Kogi Executive Council Commends Tinubu, Approves Major Projects, Agricultural Interventions

The Kogi State Executive Council has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his developmental strides across the country, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway.

The commendation came at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, in Lokoja on Monday.

Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the pace and quality of work on the strategic highway, describing it as a major infrastructure intervention that would strengthen connectivity between the North Central and South-South geopolitical zones.

He said completion of the road would ease the movement of people, goods and services, stimulate trade and investment, improve access to markets and open new economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.

The Council also approved several contracts and policy initiatives covering road construction and rehabilitation, agriculture, education, housing, healthcare, public communication and institutional development.

In the information sector, the Council approved the renovation of the headquarters of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC), Lokoja, as well as the installation of solar power systems at the Corporation’s radio stations in Ocheja and Okene.

It also approved the introduction of a Quarterly Media Briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communications to provide regular updates on government policies, programmes, projects and achievements and enhance public engagement.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojoma, said the Council approved and ratified support for farmers through the procurement of fertilisers, agricultural chemicals and other essential farm inputs.

“The Council graciously approved and ratified support to farmers, including the procurement of fertilisers, assorted chemicals and other agricultural inputs for farmers,” Ojoma said.

He said the intervention would sustain food production during the wet and dry seasons, adding that agriculture remained a major priority of the Ododo Administration.

Ojoma also disclosed that Kogi had made significant progress towards the take-off of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), supported by the African Development Bank.

According to him, the necessary studies, qualification processes and approvals had been completed, while land preparation and site allocation had progressed.

“The SAPZ programme is a major opportunity for Kogi State. Several states are competing for it, but with the support of His Excellency, Kogi is being considered as a priority,” he said.

He added that the programme would strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment, create markets for farmers and reduce post-harvest losses.

The Commissioner said strategic road projects in parts of Ibaji, Bassa and Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas also received attention, noting that improved access roads would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to processing centres and markets.

He further disclosed that the state was working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Bank of Agriculture on initiatives to strengthen food production, including plans for poultry and egg production centres across the 21 Local Government Areas.

Also briefing journalists, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Taiye Abanika, said the Council approved the construction of Phase Two of students’ hostel accommodation at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital in Okene, alongside furniture for the students’ accommodation and doctors’ quarters.

He said the intervention was necessary to accommodate students progressing into clinical training and reflected the administration’s commitment to educational and healthcare infrastructure.

Abanika also provided an update on the Kogi International Airport, saying construction had commenced with site clearing, mobilisation of equipment and work on the perimeter fencing already underway.

“The necessary certificates have been obtained and construction has commenced in earnest. Site clearing has been carried out and other facilities and equipment have been mobilised to the project site,” he said.

He said the airport would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods and create new opportunities for investment and economic development.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the Council approved the implementation of the End Care Programme, which will provide support and welfare benefits to more than 5,000 indigent residents across the state.

“The End Care Programme has been deliberated upon and approved by the Council. It will benefit over 5,000 indigent people in the state, and implementation will commence soon,” Abanika said.

The Kogi State Executive Council reaffirmed its commitment to implementing programmes and projects that will improve living conditions, strengthen infrastructure, promote food security and expand economic opportunities across the state.This version is roughly half the length of the original while retaining the central news: Tinubu/highway, Council approvals, KSBC, quarterly briefing, farmer support, SAPZ, agricultural roads, livestock initiatives, CUSTECH Teaching Hospital hostel, airport and End Care Programme.

The State Executive Council also moved to reposition lottery, signage and food administration through new legislations.