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Tag: Ododo

  • Okai commends Ododo for deploying securities to Ayingba–Itobe road in Kogi

    Okai commends Ododo for deploying securities to Ayingba–Itobe road in Kogi

    A leading activist in Kogi State, Usman Okai Austin, has commended Governor Usman Ododo for deploying security operatives to the Ayingba–Itobe highway, a stretch long plagued by armed attacks and abductions.

    Recently, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting security along the Itobe-Anyigba road, saying efforts are underway to ensure safety across all parts of the state.

    The governor made this known while receiving activist, Austin Okai, who paid a condolence visit following the death of his father. 

    Okai commended the improved security along the Lokoja–Ajaokuta road and urged the governor to give similar attention to the Itobe-Anyigba axis.

    “On security, we are working on something, and very soon the results will be visible. We have deployed several strategies, just like we did on the Lokoja–Ajaokuta axis,” he said

    Reacting to the development in a statement signed by himself on Monday,Okai said the deployment is done and this is commendable.

    He described the intervention as a timely response to the concerns of residents and travellers. 

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    “The governor made a promise and he has kept it . It’s important we acknowledge that instead of playing politics with obvious, what is important is that our people , the people of Kogi East should be able to access their own state capital without kidnappers on the road, kidnapping them or those from Benue and south eastern part are now accessing road without kidnappers.

    The move demonstrated the governor’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring confidence in the state’s transport corridors.

    “The deployment of security to the Ayingba–Itobe road is commendable.

     “This is a major relief for our people who have lived in fear. We hope this action will be sustained and extended to other vulnerable routes in Kogi East.”

    Meanwhile, Governor Ododo, who took office earlier this year, has made security a key priority of his administration. 

    His government has repeatedly assured citizens that it would strengthen law enforcement and work closely with communities to confront criminal gangs.

  • Ododo to appointees: return to LGAs for grassroots engagement

    Ododo to appointees: return to LGAs for grassroots engagement

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has directed all commissioners and the highest-ranking political appointees in each local government Area as well as all appointed government officials under his administration to immediately return to their respective LGAs to carry out official duties and lead grassroots mobilisation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

    The directive, which takes effect from Monday, September 1, 2025, was issued via a circular from the office of the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade  Ayoade

    According to the circular, all the appointees of government are to participate in the exercise under the coordination of the highest ranking appointee from each local government.

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    All appointees are expected to coordinate registration mobilisation efforts at the ward level and submit a comprehensive report at the end of the mobilisation period, detailing the number of new voters registered in their respective wards and local government councils.

    The Governor emphasised that the era of governance being conducted solely from the state capital must give way to direct engagement with the people at the grassroots.

    He noted that government officials must remain accessible and responsive to the needs of their communities.

    The directive also stipulates that any appointee who wishes to leave their LGA during this period must obtain prior written approval from the Secretary to the State Government, or face disciplinary action.

    The directive was contained  in a statement  made available to newsmen on Saturday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

    The commissioner reaffirmed Governor  Ododo’s administration’s commitment to deepening grassroots governance and ensuring massive voter participation in the electoral process.

  • First Lady’s delegation visits Ododo over father’s death

    First Lady’s delegation visits Ododo over father’s death

    A high-powered delegation of the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has paid a condolence visit to Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State over the passing of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani.

    The delegation which visited on Thursday was led by Hajiya Laila Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President.

    Among the delegation were wives of the governors of Yobe and Ebonyi states; wives of the Ministers of  works, Agriculture and Food Security, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Minister of Defence, Minister of Budget and National Planning.

    Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Hajiya Laila Barau conveyed Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s heartfelt sympathy to the governor, his wife, the Ododo family, and the entire people and government of Kogi State.

    Read Also: Bello, Ododo visit Wada, discuss unity, development

    She said “We were sent here to commiserate with you, your wife, your family, and the entire Kogi State government on the loss of your dear father and our father as well, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Alabi.

    “May his soul rest in peace. We are deeply saddened by his demise, but we are consoled and grateful that he lived a worthy and fulfilled life, touched lives positively, and left behind a great legacy.”

    Responding on behalf of the family, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Hajiya Nana, expressed profound appreciation to the First Lady and her representatives.

    She noted that their presence, prayers, and condolence messages brought immense comfort to the family in their moment of grief.

    Governor Ododo’s father passed on last Monday at 83 and was buried the following day, Tuesday according to Islamic rites.

  • Akpabio mourns Gov Ododo’s father

    Akpabio mourns Gov Ododo’s father

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has condoled with  Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, over the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Sani Ododo.

    Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, described the death of the Governor’s father as a loss to the entire people of Kogi State.

    The Senate President described the deceased as a committed Muslim,  caring and supportive father and a strict disciplinarian.

    He urged Governor Ododo to take heart and be consoled by the rich legacies of his late father.

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    The statement reads in part: “Akpabio, on behalf of his family, constituents, the 10th Senate and entire National Assembly, shared in the pains of the loss of Alhaji Ododo. 

    “He counselled the Governor and members of the family to take the demise of their patriarch as the will of Allah.

    “At this time of grief, I pray that the Almighty Allah will forgive Alhaji Ahmed Sani Ododo his shortcomings and grant him Al Jannatul Firdaus.

    “And may Allah remain merciful to the family left behind by Baba Ahmed Sanni Ododo and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

  • Bello, Ododo visit Wada, discuss unity, development

    Bello, Ododo visit Wada, discuss unity, development

    Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, visited former Governor Idris Ichalla Wada to discuss unity and economic development.

    The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said in a statement that the trio focussed their discussion on political harmony and how the state can become an economic giant among the sub-national units.

    Capt.  Wada expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an honour and a mark of respect for leadership.

     He assured the visitors of his unalloyed support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, stressing that unity among leaders is crucial to the peace and progress of the State.

    Read Also: Ododo’s aide Nihi donates N2m for landmark FUTMinna project honouring Kogi gov

    The Commissioner added that both  Ododo and f Bello reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive governance, emphasizing that the collective interest of Kogi people will always take precedence over political differences.

    Fanwo noted that the meeting reflects a growing consensus among leaders of the State to work together in advancing development and building a more united Kogi.

  • Tinubu condoles with Ododo over father’s death 

    Tinubu condoles with Ododo over father’s death 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, who passed away on Monday at the age of 83.

    In a message issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Alhaji Momohsani as a respected community leader who lived a life of faith and service, leaving behind a legacy reflected in the accomplishments of the children he nurtured.

    Read Also: Governor Ododo loses father

    The President noted that the passing of a patriarch is always a profound loss for any family, urging Governor Ododo, his siblings, and the extended Ododo family to draw comfort from the values of moral uprightness and religious devotion their father embodied.

    “President Tinubu stresses that his thoughts and prayers are with the Ododo family, friends, and the people of Kogi State as they mourn the deceased,” the statement said.

    Alhaji Momohsani, who was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites after the afternoon prayers on Monday, was remembered for his community service and commitment to the principles of faith.

    The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the late patriarch’s soul and asked Almighty God to grant Governor Ododo and the entire family the strength to bear the loss.

  • Governor Ododo loses father

    Governor Ododo loses father

    The Kogi State Government has announced the passing of Alh. Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, father of Gov. Ahmed Ododo.

    The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday in Lokoja.

    He said the 83-year-old patriarch returned to his creator a few hours before the announcement.

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    “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un,” Fanwo recited, while announcing the passing of the governor’s father.

    He stated that the Janazah (funeral) would be conducted and the deceased laid to rest in line with Islamic rites.

    “We pray to Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” he added.

    Fanwo further prayed for Allah to strengthen the governor, his family, and the entire Ododo household to bear the loss with fortitude.

    (NAN) 

  • Ododo praised for appointing Oganenigwu indigenes, urged to commence road project

    Ododo praised for appointing Oganenigwu indigenes, urged to commence road project

    Renowned philanthropist and national coordinator of the Super Eagles legends of Nigeria, Dr Hassan Ocholi, has lauded Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for appointing sons and daughters of Oganenigwu Ward in Dekina Local Government Area into his administration.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, Ocholi described the appointments as inclusive and strategic, saying they reflect the governor’s commitment to grassroots development and recognition of local talents.

    He commended the governor for what he termed astute leadership, calling him a “Chief Servant” and “perpetual promise keeper” whose style of governance has brought remarkable progress across key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, security, and infrastructure.

    Ocholi also appealed to the governor to prioritise the long-overdue construction of the Iyale–Odolu Efu–Oganenigwu Road, a major route linking several agrarian communities in the state.

    “The commencement of this road project is crucial to unlocking the full economic potential of our communities,” he said. “Improved infrastructure will boost the transportation of agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and connect rural dwellers to essential services.”

    According to him, the Oganenigwu region is highly productive in crops such as cashew, maize, cassava, oil palm, soybeans, and yams, but decades of poor road infrastructure have stifled economic growth and limited access to healthcare and markets.

    Dr Ocholi reaffirmed his unwavering support for Governor Ododo’s developmental agenda and pledged to mobilise community support to ensure the success of the road project.

