Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on Nigerians to embrace love, peace, and compassion during this year’s Christmas celebrations.
In his heartfelt message, Governor Ododo described Christmas as a time to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing kindness, hope, and selflessness. He urged citizens to reach out to the less privileged and strengthen bonds of friendship and unity within families and communities.
“Christmas is a season to rededicate ourselves to virtues of compassion and tolerance. Let us share the warmth of our hearts and renew the ties that unite us as one people,” he said.
Governor Ododo commended Kogi residents for their peaceful coexistence and resilience, pledging to intensify efforts toward the state’s development.
He concluded by encouraging citizens to emulate Christ’s virtues, praying for continued peace, prosperity, and unity in Kogi State and across Nigeria.

The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has extended heartfelt Christmas and New Year wishes to Christians and all Kogites, urging them to embrace the spirit of love, peace, and unity during the festive season.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Ododo described the yuletide as a time to reflect on shared values and sustain virtues that promote harmony and development.
“As we celebrate this joyous season of Christmas and New Year, I wish you love, peace, and happiness in your homes and families. May this season inspire lasting joy and unity among us all,” she said.
Reflecting on the past year, Hajia Ododo highlighted the administration’s strides in empowering women, girls, and vulnerable groups. She expressed confidence that 2025 would bring greater opportunities and advancements for Kogi State and Nigeria.
“As we step into the New Year, I pray for growth, prosperity, and improved livelihoods for all citizens,” she added.
The First Lady emphasized unity across the state’s three senatorial districts, calling for collaborative efforts to deliver impactful governance.
“This administration, under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains committed to enhancing healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture to create wealth and drive economic growth,” Mrs. Ododo assured.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

In a landmark decision, the Kogi State House of Assembly has passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill totaling a staggering N582.4 billion, paving the way for accelerated economic growth and infrastructure development.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo presented the budget, tagged the “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth,” on December 3, 2024. It aims to sustain the economic momentum built by the previous administration while addressing critical areas of development.

The Bill, tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth” was aimed at building on the solid economic foundation laid by the previous administration.

Our correspondent reports that passage of the Appropriation Bill followed the adoption of the report of the House Standing Committee on Appropriation, Budget Monitoring and Economic Planning culminating from earlier public hearing.

Reporting from the Committee Of Supply on the Bill where it was given clause-by-clause consideration, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf said the bill had authorised recurrent expenditure of over N281,153,215,687 billion.

The authorised capital expenditure according to the Speaker, stands at over N301,280,903,802 billion while the bill with budgeted allocation of funds to each Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) takes effect from January 1, 2025, and ends December 31, 2025.

Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf thanked the lawmakers for discharging their fundamental responsibility in attending to the budget of the State despite being bereaved of a member and former Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Enema Paul represented Dekina-Okura state constituency.

It would be recalled that Governor Ododo had in his Budget speech said the budget was designed to achieve six major goals aimed at promoting economic growth, reducing financial burdens and creating a more attractive business environment for investors and partners of the state.

The governor hinted that the fiscal strategy of the Government for the next three years would be anchored on the on-going Public Financial Management Reform (PFM).

He said that over the period, 2025-2027, the State Government’s fiscal policy would be directed at Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spending and ensuring greater control of the State Wage Bill.

Governor Ododo said the fiscal policy would also aim at directing capital expenditure to critical infrastructures such as e-Road, Housing, Education, Health and other thematic areas of Job Creation, Youth Engagement, Infrastructure and Utilities and Public Sector and Pension Reforms. (Ends)