Assures Kogi East Stakeholders of Enhanced Safety, Development

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has announced plans by his administration to procure additional security drones to strengthen efforts against insecurity, particularly in Kogi East Senatorial District.

The governor made the disclosure on Thursday while receiving stakeholders from Olamaboro Local Government Area at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja. He explained that the drones recently acquired by the state government are currently focused on operations in Kogi West, adding that further investments would ensure expanded coverage to Kogi East.

Governor Ododo called for unity and cooperation among the people of Olamaboro and the state at large, commending the local government’s consistent support for his administration. He praised the prevailing spirit of harmony in the area and urged residents to sustain their collaborative approach toward development and security.

The governor also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, noting that his administration is working in close synergy with security agencies to eliminate criminal elements terrorizing parts of the state. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support in strengthening Kogi’s security architecture.

Responding to requests presented by the stakeholders, Governor Ododo assured that pressing concerns—particularly regarding the General Hospital in Olamaboro—would receive prompt government attention.On electricity supply, he disclosed that the situation in Kogi East is being addressed under a special intervention project, which includes plans to establish a transmission station in the district.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, congratulated the governor on his two years in office, commending him for prioritizing the welfare of citizens and appointing sons and daughters of Olamaboro into key positions. He praised ongoing security efforts and initiatives aimed at restoring electricity to the area.

The Eje of Olamaboro and Chairman of the Olamaboro Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Simon Ujah, described Governor Ododo as a people-oriented leader who has fostered peace and unity among the people of the state. He urged the Governor to leverage the Office of the Chief of Army Staff to further tackle insecurity across the state.

Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government, William Ameh, thanked the governor for enhancing the security framework of the area, particularly the deployment of over 150 soldiers to the Forward Operating Base (FOB), which he said has significantly restored safety in the area. He, however, appealed for improved road infrastructure to boost development.

In a related development, Governor Ododo also received stakeholders from Omala Local Government Area. He commended the people for their support and praised their resilience, particularly regarding the return of business activities to the historic Bagana Market, known for sustaining trade-by-barter practices till date.

Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, expanding security technology, and delivering critical infrastructure to all parts of the state.In his remarks, Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Levi said the visit was meant to explore additional avenues for interventions by the state government in the development of the area. Speaking on behalf of the Omala delegation, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Botswana, Ambassador Isaac Onu, described the governor’s engagement with the people of Omala as a demonstration of solidarity, applauding the restoration of peace in the area through the establishment of a Forward Operating Base to enhance security of lives and property.The Stakeholders expressed gratitude for ongoing infrastructural projects, especially road construction, and called on the government to consider additional township roads in the area. They pledged unwavering support for the administration of Governor Ododo ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state. Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), emphasized the importance of collaboration among security agencies in the state, noting that their joint efforts have significantly curtailed insecurity in Bagana and surrounding communities.