Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, say his commitment to peace, security, and inclusive growth as foundations for sustainable development in Kogi State remains unwavering.
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‎Governor Ododo made this known on Tuesday while receiving participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 Study Tour at the Government House in Lokoja.
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‎Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo described the visit as both timely and strategic, noting that the tour aligns closely with his administration’s development priorities.
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‎“Since assuming office, we have worked tirelessly to consolidate the security architecture inherited from our predecessor. We have strengthened collaboration with security agencies, empowered community policing structures, and leveraged technology to monitor flashpoints across our borders,” he said.
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‎The Governor emphasized that government’s investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and solid minerals development are targeted at addressing the root causes of insecurity by reducing poverty and unemployment.
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‎“Security and development are interdependent. That is why our administration is building an economy that supports peace and productivity through initiatives such as the Kogi Enterprise Development Agency and youth empowerment programs,” he added.
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‎The Governor commended the National Defence College for its strategic role in shaping national policy and preparing leaders to address complex security and governance challenges.
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‎He urged participants to use the study tour as an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the connection between governance, security, and development at the sub-national level.
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‎“I encourage you to engage deeply, observe critically, and leave Kogi with a richer understanding of how good governance drives stability and growth,” he said.
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‎Earlier, the Provost of the National Defence College and team lead for Course 34, Prof. Adam Okene Ahmed, explained that the College selected Kogi State for the study tour because of its strategic importance in both security and development.
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‎He noted that the focus of the tour was on “mineral resources and how they impact the lives of the people,” adding that the team’s findings would be compiled into a report to be presented to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for policy consideration and intervention.
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‎Prof. Ahmed commended Governor Ododo for maintaining stability in the state’s governance system, describing Kogi’s peaceful political transition as exemplary.
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‎He noted, “Unlike other states where transitions are tense and divisive, Kogi has remained calm and forward looking.
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‎”The government here is clearly security-conscious, especially given the state’s borders with about ten other states,” he said
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‎In her remarks, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, urged the visiting team to convey to the President that Kogi is richly endowed with vast mineral resources deserving of federal attention and investment.
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‎She stressed that harnessing these resources would not only boost Kogi’s economic prosperity but also contribute significantly to national development.
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‎“Kogi’s economic liberation means Nigeria’s liberation,” she added.
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‎The study tour brought together senior officers and policy experts from across Nigeria and other African countries.
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