…….Urges UK-Based Nigerians to Back Tinubu, Invest in Kogi’s Future.
Emmanuel Ikpeama .
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has declared that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are opening new opportunities for growth and development in Kogi State and across Nigeria, urging Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to support the President’s policies and invest in the country’s future.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting with Kogites and Nigerians in London on Thursday, Governor Ododo called on members of the diaspora to become active partners in nation-building by bringing home their investments, professional expertise, innovative ideas and global networks to accelerate the development of Kogi State.
The Governor described the engagement as more than a reunion with citizens abroad, saying it was a strategic platform to strengthen collaboration between the diaspora and the Kogi State Government in pursuit of sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the gathering, Ododo reminded participants that although they now reside overseas, they remain an integral part of Kogi State’s future.
He urged them to channel their wealth, knowledge and international experience into projects that will create jobs, stimulate economic activities and improve the quality of life for the people.
Governor Ododo said the unity deliberately fostered in Kogi State over the past decade has become the foundation for the state’s remarkable transformation, stressing that the people have chosen collective progress over ethnic and religious divisions.
According to him, the state’s development demonstrates what is possible when citizens work together with a shared purpose.
The Governor also applauded President Tinubu for taking what he described as bold and necessary decisions to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market and ongoing fiscal reforms, have strengthened the financial capacity of states, enabling governments to invest more in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture.
Ododo further highlighted major Federal Government interventions in Kogi State, including the approval of the Kogi International Airport, the Kogi Free Trade Zone, the Agricultural Processing Zone, renewed efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reconstruction of strategic federal roads.
He added that sustained investments in security, agriculture, solid minerals development, tax reforms and policies aimed at improving the ease of doing business are restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity.
The Governor urged Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration, insisting that the President’s reforms are designed to correct long-standing economic challenges and secure a more prosperous future for the country.
He also showcased achievements recorded by his administration, including investments in road infrastructure, free education from primary to secondary school, payment of public examination fees, improved healthcare delivery, expanded health insurance coverage, agricultural mechanisation and targeted empowerment programmes for youths and women.
Ododo maintained that security remains the foundation of development, noting that the state’s partnership with the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies has created a safer environment for businesses, farming and investment.
The Governor also promoted the Kogi Rebrand Initiative, encouraging Kogites across the world to become ambassadors of the state by projecting its positive image and showcasing its enormous investment potential.
Also speaking at the event, the member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Salman Idris, commended Governor Ododo for working closely with the Federal Government to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing the initiative as one capable of transforming the economy of Kogi State and Nigeria.
He praised the Governor’s development agenda and urged Kogites in the diaspora to support the administration by bringing home their investments, expertise and international connections.
Investigator news reports that participants at the Town Hall Meeting applauded Governor Ododo’s leadership, describing the event as a historic engagement and commending his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development.
They also expressed support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the policies are restoring investor confidence and creating a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.
The participants pledged to contribute their professional expertise, technical knowledge and global networks toward the continued development of Kogi State while encouraging investors to explore the state’s vast economic opportunities.
