***As Community Launches N500 Million Skill Acquisition Centre
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has pledged to establish a Primary Healthcare Centre in Apata Community, Lokoja Local Government Area, to address the healthcare challenges faced by residents.
The governor made this commitment on Monday during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Coronation of the Olu of Apata, Oba Frederick Durojaiye Balogun, and the launch of a N500 million Skill Acquisition and Multipurpose Centre at the Apata Arena.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Ododo assured the community that the healthcare centre project had been approved and would be prioritized.
He commended Oba Balogun for his progressive leadership and development initiatives over the past decade, noting that the monarch had played a vital role in transforming the community.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, particularly in Apata, given its strategic location and proximity to the Dangote Cement Plant in Obajana.
In his remarks, Oba Balogun expressed gratitude for the communal efforts and achievements since ascending the throne.
He emphasized that security and education were among his top priorities, leading to the establishment of a police post in 2015 and the construction of classrooms at LGEA Primary School, Apata.
The royal father praised former Governor Yahaya Bello for his contributions to the community and commended Governor Ododo for being the first sitting governor to visit Apata.
He also used the occasion to launch the N500 million Skill Acquisition and Multipurpose Centre, which will be funded through donations from government agencies, individuals, and corporate organizations.
Oba Balogun expressed appreciation to Dangote Cement PLC for its numerous developmental interventions in Apata, including:
Installation of streetlights and transformers
Construction of boreholes and classrooms
Provision of access roads, culverts, and drainage systems
Chieftaincy Titles Conferred
As part of the celebration, Oba Balogun conferred chieftaincy titles on nine distinguished personalities, including, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Edwin Devakumar and
Malam Dauda Momoh, General Manager, Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA)
With the governor’s healthcare pledge and the launch of the skill acquisition centre, Apata Community is set for greater economic and social transformation.