*** – Ben TV UK Special report reveals

Liz Esan reporting Edited by Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London .

In just one year few months in office, Governor Usman Ododo has significantly elevated the standards of development across multiple sectors, including agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, and security.

Under his leadership, Kogi State has witnessed remarkable advancements, notably the distribution of NGN 316 million in student bursaries, benefiting over 8,700 students.

This initiative highlights Gov. Ododo s administration unwavering dedication to educational equity, as he passionately strives to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality learning opportunities.

Additionally, Governor Ododo’s focus on infrastructural improvement has enhanced connectivity and public services, while his efforts to bolster health and security initiatives have created a safer and more supportive environment for all residents. His multifaceted approach aims not only to uplift the standard of living in Kogi state but also to inspire a sense of hope and progress among its citizens.

As Kogi State emerges as a potential mining hub, Ododo’s administration has undertaken a thorough review of the state’s mineral wealth, including deposits of gold, copper, lithium, and iron ore, in commercial quantities. By removing barriers to investment, the governor aims to position Kogi as a key player in Nigeria’s development. Junction Road, the 5.5km Zone 8-Crusher Road, and a state-of-the-art 350-bed hostel facility for Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara.

Other notable projects inaugurated include a demonstration farm, two new faculties at CUSTECH, and several primary healthcare centres across the state.

Another milestone which is one of primary focuses of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododos’ administration in Kogi State over the past year has been the development of infrastructure within the state. This Initiatives, aimed to improve the overall quality of life for residents and enhance the economic growth and prosperity of the State.

Through strategic investments and partnerships, Governor Ododo s administration has worked tirelessly to upgrade and expand critical infrastructure such as roads and public facilities. Ododo’s commitment to infrastructure development is a testament to the governor’s dedication to building a stronger and more resilient Kogi State for generations to come.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration have hugely prioritizes infrastructure development in Kogi State, focusing on the completion of projects initiated by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Some of the Notable projects include the construction of the Nine Kilometres Zone 8-Barrack-Zango road and the 5.5 Kilometres Zone 8-Crusher road, both equipped with street lights to enhance visibility and

beautification of the state at night.

This commitment to infrastructure marks a significant shift from previous administrations before that of Former Governor Yahaya Bello, that left many projects abandoned.

Again Security Enhancements under Governor Ododo’s leadership, has seen substantial improvements. The governor had provided regular support to security agencies and approved the recruitment of fifty hunters in each Local Government Area to combat crime effectively. A notable success was the rescue of twenty students from Confluence University of Science and Technology who were abducted on campus. Additionally, a Forward Operation Base (FOB) was established in Bagana community, restoring peace and commercial activities after years of crisis caused by herdsmen invasions.

Equally the Agricultural Initiatives of Governor Ododo administration has shown marvelous commitment to revolutionizing agriculture activities in Kogi State which is part of his administration’s strategy for economic growth. In June last year, he launched a wet season farming initiative with an investment exceeding seven billion naira for farm inputs and deployed over one hundred tractors across seven thousand hectares of farmland.

This initiative has tremendously boost food sufficiency and position Kogi as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy.

Also The health sector has immensely benefited from Governor Ododo’s administration, with swift completion and upgrading of over one hundred primary health care centers within his first year in office. Which includes providing essential medical equipments to enhance healthcare delivery across the state this great achievement has transformed into remarkable healthy living amongst the people of kogi State.

The Educational Investments of the ododo’s administration remains a core value of the administration, Education has been a focal point for Governor Ododo, who approved six hundred million naira for WAEC fees for over eighteen thousand senior secondary school students in public schools, alleviating financial burdens on parents and reducing out-of-school children numbers. Furthermore, he allocated five hundred and twenty-two million naira for other critical examinations such as Common Entrance and JAMB fees. As at today both primary and secondary education in kogi State are absolutely Free for the citizens.

Again workers welfare has been a focal point of ododo’s administration . Workers’ Welfare

Stands as a prominent priorities of the current administration in kogi State, and this was further demonstrated when the governor approved seventy-two thousand five hundred naira as the minimum wage for all categories of workers—higher than the federal government’s seventy thousand naira benchmark.

Additionally, pensioners received a ten thousand naira harmonization allowance, marking a significant improvement after two decades without such benefits.

On Trade and Investment Promotion, The Ododo’s administration stimulate trade and investment in kogi State with the approved plans for a multi-billion naira international market along Zone 8-Crusher road, expected to be completed within two years. This initiative aims to enhance commercial activities within the state.

Community Engagement through “The Kogi Dialogue”

When Governor Ododo celebrated his first anniversary in office with “The Kogi Dialogue,” a town hall meeting that brought together stakeholders from various political backgrounds to discuss progress and future development strategies for Kogi State. This event has remains an indelible Mark in the Anna’s of kogi State and Thus highlighted ododo’s commitment to inclusivity and unity among diverse groups within the state.

Conclusively, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration has been marked by significant achievements across various sectors including infrastructure development, security enhancements, agricultural initiatives, health sector improvements, educational investments, workers’ welfare advancements, trade promotion efforts, and community engagement through dialogue.

Liz Esan reporting for Ben Television UK , transmitting from London to Europe ,Caribbean and Africa .