Ododo Media Centre

01/08/2026

Gov. Ododo Passes Out 530 Pioneer Forest Guards, Charges Them to Defend Kogi Against Criminals
..Says Govt Will Continue to Invest in Security

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has charged the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards in the state to serve with discipline, integrity and patriotism as they begin the important task of protecting Kogi's forests and communities from criminal elements.

Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the first batch of the National Forest Guards held on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, the Governor described the event as another major step in the state's commitment to securing lives and property.

Governor Ododo represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, said the graduation of the Forest Guards is more than the end of a training programme, noting that it reflects the determination of both the Federal and Kogi State Governments to strengthen security and deny criminals safe havens across the state.

The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for establishing the National Forest Guards initiative. He said the programme demonstrates the President's commitment to community-based security and a safer Nigeria.

He also commended the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Park Service and all members of the camp management team for their dedication to the successful training of the first batch of recruits.

Governor Ododo noted that security remains the foundation of his administration's development agenda, stressing that meaningful progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and commerce can only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.

According to him, the Forest Guards will support intelligence gathering, protect forests from criminal activities, safeguard lawful economic activities and work closely with other security agencies to maintain peace across the state.

He disclosed that although 539 young men and women reported for the training, 530 successfully completed the eight-week exercise and are now ready for deployment.

The Governor urged the new Forest Guards to see their uniforms as symbols of responsibility and not power. He advised them to respect the rights of citizens, work closely with traditional rulers and local communities, and remain professional in carrying out their duties.

Governor Ododo said the success of the Forest Guards will not be measured by the number of arrests they make, but by the peace they help to maintain, the crimes they prevent and the confidence the people have in them.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing the necessary support and logistics for security agencies, adding that Kogi State will continue to strengthen its security architecture to ensure that no part of the state is left in the hands of criminals.

The Governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, religious leaders and all residents to support the Forest Guards and other security agencies with timely and credible information to improve security across the state.

He congratulated the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards on the successful completion of their training and wished them courage, wisdom and success as they begin service to the state and the nation.

Ealier in his address, the Representative of the National Security Adviser, General Hilary Martins, commended the Federal government for setting up the National Forest Guards, noting that the initiative is to boost Security especially in the Forest areas of the country.

He advised the passing out guards to be disciplined and work comnitedly to achieve the purpose at which the outfit was created, while commending the state government on their effort in ensuring the men are properly trained to make the state unsafe for criminal elements.

Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
Kogi state
August 1, 2026

30/07/2026

ODODO RALLIES DIASPORA TO REBRAND NIGERIA, BACK TINUBU'S REFORMS, INVEST IN KOGI

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM | July 30, 2026

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on Kogites and Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to rally behind the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, project a positive image of Nigeria and channel their investments, expertise and global networks towards the development of Kogi State and the nation.

Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting with Kogites and Nigerians in London on Thursday, the Governor said Nigeria's future depends on the collective efforts of its citizens both at home and abroad, urging the diaspora to become active partners in nation-building by supporting ongoing reforms and taking advantage of emerging investment opportunities in Kogi State.

Governor Ododo said the engagement was not merely an opportunity to reconnect with Kogites living abroad but a platform to strengthen collaboration between the diaspora and the state government in pursuit of sustainable development.

"You may have crossed oceans in search of opportunity, but you have not crossed beyond your identity. Wherever you excel, our homeland is honoured. Wherever you break new ground, our flag flies a little higher.

"Will we merely inherit history, or will we have the courage to make history? I believe ours is a generation called to make history.

"Bring home not only your investments, but also your ideas, your expertise, your innovation and your global networks. Nations are transformed not only by the wealth their people send home, but by the knowledge, values and vision they bring home," the Governor said.

Governor Ododo said the unity deliberately nurtured in Kogi State over the last decade has become the foundation for the state's rapid transformation, noting that the people have risen above ethnic and religious divisions to pursue a shared vision of development.

According to him, the progress recorded in the state demonstrates what can be achieved when people place the common good above sectional interests.

"There was a time when our differences were exploited against us. Today, we understand that poverty has no tribe, hunger has no religion and underdevelopment respects no ethnicity. Our unity has become the engine of our progress," he said.

The Governor paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking difficult but necessary decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy, describing the President as a courageous leader who chose reform over convenience.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market and ongoing fiscal reforms have significantly improved the financial capacity of states, enabling governments to invest more in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and other critical sectors.

Governor Ododo also highlighted key Federal Government interventions that are transforming Kogi State, including the approval of the Kogi International Airport, the Kogi Free Trade Zone, the Agricultural Processing Zone, renewed efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reconstruction of strategic federal roads across the state.

