As Kogi State marks its 35th anniversary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogugu State Constituency, Michael Samuel Idoko, has called for greater accountability, better governance and renewed commitment to the development and prosperity of the state.
Idoko, in his anniversary message, said the milestone should go beyond celebration and provide an opportunity for the people and leaders of Kogi State to reflect on the state’s journey, assess its achievements and confront the challenges that continue to hinder meaningful development.
“Happy 35th Anniversary to our dear Kogi State. Because we can do better. Thirty-five years is not merely a number; it is a reminder of our enormous potential and the responsibility we have to build a state where every citizen and every community can genuinely experience the benefits of democracy,” Idoko said.
The PDP candidate expressed particular concern over what he described as the persistent developmental neglect of communities across Ogugu Constituency, noting that many communities continue to face challenges relating to poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, water supply, youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
According to him, the people of Ogugu deserve more than political promises during election periods, stressing that the true measure of governance should be the tangible improvement in the living conditions of citizens.
“For too long, many of our communities in Ogugu have felt disconnected from the dividends of government. Our people deserve functional roads, quality education, accessible healthcare, youth empowerment, agricultural support, reliable water supply and meaningful economic opportunities. We cannot continue to celebrate anniversaries while some of our communities remain trapped in avoidable developmental challenges.”
Idoko also criticised what he described as the poor management and prioritisation of Kogi State’s resources under the APC-led government, arguing that public resources must be managed transparently and directed towards projects and programmes that have direct impact on the people.
“Kogi State does not lack potential, and it does not lack resources. What we need is responsible leadership, prudent management and a government that puts the people first. Our commonwealth must be translated into roads, schools, hospitals, jobs, security and economic opportunities—not merely political statistics or promises.”
He, however, acknowledged that the state’s 35-year journey has recorded developments in different sectors but maintained that Kogi can achieve significantly more through accountable leadership, effective planning, transparency and purposeful representation.
Speaking on his political agenda for Ogugu Constituency, Idoko said his manifesto is anchored on people-centred representation, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, employment, community development and effective legislative advocacy.
He explained that his objective is to ensure that Ogugu Constituency has a stronger voice in government and benefits from federal and state programmes, development initiatives and opportunities available to its people.
“My ambition is not simply to occupy a seat in the State House of Assembly. I want to use the office to work for the people. If elected, I will make the dividends of democracy a practical reality in Ogugu Constituency through effective representation, legislative advocacy, community development and the pursuit of government interventions that directly improve the lives of our people.”
Idoko further pledged to prioritise issues affecting the constituency and to maintain regular engagement with constituents, saying representation must be based on accessibility, accountability and measurable results.
He urged the people of Kogi State, particularly young people and women, to actively participate in the political process and demand leadership that places public interest above personal and partisan considerations.
“At 35, Kogi should be looking forward, not backward. We must build a state where a child in Ogugu has the same opportunity to dream and succeed as a child anywhere else in Nigeria. We must build a Kogi where our young people can find opportunities at home, where our women can thrive, where farmers can prosper and where every community can feel the presence of government.”
The Ogugu Constituency PDP candidate congratulated Kogi citizens at home and in the diaspora on the 35th anniversary, expressing optimism that the state’s next chapter can be defined by inclusive development, responsible governance, accountability and renewed hope.
“Happy 35th Anniversary, Kogi State. Our journey continues, but the future must be better than the past. Together, we can build the Kogi we deserve. Because we can do better.”
