Television Nigerian

Kogi State’s executive governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been laser-focused since taking office in January 2024.

According to section 4(2)(b) of the 1999 constitution as amended, which states that “the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people,” he has been dedicated to fulfilling the main duty of the state. The Nigerian Constitution expressly declares that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” which should be understood by everyone assuming political responsibility.

This clause highlights that protecting the security and welfare of the populace is the primary duty of the government.

In an effort to provide effective leadership, the Ododo administration in Kogi State has impacted every industry. Because of how well-liked he is by the public, campaigning for his second term has begun three years in advance.

He used every tactic at his disposal to deal with the issues that his workers were facing. “One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency,” says Arnold H. Glasow.

The governor has made great progress in that area.

He placed a high premium on security because he thinks that once the state is safe, the economy will grow.

In order to combat instability, the state administration recently embraced supporting development as a strategic, non-kinetic method.

Under Ododo’s direction, the State is making significant investments in vital infrastructure and agricultural empowerment to foster an atmosphere that prevents insecurity, according to Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, who made this announcement during a press briefing.

Fanwo stated, “We’re using agriculture as a weapon against insecurity, not just as a tool for food security.”

“We’re tackling poverty head-on and creating a safer, more productive society by enabling our young people and rural communities to farm and produce.”

The use of contemporary technology in the State’s security architecture was also emphasized by the Commissioner, who pointed out that early detection and quick response are already being impacted by surveillance systems, intelligence tools, and communication advancements.

Since assuming charge, the governor, who would rather be known as Kogi State’s chief servant, has been true to his Consolidation and Continuity Manifesto. Actually, he has been getting better at it all the time.

He hasn’t backed down from his pledge to guarantee that Kogi State’s citizens are fed. Keep in mind that Ododo emphasized the importance of Kogi becoming self-sufficient in food production both throughout his campaigns and in his inaugural address.

In light of this, the Kogi State administration recently reaffirmed its commitment to revolutionizing the state’s agricultural industry and raising farmers’ standard of living by signing the Food for Lagos collaboration, which it promised would benefit Kogi farmers.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, provided media with a press statement outlining the strategic actions already taken to realize the initiative’s economic potential.

Fanwo said that Governor Ododo has started taking tangible steps to increase food production, upgrade infrastructure, and draw high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector less than two weeks after signing the historic deal with Lagos State.

The Commissioner also highlighted significant government-supported initiatives like ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), which is directing investments into rural farming communities, and RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is assisting in the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.

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Ododo’s emphasis on the health sector is particularly encouraging, and the administration’s numerous achievements demonstrate that the program is a landmark.

A group for the State Task Force on Primary Health Care Services was recently established by the governor.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, urged the Committee’s members to collaborate in order to create a more robust and healthy Kogi State during the Committee’s inauguration in Lokoja.

Comrade Joel claims that the Committee’s formation is a daring step motivated by the current administration’s dedication to the welfare of the populace.

“We acknowledge that healthcare is an essential part of our state’s development and not just a social service.”

“We can improve health outcomes, lower mortality rates, and raise our people’s standard of living by fortifying our primary healthcare system.”

According to fresh 2023 statistics from StatiSense and EFInA, Kogi State recently became the best-performing state in Nigeria for adult insurance coverage, with 11% of its citizens enrolled. The state’s dedication to extending high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare is demonstrated by the fact that Kogi is ranked higher than Lagos (9%), Oyo (7%), and the Federal Capital Territory (6%).

The Kogi State Government’s N98.8 billion debt was paid off within 15 months of Ododo taking office, which was another significant accomplishment.

During a State Executive Council meeting, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, the Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, provided a breakdown of the settled debts, including the fully paid and liquidated N5 billion Series 1 and N3 billion Series 2 bonds issued for infrastructure by the former Governor HE Idris Wada administration.

“The previous administration’s N50.8 billion salary bailout has been paid in full and liquidated. The ECA-backed infrastructure loan of N10 billion has been paid back and is now completely liquidated.

“The previous administration’s N15 billion infrastructure loan from Zenith Bank Plc has been completely repaid.

“The past administration’s N15 billion infrastructure debt from UBA PLC has been paid back and completely liquidated.

He claims that Kogi State’s long-term foreign-and local-currency issuer default ratings (IDRs) or credit ratings have been raised from “B-” to “B” by Fitch Ratings, which has a stable outlook. As of September 30, 2024, the state owes N40,530,792,606.34.

The governor attended the African Development Bank’s (AFDB) 2025 Annual Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to look for strategic funding for solid minerals, transportation, and agriculture in an effort to make Kogi an investment destination.

The state government’s dedication to strengthening ties with international financial institutions in order to draw in vital development funding that will unlock the state’s enormous economic potential and enhance the quality of life for its citizens is demonstrated by his attendance at the esteemed forum, where he was reportedly invited as a Special Guest of the Continental Development Finance Institution.

