The Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, has indicated that fully functional local government system delivering better services to rural communities across the state has been put in place.
Hon. Isah made this known during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a flagship programme on Trust TV.
According to him, the Local Government Authorities in Kogi operate autonomously, with no interference from the state government.
He praised the council chairmen for adding value to grassroots governance under the Ododo administration.
Speaking on economic initiatives, Hon. Isah disclosed that the state has secured 15 mining licenses to empower local communities, create job opportunities, and enhance wealth generation.
“Kogi State has over 600 legal mining sites, and probably hundreds more operating illegally. Yet, our people are not benefiting enough. Most of the operators don’t care about the environment or the welfare of the communities,” he said.
“That’s why the government is taking a localized approach. We plan to empower 25,000 young people to actively participate in the mining business.”
On security, Hon. Isah assured that the state government is collaborating with neighboring states on intelligence gathering and surveillance to tackle crime and insecurity.
In the agriculture sector, he said the administration plans to provide 50,000 hectares of land for cultivation in the new farming season to boost food production and achieve food security.
The Special Adviser also highlighted reforms in the health sector, including the remodeling of hundreds of Primary Healthcare Centres and the expansion of health insurance coverage to workers, pensioners, and students in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Hon. Isah stressed that despite early achievements, Governor Ododo remains focused on delivering good governance, understanding the urgency of making a meaningful impact in the lives of the people.
