Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo woos investors with a renewed call for private sector-led development, reaffirming his administration’s drive to position the state as an investment-friendly hub.

Speaking at the grand opening of Inya Amina Hotels and Apartments in Okene on Saturday, the Governor applauded the bold entrepreneurial initiative of the establishment’s founder, Alhaji Abdulrahman Khalifa, describing it as a shining example of private sector contribution to development.

The hospitality outfit, gifted by Alhaji Khalifa to his wife, was lauded by the Governor not only as a model of enterprise and family empowerment but also as a venture that aligns perfectly with his administration’s values of job creation, youth empowerment, and local economic growth.

“This is more than an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in people, community, and prosperity,” he stated.

Governor Ododo noted that the establishment reflects growing investor confidence in the state’s economy, stressing that such private initiatives are critical to complementing government efforts. He assured entrepreneurs that the government will continue to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive across all sectors.

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Highlighting key projects aimed at transforming the state’s economic landscape, Governor Ododo cited the planned 3,000-hectare Special Economic Zone in Ajaokuta, the proposed international airport in Zariagi, and the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern market in Lokoja.

He explained that these projects, alongside major road and rural infrastructure developments, are designed to open up the state for trade, investment, and industrial growth.

The Governor also addressed critical support systems for economic expansion, including rural electrification, improved healthcare delivery, and access to quality education. These, he said, are foundational pillars for achieving inclusive development and attracting sustained private sector interest. He emphasized the state government’s intention to continue forging strategic partnerships that will further unlock economic opportunities.

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In a strong message to traditional rulers, Governor Ododo cautioned against the unauthorized sale and allocation of land. He warned that any traditional leader found issuing illegal land documents would be held accountable, stressing the importance of transparency and legal compliance in land administration.

He also called on indigenes of Kogi, both home and abroad, to invest in ventures that drive shared prosperity and community resilience, reiterating that the future of the state rests on collective enterprise.