The Governor is working with AFDB leadership to obtain specific funding from a variety of the Bank’s specialized financing windows, with an emphasis on three strategic sectors: solid minerals, transportation infrastructure, especially the construction of a proposed airport in Kogi State, and agriculture, according to a press release issued by Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

The governor gave food to more than 1,000 widows in the state while reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of the state’s vulnerable in keeping with his campaign pledges. He also promised that the state’s widows’ hardships would not be forgotten and that he would not politicize their affairs.

A number of noteworthy accomplishments under Ododo’s administration demonstrated his ability to lead with vision.

According to Mr. Jude Ekem, a political expert who talked to our reporter, Kogi State is a perfect example of a place where government triumphs over politics.

“The governor’s performance is excellent. I have to commend him for putting the state’s government servants’ welfare first. He immediately disburses pensioners’ emoluments. Any successful government must take the welfare of its employees seriously.

Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, a Kogi native living in Lagos State, told our reporter that every Kogi native should be proud of the governor due to the remarkable degree of progress occurring in Kogi.

As an Igala man, he insisted that Ododo’s administration has demonstrated that talent, not background, is what counts in governance. He emphasized that Ododo won’t need to run for office in 2027 since all Kogi indigenous people will support his reelection, allowing him to do the excellent work he is already doing.

We used to claim that it was the turn of this or that ethnic group, but Ododo has shown us that ability, not the governor’s background, is what counts. I’m Igala, but I have to say that if my brother runs against Ododo in 2027, I won’t back him since the governor is doing well and we should give him a chance to continue his good work. Take a look at our youth. Because of the governor’s involvement, they now have the chance to work independently. Civil servants are content. The elderly are content. Everyone is content.

Mustapha Sule Lamido, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State’s general election of 2023, has stated that the by-election for the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency on Saturday will be the pivotal event that ends the APC’s rule in Jigawa State.

Lamido made these remarks to the party’s followers on Wednesday during a large-scale campaign rally in Babura, where the party’s flag was presented to its candidate for the next by-election.

For peace and harmony, he added, Nigerians are prepared to vote the party out because they have had enough of the suffering they have been through for more than a decade since 2015.

He said, “The amount of hardships that Nigerians are experiencing is tremendous, and the APC has been in power for ten years.” Starting with this Garki/Babura Federal Constituency by-election, we must remove this regime.

Because of the suffering that the ruling party caused Nigerians, they are being jeered and ridiculed. The nation is regressing due to the state and national APC.

“Based on the massive gathering I am witnessing today, I am certain that the days of APC are coming to an end.”

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The constituents were urged to turn out in large numbers, cast their ballots, stay safe, and make sure their votes were counted.

The PDP is dedicated and constantly prepared to meet the needs, desires, and ambitions of the average person, he said.

In addition, PDP candidate Auwalu Isah Manzo pledged to address the majority of the issues that the constituents have been dealing with for years due to the APC’s deceit in the Green Chamber.

He expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership and supporters for the chance and promised to do everything in his power to help the party win.

With the opening of the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion, Training Center and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has received praise from Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for advancing more affordable and environmentally friendly energy options.

During the NASENI-Portland CNG Hub’s commissioning, the Speaker, represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, stated that energy transitions are never simply about technology; they are about our people’s quality of life. He also noted that the project was impactful and timely. The leadership of NASENI deserves praise for improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

Hon. Abbas underlined that while the energy transition process requires time, it is crucial and encouraged Nigerians to embrace it. He emphasized Nigeria’s ability to lead Africa in the adoption of CNG, citing examples from nations like Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran that have successfully converted millions of vehicles to the fuel.

“The NASENI–Portland partnership is a clear example of how the private sector plays a vital role in driving our nation’s economic growth and development,” said Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen, in delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the special guest of honor.

“Our government’s role is to act as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for the Nigerian people,” she said. Mr. Halilu added that NASENI’s pace should be an example for other agencies throughout the nation.

In his welcome speech, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, stated that this facility, along with its CNG Conversion Center, Training Center, and CNG Gas Refill Station, is a part of our continued commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a diverse, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.

Our ambitious plan calls for the replication of these facilities in all 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, enabling the conversion of all Nigerian vehicles to CNG within the next several years. Our dedication to bringing CNG technology closer to the public, dismantling monopolies to enhance service quality and affordability, and minimizing bottlenecks and lengthy lines for CNG consumers is embodied by our daughter station.

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“Last year, we commissioned our flagship CNG Conversion, Filling, and Training Centre in Utako, proving what is possible when innovation meets determination,” Halilu said, adding that the advantages are indisputable and include reduced fuel costs, cleaner air, improved engine performance, increased energy security, and long-term employment for our young people.