    Read Also: Ododo welcomes defectors into APC

    He urged the governor to set a specific date for the flag-off of the construction and to be physically present at the ceremony, citing the symbolic importance of such a move given the long-standing neglect of the Iyale–Oganenigwu road.

    “The presence of His Excellency at the flag-off will restore hope to the people and mark a new beginning for the Oganenigwu community,” he said.

    Community leaders and stakeholders have also expressed readiness to cooperate with contractors and support the state government’s efforts once mobilisation begins.

    They expressed hope that the project’s commencement would usher in improved economic opportunities, smoother access to markets, and better integration of their communities into the state’s development agenda.

  • Ododo’s aide Nihi to commission Youth Hub in Lokoja

    Ododo’s aide Nihi to commission Youth Hub in Lokoja

    Special Adviser to Kogi Governor on Youth and Students Matters, Hon. Oladele Nihi, is set to commission a multi-functional Youth Hub under the auspices of his Oladele John NIHI (OJN) Foundation in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.

    Speaking on rationale behind the initiative, Nihi said the hub, located near Zone 8 Roundabout in Lokoja, will serve as official secretariat of the OJN Foundation.

    According to him, the Hub is equipped with a 200-seater capacity hall, a library, four offices, a store, and various recreational facilities.

    Nihi stated that the Hub is also designed to serve as a centre for youth empowerment, training, mentorship, and relaxation.

    He explained that 65 percent of the Foundation’s focus is on youth and students, while the remaining 35 percent targets vulnerable groups including women and the elderly.

    He noted that the hub will also host skill acquisition workshops, entrepreneurship training, and recreational activities such as snooker and table tennis to make it a youth-friendly environment.

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    Nihi said the project is a direct result of lessons learned from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom he described as a generous leader and role model.

    “Our principal has always shown the importance of giving and community service, even before becoming governor. This inspired me to take steps in my own capacity.”

    Nihi commended Ododo’s administration for making youth mobilization and engagement easier through inclusive governance.

    “Over 75 percent of appointees in the current administration are young people. That alone has created a chain of peer mobilization across the state.”

    The Youth Hub will officially be launched on July 15, 2025, a date that also marks Hon. Nihi’s 37th birthday and the sixth edition of his annual OJN symposium.

    The event is expected to draw young leaders, stakeholders, and development partners across the state and beyond.

  • Ododo welcomes defectors into APC

    Ododo welcomes defectors into APC

    Last Saturday was another momentous occasion in the political annals of the confluence state, particularly yagba federal constituency extraction of kogi west, where thousands of opposition party members forfeited their political identity and ideology to join the All progressive Congress, APC.

    Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was on hand to receive the defectors into the progressive family, where he reaffirmed his readiness to continuously strengthen the ranks of the party’s membership by demonstrating exemplary leadership, progressive ideology and democratic values that thrives on the pivotal legs of equity, justice and inclusion. 

    Since the assumption of office as the 6th Governor, his leadership style has been profoundly geared towards bridging societal gaps to engender individual happiness of kogites and collective development of the land through people oriented projects, programmes and policies. The evidence of his remarkable leadership is substantially felt by the people and littered across the landscape of the state. 

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    Therefore, the gale of defection being witnessed in the state is the outcome of the combined effort of the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President and the advanced new direction Blueprint of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA. It invariably means the new entrants into the progressive fold were convinced beyond words about his leadership credentials, that’s said to be humane, developmental, and highly visionary to take kogi state to a greater height where democratic dividends becomes a recurring decimal devoid of class, creed, tribe and religion. 

    Today, because of the commendable performance of His Excellency and his political astuteness, the coalition tendencies have suffered a stillbirth in kogi state. The new progressives are of the opinion that the foundational essence of the coalition – which is to return power and democratic dividends to the people – is the clear order of the day under the indefatigable and forward looking leadership of Governor Ododo.

    Of importance, those who actually switched party to the APC in yagba federal constituency are political bigwigs whose influence,  reach, and tentacles can not be overemphasised owing to their phenomenal track records of service and sterling achievements while they lasted in public office. The development is undoubtedly a big blow to the opposition and an unquantifiable plus to the APC – all thanks to His Excellency for making the party attractive and a darling of many with his humble disposition, visionary leadership, sense of Inclusivity and commitment to the wellbeing and welfare of the people.

    Without any fuse or hassle, the coalition process has come to a total collapse in the confluence state, and the obvious reason is the unrelenting effort of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo,FCA to ensure no zone is marginalised in the distribution of state resources and no one is left behind in the discharge of democratic dividends.