He added that President Tinubu's sustained investment in security, agriculture, solid minerals development, tax reforms and policies to improve the ease of doing business are restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose reform over comfort. Leadership is not measured by the ease of today's decisions but by the prosperity they create for tomorrow.

"If we were dissatisfied with past leadership, we have no reason to transfer that dissatisfaction to an administration that is already correcting the mistakes of the past. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been honest about his approach to leadership, and Nigeria can only get better if we continue to support him and his reforms," Governor Ododo stated.

The Governor said Kogi State has translated the opportunities created by the Federal Government into visible progress through investments in road infrastructure, free education from primary to secondary school, payment of public examination fees, improved healthcare delivery, expanded health insurance coverage, agricultural mechanisation and targeted empowerment programmes for youths and women.

He noted that security remains the bedrock of development, explaining that the state's collaboration with the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies has created a safer environment for farming, commerce and investment.

Governor Ododo also used the occasion to promote the Kogi Rebrand Initiative, urging Kogites everywhere to become ambassadors of the state by projecting its strengths and opportunities.

"Peace is the first infrastructure of development, and we will continue to protect it.

"No nation rises above the story it tells about itself. Let us become ambassadors of hope, confidence and possibility because every positive story we tell about Kogi State and Nigeria opens another door to investment and opportunity.

"When we continually speak ill of our own country, we often end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. Let us speak with honesty, criticise with patriotism and promote our nation with confidence," he said.

Also speaking, the Member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Salman Idris, said Governor Ododo is working closely with the Federal Government towards the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing the initiative as one that will redefine the economic future of Kogi State and Nigeria.

He said the Governor's development agenda is already producing remarkable results across the state and expressed confidence that history would remember him for his bold leadership.

"Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is writing his name in gold with his development strides. I have no doubt that he will make history. I urge Kogites in the diaspora to work closely with the Governor by bringing home their investments, expertise and networks to support the development of our dear state," Hon. Idris said.

Participants at the Town Hall Meeting commended Governor Ododo for what they described as the remarkable transformation taking place across Kogi State, applauding his administration's achievements in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development.

They described the engagement as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time in a long while that a sitting Governor had travelled to the United Kingdom to engage directly with Kogites in the diaspora and provide a comprehensive account of developments back home.

The participants pledged to support the Governor's administration by deploying their professional expertise, technical knowledge and global experience to the development of Kogi State while also mobilising investors to take advantage of the state's enormous economic potential.

They also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing bold reforms which, in their view, are resetting Nigeria's economy, strengthening investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by Kogites in the diaspora to deepen collaboration with the Kogi State Government and contribute meaningfully to the state's continuing transformation.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications
Kogi State

30/07/2026

ODODO RALLIES DIASPORA TO REBRAND NIGERIA, BACK TINUBU'S REFORMS, INVEST IN KOGI

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM | July 30, 2026

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on Kogites and Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to rally behind the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, project a positive image of Nigeria and channel their investments, expertise and global networks towards the development of Kogi State and the nation.

Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting with Kogites and Nigerians in London on Thursday, the Governor said Nigeria's future depends on the collective efforts of its citizens both at home and abroad, urging the diaspora to become active partners in nation-building by supporting ongoing reforms and taking advantage of emerging investment opportunities in Kogi State.

Governor Ododo said the engagement was not merely an opportunity to reconnect with Kogites living abroad but a platform to strengthen collaboration between the diaspora and the state government in pursuit of sustainable development.

"You may have crossed oceans in search of opportunity, but you have not crossed beyond your identity. Wherever you excel, our homeland is honoured. Wherever you break new ground, our flag flies a little higher.

"Will we merely inherit history, or will we have the courage to make history? I believe ours is a generation called to make history.

"Bring home not only your investments, but also your ideas, your expertise, your innovation and your global networks. Nations are transformed not only by the wealth their people send home, but by the knowledge, values and vision they bring home," the Governor said.

Governor Ododo said the unity deliberately nurtured in Kogi State over the last decade has become the foundation for the state's rapid transformation, noting that the people have risen above ethnic and religious divisions to pursue a shared vision of development.

According to him, the progress recorded in the state demonstrates what can be achieved when people place the common good above sectional interests.

"There was a time when our differences were exploited against us. Today, we understand that poverty has no tribe, hunger has no religion and underdevelopment respects no ethnicity. Our unity has become the engine of our progress," he said.

The Governor paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking difficult but necessary decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy, describing the President as a courageous leader who chose reform over convenience.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market and ongoing fiscal reforms have significantly improved the financial capacity of states, enabling governments to invest more in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and other critical sectors.

