The recent ranking of Nigeria’s top 10 performing governors has sparked discussions, particularly regarding the exclusion of certain governors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within a short period. One notable omission is the Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo whose administration has, in just over a year, made remarkable and strategic impact across multiple sectors.
While several first term governors were included in the ranking, a closer analysis of Ododo’s achievements in comparison to some his peers, shows that he is equally, if not more, deserving of a spot on the list.
In other words,his achievements should not be downplayed, as he is highly deserving of recognition alongside other top ranking of governors in the country. His exceptional leadership and tireless work for Kogi State deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Governor Ododo has prioritized education as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for development. Recognizing the financial burdens on students and parents, his government has provided bursaries for over 8,700 students and fully funded WAEC and JAMB registration fees for secondary school students. These initiatives directly support students from low income families, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic progress.
Moreover, he is set to establish about 50 new secondary schools under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), which will provide critical life skills to over 20,000 adolescent girls in the state, further empowering the next generation.
Ododo’s administration has made notable strides in healthcare by upgrading over 200 primary healthcare centers, recruiting more doctors and nurses, and launching a health insurance scheme for children, mothers, and senior citizens. These policies have improved access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas where medical services are often inadequate.
Ododo’s introduction of a health insurance scheme reflects a forward-thinking approach that ensures long term accessibility to healthcare services for vulnerable populations. This level of social intervention is rarely seen in the first year of governance and highlights of Ododo’s proactive leadership.
Citing Infrastructure development which remains a key driver of economic growth, Ododo’s administration has successfully completed 200 kilometers major road projects, launched urban beautification projects, and embarked on extensive rural road construction to boost agricultural productivity and economic integration in Kogi State.
Notable among these is the reconstruction of the Zone 8-Kabba junction road and the Zone 8 crusher roads, commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima. In addition,other numerous road projects have been undertaken across all three senatorial districts in Kogi State, improving connectivity and boosting commerce.
Governor Ododo’s emphasis on rural-urban connectivity stands out as a strategy that promotes both economic mobility and social inclusion.
Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, Kogi State has emerged as a hub for economic diversification. His administration has invested over ₦9 billion in agriculture, established the first-ever Ministry of Livestock Development, and allocated 1,000 hectares of land for livestock farming.Additionally, over 150 refurbished tractors have been provided to cluster farmers across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State to enhance the capacity of farmers and to boost agricultural productivity.
Additionally, his government has actively supported mining sector development, leveraging the state’s rich mineral resources in gold, lithium, and iron ore to drive industrialization.
Ododo’s strategic approach to agriculture and mining development places Kogi on a path to long-term economic sustainability.
Also,Ododo’s administration has provided 10,000 free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates to businesses, helping to formalize and strengthen the state’s economy. These measures emphasize his commitment to empowering local businesses and contribution to economic development in the State.
In addition,his administration’s vision extends beyond immediate infrastructural development, positioning the state for greater financial independence and job creation.
Security remains a pressing concern across Nigeria, and Ododo has taken decisive steps to enhance safety within Kogi State. His administration has strengthened security logistics for local hunters and rapid response squads, providing resources and training to support grassroots security efforts. This proactive approach ensures that security is not solely dependent on federal intervention but is reinforced by localized intelligence and swift action.
Governor Ododo’s strategy of community-driven security enforcement ensures faster response times and stronger ties between law enforcement and local communities.
One of the most defining aspects of Ododo’s leadership is his commitment to workers’ welfare and inclusive governance. He became the first governor in Nigeria to implement the new minimum wage of ₦72,500, setting a national precedent for fair worker compensation.
Furthermore, his administration has embraced an unprecedented level of youth and women inclusion in governance, ensuring diverse representation in decision-making processes.
Governor Ododo has also surpassed the 35% women representation target in his appointments, building strategically on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, while simultaneously setting his own course for the future of Kogi State. His administration has elected the first female chairman in Kogi State, 20 female vice-chairpersons, and 19 female council leaders out of 21.
Governor Ododo has appointed women to key positions such as the female Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), the Accountant General, the Director General Pension Commission, and the Director General of the Social Investment Programme,5 female commissioners, nearly 100 female councillors out of 239, and 337 women out of 717 ward special assistants reflect his commitment to gender inclusivity in governance.
In acknowledgement,While other governors have implemented commendable policies, Ododo’s bold decision to increase workers’ wages so early in his tenure and his inclusive approach to governance reflect a leadership style that prioritizes both economic justice and participatory governance. These actions demonstrate political will and a deep understanding of the socio-economic needs of the people of the State.
Governor Ododo is a silent achiever, consistently delivering results without seeking unnecessary publicity. Those who downplay his achievements do so either out of political bias against his party or personal interests. However, none of these distractions matter to him, as his primary responsibility remains serving the people of Kogi State and proving oppositions wrong through visible and impactful governance.
This hands on approach to governance has enabled him to directly engage with the issues facing the people and ensure that his policies have a direct and lasting impact on the state’s development.
Governor Ododo’s administration has also taken significant steps in the energy sector, joining states like Lagos and Kaduna in regulating electricity. Through Kogi Electric Regulatory Commission (KERC) and Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL), the state is set to improve its power supply and infrastructure, which will have a direct impact on economic growth and industrialization.
Another notable achievement is the ongoing restoration of water supply in Lokoja metropolis, which had been a major challenge for years. The Governor’s efforts to address water scarcity in the state capital has significantly improved the lives of residents, with projects to ensure sustainable and 100% water supply for all.
Housing development is also on Ododo’s agenda. His administration has identified the need for affordable housing in Kogi and is committed to addressing the housing deficit through large scale housing projects aimed at providing comfortable homes for citizens across the state.
Governor Ododo is working tirelessly to surpass past achievements and ensure that his name is written in gold and his focus is on sustainable development and progress, rather than engaging in political distractions.
At this critical time, it is imperative for the people of Kogi State to set aside personal biases, tribalism, nepotism ,political differences, and distractions.
Instead of being consumed by discussions about 2027 which is still far away, collective efforts should be directed towards good governance, economic growth, and development of Kogi State. A prosperous Kogi is in everyone’s best interest, and true progress can only be achieved through unity and collaboration.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic growth, security, and governance over a year are undeniable. While some of the first-term governors on the top 10 list must have made commendable progress, Ododo’s bold policy initiatives, strategic economic investments, and commitment to social welfare has distinguish him as a transformative leader.
His exclusion from the ranking raises questions about the selection criteria, as his tangible results and policy impact can not be overemphasized. However If the ranking aims to recognize governors who are making a significant difference in their states, then Ododo rightfully deserves a place among Nigeria’s top-performing governors.
His leadership is not just about promises, it is about actionable results that are improving the lives of the people of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo’s Recent Awards include Best Governor in Social Development for his efforts in improving healthcare, education, and welfare for the people of Kogi State; Governor of the Year for Infrastructure Development in recognition of his extensive road projects and rural-urban connectivity initiatives and the outstanding Leadership in Agricultural Advancement which is a testament to his strategic investments and policies that promote agricultural sustainability and economic growth in Kogi State.
If performance is the benchmark for recognition, then Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s place among Nigeria’s best governors is not just deserved, it is overdue.
– Mary Amodu Omakoji
Government House Media Centre.
