During the campaign for the governorship election in Kogi State in 2023, and on election day, November 11, 2023, the people of Kogi State made a bold statement regarding their interest in deepening governance through continuity. By electing Ahmed Usman Ododo as governor, they chose a leader already familiar with the inner workings of the administration rather than opting for any untested candidate.
This decision demonstrated the people’s trust in experience and continuity over starting afresh.
The inauguration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as the Executive Governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2024, marked a historic moment for the state. His assumption of office was a continuation of the legacy of his mentor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, whose eight-year tenure was characterized by unprecedented achievements across various sectors. Governor Ododo, with firsthand experience in the previous administration as the Auditor-General for Local Governments, was well-positioned to sustain and expand on the successes of his predecessor.
During his swearing-in ceremony at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Governor Ododo emphatically declared that his administration would focus on “continuity and consolidation.” He praised Yahaya Bello, CON, for his transformational leadership, particularly for turning around the fortunes of Kogi State, and pledged that no project initiated under Bello’s administration would be abandoned. Governor Ododo assured the people that every uncompleted project inherited from his predecessor would be systematically finished, alongside the introduction of new initiatives aimed at further improving the state’s infrastructure and economy.
Governor Ododo’s long-standing involvement in the Yahaya Bello administration meant that he was no stranger to the state’s policy framework. His role as Auditor-General had given him an intimate understanding of the people-centric projects initiated during the previous administration, and he is committed to ensuring that these projects would continue to serve the interests of the people. It is no surprise, that in his first seven months in office, Governor Ododo had already begun to make significant strides in sustaining and expanding Kogi State’s infrastructure development. One notable example is the rehabilitation of the Zone 8-Army Barrack-Zango-GYB roundabout road.
In September 2023, just two months before Governor Ododo’s election, former Governor Yahaya Bello inspected this critical road, which had fallen into a state of disrepair. Recognizing its importance as a vital route from the densely populated suburbs to the city center, Bello ordered for immediate rehabilitation. Upon assuming office, Governor Ododo swiftly ensured that the necessary financial resources were provided to complete the project. Thanks to Ododo’s prompt action, a journey that once took over an hour was reduced to a mere 10 minutes, highlighting his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Kogi State residents.
Governor Ododo’s leadership goes beyond road infrastructure. He has been proactive in ensuring that workers at both the state and local government levels, as well as pensioners, receive their salaries and pensions on time. This fiscal discipline extends to the state’s contractors, with the administration meeting its contractual obligations to ensure that ongoing projects do not stall. His administration’s dedication to financial prudency has enabled the state to reduce its debt, while simultaneously increasing internally generated revenue (IGR), allowing for more funds to be channeled into critical infrastructure projects.
At the local level, the Ododo administration’s ambitious infrastructural renewal efforts are evident. Internal roads in major communities across the state are undergoing construction or rehabilitation, with many nearing completion. Significant projects such as infrastructure improvements at Kogi State University, Kabba, and the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, are progressing, demonstrating Governor Ododo’s commitment to improving the educational sector and other key areas of Kogi’s economy.
In just seven months, Governor Ododo has overseen the completion of numerous projects across the state, achieving impressive results in agriculture, healthcare, education, and human capital development. His leadership is delivering rapid, measurable progress, fulfilling the promises made during his campaign and solidifying the reasons why the people of Kogi State overwhelmingly voted for continuity in the 2023 election.
The quick delivery of democratic dividends was one of the key reasons why the people opted for continuity at the polls in November 2023. They recognized the value of building upon the existing foundation laid by Yahaya Bello’s administration and chose not to gamble on a new, untested candidate. Instead, they favored a leader who could accelerate development and ensure sustainability in the payment of salaries, pensions, and other financial obligations.
Governor Ododo’s strong economic policies and commitment to expanding and advancing infrastructure played a crucial role in securing his victory. His administration’s infrastructural strategy is a testament to the power of continuity in governance, and the people of Kogi State are already reaping the benefits of their choice. As Governor Ododo continues to lead with a focus on consolidating the gains of the past while pushing forward with new initiatives, Kogi State is poised for even greater achievements in the coming years.
– Onogwu Muhammed
Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Relations.
