Governance Reborn: A Year of Purposeful Leadership in Kogi State
Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Global Human Capital & Energy Management
Introduction
H.E. Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo’s first year in office has been marked by significant progress across various sectors, including governance, security, education, health, agriculture, and local government reforms. This appraisal provides a critical look at the policies and governance under his administration, highlighting the achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future growth.
Key Achievements
• Security: Increased salaries for local vigilantes, improved collaboration with federal security agencies, and provision of operational vans to security operatives.
• Education: Revitalization of health facilities, reinstatement of bursaries to ease financial burdens on students and families.
• Health: Improved access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation of health facilities.
• Agriculture: Implementation of the “Wet Season Agricultural Intervention Programme,” rehabilitation of tractors, and enhancement of support for farmers.
• Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of over 100 kilometers of roads, contracts for an additional 300 kilometers underway.
• Water Supply: 70% completion rate of rehabilitation projects in Lokoja.
• Energy: Establishment of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, promotion of green energy solutions.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the significant progress made, there are still challenges to be addressed:
• Sustainability: Ensuring the sustainability of projects and initiatives beyond the current administration.
• Funding: Securing adequate funding for projects and initiatives.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing the capacity of civil servants and local government staff to effectively implement policies and projects.
To address these challenges, the following recommendations are made:
• Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan to ensure the long term viability of projects and initiatives.
• Explore alternative funding sources, such as public-private partnerships and international grants.
• Invest in capacitybuilding programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of civil servants and local government staff.
Macroeconomic Indices
Economic Growth
Kogi State’s economy has experienced significant growth under Governor Ododo’s administration, with a notable increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The state’s IGR has averaged N2 billion monthly, indicating a remarkable growth in revenue collection.
GDP
Although specific GDP figures are not available, the state’s investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and education are expected to contribute to an increase in GDP.
Microeconomic Indices
Infrastructure Development
The Ododo administration has prioritized infrastructure development, with several projects executed or ongoing, including:
• Road Rehabilitation: Over 100 kilometers of roads have been rehabilitated, with contracts for an additional 300 kilometers underway.
• Bridges: Construction of new bridges and rehabilitation of existing ones to improve connectivity.
• Rural Electrification: Initiatives to provide electricity to rural areas, promoting economic growth and improving living standards.
Agriculture
The administration has implemented several initiatives to boost agricultural productivity, including:
• Wet Season Agricultural Intervention Programme: Providing support to smallholder farmers, including modern farming tools and fertilizers.
• Tractor Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation of tractors to enhance farming efficiency.
• Farmer Support: Enhancement of support for farmers, including training and access to markets.
Education
Governor Ododo’s administration has prioritized education, with several initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education, including:
• Revitalization of Health Facilities: Upgrading health facilities in schools to provide better healthcare services.
• Reinstatement of Bursaries: Reinstating bursaries to ease financial burdens on students and families.
• Teacher Training: Providing training for teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Health
The administration has made significant strides in improving access to quality healthcare, including:
• Rehabilitation of Health Facilities: Upgrading health facilities to provide better healthcare services.
• Community Health Outreach Programs: Implementing community health outreach programs to reach underserved populations.
• Medical Equipment: Providing modern medical equipment to health facilities.
Energy
The administration has prioritized renewable energy, with the establishment of the:
• Barefoot Renewable Energy College: Providing training on renewable energy solutions.
• Green Energy Solutions: Promoting green energy solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Multiplicity Effects on Citizens
The Ododo administration’s initiatives have had a positive impact on citizens, including:
• Improved Access to Education and Healthcare: Enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services.
• Job Creation: Creating jobs through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and education.
• Economic Empowerment: Empowering citizens economically through support for smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs.
• Improved Infrastructure: Providing better infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and rural electrification.
Conclusion
Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo’s first year in office has been marked by significant progress across various sectors. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the recommendations outlined above can help ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of policies and projects. As Kogi State continues to evolve, it is essential to build on the foundations laid by Governor Ododo’s administration, prioritizing accountability, transparency, and the welfare of citizens.
