Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has been commended as a leader who assumed office with a solid grasp of governance and administration.
Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, highlighted this during an appearance on KAFTANTV’s live program, The Polity, on Tuesday.
Isah described Governor Ododo as the most prepared leader the state has had, owing to his extensive experience gained while serving under the previous administration.
“Governor Ododo has successfully eased post-election tensions by fulfilling his promise to unify the state,” Isah remarked.
Addressing claims that the governor operates in the shadow of his predecessor, Isah countered, stating, “While the administration embraces continuity, Governor Ododo has demonstrated he is his own man.”
He emphasized that many of the governor’s policies are innovative, diverging from past approaches. Citing agriculture and food security, Isah said, “Much is being done differently.”
The administration’s focus on tourism and the extractive sectors also reflects a fresh approach. “Our tourism potentials are largely untapped. The Ododo-led government has created a system to ensure all sectors are developed in an integrated manner,” he noted.
The recent success of the Kogi International Carnival and active engagement with investors signify the government’s commitment to boosting tourism. Isah expressed optimism about modernizing cultural festivals across communities in the state.
Speaking on the abundant mineral deposits in the state, Isah said the state government has stepped up engagement with federal government and investors.
He said the approach is, however, different under the current administration as Governor Ododo wants a shift from mining solely for exports to production for local use and jobs creation.
“We have about 32 minerals in commercial deposits across all LGAs in the state. We are working with FG to attract mining investors
“Instead of mining solely for export, we are looking at investors that will establish factories and processing companies here in Kogi.
“Recently, Governor Ododo had a meeting with the Chinese Consular General and one of the takeaways from that engagement was investment in solid minerals. We are more interested in creating more opportunities for our people,” he said.
On the upcoming celebration of Governor Ododo’s one year in office, the media adviser said the occasion will be more of getting feedbacks from the people and identifying areas where the government can build on.
