Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s efforts to bring governance closer to the people of Kogi State have been highlighted as a model of inclusivity.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismaila Isah, made this known while speaking as a guest on Nigeria Info FM in Abuja on Wednesday. He noted that Governor Ododo’s humane and people-centered approach to leadership has earned him admiration across the state.
Isah explained that Governor Ododo has prioritized an inclusive style of governance, where women hold important roles and young people occupy more than 80 percent of appointive positions. According to him, this has contributed to the peaceful political atmosphere currently enjoyed in Kogi State.
“Governor Ododo consulted widely even before his inauguration. He engaged with past governors, political leaders across different parties, community leaders, and business stakeholders nationwide to build a government that would serve everyone,” Isah said.
He added that the Governor has continued this tradition after taking office by involving opposition members in policy discussions, helping to sustain a rancour-free environment.
Speaking on the Governor’s achievements within the last 14 months, Isah stated that the administration remains committed to its campaign promises centered on four key areas: human capital development (health and education), investment in agriculture and food security, security of lives and property, and infrastructure development.
He pointed out that despite the security challenges posed by Kogi’s proximity to nine neighboring states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the administration has made significant progress in improving safety through partnerships with surrounding states and enhanced local efforts.
On infrastructure, Isah noted that the government has completed key projects inherited from the previous administration, including the 9-kilometer Zone 8 through Barracks, Zango to GYB Junction road, and the 5.5-kilometer Zone 8 to Crusher road in Lokoja. These projects were commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the Governor’s first anniversary in office.
He further stated that over 200 kilometers of rural roads are being constructed to connect farming communities to markets, with support from development partners like the World Bank. Township road projects are also ongoing across all 21 local government areas, with some already completed and awaiting commissioning.
Isah highlighted Governor Ododo’s commitment to strengthening education infrastructure, noting that significant investments have been made in the newly established Kogi State University, Kabba, where over N10 billion has been spent to ensure accreditation of courses and continued development.
In the area of security, he emphasized the recruitment of over 2,000 local hunters and the expansion of vigilante groups, alongside the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, night vision equipment, and other logistics to enhance community-based security efforts.
On healthcare, Isah said the government is revitalizing over 200 primary healthcare centers across the state, with about half of them near completion and ready for commissioning.
He concluded that Governor Ododo’s inclusive governance style continues to strengthen unity, trust, and development across Kogi State.
