LOKOJA, Nigeria – Hon. Honorius Arome, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Farm Inputs, has lauded the Governor’s remarkable achievements since assuming office, urging Kogites to support his administration for continued growth and development.
In a detailed press statement, Hon. Arome highlighted Governor Ododo’s strides across various sectors, which have already set Kogi State on a transformative path. He emphasized the Governor’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development, infrastructural progress, youth empowerment, and social welfare as critical pillars that will propel Kogi into an era of unprecedented prosperity.
Agriculture: Revolutionizing the Sector
Under Governor Ododo’s administration, agriculture has become a major focus, with several initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring food security. The ongoing Green Revolution Program, a wet-season cropping intervention, has seen over 8,000 hectares of farmland cultivated across the state. This bold initiative will not only increase food production but also create jobs and stimulate the rural economy. The distribution of farm inputs, including industrial and hand-held tractors, fertilizers, and other essentials to farmers in all 21 LGAs, has further strengthened agricultural output.
“Governor Ododo is passionate about agriculture, and through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, we have cultivated thousands of hectares and are implementing sustainable practices like the ‘One Man, One Tree’ campaign,” said Hon. Arome. “These efforts will not only boost our economy but also ensure environmental sustainability.”
Infrastructural Development: Connecting the State
Kogi State has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure under Governor Ododo. Key road projects, such as the Zone 8-Barracks-Zango-Zariagi road and the dualization of the Zone 8-Zango-GYB Junction Road, are ongoing, aimed at easing transportation and fostering economic activities. The administration has also initiated comprehensive gully erosion control projects across Senatorial Districts, ensuring that the environment is protected from degradation.
Youth Empowerment: The Future of Kogi State
Youth empowerment remains a core focus of the Ododo administration. Hon. Arome praised the launch of the Ododo Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (OYESA), set to provide cutting-edge training to over 250 youths across all 21 Local Government Areas. These trainings will equip participants with skills in CNG conversion, welding and fabrication, and solar system installation, preparing them for future opportunities in a transitioning Nigerian economy.
In addition, the Governor’s decision to appoint over 2,000 Ward and Local Government Area (LGA) Special Advisers demonstrates his dedication to grassroots governance and inclusive development. This initiative not only brings leadership closer to the people but also reduces the cost of governance by ensuring that the salaries of three WSAs equate to that of one Senior Special Assistant.
Healthcare & Education: Building a Brighter Future
Governor Ododo’s administration has rolled out a 10-year strategic healthcare plan aimed at providing affordable and quality healthcare to all citizens. Furthermore, the expansion of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme now includes free enrollment for vulnerable groups. The Governor has also revitalized the Kogi State Scholarship Board, enrolling over 45,000 students into its database and beginning the disbursement of bursaries and scholarships.
Notably, Kogi State’s premier science and technology institution, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, has secured accreditation for its Medicine and Surgery programme, furthering the state’s commitment to educational excellence.
Prompt Payment of Salaries: A Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
One of Governor Ododo’s standout achievements is the 100% prompt payment of salaries to civil servants, covering state employees, local government workers, and teachers. By consistently prioritizing workers’ welfare, the administration has boosted morale and contributed to economic stability across the state. The 100% pension payments and N100 million monthly allocation toward clearing unpaid gratuities reflect the administration’s commitment to retirees’ well-being.
Hon. Arome noted, “The Governor’s prompt salary payment initiative has not only boosted the productivity of workers but has also helped to stimulate local economies by ensuring consistent consumer spending.”
Environmental Sustainability: Preparing for Climate Challenges
The Governor’s proactive approach to the 2024 flood season was lauded by Hon. Arome, who highlighted the administration’s flood mitigation roadmap and the coordinated efforts with national and state emergency management agencies. The Governor’s distribution of four motorized fiberglass boats donated by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) is seen as a vital component in safeguarding vulnerable communities from the potential dangers posed by rising floodwaters.
Transparency and Accountability: Setting New Standards
Governor Ododo’s administration is also committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that Kogi State becomes a beacon of good governance. The administration has instituted an open-door policy, allowing for constant feedback from citizens and stakeholders, while also focusing on reducing the cost of governance through efficient resource management.
Support for APC Candidates
As the Local Government elections approach on October 19, Hon. Arome urged Kogites to come out en masse to support APC candidates. “Governor Ododo has laid a strong foundation for the future of our state, and to continue this trajectory, we must ensure that the right candidates are elected at the grassroots level,” he emphasized. “Together, we can build a prosperous Kogi State for all.”
In closing, Hon. Arome reiterated his call for unity and support for Governor Ododo’s administration, urging every citizen to work together for the continued progress of the state.
“Governor Ododo has shown time and again that he is a leader who delivers. His achievements, even in these early months, prove his commitment to the people of Kogi State. Now more than ever, Kogites must rally behind him to ensure our state’s development reaches new heights,” Hon. Arome concluded.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless Nigeria.
