Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, joined other dignitaries on Monday, January 27, 2025, to celebrate Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s one-year anniversary in office, marking a milestone in Kogi’s development journey.

The event, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, showcased a series of landmark projects commissioned across Kogi’s three senatorial districts. The projects reflect Governor Ododo’s dedication to infrastructural development and the socio-economic upliftment of the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted him to have lauded his counterpart’s achievements while speaking at the event describing them as “visionary and transformative.”
He also noted that the projects are a testament to Governor Ododo’s commitment to the betterment of Kogi State, emphasizing his optimism for continued progress.

“Kogi State is setting a benchmark for others to follow. Governor Ododo has demonstrated what purposeful leadership can achieve in just one year. I look forward to seeing even greater transformation under his administration,” Governor Okpebholo remarked.

The anniversary celebration also served as a platform to strengthen inter-state collaboration, with Governor Okpebholo reaffirming Edo’s support for developmental initiatives that promote regional growth.

By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja

The Kogi State Chapter of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) held a vibrant end-of-year get-together at the State Rehabilitation Centre in Lokoja on Saturday, bringing together a large gathering of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) for a family-style celebration.

The event featured an array of delicious meals provided by members, with talented female cooks among the PWDs showcasing their culinary skills to the delight of attendees. Amid music and merriment, members reflected on the challenges they faced over the past year while celebrating their unity and resilience.

Visibly excited members enjoyed the festivities, which included assorted dishes, music, and camaraderie, as they expressed gratitude for life despite the economic hardships and societal challenges confronting PWDs.

In his speech, Kogi State NAPWPD Chairman, Comrade Destiny Hassan Sule, highlighted the struggles of members, including poverty, homelessness, unemployment, illiteracy, and the lack of inclusive infrastructure. He emphasized the need for stronger advocacy and collective efforts to achieve financial inclusion and societal progress for persons with disabilities.

“We must work together in love and unity to achieve our shared goals. Let us continue to support one another and hold onto the hope of a brighter future. Our collective strength will ensure we make a lasting impact in our communities,” Sule stated.

The National Treasurer of NAPWPD, Mr. Daniel Ibrahim Arome, who represented the National President, Comrade Mohammed Ridwan Abdullahi, praised the Kogi Chapter for their pioneering spirit in organizing the event. He described it as a shining example for other chapters across Nigeria, calling it a “milestone achievement.”

“This celebration reflects the dedication and resilience of the Kogi NAPWPD leadership. It demonstrates the power of unity and hope among PWDs. The national leadership is proud and will continue to support such initiatives,” Arome remarked.

Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included Hon. Solomon Yahaya, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Kogi State; Dr. Samuel Alhassan, a Lokoja-based medical practitioner; and Mr. Abel Osemwingie Isaac, a police officer known for his advocacy for PWDs.

The event closed with renewed optimism as members committed to strengthening bonds within the association while advocating for greater inclusion and opportunities in society.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Monday commissioned multiple infrastructural and development projects across Kogi State, signaling a significant boost to the state’s progress.

The event commenced at Zone-8 Roundabout in Lokoja, where three major road projects were inaugurated simultaneously, much to the admiration of residents. Among them were the 9-kilometer Zone 8-Zango-Daji-Kaduna Junction road and the 5.5-kilometer Zone 8-Crusher Road, connecting critical state infrastructure, including the House of Assembly and High Court Complex.

The Vice President, accompanied by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, arrived in Lokoja via the Dangote Airstrip around midday.
They were warmly received by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Oyibo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and other dignitaries, including former governors Idris Wada and Clarence Olafemi.

Their first port of call was Zone -8 Junction where the 9 kilometer Zone 8-Zango-Daji-Kaduna Junction road and 5.5km Zone-8 – Crusher Road leading to the state House of Assembly and High Court Complex, were commissioned.

The Presidential team further commissioned other projects including 350-bed students hostels for both boys and girls at the State-owned Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara.

They also inaugurated a Demonstration Farm, two faculties in the same university and some Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.

Addressing the Presidential team, Gov Ododo said the projects executed were a demonstration of his desire to improve the wellbeing of the people of Kogi State.

Ododo said that the projects, distributed across the state, were executed in fulfillment of his campaign promises to the people who elected him into office with a mandate to serve them as their “Chief Servant.”

He thanked the former governors, his predecessors, for laying a solid foundation for the development of the state adding that he would continue to consolidate on the legacies for the growth and development of the state.

The Vice President and his entourage later moved to Government House, were they had some private chat with stakeholders in the state.

From the Lugard House, they moved to President Muhammad Buhari Event Centre where a tumultuous crowd of citizens, supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and admirers drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state awaited the President. (Ends)