By Babajide Obafemi.
In the face of daunting challenges, security threats, economic imbalance, campaigns of calumny and lies, feminism brouhaha and ethnic jingoism, Governor Ododo keeps thriving. He didn’t take his eyes off the goal nor his hands off the plough.
Do you even know that the people’s governor, after hosting crème de la crème from different strata of the society who came to felicitate his one year in office with him, went back almost immediately, to tilling the ground in his bid to deliver some never-ending futuristic projects that will be added to the catalogue of his well-executed masterpiece?
Here is a quick, exciting rundown of progressive leaps over the weeks and months by a true excellency who defies all odds in the continuation of his people-oriented projects.
Again, do you know?
- As we speak, some township roads are either newly constructed or remodelled across the state. Township road projects like the ones going on in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government, Idah, Idah Local Government, Abejukolo, Omala Local Government, Aiyetoro Gbedde, Ijumu Local Government, Felele-Agbaja, Lokoja Local Government, Oguma, Bassa Local Government, Anyigba, Dekina Local Government, Mopa, Mopamuro Local Government, and Obangede-Uhuodo, Okehi Local Government.
- As we speak, the state government is working to optimize decentralized renewable energy, aiming to alleviate energy and poverty and catalyze socioeconomic growth.
- As we speak, the state has partnered to establish five mini LNG plants, driving economic growth and development.
- As we speak, the state government has presented 3 billion naira to 80 communities, promoting sustainable agriculture practices and empowering rural communities.
These and many more are visible projects that are ongoing across the state.
Let me give you a sneak preview of those projects that will soon hit your face in startling reality like the whipping of Real Madrid by Arsenal at the Emirate:
i. Kogi State International Airport, which is expected to accelerate economic growth and development in the state, is also expected to reduce traffic on the Abuja-Lokoja highway and other connecting states that link Kogi State.
ii. Also, the Benin-Ajaokuta Road construction, which has been flagged off, promotes economic development and connectivity. Those who know Governor Ododo know that he loves to have a smooth, interconnected access road with neighbouring states, which will promote economic upliftment. He also has his eyes on a tight security network.
Let’s not write in an inordinate length, lest we let some other robust upcoming projects out of the bag. But surely, like other projects that have been done, it will come, we shall all see them, and we shall all celebrate and be proud of Kogi State again.
Now, these projects and many more, done by a quiet achiever, should be our focus and the subject of discussions on our lips. These and many more should be the reasons to be proud of our state, rather than concentrate on attention-seeking, chopper-flying bird.
These and many more are the true gains of voting for Governor Ododo Ahmed Usman; these and many more are the true gains of democracy.
– Babajide Obafemi is saddled with the responsibility of community engagement [west], Kogi State.
