Kogi At 35: KONGONET Urges Ododo To Prioritise Infrastructure, Water, Health

The Kogi State NGOs Network (KONGONET) has congratulated the government and people of Kogi State on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, urging Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to prioritise infrastructure, water supply, healthcare, security and employment.
Kogi State was created on August 27, 1991.

In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, KONGONET acknowledged the progress recorded in the state over the years, particularly under the present administration, citing interventions in road construction and rehabilitation, education, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare and rural development.

The group also commended the government’s efforts to improve access to education, support students, strengthen primary healthcare and expand infrastructure across the three senatorial districts.

KONGONET further recognised the state government’s engagement with civil society through the Open Government Partnership, describing the platform as an opportunity for citizens to contribute to decisions affecting their lives.

However, the organisation said the anniversary should also provide an opportunity for honest reflection on the challenges confronting residents.

It identified poor road conditions, inadequate access to safe water, shortage of healthcare professionals, perennial flooding, insecurity, youth unemployment, sanitation and waste management, rural poverty and concerns over value for money in public spending as issues requiring sustained attention.

According to the group, development should ultimately be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens rather than merely by the size or monetary value of government projects.

It urged the government to make citizen-centred infrastructure a defining priority, including roads, drainage, water facilities, schools, healthcare centres, markets and sanitation infrastructure.

The organisation also called for an accelerated state infrastructure renewal plan, prioritising township and rural roads, bridges, drainage, water infrastructure and underserved communities.

KONGONET advised the government to focus on completing and maintaining existing projects rather than proliferating unfinished projects, stressing that citizens would benefit more from functional and durable infrastructure.

On healthcare, it urged the government to match investments in hospitals and primary healthcare centres with aggressive recruitment, retention and equitable deployment of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, radiographers and other essential professionals.

The group also called for stronger flood-prevention measures, including drainage expansion, desilting of waterways, enforcement against construction on natural channels, early-warning systems and long-term protection for vulnerable communities.

On security, KONGONET advocated deeper partnerships with communities, particularly along highways, farming settlements and vulnerable rural corridors.

It further urged the government to expand opportunities for young people through agriculture, skills development, enterprise support, technology and private-sector investment.

The organisation said transparency, accountability and citizen participation should also be strengthened through the Open Government Partnership, public consultations, accessible budget information and meaningful engagement with civil society.

KONGONET commended Governor Ododo’s “approachable and consultative disposition,” saying the relatively cordial relationship between government, civil society and other stakeholders presented an opportunity to build a broader consensus on the development of the state.

The group urged the governor to sustain the atmosphere of openness and engagement, stressing that constructive criticism could help government identify problems early and correct mistakes faster.

It said Kogi’s strategic location, agricultural potential, solid mineral resources, youthful population and the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue placed the state in a strong position to develop agriculture, logistics, trade, manufacturing, tourism and the solid minerals sector.

KONGONET said the aspiration for the state at 35 should be centred on good roads, clean water, functional hospitals, quality schools, safe communities, productive agriculture, jobs, a clean environment, accountable institutions and infrastructure that works for citizens.

The organisation consequently congratulated Governor Ododo, the state government and the people of Kogi on the anniversary, wishing the state continued growth and development.