Governor Ododo also highlighted key Federal Government interventions that are transforming Kogi State, including the approval of the Kogi International Airport, the Kogi Free Trade Zone, the Agricultural Processing Zone, renewed efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reconstruction of strategic federal roads across the state.

He added that President Tinubu's sustained investment in security, agriculture, solid minerals development, tax reforms and policies to improve the ease of doing business are restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose reform over comfort. Leadership is not measured by the ease of today's decisions but by the prosperity they create for tomorrow.

"If we were dissatisfied with past leadership, we have no reason to transfer that dissatisfaction to an administration that is already correcting the mistakes of the past. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been honest about his approach to leadership, and Nigeria can only get better if we continue to support him and his reforms," Governor Ododo stated.

The Governor said Kogi State has translated the opportunities created by the Federal Government into visible progress through investments in road infrastructure, free education from primary to secondary school, payment of public examination fees, improved healthcare delivery, expanded health insurance coverage, agricultural mechanisation and targeted empowerment programmes for youths and women.

He noted that security remains the bedrock of development, explaining that the state's collaboration with the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies has created a safer environment for farming, commerce and investment.

Governor Ododo also used the occasion to promote the Kogi Rebrand Initiative, urging Kogites everywhere to become ambassadors of the state by projecting its strengths and opportunities.

"Peace is the first infrastructure of development, and we will continue to protect it.

"No nation rises above the story it tells about itself. Let us become ambassadors of hope, confidence and possibility because every positive story we tell about Kogi State and Nigeria opens another door to investment and opportunity.

"When we continually speak ill of our own country, we often end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. Let us speak with honesty, criticise with patriotism and promote our nation with confidence," he said.

Also speaking, the Member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Salman Idris, said Governor Ododo is working closely with the Federal Government towards the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing the initiative as one that will redefine the economic future of Kogi State and Nigeria.

He said the Governor's development agenda is already producing remarkable results across the state and expressed confidence that history would remember him for his bold leadership.

"Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is writing his name in gold with his development strides. I have no doubt that he will make history. I urge Kogites in the diaspora to work closely with the Governor by bringing home their investments, expertise and networks to support the development of our dear state," Hon. Idris said.

Participants at the Town Hall Meeting commended Governor Ododo for what they described as the remarkable transformation taking place across Kogi State, applauding his administration's achievements in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development.

They described the engagement as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time in a long while that a sitting Governor had travelled to the United Kingdom to engage directly with Kogites in the diaspora and provide a comprehensive account of developments back home.

The participants pledged to support the Governor's administration by deploying their professional expertise, technical knowledge and global experience to the development of Kogi State while also mobilising investors to take advantage of the state's enormous economic potential.

They also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing bold reforms which, in their view, are resetting Nigeria's economy, strengthening investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by Kogites in the diaspora to deepen collaboration with the Kogi State Government and contribute meaningfully to the state's continuing transformation.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications
Kogi State

July 30, 2026

Welcome to the Official website of Kogi State Government

23/07/2026

GOVERNOR ODODO MEETS PRESIDENT TINUBU, BRIEFS HIM ON SECURITY, DEVELOPMENT IN KOGI

The Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, met with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

During the meeting, Governor Ododo expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his consistent support and numerous interventions that have continued to accelerate the development of Kogi State. He acknowledged the President's commitment to infrastructure, security, economic growth and other critical sectors that are positively impacting the lives of the people.

The Governor also briefed the President on the security situation in Kogi State, highlighting the significant progress recorded in the fight against banditry and terrorism through the sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and the State Government. He noted that the support of the President has strengthened ongoing efforts to restore peace and enhance the safety of lives and property across the state.

President Tinubu commended Governor Ododo for the remarkable progress being recorded in Kogi State and encouraged him to remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. The President urged the Governor to sustain the impressive work of transforming the state for the benefit of present and future generations.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Commissioner for Information and Communications
Kogi State

10/07/2026

Join us today for the *Ododo X Spaces Friday Conversation* 🎙️
OJN will be live with us as we have a thoughtful discussion on the upcoming *7th OJN Symposium*.
Don’t miss it. Set your reminder and join the conversation.

06/07/2026

ODODO URGES KOGI YOUTHS TO SUPPORT TINUBU, FLAGS OFF MINING AND JEWELLERY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has called on young people in the state to support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the President's youth-centred reforms and empowerment programmes are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity across the country.

The Governor made the call on Monday in Abuja while inaugurating the Kogi Youth Mining and Jewellery Craftsmanship Empowerment Programme, a strategic initiative of the Kogi State Government designed to equip young people with globally competitive skills in the mining and jewellery value chain.

