Emmanuel Ikpeama
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has unveiled project inspection kits produced by the State Ministry of Works, with a charge to engineers, supervisors and technical personnel to uphold professionalism, accountability, teamwork and safety in the execution and supervision of public projects.
Ododo, who unveiled the kits on Tuesday at the Government House, Lokoja, described the Ministry of Works as central to the development agenda of the state, noting that it plays a strategic role in translating government policies into tangible infrastructure that impacts the lives of the people.
He said the performance of any administration is largely tied to how effective its works and infrastructure sector is, stressing that engineers and other civil servants have a critical role in ensuring public investments deliver value.
The Governor commended engineers, accountants, technicians, supervisors and other civil servants for their contributions to the state’s development, saying his closer interaction with the workforce since assuming office has boosted his confidence in their capacity to drive Kogi’s growth.
According to him, many civil servants have the requisite knowledge and professional competence, but need the right environment, encouragement and institutional support to perform optimally.
“When you work for the people, you’re indirectly working for yourself. When you project your commitment, you’re also projecting yourself,” Ododo told the officials, urging them to see their service as a legacy that would remain part of the state’s history.
He called for stronger collaboration between political office holders and professional civil servants, urging engineers to always provide technical advice where better approaches to project execution exist.
The Governor noted that constructive engagement, mutual respect and adherence to due process are key to avoiding errors that could compromise the quality and durability of public infrastructure.
He described the introduction of the inspection kits as timely, coming at a time the state is strengthening its development foundation and improving service delivery.
As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Ododo formally unveiled the reflective jackets meant to protect engineers and other personnel during routine visits to project sites.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Barr. Salami Momodu Ozigi Deedat, described the ministry as the engine room of infrastructure development in the state, adding that the delivery of roads and other critical infrastructure depends largely on its efficiency.
He said the ministry has remained focused on completing inherited projects while pushing ahead with new interventions aimed at improving connectivity and public services across Kogi.
Ozigi Deedat explained that the inspection kits were introduced to establish a clear professional identity for government engineers and inspection teams at construction sites.
He noted that inspection personnel had often depended on arrangements made by contractors during site visits, adding that the new kits will help clearly distinguish government officials from contractors and make their official duties easily recognizable.
The Commissioner urged engineers and other relevant staff to make proper use of the kits and maintain regular engagement with the ministry’s leadership to enhance project monitoring and supervision.
He also appreciated the Governor’s consistent interest in the ministry’s activities, saying such attention places a greater responsibility on officials to remain committed and uphold standards.
