From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, commissioned multiple projects executed by the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, as part of his first anniversary.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him, arrived the state accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
They were welcomed and received by Ododo, his deputy, Joel Oyibo, former governors, Yahaya Bello and Idris Wada, Commissioners and other government officials.
Ododo led Shettima and his delegation to the Zone 8 Aroundabout in Lokoja Local Government Area where three road projects were commissioned.
The projects first commissioned were Zone 8-Zango Daji- Kaduna Junction road (9Km), Zone 8 – Crusher Road (5.5Km)
Other projects included 350-bed hostels for both boys and girls in Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), a Demonstration farm, two faculties in the same university and some PHCs across the state.
Addressing the president’s delegation, Ododo said the projects executed were a demonstration of his desire to improve the well-being of the people of the state.
He said the projects scattered across the state were part of his campaign promises to the people who elected him into office to serve them as their chief servant.
He thanked his predecessor for laying a solid foundation for him to consolidate upon for the growth and development of the state.
Immediately after commissioning the projects the Vice president and his entourage were moved to the Government House, where they had some private chats with stakeholders in the state before they moved to Muhammadu Buhari Square for the proper anniversary celebration.
Shetima who was visibly elated commended Governor Ododo for embarking on people-oriented programmes. He specifically commended him on the transformation witnessed road infrastructure, education and the health sector.
He also lauded him on his efforts in youth and women empowerment and urged him to do more to alleviate poverty in the state to complement the Federal Government’s efforts.
The vice president was later treated to various traditional dances by the various ethnic groups in the state.
Meanwhile, prominent individuals and stakeholders have also felicitated the governor and commended him on the achievements so far recorded.
Among them is a Kogi State born technocrat, Dr. Patrick Adebola, executive director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), who commended Ododo administration for working round the clock to improve human resources and infrastructure in the Confluence State, the fruits of which he described as visible to all in the state and beyond.
In a statement, Adebola listed timely payment of salary, implementation of the minimum wage, payment of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees, bursary awards, road constructions, and prompt attention to ecological problems as part of the positive things that herald the Ododo stewardship and urged him to remain focused on his style of uniting the people through purposeful leadership.
Also, a former PDP governorship aspirant and data scientist, Chief Momoh Obaro, said the governor has started well and thus far proven to be sensitive to the yearnings of the citizenry.
‘It is a good thing that you have restored hope through the full payment of salaries and being the first to implement the N72, 000 minimum wage to the State and Local Government workers. No one will also ignore your payment of the West African Examination Council, WAEC fees, and bursary awards to tertiary institution students’ policies
“One is also impressed by the news about the equitable distribution of projects across the three Senatorial Districts. Without doubts, you have proven that you came to serve Kogi State selflessly, putting smiles on the faces of the masses.
“Don’t be distracted, and don’t let the accolades get into your head. There is yet so much work to be done to make our economy competitive and self-sustaining. Mechanised farming and harnessing the vast mineral potentials beneath our soil may be the way to go if our state must truly excel.
“As I urge the people to continue in their unalloyed support for the government, it is my prayer that God will use the lessons of the past year to guide you in making the right choices for our dear state.”