In One Year, Governor Ododo Has Shifted Perceptions and Built a Legacy of Excellence
By: Mary Amodu Omakoji
When Gov. Usman Ododo assumed office as the governor of Kogi State, expectations were high, but so were the criticisms. During his first 100 days, detractors reduced his achievements to a mere visit to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
However, his first year in office has proven to be a powerful testament to meticulous governance, careful planning, and a commitment to accountability. He has also redefined governance in Kogi State, building on a solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello while also carving out his own legacy of excellence.
Since assuming office on January 27, 2024, Ododo’s administration has achieved significant progress across various sectors, including governance, security, education, health, agriculture, and local government reforms.
In his first six months, Ododo made key appointments and launched several empowerment and security initiatives. Notably, his administration provided over 20 additional operational vans to security operatives, greatly boosting their capacity to execute effective operations and ensuring greater safety across the state.
From the outset, Ododo demonstrated a deep understanding of the state’s needs. His administration has focused heavily on the welfare of civil servants and local government staff, introducing a ₦72,500 minimum wage, surpassing the federal benchmark, and significantly improving workers’ living conditions. Additionally, his suspension of the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax for one year has provided much-needed financial relief. With salaries paid promptly and in full, the morale of the workforce has been boosted, building trust and stimulating economic activity.
His administration also successfully conducted local government elections, electing 21 chairpersons, including Kogi’s first female chairperson, a landmark achievement praised for enhancing female representation in governance.
The present administration has also made great strides in agriculture through the “Wet Season Agricultural Intervention Programme.” The initiative has bolstered food security by rehabilitating tractors and enhancing support for farmers. With an investment of over ₦7 billion, nearly 10,000 farmers now have access to improved farmlands and resources, promoting economic empowerment and increasing food production.
Continuity has been key in the administration’s approach to infrastructure. Road rehabilitation, which began under his predecessor, remains a top priority. Ododo has focused on sustainability, improving connectivity with projects such as the Zone 8 Crusher Road and the Zone 8 Barracks Road. Over 100 kilometers of roads have been rehabilitated, with contracts for an additional 300 kilometers are underway. With success in enhanced culverts and drainage systems aim to mitigate flooding, ensuring these projects are sustainable.
Furthermore, the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has seen remarkable growth, averaging ₦2 billion monthly, thanks to improved transparency in revenue collection processes.
The administration has also made significant investments in water infrastructure, with a 70% completion rate of rehabilitation projects in Lokoja, enhancing essential services for residents. Empowerment programs, supported by World Bank initiatives. Also, allocated ₦3 billion to 80 communities, promoting climate resilience, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, the electrification of Nyamkpo Community has brought light to rural areas, boosting entrepreneurship and improving quality of life.
In the realms of health and education, the incumbent governor has revitalized health facilities to ensure broader access to quality care and reinstated bursaries to ease the financial burdens on students and families.
Security has been a top priority for Governor Ododo. He increased salaries for local vigilantes to improve their morale and strengthen security across Kogi State. His administration has also fostered closer collaboration with federal security agencies, effectively addressing rising threats of banditry and kidnapping. These coordinated efforts have disrupted criminal activities, weakened criminal networks, and created a safer environment for the residents of Kogi State.
In the area of information, media, and communication, the present administration has made significant strides. Solar panels, worth millions of naira, have been installed for offices and transmission units, ensuring that Radio Kogi operates without interruptions. The installation has eliminated power outages, allowing the station to run 24/7 and serve the public effectively. In addition, vehicles were provided to enhance mobility, across State media houses and the first state-owned television station “Lugard TV” was established to further strengthen the state’s media infrastructure. Including a comprehensive training program for information officers, led by a reputable media expert, and national policy strategist, Alhaji Majeed Dahiru has been launched to ensure effective communication, feedback between the government and her citizens.
The governor has also prioritized transportation in the state, aligning with the federal government’s initiative under President Tinubu to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. Proposed establishment of CNG stations across the stateI in partnership with Automotive Gas Nigeria Service Limited, to offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels, helping to alleviate the economic challenges facing businesses and individuals and training programs organized to equip youths, create jobs, to pilot these initiatives, ensuring the effective implementation of this transformative project.
These initiatives are in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, with the governor ensuring that Kogi State remains a model for impactful governance, positioned as a beacon of progress in Nigeria, by translating the ideals of the Mr. President into tangible outcomes.
Notable projects such as the Barefoot Renewable Energy College at the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara demonstrate his focus on sustainability, climate change, and green energy solutions.
As his first year in office concludes, it is important to recognize the foresight of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, whose support for Gov. Ododo has paved the way for continued progress, carried forward critical projects and elevated them to new heights of excellence.
In just one year, Ododo has proven that purposeful leadership can transform perceptions, drive progress, and build a lasting legacy. His administration is a government that listens, acts, and remains accountable, a powerful example of the transformative potential of detailed governance. Kogi State, once a subject of doubt, now stands as a beacon of hope, optimism, and excellence in governance.
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