Chidinma Iroegbu
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has said the state’s economic transformation depends on stronger collaboration with Kogites in the diaspora, urging them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms by investing their resources, expertise and global networks in Kogi and Nigeria.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting with Kogites and Nigerians in London, Ododo described the diaspora as strategic partners in development, saying, “Bring home not only your investments, but also your ideas, your expertise, your innovation and your global networks.”
The governor said unity had become the foundation of Kogi’s development, noting that the state had moved beyond ethnic and religious divisions to pursue a common vision. According to him, “Poverty has no tribe, hunger has no religion and underdevelopment respects no ethnicity.”
Ododo praised Tinubu’s economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and fiscal restructuring, saying the measures had strengthened state finances and expanded investments in critical sectors.
He maintained that the administration’s reforms were laying the foundation for long-term prosperity, adding that “leadership is not measured by the ease of today’s decisions but by the prosperity they create for tomorrow.”
The governor highlighted ongoing Federal Government projects in Kogi, including the Kogi International Airport, Kogi Free Trade Zone, Agricultural Processing Zone, the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and reconstruction of key federal roads.
He said his administration had utilised the opportunities created by the reforms to deliver road infrastructure, free education from primary to secondary school, payment of public examination fees, healthcare expansion, agricultural mechanisation and empowerment programmes.
Ododo also called on Kogites to support the Kogi Rebrand Initiative by promoting the state’s investment potential, saying positive narratives would attract investors and unlock more economic opportunities.
Member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Hon. Salman Idris, said the governor’s collaboration with the Federal Government on the Ajaokuta Steel Company would redefine Kogi’s economic future and described his development agenda as bold and impactful.
Participants at the meeting commended the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development, while pledging to mobilise investments, professional expertise and international partnerships to support Kogi State’s growth.