From the banks of the River Niger to the rolling hills of Okene, and from the fertile plains of the Igala heartland to the bustling streets of Lokoja, the spirit of Kogi State thrives, resilient, hopeful, and unyielding.
As Kogi marks 34 years of statehood, Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho) has called it more than an anniversary.
To him, it is a celebration of people, place, and purpose—woven together by sacrifice and vision.
In a heartfelt message, the lawmaker paid glowing tribute to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, his deputy Joel Oyibo, and the founding fathers who fought to give Kogi its identity. “Kogi’s story is one of hope and shared growth,” Echocho said. “Every farmer tilling the land, every teacher shaping minds, every youth daring to dream—they are all authors of this journey.”
He praised the strides recorded under Ododo’s leadership, describing them as a new chapter in the state’s march toward sustainable development. Yet, he stressed that the real pride lies not only in government achievements, but in the resilience of ordinary Kogites whose daily struggles and triumphs define the soul of the state.
“Kogi at 34 reminds us that our future is a collective responsibility. It belongs to the market women in Anyigba, the fishermen along the Niger, the miners in Ajaokuta, and the students in our classrooms. Together, we are shaping a story that must endure,” he noted.
Echocho prayed for wisdom and strength for the state’s leaders, urging all citizens to keep faith, support one another, and hold on to the vision of a brighter tomorrow.
“Kogi’s journey is our collective pride,” he concluded. “And at 34, we must look back with gratitude and forward with renewed hope.”