Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to grassroots governance in Kogi State has been hailed as a model for leadership, according to his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah.
Speaking during a guest appearance on Nigeria Info FM in Abuja on Wednesday, Isah praised Governor Ododo’s compassionate leadership style, noting it has won him widespread admiration among the people.
He pointed out that Governor Ododo has been consistently recognized for fostering an inclusive government, highlighting the prominent roles women play and the fact that young people account for over 80 percent of political appointments under his administration.
Isah attributed the peaceful political atmosphere in the state to the Governor’s inclusive approach, which he said transcends party lines.
“He consulted widely even before he was sworn in as Governor. He met and engaged with all our former governors and political leaders regardless of their political leanings. He also reached out to community leaders and captains of industry, traveling far and wide across the country to inform them that his administration would be for everyone. Through this, he earned the support of most stakeholders, including those outside his political party,” he said.
“Upon assuming office, he has sustained that tradition of inclusivity, reaching out even to members of the opposition. Opposition members are carried along in policy formulation, which is why we have not witnessed the usual tension and rancour,” he added.
Reflecting on the administration’s performance over the past 14 months, Isah emphasized that the Governor has remained true to his campaign pledges.
He outlined the four pillars of Governor Ododo’s campaign: investing in human capital through improvements in health and education, promoting agriculture and food security, enhancing public safety, and driving infrastructure development.
“Kogi has faced insecurity challenges due to its proximity to nine neighbouring states and the FCT, leading to an influx of criminals. However, the state government has been proactive, working actively to clear them from our environment through collaboration with neighbouring states and the FCT,” he stated.
Addressing infrastructure development, Isah said the Ododo administration has prioritized the completion of inherited projects to avoid the common trend of abandoned initiatives.
“We have ensured the completion of key road and infrastructural projects initiated by the immediate past government. In Lokoja, for instance, two critical road projects have been completed: the Zone 8 through Barracks, Zango to GYB Junction road (about 9 kilometers), and the Zone 8 to Crusher road (about 5.5 kilometers). Both were commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima during Governor Ododo’s first anniversary in office,” he explained.
He further revealed that the administration is implementing an extensive rural connectivity program aimed at linking farming communities to markets through the construction of over 200 kilometers of roads, with support from development partners like the World Bank. New road projects, he said, are being rolled out alongside the completion of existing ones.
Isah noted that township road construction is also underway in all 21 local government areas, with some projects already completed and awaiting official commissioning.
“Just a few weeks ago, the Governor was in Yagba East and Yagba West, particularly Egbe, where the township road project has been completed and will soon be commissioned. Similar projects are ongoing across all three senatorial districts,” he said.
On the educational front, Isah emphasized the administration’s dedication to developing infrastructure for higher institutions.
“At the twilight of the last administration, two universities — the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and Kogi State University, Kabba were delivered within three years. Upon taking office, Governor Ododo ensured the continued development of these institutions. Over N10 billion has been expended at KSU Kabba alone, with significant progress made in securing accreditation for most courses,” he stated.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security network.
“We have re-jigged our security system, recruited over 2,000 local hunters and expanded the vigilante ranks across the 21 LGAs. We have also provided vehicles, motorcycles, night vision goggles, and other logistics. The community-based approach to security is being sustained,” he said.
On healthcare, Isah reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving access to affordable medical services.
“We are revitalizing over 200 primary healthcare centres across the state, with nearly half ready for commissioning,” he said.
