
During the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election, the people made a decisive choice for continuity by electing Ahmed Usman Ododo as their governor. His election on November 11, 2023, signaled a preference for a leader already experienced in the workings of the state administration, as opposed to an untested candidate. Ododo’s familiarity with governance, stemming from his tenure as Auditor-General for Local Governments, allowed him to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Governor Ododo was inaugurated on January 27, 2024, at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, where he reaffirmed his administration’s focus on “continuity and consolidation.” He expressed deep appreciation for Yahaya Bello’s achievements during his eight-year tenure, particularly for transforming Kogi State, and pledged to complete all projects initiated under Bello. Ododo assured residents that no project would be abandoned, and new initiatives would be launched to further enhance infrastructure and the economy.
One early achievement in Ododo’s administration has been the swift rehabilitation of the Zone 8-Army Barrack-Zango-GYB roundabout road. Before the election, Yahaya Bello inspected the deteriorating road and prioritized its rehabilitation due to its importance as a major link between suburban areas and the city center. After assuming office, Governor Ododo expedited the completion of the project, reducing the travel time from over an hour to just 10 minutes, underscoring his commitment to infrastructure development.
Beyond road infrastructure, Governor Ododo has prioritized timely payment of salaries and pensions for workers and retirees at both state and local government levels. His administration has also ensured that contractors are paid promptly, allowing ongoing projects to progress without delays. Fiscal discipline, coupled with increased internally generated revenue, has reduced the state’s debt while creating more resources for critical infrastructure.
At the local level, Ododo’s administration has embarked on significant road projects in major communities, and ongoing upgrades at Kogi State University, Kabba, and the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, demonstrate his focus on educational improvement. In his first seven months, Ododo has overseen numerous completed projects in agriculture, healthcare, and human capital development.
The people of Kogi State voted for continuity in 2023 to ensure rapid development, and Governor Ododo’s leadership has so far met those expectations. His administration is on track to deliver on the promises made during the campaign, with significant advancements in infrastructure, fiscal management, and the overall economy. Kogi State is poised for even greater achievements as Ododo builds upon the foundation laid by Yahaya Bello, driving the state forward toward long-term prosperity.
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