Our goal now is to broaden that vision. This daughter station would increase the accessibility, affordability, and convenience of CNG for regular Nigerians by having the ability to convert up to 20 vehicles each day.

30 Nigerian engineers from all geopolitical zones have received training from the Agency in CNG conversion, vehicle maintenance, and clean energy technologies over the past year, he said, forming a new generation of indigenous professionals who would spread this innovation throughout the nation.

As the honorary guest, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), commended NASENI for its efforts to guarantee cheap energy costs for transportation and urged other government organizations to assist NASENI similarly.

Representatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) EVC/CEO, the DG of the National Technology Incubation Center, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPR), the DG Budget Office, and others congratulated NASENI and Portland on their partnership and pledged their support in separate goodwill messages.

In his vote of thanks, Hon. Olujimi Mohammed, Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd., thanked the Federal Government for all of the assistance provided to his business. With CNG, Nigerians will save money on transportation and other necessities, he said, expressing special delight with NASENI’s efforts and commitment to the cooperation.

Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was informed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday that no one could demand anything from the party ahead of its National Convention, which is set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Recall that Wike recently said in a media talk in Abuja that even if the PDP crisis is currently over, if the party does not acknowledge the zonal congress that elected Chief Dan Orbih as the National Vice Chairman, South-South, then another round of crises will begin.

There will be another crisis unless his illness is resolved, Wike had added, adding, “They said that they are going for their convention in November.” I won’t participate until they fix it. Let’s wait; they have time to fix the problem. Fix the problem before you discuss convention. Should the issue remain unresolved, a catastrophe will ensue.

“PDP has not, and will not even take condition from anybody, who will follow that constitution anyway,” stated Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, in response to these threats during a media-interaction session. Our South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee has been operating as such.

The party warned that if anyone violates or disobeys, the party will have no choice but to employ its Constitution. The party informed its members that the PDP expects 100% of them.

According to the party, loyalty is a personal matter, but in a gathering like this, we have stated that we expect it. In the event that we discover that you fail to provide it, the constitution will take effect. I took care of that earlier.

“We expect all of our members to be totally loyal. We have made that announcement. That claim is effective. That is where we are at the moment.

Regarding the Minister’s claim that the PDP or party governors had petitioned the court to have the state of emergency in Rivers State revoked but had not pursued the case, Ologunagba stated, “if a case is filed, there are processes.” I work as a lawyer. Hearing notices will be sent out. In that case, I am not. I am acquainted with the governors of the party that brought the case. One might inquire as to whether the Supreme Court has included it on its list. We will receive a notice of hearing if it has been listed. Hearing notice—I don’t know…”

He added: “Let me tell you something again. You see, having a lot of noise does not equate to having knowledge.

The party is currently concentrating on its planned National Convention in Ibadan, according to Ologunagba.

“Our national convention is our main focus,” he stated. We let the proceedings proceed if there are cases pending in court. And I’m not saying that they’re not doing a good job of pursuing it. If so, there is what is known as “lack of diligent prosecution” in the legal system. If you believe that the individual who filed the lawsuit won’t adequately prosecute the case, you know what to do.

He highlighted the party’s stance on the lawmakers who joined the APC, stating, “One of the decisions that we took as a party was, we directed the Legal Adviser to take steps to retrieve those positions, because constitutionally they’ve lost them by reason of their defection when there’s no division in our party.”

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Speaking further about party loyalty and the reasons members shouldn’t leave, Ologunagba stated, “We will not tolerate disloyalty to this party.” We’re asking for complete and utter loyalty. We expect that from our members.

It would be a voyage of no discovery, therefore if somebody wants to quit the party—which we hope they don’t—they should stay here instead, as this is the only political party where you can fulfill your ambitions.

Naturally, 90% of those who have left got their training in the PDP. As a result, it indicates that PDP has something special. We therefore invite anyone who wishes to return.

Some were removed out of rage. Now that we’re strong and steady, we’re working toward the National Convention, even though some people were misinformed. We are ready and willing to return at this time. The party, however, will not tolerate disloyalty. It will be fantastic. We also insist on it. We intend to enforce it. We will make advantage of our constitution.

Speaking about the party’s stance on the South-South congresses, Ologunagba stated that the party had already established a caretaker committee that was operating, adding, “What we did was to set up, in line with the provisions of the party constitution, set up a caretaker committee, Zonal Caretaker Committee for the South-South, headed by Elder Emma Ogidi.”

Ologunagba responded to reports that Peter Obi and Goodluck Jonathan might run for president under the PDP in 2027 by saying he doesn’t speculate and that the party has a number of capable governors who are eligible to serve as president.

“This party has a lot of very qualified, extremely qualified, and capable governors who can become the nation’s president,” he stated. You want to know if Jonathan is contesting, so ask him. I’m not President Jonathan’s spokesperson. Ask him. Ask him. I have no right to conjecture. Why you’re asking that question is beyond me. Ask Obi.