By Kehinde Erin
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has visited Kogi State to unveil significant development projects as part of activities to mark the first year anniversary of the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration.
He was accompanied on the visit by prominent dignitaries including the All Progressives Congress,(APC) National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Vice President Kashim Shetima, who stood in for the president, arrived the Dangote Airstrip, Obajana around 11:00 am to a rousing welcome from a crowd of enthusiastic residents and government officials.
His first order of business was to inspect and unveil the newly rehabilitated projects.They include the 9km Zone 8-Zango Daji-Kaduna Junction Road, the 5.5km Zone 8-Crusher Road.
He had equally visited the state-of-the-art 350-bed hostel facility for Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara; a testament to Governor Ododo’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Other notable projects inaugurated include a demonstration farm, two new faculties at CUSTECH, and several primary healthcare centers across the state.
Governor Ododo’s remarkable strides within his one year in office have not gone unnoticed, with President Tinubu expressing his delight at the event.
According to Vice President Shetima, President Tinubu is pleased with the Governor’s progress, a clear endorsement of Governor Ododo’s commitment to transforming Kogi State.
President Tinubu assured Kogi State of the Federal Government’s support to drive development in the state. The President’s commitment is in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises development and growth across the country.
In Kogi State, this agenda is already bearing fruit, with the federal government commissioning projects such as the Odo-Ape Dam, which aims to enhance food production and economic prosperity in the region.
The Federal Government’s support is also evident in its commitment to completing ongoing federal road projects in Kogi State. President Tinubu has assured that these projects will be completed on time, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, overseeing the progress.
Governor Ododo, in his remarks, emphasised that the commissioning of the project marks another milestone in the history of Kogi State. He noted that his administration has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate not only the roads but all other roads across the state.
He took time to reflect on the progress made so far, acknowledging the crucial role played by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The governor’s commitment to building on the foundations laid by his predecessor is a testament to his dedication to the development of Kogi State.
The governor used the forum to issue a rallying cry to all Kogites and stakeholders to join hands in maintaining the state’s roads.
The governor’s emphasis on road maintenance is not merely a practical concern, but also a strategic imperative. Well-maintained roads are the lifeblood of any economy, facilitating the transportation of goods, services, and people.
By urging citizens to take ownership of road maintenance, Governor Ododo is, in effect, empowering them to contribute to the state’s economic growth and development.
Governor Ododo praised President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria through his “Renewed Hope Agenda”. The Governor applauded the President’s efforts, stating that his dedication to the country’s progress is evident and has positively impacted Kogi State.
After the inauguration, the Vice President and his entourage proceeded to the Government House, Lokoja for private discussions with state stakeholders.
The entourage moved to a festive celebration at Muhammadu Buhari Square, where a jubilant crowd gathered to mark the first anniversary of Governor Ododo’s administration.