'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is actively courting investors to harness the state's abundant solid mineral resources and drive economic growth, according to his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah.
Speaking on a radio interview program on Classic FM 94.3 Abuja on Monday, Hon. Isah highlighted the governor's efforts to position Kogi State as a hub for investment and development. The media engagement was part of activities marking Governor Ododo's upcoming first anniversary in office.
Hon. Isah revealed that Governor Ododo, acting as the state’s Chief Marketing Officer, is collaborating with federal agencies, international organizations, and private sector investors to unlock Kogi’s potential. He noted that the governor has reached out to prominent Kogi indigenes, urging them to invest in the state, and these efforts are already yielding positive results.
A major milestone in these initiatives includes plans for an Industrial Park with Free Trade Zone status, while the Federal Government has approved the construction of the Kogi State International Airport. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with NEXIM Bank to establish processing facilities for agricultural products aimed at boosting exports and local industries.
Governor Ododo’s administration has also made significant strides in agriculture, leading to a reduction in food prices across the state. Hon. Isah explained that the government has facilitated the provision of crop processing facilities and encouraged farming by directly purchasing produce from local farmers.
On security, Hon. Isah emphasized the administration’s substantial investments in ensuring the safety of lives and property in Kogi. The government has procured advanced security gadgets, hundreds of vehicles, and motorcycles for hunters, vigilantes, and conventional security agencies. Collaborative efforts with neighboring states have also helped to tackle criminal hideouts, contributing to a significant decline in crime rates.
The Ododo administration has prioritized education, releasing over ₦600 million to cover WAEC fees for students in public schools. The state government has also restructured its bursary program for indigent students in tertiary institutions and implemented free education from primary to secondary school levels in public schools.
A unique hallmark of Governor Ododo’s administration is the completion of legacy projects inherited from his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, as part of a deliberate policy to prevent project abandonment. Hon. Isah cited the completed 9-kilometer GYB Junction-Zango-Zone 8 roundabout road and the 5.5-kilometer Crusher-Zone 8 roundabout road, both awaiting commissioning.
As Kogi State approaches the first anniversary of Governor Ododo’s tenure, his administration has showcased its commitment to economic growth, security, education, and infrastructure development. These initiatives reflect a deliberate and focused effort to transform Kogi into a model state for investment and progress.
The administration's proactive measures and policies have positioned the state as a beacon of opportunity, earning praise from residents and stakeholders alike. As these projects and reforms take root, Kogi State is poised to become a significant player in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape.
