Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo wrapped up a comprehensive five-day tour across Kogi Central’s five LGAs, reinforcing his commitment through Governor Ododo’s development drive focused on inclusive growth and grassroots engagement.
This tour, under the “Take Governance Closer to the People” initiative, focused on inspecting key infrastructure projects and engaging with local communities, traditional leaders, and contractors.
Among the major projects inspected were the 8.6-kilometer Obangede–Okaito road and the 3.2-kilometer Obangede–Oboroke road, which connect the Eika and Ihima districts in Okehi LGA.
The governor also visited the Obangede–Oziokutu road and several access roads linking rural communities in Adavi and Okehi. A highlight of the tour was the ongoing rehabilitation of the historic Ategoza Bridge, a critical link between the old Kabba and Ebira divisions, and the Oziokutu Bridge on the Obangede–Ogaminana road, which connects the closely tied communities of Adavi and Okehi.
Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of quality assurance, timely completion, and value-for-money in public infrastructure. He declared that substandard work would not be tolerated and reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure to improve connectivity, open up local economies, and enhance access to essential services.
Throughout the tour, the governor stressed the need for transparency and accountability. He encouraged communities to take ownership of public infrastructure and ensure its protection against vandalism and neglect.
Beyond project inspection, Governor Ododo used the tour as an opportunity to engage directly with communities and stakeholders across the district. In Ogori-Magongo, he participated in the Ovia Osese Festival, a celebration of cultural heritage where he pledged to support the revival of cultural practices as a means of promoting unity, peace, and tourism.
In Okene, during a commendation service in honour of the late former Deputy Governor, Chief Patrick Adaba, the governor met with stakeholders in Upogoro, Bariki, Idoji, and Onyiukoko wards. He addressed local concerns, including gaps in project implementation, youth unemployment, and the need for greater women empowerment.
He assured the people that inclusive governance and expanded social welfare initiatives remain top priorities for his administration.
Governor Ododo also paid a condolence visit to Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, the federal lawmaker representing Ajaokuta, following the death of his mother. During his stop in Ajaokuta, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects in the area.
In Etahi and other communities within Okene, he inspected roads and erosion control works, assuring residents that ongoing infrastructural efforts would significantly improve access to schools, healthcare, and markets. At a town hall meeting in Ogaminana, Adavi LGA, the governor appreciated the people’s peaceful conduct and reiterated his dedication to inclusive development.
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He also called on affluent members of the community to contribute meaningfully to local development, emphasizing that citizen participation is essential to sustainable progress.
Governor Ododo concluded the tour by assuring the people that similar inspections and projects are ongoing in Kogi East and Kogi West. He emphasized that no part of the state would be left behind and that project monitoring, evaluation, and delivery would remain consistent across all regions.
