By joshua 
KOGI AT 35: CELEBRATING OUR JOURNEY, SHAPING OUR FUTURE
As Kogi State celebrates 35 years of its creation, I join millions of Kogites at home and in the diaspora to celebrate this remarkable journey of resilience, courage, unity and progress.
I may have joined the celebration with my voice a little later than others, but I believe some occasions deserve more than a hurried tribute. I wanted to take the time to reflect, to appreciate the journey behind the celebration, and to put into words the true essence of what makes this moment so special.
The creation of Kogi State on August 27, 1991 was a defining moment in history. Thirty-five years later, we have every reason to look back with gratitude at how far we have come, while looking forward with renewed determination to the enormous possibilities that lie ahead.
Kogi is a state uniquely blessed by nature and endowed with exceptional human capital. Our strategic location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, our fertile agricultural lands, mineral resources, forests, water resources and other natural assets place us in a position of enormous economic advantage. More importantly, our greatest resource remains our people; resilient, intelligent, enterprising and capable of achieving extraordinary things when given the right opportunities and enabling environment.
Over the years, successive administrations have contributed in different ways to the development of our dear state. Every administration has added a chapter to the Kogi story, and together these efforts constitute the foundation upon which our present and future development must be built. I particularly acknowledge the developmental strides recorded under the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. His administration brought renewed attention to key sectors, especially education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, human capital development and institutional reforms. The investments made during that period created important foundations that will pave way for subsequent development to continue to thrive.
I also commend the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for sustaining the momentum of development and deepening the focus on projects and programmes that directly affect the lives of our people. From infrastructure and education to healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare and economic development, the administration has continued to demonstrate that governance must ultimately translate into improved living conditions for the people.
However, the celebration of Kogi at 35 must go beyond counting physical projects. It must be about asking a fundamental question: How effectively are we transforming our enormous resources and opportunities into sustainable prosperity for our people?
Our agricultural potential must create wealth and food security. Our mineral resources must generate value, employment and investment. Our forests and waterways must be protected while supporting sustainable economic activities. Our young people must become participants and beneficiaries of the emerging knowledge and green economy in a more structured and sustainable arrangement. Above all, development must be inclusive, sustainable and capable of improving the quality of life of present and future generations.
This brings me to an issue that I consider fundamental to the future and sustainability of Kogi State: CLIMATE CHANGE. Climate change is no longer a distant global phenomenon or a mere environmental issue. We are already witnessing its consequences in our communities through flooding, erosion, changing rainfall patterns, land degradation, threats to agricultural productivity, biodiversity loss and other deep rooted economic challenges.
As a state whose economy and livelihoods are significantly connected to agriculture, natural resources and the environment, Kogi cannot afford to treat climate change as an issue for tomorrow. I am therefore particularly encouraged by the steps being taken by the Government of Kogi State to institutionalize climate action. The enactment of the Kogi State Climate Change Agency Law 2025 is a landmark development that demonstrates the state’s commitment to building a coordinated and sustainable framework for addressing climate risks and harnessing the opportunities presented by the transition to a green economy.
As the Pioneer Director General of the Kogi State Climate Change Agency, I consider this responsibility both an honour and a call to service. Our mandate is not simply to speak about climate change, but to help build systems that enable Kogi to anticipate climate risks, strengthen resilience, protect our ecosystems, mobilise climate finance and promote sustainable development. We must mainstream climate action into our development planning, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, transportation, waste management, forestry and other sectors. We must promote climate-smart agriculture, nature-based solutions, renewable energy, reforestation, environmental restoration and green economic opportunities.
The responsibility before us is to build on the achievements of the past, strengthen the institutions of the present and create a future where our natural resources are responsibly harnessed, our human capital is fully developed and our environment is protected.
Indeed, at 35, Kogi is not merely celebrating an anniversary; we are standing at the threshold of a new chapter.
Therefore, on this historic occasion, I celebrate every Kogite whose contribution, however small, has helped move our state forward over the past 35 years and I also warmly congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Government and the good people of Kogi State, our traditional rulers, political leaders, workers, farmers, business owners, women, youths and Kogites in the diaspora.
May the next chapter of our journey be defined by greater prosperity, stronger institutions, sustainable development, environmental resilience and improved quality of life for all.
Happy 35th Anniversary to our dear Kogi State.
Long live Kogi State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Michael Onimisi Ajibade
Pioneer Director-General
Kogi State Climate Change Agency (KOSCCA)