… Governor Ododo responds to Ofante Ogugu’s longstanding demand
What began as an emotional public appeal by renowned legal luminary and philanthropist, Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, has culminated in a major infrastructural breakthrough for thousands of residents of Ogugu, Ofante and Emodu communities in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, following Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s approval of the long-awaited Ogugu–Ofante–Emodu Road project.
The development, which has sparked celebrations across the affected communities, comes months after Chief Onoja and his wife drew public attention when they knelt before Governor Ododo during the commissioning of the upgraded Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Divisional Headquarters in Ofante in October 2025, passionately appealing for government intervention on the deteriorated road.
The road, regarded as a critical economic and social corridor linking several communities in the area, has remained in poor condition for many years, causing untold hardship to residents, farmers, traders and motorists.
At the commissioning ceremony, Chief Onoja had openly informed the governor that he had repeatedly expended personal resources on temporary repairs and maintenance of the road in an effort to alleviate the suffering of his people, while stressing that only a comprehensive government intervention could provide a lasting solution.
His emotional appeal generated widespread reactions across Kogi State and beyond. While some critics questioned the decision of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to publicly kneel before a governor, many others praised the gesture as a demonstration of uncommon humility, sacrifice and commitment to community development.
The debate has now given way to celebration following confirmation that Governor Ododo has approved the construction of the road and directed the commencement of preliminary activities for the project.
In line with the governor’s directive, a team of engineers and technical experts reportedly visited the Ogugu–Ofante–Emodu corridor on Friday, June 5, 2026, to carry out assessments and prepare the necessary reports ahead of the commencement of construction work.
Speaking from his Abuja office shortly after receiving confirmation of the approval from Governor Ododo, he expressed profound appreciation to the governor for what he described as a timely and historic intervention.
“Today is a memorable day for our people. I am sincerely grateful to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for listening to the cries of our communities and responding with decisive action. This approval demonstrates that we have a governor who listens, cares and acts.”
Reflecting on the emotional appeal he made months earlier, Chief Onoja said the gesture was motivated solely by his desire to attract development to his community.
“When my wife and I went on our knees before the governor, it was not about status, pride or personal interest. It was about the welfare of our people. We were pleading for a road that would improve lives, boost economic activities and reconnect our communities to opportunities.”
The legal icon noted that the road project would transform transportation, stimulate commerce and agriculture, and improve access to healthcare and educational facilities across the area.
“This project will change lives. Farmers will transport their produce more easily, businesses will flourish, travel time will be reduced and our people will enjoy better access to essential services. The impact will be felt for generations.”
He further commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to grassroots development, describing the approval as evidence of responsive leadership and a clear demonstration of the administration’s determination to spread the dividends of democracy to rural communities.
“On behalf of the people of Ogugu, Ofante and Emodu, I thank Governor Ododo for this landmark intervention. History will remember this decision as one that brought hope, progress and development to our people.”
Sources close to the government disclosed that Governor Ododo also assured Chief Onoja that additional developmental projects were being considered for the area, acknowledging his immense contributions to community development and humanitarian service across Kogi State.
For many residents, the approval represents more than the construction of a road; it symbolizes the triumph of perseverance, sacrifice and community advocacy. With technical assessments already underway, expectations are high that construction work will soon commence, bringing an end to years of hardship and opening a new chapter of economic growth and connectivity for the Ogugu, Ofante and Emodu communities.
