Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has held talks with Prince Mohammed Audu, son of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, on economic development, agriculture, political reconciliation and unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Ododo paid a courtesy visit to Prince Mohammed Audu at his residence, where the two discussed practical measures to strengthen the state’s economy and improve the welfare of its people.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, particular attention was given to agriculture, including ways to increase agricultural production and strengthen the state’s cashew value chain. Fanwo said a more efficient cashew value chain would enable farmers and the state to derive greater economic benefits from the sector.
The Commissioner described the engagement as part of Governor Ododo’s wider consultations with stakeholders on expanding economic opportunities, supporting farmers and creating greater value from Kogi’s agricultural resources.
Prince Mohammed Audu expressed his readiness to work with the Governor to attract development to the state. He commended Governor Ododo for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of humility and noting that he was the first serving Governor to visit his residence.
Prince Audu further appreciated Governor Ododo for organising the 10th anniversary ceremony marking the death of his father and for naming a road after him as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard. According to Fanwo, Prince Audu said the gestures showed that Kogi State would continue to remember and honour his father, whom he described as a leader who laid the democratic foundation of the state.
He also expressed appreciation to former Governor Yahaya Bello for restoring the name of Kogi State University, Anyigba, to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, describing the gesture as an honour the family would continue to cherish.
The meeting also featured discussions on political reconciliation and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders within the APC in Kogi State. Prince Audu reportedly urged Governor Ododo to sustain his reconciliatory engagements, saying the efforts were already producing positive results.
The discussions were aimed at fostering greater understanding among political stakeholders, strengthening relationships and building a common platform around the political and developmental interests of Kogi State.
Fanwo added that Governor Ododo’s stakeholder engagements were also intended to mobilise broad-based support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the Governor remained committed to bringing stakeholders together around shared objectives of peace, economic growth, development and progress for Kogi State.
