Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo continued guidance, protection, and wisdom in piloting the affairs of the state to greater heights.
Signed;
The Special Adviser on Climate Change,
Hon. Michael Ajibade Onimisi.