…Proposes Transformation Council To Drive Kogi State Development Plan 2024-2056
Emmanuel Ikpeama
Lokoja ,Kogi— Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has unveiled a new agenda for a united and prosperous Kogi State as the state marked 35 years of its creation on August 27, 1991.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday, the Governor announced plans to establish the Kogi Shared Prosperity and Transformation Council to drive the implementation of the Kogi State Development Plan 2024–2056.
Ododo said the proposed Council will bring together accomplished Kogites, political leaders, development experts, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and young people to contribute to the state’s growth.
“I’m proposing the establishment of the Kogi Shared Prosperity and Transformation Council to support the implementation of the Kogi State Development Plan and bring our people together around a common development vision,” he stated.
According to him, the Council will also help rebuild trust and strengthen consensus across political, ethnic and sectional divides.
Membership will be based on integrity, competence, experience and capacity to contribute meaningfully.
The Governor described Kogi’s diversity as a strength, stressing that unity is critical to attracting investment and achieving sustainable development.
“Fairness creates confidence. Confidence creates trust. Trust strengthens peace. Peace attracts investment and supports development. This is why unity is an economic necessity,” Ododo said.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, business leaders, professionals, farmers, workers, women, youth and Kogites in the diaspora to take ownership of the next phase of development.
“Our founding fathers fought to give us a state. Our responsibility is to make that state prosperous. They sought to bring our people together. Our responsibility is to deepen that unity,” he added.
Ododo listed key projects of his administration aimed at repositioning Kogi as an economic hub:Construction phase of the Kogi International Airport at Zariagi,proposed Kogi-Hunan Special Economic Zone in Ajaokuta and reconstruction of strategic roads across the state
He said the projects are designed to improve connectivity, attract investment, support manufacturing and mineral processing, create jobs, and ensure “goods produced in Kogi, processed in Kogi, transported through Kogi and sold to markets within Nigeria and beyond.”
The Governor also disclosed that 728 public schools are being renovated, while over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 21 LGAs are being upgraded.
He reaffirmed commitment to workers’ welfare, prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and improved retirees’ benefits.
Ododo paid tribute to past leaders and announced plans to document the history of the state’s creation and establish a Kogi Hall of Fame to honor major contributors.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal support to Kogi in security, transportation, infrastructure and economic development.
He concluded by urging Kogites to “turn diversity into strength, resources into opportunities and unity into a force for development.”
