By joshua 
CONGRATULATIONS AND TRIBUTE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, FCA ON HIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
ODODO/PBAT Polling Unit Canvassers 2027 felicitates with, and pays glowing tribute to H.E, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo the current Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria, who was sworn-in on 27 January, 2024 as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The people’s welfarist with listening-hears illustrious Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has, ever since assumption of office as the Executive Governor and Chief Servant of Kogi State etched a memorable moment in the annals of time.
His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, is a distinguished gentleman, paragon of virtue, a servant leader with an unmatched heart of gold, a child of destiny and stalwart son of Kogi State. His unwavering dedication to the people’s welfare, and unrelenting efforts in uplifting the community are highly appreciated and commendable. May GOD Almighty bless this extraordinary servant leader with long life and boundless favor of sound health in wellness. We wish him divine wisdom and guidance in all his life endeavors, praying for success and triumph in every step he takes.
Governor Ododo’s leadership focuses on unity, inclusivity, and transparency, aiming to transform Kogi State into a prosperous and developed region. His policies and initiatives in the confluence of opportunities are focused on transforming the state through inclusive growth and development.
*Key Achievements since Assumption of Office:*
– *Improved Financial Management*: Strengthened financial systems, ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions.
– *Education and Scholarship:* Enhanced education sector with scholarships, teacher training, and infrastructure development. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s initiatives in education are making waves in Kogi State. In education, he has prioritized free and compulsory education from nursery to secondary school, payment of WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees, and improved school facilities leading to greater and massive enrollment. He has also allocated 30% of the state’s annual budget to education, fully equipping the established two accredited state-owned universities (Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara and Kogi State University, Kabba) with modern facilities. Enhancing education with scholarships, teacher training, and infrastructure development. Some other notable education initiatives includes:
– *Free Education:* Free and compulsory education from nursery to secondary school level.
– *Scholarships:* Over ₦316 million disbursed to 8,750 undergraduate students.
– *Girl-Child Education:* ₦40,000 cash grants to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes.
Also, Governor Ododo’s administration is leveraging education to combat terrorism and banditry. He has strengthened synergy between government institutions and private universities, providing a secure learning environment for all and sundry.
– *Healthcare Delivery and Medical Infrastructure:* Invested in hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, and community health outreach. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s initiatives in healthcare and economic development are making significant strides in Kogi State. In healthcare, he has launched a comprehensive Primary Health Care revitalization program, upgrading over 200 facilities across 21 Local Government Areas.
Some notable achievements includes:
– *80 Revitalized Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs):* Commissioned 80 modernized Primary Health Care facilities with solar power, boreholes, staff accommodation, and essential medical equipment, providing 24-hour healthcare services.
– *Health Insurance Scheme:* Launched the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, targeting vulnerable groups, pregnant women, children under five, and elderly citizens. Expanded health insurance coverage, revitalization of primary healthcare centers, and incentives for medical personnel, including a N300,000 allowance for doctors in rural areas.
– *Human Resource Development:* Initiated a Human Resource for Health Mapping and Gap Analysis, recruiting and deploying qualified personnel to PHCs.
– *Flagship Healthcare Train:* Unveiling a mobile healthcare program delivering free medical services across the state.
– *Agriculture and Food Security:* Boosted food security with modern farming tools and support for smallholder farmers. Boosting agriculture initiatives in economic development like the Wet Season Agricultural Intervention Programme, providing farmers with free seeds, chemicals, and access to tractors. Over 10,000 farmers have benefited from this program which support farmers and enhance food security.
Some other critical key areas of focus includes:
– *Education*: The government has disbursed over N316 million in bursary and scholarship support to 8,750 undergraduate students and established two fully accredited state-owned universities with modern facilities.
– *Infrastructure Development:* Ododo’s administration has upgraded roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities, including the 9km Zone 8-Zango Daji-Kaduna Junction Road and a 350-bed hostel for Confluence University of Science and Technology.
– *Youth Empowerment and Engagement:* The Kogi Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (KOYESA) has trained 250 young people in practical skills like CNG conversion, mechatronics, welding, and solar installations.
– *Security:* Ododo’s administration has strengthened security measures and infrastructure, including intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and equipping security forces including the local vigilante and hunters groups.
These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for Kogi State residents, boost economic growth, and promote sustainable development.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is prioritizing the welfare of civil servants and citizens in Kogi State. Some notable initiatives includes:
– *Digitalization of Civil Service:* Governor Ododo plans to fully digitalize the state civil service by 2026, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and technology-driven governance.
– *Prompt Payment of Salaries:* The administration has ensured timely payment of salaries and leave bonuses, improving the welfare of civil servants.
– *Training and Capacity Building:* Opportunities for training and capacity building both locally and international are being provided across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
– *Social Welfare Programs:* Distribution of food items to over 1,000 widows, and implementation of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, benefiting 557,063 individuals across 97 communities in Kogi State.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration has made significant strides in supporting people living with disabilities and vulnerable individuals in Kogi State. Some notable initiatives included:
– *Health Insurance Coverage:* Expanding the Bello Care Programme to enroll more persons with disabilities, providing access to quality healthcare services.
– *Empowerment Schemes:* Distributing modern wheelchairs and other assistive devices to people with disabilities, enhancing their mobility and independence.
– *Employment Opportunities:* Advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government recruitment exercises and promoting compliance with the Kogi State Disability Law.
– *NG-CARES Programme:* Implementing community-driven development projects, benefiting 557,063 individuals across 97 communities, with a focus on water and sanitation, health infrastructure, and educational support services.
The Kogi State government has also reaffirmed its support for people living with disabilities, with the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, assuring them of the ministry’s total support.
These initiatives and many more demonstrates Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to people-centered governance and improving the quality of life for Kogi State citizens. No wonder he is fondly called the People’s Governor and Chief Servant Leader of Kogi State.
CHEERS AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY HIS EXCELLENCY.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS.
E-signed
*Hon. Thompson Alfa,*
For; and on behalf of:
ODODO/PBAT Polling Unit Canvassers 2027
© 01/01/2026