Copyright tribuneonlineng
Kogi Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo described traditional institution as an indispendable partner in governance and peace building. Ododo made the remark over the weekend when he paid a courtesy visit to the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Owoniyi. The governor was in Kabba-Bunu local government council, undertook an inspection tour of ongoing government projects across Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the State. The visit, which was part of the Governor’s commitment to ensure quality service delivery and connect governance with the grassroots, saw him inspect healthcare, education, and environmental projects being executed by his administration. He assured continued collaboration in maintaining peace and security across the State. He assured the traditional rulers of his commitment to the development of the state stressing that their cooperation will enhance the fight against Insurgency and kidnapping in the state since they control their various communities. The Obaro of Kabba while speaking commended the Governor for his developmental drive, especially his attention to the Kogi State University, Kabba, and other projects across Okunland. He acknowledged the effort of the governor so far in developing the state adding that the people of Okun land will remain greatful to the former governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for bringing University to Okun land. He was received by all the Royal Fathers from Okun land. Earlier, the governor during the projects tour interacted freely with residents at every location, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to take development to every part of the State. At Agbadu Bunu, Governor Ododo inspected the newly completed Primary Healthcare Centre, fully equipped with solar power, water facilities, and staff quarters. He commended the people for their cooperation with the contractor and urged them to take ownership of the facility, stressing that the visit was not political but purely developmental. The Governor said he was not at Agbadu for politics, but to see the project his administration is executing in the community. He also called on the people to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his economic reforms have empowered states to execute more people-oriented projects. Also so, the Governor proceeded to Ayegunle Igun Bunu, where another healthcare facility constructed by his administration stands completed. The visit made history as no sitting Governor had ever visited the community. Governor Ododo assured the people that his administration will continue to implement inclusive policies that leave no community behind. At Okebukun Bunu, Governor Ododo inspected the Model Secondary School, an architectural masterpiece with a 500-seater Computer-Based Test Hall. The Governor was received by excited students and community leaders who expressed gratitude for the transformation of their educational environment. The Chief Servant also held a stakeholders’ meeting with political and community leaders in Kabba/Bunu, where he rendered account of stewardship and received assurances of sustained support. He later joined Muslim faithful for the Jumu’ah prayers at the Kabba Central Mosque, emphasizing unity and inclusiveness. The Governor inspected the multi-billion-naira ecological project in Kabba designed to protect residential areas from erosion and environmental degradation. He assured residents that his administration would not leave any community behind in the development drive. Speaking on the achievements of his administration through the Kogi ACReSAL Project, Governor Ododo explained that the initiative has recorded remarkable progress in land restoration, climate resilience, and agricultural productivity in the Western Senatorial District. He disclosed that the OMIGBO Gully Channelization and Stabilization Project in Kabba, signed 14 months ago, is now 98 percent complete, with plans for expansion to reclaim more degraded land. Through ACReSAL, over 7,000 farmers across Kogi West have benefitted from government support in tractorization, inputs, seedlings, and labour funding, covering nearly 600 hectares of farmland. Kabba/Bunu alone accounts for 130 hectares of restored land and 1,300 supported farmers, a development that has greatly enhanced food production and improved livelihoods. Governor Ododo further revealed that the reforestation component of the project has restored 184 hectares of land through tree planting exercises, while the Community Revolving Fund has empowered 790 beneficiaries across the Western Senatorial District, including 243 from Kabba/Bunu. The Fund is designed to promote climate-smart agriculture and ensure sustainable rural financing. In addition, the State Government, through ACReSAL, has provided 16 solar-powered boreholes in communities without access to clean water, with six located in Kabba/Bunu and thirteen new ones approved for Okunland to boost all-season farming. A modern greenhouse facility has also been approved for the Kogi State University, Kabba, to promote agricultural research, hands-on training, and food security. The Governor also visited a local entrepreneur whose shop was recently destroyed by fire, offering words of encouragement and support. At the ongoing Senate Building project of the Kogi State University, Kabba, the Governor remarked that the tangible progress being recorded under his administration “is our own noise without words”. The Chief Servant of Kogi State inspected many completed and ongoing projects at the University.
