By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
AS Kogi State marks the 35th anniversary of it’s creation, a body of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the state under the auspices of Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has urged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to make citizen-centred infrastructure and improved living conditions the focus of his next phase of development agenda.
In a congratulatory message to the government and people of the State signed by its Chairperson, Mr Hamza Aliyu, KONGONET said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the state’s achievements but also to reflect honestly on the challenges confronting its people.
The network held that the work required a decisive and intentional drive to build a more prosperous Kogi, describing the state as uniquely positioned for rapid economic transformation.
It cited the state’s strategic location, agricultural potentials, solid mineral deposits, the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, teeming productive youthful population and major transportation corridors as potentials requiring strategic exploitation.
KONGONET however, stressed that the state’s abundant potentiasl must be translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
It stressed that development should ultimately be measured by safer roads, access to clean water, functional healthcare, quality education, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods.
The Network acknowledged the progress recorded under successive administrations, particularly the current government led by Governor Ododo, citing interventions in road construction and rehabilitation, education, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare and rural development.
It also commended the administration’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, support education and students, expand infrastructure across the three Senatorial Districts and deepen engagement with civil society through the Open Government Partnership.
Despite the progress, the group identified poor road conditions, inadequate access to safe water, shortages of healthcare professionals, perennial flooding, insecurity, youth unemployment, sanitation challenges, waste management and rural poverty as issues requiring urgent and sustained attention.
According to KONGONET, the government should focus on the issues and urged the government to develop an accelerated State Infrastructure Renewal Plan, prioritise completion and maintenance of existing projects with emphasis on addressing the water crisis particularly in Lokoja.
It also urged government to strengthen the health workforce and invest in flood prevention, climate resilience and community-based early-warning systems.
The Network also called for stronger security partnerships with communities, expanded opportunities for young people through agriculture, skills development, technology and enterprise support, as well as greater attention to maintenance, transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
KONGONET particularly commended Governor Ododo’s approachable and consultative disposition, saying the relatively cordial relationship between government, civil society and other stakeholders presented an opportunity to build a broad development consensus across political, ethnic, religious and geographical divides.
“At this stage of our history, the aspiration should be simple: good roads, clean water, functional hospitals, quality schools, safe communities, productive agriculture, jobs and opportunities for young people, a clean environment, accountable institutions, and infrastructure that genuinely works for the citizen,” the group said.
KONGONET expressed optimism that if the atmosphere of openness and engagement was sustained and matched with disciplined investment in critical sectors, Kogi could harness its strategic advantages and natural resources to become one of Nigeria’s leading examples of shared prosperity.
The network wished Governor Ododo, the government and the peop