Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has cited major federal infrastructure projects in the state as evidence of the economic opportunities at stake in Nigeria’s reform agenda, urging Nigerians to consider the long-term benefits of ongoing investments as basis for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Gov. Ododo stated this in Lokoja during the inauguration of the state executive committee of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement and the unveiling of 25 campaign vehicles for its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the presidential election.
The Governor identified the proposed Kogi International Airport at Zariagi and the Kogi Economic City and Free Trade Zone in Ajaokuta as strategic projects capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and strengthening the position of Kogi state as a commercial and industrial hub.
He also highlighted renewed attention to the Ajaokuta Steel Project and the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Benin highway, describing the route as critical to commuters, businesses and the movement of goods across the country.
According to Governor Ododo, the projects demonstrate how investment in federal infrastructure could open new economic opportunities for Kogi and its people, particularly young Nigerians seeking employment and businesses looking for more efficient routes to markets.
“Imagine the opportunities for our young people when our airport, economic city and free trade zone attract investors!” the Governor said, urging the members of grassroots campaign organization to communicate the potential benefits of the projects to people in communities across the state.
The Governor also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, acknowledging that the reforms had placed pressure on Nigerians but noted that difficult measures were necessary to rebuild the economy.
He pointed at the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said has increased resources available to state governments and has translated into visible infrastructure and improvements in public service.
“Our responsibility is to turn these resources into better roads, schools, hospitals, jobs and improved living standards,” he said.
He further noted that federal funding interventions have led to development priorities including free and compulsory basic education, stronger state universities, primary healthcare, road construction, agricultural support and programmes for women and young people in the state.
On security, the Governor stressed that economic growth depended on the ability of Nigerians to travel, farm and conduct business safely, adding that federal support for security agencies and efforts to establish state police leading to more effective community-level security would help restore confidence among farmers and business owners.
Governor Ododo urged the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to build support through direct engagement rather than relying on vehicles and rallies alone.
He charged coordinators of the group to explain government policies, answer questions with facts and listen to the concerns of residents.
“Vehicles do not win elections. People win elections! Conviction wins elections! Organisation wins elections!” Ododo said.
He called for a ward-by-ward and house-to-house mobilisation strategy, warning members against taking any voter for granted.
The Founder and Grand Patron of the movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, represented by Sir Kestin Pondi, said the group is supporting the re-election bid of President Tinubu because of the administration’s policy decisions and its ambition to transform the country.
He urged members to carry the campaign message to communities across the state.
The National Chairman of the organization, Sunday Asuku, said the movement believed the country was moving in the right direction under President Tinubu and called for sustained grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.
The State Chairman, Mark Ogwu commended Governor Ododo for supporting the movement and welcoming its national leadership, pledging that the state structure would intensify engagement with voters.
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of 25 campaign vehicles and the inauguration of the state executive committee.
