By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has intensified efforts to attract private investments into the state, declaring Kogi an emerging destination for business opportunities as he commissioned the newly constructed Imperium Palatium Hotel in Lokoja.
The Governor described the multimillion-naira hospitality facility, established by His Royal Highness, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, the Elulu of Mopa, as a strong demonstration of investor confidence in Kogi’s economic potential, urging other wealthy individuals, corporate organisations and business leaders to take advantage of the state’s growing opportunities.
Ododo, who congratulated the monarch for bringing the investment to Kogi, said the decision to establish a facility of such standard in Lokoja was a bold step of confidence in the state’s future and a practical contribution to economic growth.
He noted that Kogi possesses enormous investment advantages, including its strategic geographical location, population, natural resources and connectivity to different parts of the country, stressing that these opportunities remain largely untapped.
Ododo particularly appealed to successful Kogites at home and in the diaspora, as well as external investors, to bring their businesses and investments into the state, assuring them that his administration is committed to providing the security, infrastructure and policies required for businesses to flourish.
According to him, his administration is working towards building an economy where the private sector becomes a major driver of employment, wealth creation and sustainable development, rather than depending solely on government for job opportunities.
“Government cannot employ everybody, but we can create the environment for businesses to employ thousands,” Ododo declared, assuring prospective investors that his administration would continue to remove barriers to investment and strengthen the confidence of the business community.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, particularly in strengthening security across the country, noting that improved security remains fundamental to attracting investors and sustaining economic activities.
The Governor maintained that every hotel, factory, shopping complex and other private enterprise established in Kogi represents more than a business venture, describing such investments as important contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, tourism development and the expansion of the state’s economic base.
In his remarks, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje, commended the founder for establishing the facility in Kogi State and appreciated Governor Ododo for creating an atmosphere conducive to private enterprise. He equally called on investors to take advantage of the state’s business opportunities.
The founder of Imperium Palatium Hotel, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for his administration’s commitment to security and development, describing the government’s efforts as encouraging to investors.