Governor Ododo said the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through transformative policies and targeted interventions aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment and creating sustainable sources of income.

According to him, the Federal Government's investments in youth development represent a new direction in governance where young people are not merely beneficiaries of government programmes but are being equipped to become creators of wealth and drivers of economic growth.

"I urge our young people to appreciate the commitment President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown towards their future. The opportunities being created today are designed to prepare you for tomorrow. The best way to reciprocate this commitment is through hard work, discipline, patriotism and a determination to succeed," the Governor said.

Governor Ododo reiterated his administration's resolve to continue investing in initiatives that empower youths with practical skills capable of transforming their lives, stressing that Kogi's development agenda is anchored on building a generation of productive entrepreneurs rather than creating dependence on government support.

"Our objective is not to give you temporary assistance but to equip you with lifelong skills that will make you financially independent, create employment for others and contribute meaningfully to the economy of our state and our nation," he stated.

Congratulating participants selected for the inaugural batch of the programme, the Governor noted that Kogi State is richly endowed with 32 commercially viable solid minerals, describing the sector as one of the state's greatest economic assets with enormous potential for job creation, industrial development and wealth generation.

He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by dedicating themselves to the intensive training, assuring them that the knowledge and technical expertise they would acquire would position them to compete favourably in both domestic and international markets.

Governor Ododo also commended the programme's technical partner, Malivelihood, for partnering with the Kogi State Government to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of adding value to the state's abundant mineral resources.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Chubiojo Faith Omachi from Ofu Local Government Area thanked the Governor for investing in the future of Kogi youths through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development.

She pledged that the participants would make the most of the opportunity by applying the knowledge gained to build sustainable businesses while transferring the skills to other young people within their communities.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashir Gegu, described the initiative as another demonstration of Governor Ododo's unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sustainable economic opportunities.

He encouraged the participants to remain focused throughout the training, noting that the programme provides a rare opportunity to build rewarding careers in one of Nigeria's fastest-growing economic sectors.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Malivelihood, Dr. Olushola M. Awujoola, disclosed that the programme attracted 16,900 applications from across Nigeria, with 13,900 applications successfully processed. He said 20 outstanding candidates were selected for the pioneer batch, adding that subsequent batches would commence immediately after the completion of the first phase.

Dr. Awujoola commended the Kogi State Government for its vision in developing the capacity of young people and assured Governor Ododo that the beneficiaries would receive world-class training that meets international standards and prepares them for successful careers in the mining and jewellery industry.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications

6th July, 2026

04/07/2026

Protecting Public Roads: Kogi Govt Vows Heavy Fines, Vehicle Seizure for Road-Damaging Defaulters

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has moved to safeguard public infrastructure and government revenue in Lokoja after discovering severe damage to the newly built GYB Junction–Zango–Zone 8 Roundabout Road. During an inspection on Friday, he linked the deterioration to heavy-duty mining trucks that have been diverted onto the route to bypass tax collection points. The Governor made it clear that using public assets to avoid civic obligations will no longer be condoned, and directed immediate action to halt the practice.

The road, completed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation less than two years ago, was designed as an urban route for taxis and light vehicles according to its Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation. CCECC’s State Project Manager, Engineer Sun Yi Shi, confirmed that the pavement and foundation were never built to carry overloaded trucks. The constant use by mining vehicles far beyond the road’s load capacity has caused extensive structural failure, turning what should be a durable city road into a damaged corridor in a short time.

In response, Governor Ododo has ordered the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service to tighten enforcement and ensure all miners meet their tax obligations. He also announced the sealing of all illegal access points being used as shortcuts and the creation of a special enforcement task force to monitor compliance. Offenders will face stiff penalties, including heavy fines and possible forfeiture of vehicles found on the restricted route. “Any heavy truck found on this road will be dealt with. This is not their designated route, and we will not take it anymore,” the Governor stated.

To address the damage already done, CCECC has begun remedial work on the affected sections. The repairs include excavating failed portions, strengthening the foundation with stone base and cement stabilization, reconstructing the pavement, and installing concrete barriers and planters to block heavy trucks. Engineer Sun expressed confidence that once the physical restrictions are in place alongside enforcement, further deterioration can be prevented.

Governor Ododo appealed to residents for patience as the repairs progress and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure across the state. The dual approach — restoring the road while clamping down on tax evasion — is aimed at ensuring public projects serve their intended purpose and last their designed lifespan. For Kogi, the message is clear: infrastructure preservation and revenue collection must go hand in hand.

Yahaya Shehu Ahmed mnim
Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor