Political leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa Local Government Area have rallied behind Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, passing a vote of confidence on his administration during a Democracy Day gathering held at the local government secretariat.
The forum, led by Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, outlined a range of accomplishments under Ododo’s leadership, pointing to tangible projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and fiscal responsibility. A key highlight was the Olubojo erosion control initiative and the ongoing construction of 10 kilometers of inter-street roads in Ankpa, which stakeholders described as transformational for local connectivity.
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In the healthcare and education sectors, Ododo received praise for building six new primary health centers across several towns and for initiating major school renovation and construction works in Akarapiya, Akwu, and Enjema. The communique emphasized that these investments not only improved access to essential services but also contributed to local employment and social stability.
On the economic front, the forum commended the governor’s bold move to clear ₦98 billion in inherited debt, describing it as a milestone for Kogi’s financial recovery. They also lauded his consistent payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, as well as the introduction of a two-year tax holiday for PAYE earners and the prompt disbursement of leave bonuses measures seen as signs of a worker-friendly administration.
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Stakeholders used the opportunity to address political tensions in the state, calling on opposition figures to engage in issue-based criticism rather than what they termed “baseless and derogatory name-calling.” They warned that persistent misinformation and unfair attacks on Ododo and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, risk damaging the reputation of the local government and discouraging development partners.
The forum extended gratitude to former Governor Yahaya Bello for what they called a wise decision in supporting Ododo’s emergence. They urged residents of Kogi to continue supporting the governor beyond 2027, citing his inclusive appointments including several Ankpa indigenes as proof of a leadership style that values regional balance and unity.
