Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is stepping up efforts to attract local and international investors to harness the state’s abundant solid mineral resources, his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, has disclosed.
Speaking during a radio interview on Classic FM 94.3 Abuja, Hon. Isah highlighted the governor’s commitment to leveraging partnerships with federal agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the international community to drive Kogi’s development.
According to him, Governor Ododo is actively working towards establishing an Industrial Park with Free Trade Zone status in Kogi, a move aimed at boosting industrial activities and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, he hinted that the governor has secured federal government approval for the State’s International Airport and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NEXIM Bank to develop processing facilities for agricultural products for both local industries and export purposes.
“These initiatives reflect the governor’s determination to position Kogi as a hub for industrial and economic activities,” Hon. Isah stated.
Explaining furthet he said efforts to encourage farming are yielding results as the prices of food items in Kogi State are reportedly declining.
“The government has provided crop processing facilities and is buying produce directly from farmers to support their livelihoods and stabilize food prices.
“Governor Ododo’s administration has also invested significantly in security, ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state. Hundreds of vehicles, motorcycles, and gadgets have been distributed to hunters, vigilantes, and conventional security agencies.
“Collaboration with neighboring states has further enhanced the fight against crime, targeting criminal hideouts within and around Kogi State.”
Hon. Isah reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education, citing the release of over ₦600 million for WAEC fees and restructuring of the bursary program for indigent students in tertiary institutions.
“The government has also implemented free education for students in public primary and secondary schools.
Speaking on inherited projects he indicated that Governor Ododo’s administration has made deliberate effort to complete projects inherited from the former Governor Yahaya Bello-led government.
“Among the completed projects are the 9-kilometer GYB Junction-Zango-Zone 8 Roundabout road and the 5.5-kilometer Crusher-Zone 8 Roundabout road, both awaiting commissioning.”
Governor Ododo’s proactive approach to economic diversification, infrastructure development, and human capital investment underscored his administration’s commitment to building a prosperous and secure Kogi State.
As these initiatives continue to take shape, the state is poised to becoming a model for sustainable development in Nigeria.
