……Says Cashew Value Chain Will Boost Farmers’ Income
Emmanuel Ikpeama.
Lokoja,Kogi— Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on Monday paid a courtesy visit to Prince Mohammed Audu, son of the late former Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, as part of renewed efforts to drive agricultural growth and foster unity within the All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications,Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the meeting focused on practical steps to strengthen Kogi’s economy, with emphasis on improved agricultural production and a more efficient cashew value chain.
Fanwo said the Governor is holding strategic engagements with stakeholders to expand economic opportunities and ensure farmers get greater value from the state’s resources.
During the discussion, both leaders agreed that Kogi’s cashew sector can become a major revenue earner if farmers are supported with better processing, storage and market access.
Prince Mohammed Audu expressed readiness to work with the Ododo administration to attract development to the state.
He thanked the Governor for the visit, describing it as historic.
“This is the first time a serving Governor is visiting my home, despite my long-standing relationship with several past and present Governors. I commend your humility,” Audu said.
Audu appreciated Governor Ododo for organizing the 10th anniversary ceremony in memory of his father and for naming a major road Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard after him.
He also lauded former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for restoring the name of Kogi State University, Anyigba to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
“These gestures show that Kogi will continue to remember and honour my father, the man who laid the democratic foundation of our state,” he stated.
The meeting also provided room for discussions on political cohesion. Both leaders emphasized the need to strengthen understanding among APC stakeholders and build a united front around Kogi’s development agenda.
Audu urged Ododo to sustain his reconciliatory efforts, noting that the engagements were already yielding positive results across party lines.
Fanwo added that the Governor’s stakeholder visits are aimed at mobilising broad-based support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“Governor Ododo remains committed to bringing Kogi people together around peace, economic growth and progress,” the Commissioner said.
Investigator news reports that the visit underscores the administration’s push to leverage agriculture as a key driver of growth while consolidating political stability in the state.
With agriculture, legacy and party unity topping the agenda, the Ododo government says it is determined to turn Kogi’s resources into tangible benefits for the people.
