Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Commends Governor Usman Ododo on Good Governance
His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, the Executive Governor Kogi State
and All other Kogi State Excos.
Your dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts are truly valued. You’re phenomenal, peculiar, priceless, precious, spectacular, and wonderful individuals whose intellectual prowess shines brightly.
Acknowledging Kogi State’s Progress, reflected in the recent credit rating update by Fitch, Kogi State’s progress is noteworthy. The upgrade of Nigeria’s Long-Term IDRs highlights the state’s potential for growth and development.
This is a feat that’s never been attained since the creation of the state. Hence, kudos to all the present Kogi State government Excos.
May your collective efforts continue to yield positive outcomes for Kogi State. Keep shining!
Use this link for details on official publication: https://www.fitchratings.com/research/sovereigns/fitch-
Your Excellency, also permit me to respectfully bring to your esteemed attention the pressing and rising concerns over worsening insecurity, particularly in Okunland, where the spate of kidnappings, killings, and armed banditry is increasingly alarming. Reports from communities such as Isanlu, Mopa, and Egbe indicate that these criminal elements have become more daring, exploiting lapses in communication networks to commit heinous crimes. A tragic example is the killing of a humble palm wine tapper named Femi in Isanlu last weekend, reportedly because he could not reach anyone to negotiate for ransom. His death not only ended his contribution to the local economy but left his dependents devastated. This singular incident reflects the critical role telecommunications play in security, emergency response, and community engagement.
In this light, the ongoing face-off between the Kogi State Government and MTN Nigeria should be revisited with urgency. While the need for regulatory compliance and fair economic contributions from private enterprises is valid, we must equally balance this with the enormous economic, health, educational, and security benefits these services provide to our people. For instance, medical practitioners in our state hospitals lament the inability to use advanced equipment that requires stable network access for diagnostics and surgical support. Banks and educational institutions are also facing a major operational standstill. One harrowing report involves a patient who could not obtain critical test results due to network failure linked to restricted MTN infrastructure—a failure that puts lives at risk.
We respectfully recommend that the State Government and MTN Nigeria return to the dialogue table for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Revenue generation must never come at the expense of security, health, or social services. A structured engagement with clearly defined, mutually beneficial resolutions will enhance trust, foster transparency, and preserve critical infrastructure that supports over 70% of the state’s communication needs. In the spirit of leadership, Your Excellency’s intervention at this moment can secure lives, stabilize the state’s economy, and reinforce your administration’s commitment to inclusive development and prosperity for all Kogites.
Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Lead Consultant,
Global Human Capital & Energy Management Limited
