By Abdulhameed Ivavah.
A delegation of critical stakeholders from Ajaokuta Local Government Area has paid a courtesy visit to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to commend his administration for visible developmental strides Ajaokuta.
The delegation was led by Rt Hon Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, alongside the former House of Rep Member, Hon. Sadiq Muhammed, party leaders, and other key stakeholders across the local government.
Speaking during the visit, Representative Sanni Egidi highlighted several landmark achievements of Gov Ododo administration. He particularly commended the ongoing renovation of the Ajaokuta Local Government Secretariat, noting that the project has restored dignity to the administrative headquarters.
Hon Sanni Egidi also praised the governor for equipping the Local Government Chairman and local security outfits with logistics and operational support to tackle insecurity, noting that the improved security architecture has enhanced confidence among residents and investors alike.
He further outlined other major infrastructure and economic interventions in Ajaokuta, including rural road construction projects, the Ajaokuta Economic City and Free Trade Zone initiative, support for energy-related investments such as LNG facilities, and community-based empowerment and development programmes. He said these initiatives are gradually repositioning Ajaokuta as a key economic hub within Kogi State.
In his remarks, Hon. Sadiq Muhammed, former House of Rep Member spoke extensively on the economic significance of the governor’s achievements, describing the Free Trade Zone, road projects, security investments, and industrial initiatives as critical foundations for job creation, increased commercial activities, and long-term prosperity for the people of Ajaokuta. While appreciating the governor’s commitment, he appealed for more interventions to fast-track development and unlock the area’s full economic potential.
Also speaking, the Ajaokuta party leader, Hon. Hussein Balogun, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for what he described as unprecedented attention to the local government. He urged the governor to continue to see Ajaokuta as his second home, assuring him of full loyalty and political support of party members and the generality of the people.
Responding, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo thanked the delegation for the visit and the show of appreciation. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of Kogi State, stressing that the progress recorded so far in Ajaokuta is only the beginning, as more projects and interventions are already in the pipeline.
The governor also urged the people of Ajaokuta to appreciate the immediate past administration of former Gov Yahaya Bello for resisting attempts to concession and sell off the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company. He called on residents to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the president is giving renewed attention to the steel company and working assiduously towards its revival as a catalyst for industrialisation and economic growth.
During the meeting, several pressing issues affecting Ajaokuta were presented to the governor. Some were promptly attended to on the spot, while assurances were given that others would be addressed in the near future as part of the state government’s broader development agenda.
In attendance were serving and former elected officials, Commissioner, serving and former Senior Special Advisers, top senior civil servants, permanent secretaries, party chairmen, and other key stakeholders.
