By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, has lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s first year in office, describing it as eventful and filled with milestone achievements.
Speaking over the weekend in Lokoja during an interview with journalists to mark the governor’s first anniversary, the Speaker praised Ododo’s governance, calling him a “Chief Servant” who has prioritized consolidation and continuity in governance.
“One word I can use to describe this administration is ‘eventful.’ It has been obvious to all that Governor Ododo is committed to delivering true leadership and development across the state,” Yusuf said.
The Speaker commended the governor’s infrastructural projects, highlighting the recently completed Zone Eight-Crusher Road and ongoing beautification projects in Lokoja. He noted that these initiatives have revitalized economic and social activities in the area, bringing nightlife back and creating new opportunities for residents.
He also praised the governor’s strides in improving the state’s security architecture, welfare for civil servants, and economic development through innovative ideas and expansion of the tax net.
“The Zone Eight-Crusher Road project has breathed new life into the state capital. It has also inspired more economic activities, and the same can be said of the Zone Eight to Barracks, Zango, and Zariagi Road projects,” Yusuf added.
The Speaker expressed optimism about proposed developments in the health sector and the ultramodern Lokoja International Market, which he said would further position the state for growth.
On the relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms, Yusuf described it as cordial and focused on the people’s interests. He commended Governor Ododo for ensuring legislative autonomy and fostering mutual respect between both arms of government.
Addressing criticism about the Assembly being labeled a “rubber stamp,” Yusuf defended the legislature’s collaborative approach, stating that lawmakers should work with the Executive to bring development to their constituents.
“As a legislator from a rural community, my priority is to ensure development reaches my people, not to engage in unnecessary conflicts. Collaboration is key to achieving meaningful progress,” he said.
The Speaker called on citizens to remain patient and supportive, urging all hands to be on deck for the continued development of the state.
“As we enter the second year of this administration, I am confident that more progress will be recorded across all sectors. Governor Ododo’s commitment to transforming Kogi State is unwavering, and together, we can achieve the state’s full potential,” Yusuf concluded.