The people of Kogi State have been urged to support the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in order to enable him to deliver more dividends of democracy to the state.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Livelihood Mobilization, Hon. Maryam Usman Yahaya, made this call on Wednesday in Lokoja while addressing journalists.
Hon. Yahaya described Governor Ododo as “God-sent,” committed to consolidating the achievements of the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
She commended the Governor’s leadership style and his dedication to the welfare of workers at both state and local government levels, calling it exemplary and worthy of emulation by other leaders.
“His approach to infrastructural development, especially at the grassroots level, is impressive. Communities that previously had no access to roads are now seeing contracts awarded for the construction of roads that will connect them, ease movement, and boost economic activities,” she said.
She further noted the Governor’s commitment to improving workers’ and retirees’ welfare:
“Retirees who once had no hope now have reasons to smile. Primary school teachers now receive their salaries regularly and as at when due. The welfare of Kogi citizens is a top priority for Governor Ododo.”
Speaking about her office as the SSA on Livelihood Mobilization, representing Ogori and the Oshobane Ward, Hon. Maryam Yahaya who is also the first woman to aspire for the House of Representatives for the Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency, highlighted her achievements under the support of the Governor and the ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Chief (Barr.) Ladi Ahmed Jatto OON.
She revealed that through their efforts, the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) was extended to the Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area:
“I was able to secure CRF funding for six cooperative societies, with each unit receiving ₦38 million. Though it’s a loan and not a grant, it will significantly improve the livelihoods of members of our communities.”
According to her, two cooperative units each were selected from Ogori, Magongo, and Oshobane Ward.
She expressed gratitude to the people of Oshobane Ward for their support during the last election, which motivated her to further empower the community:
“To whom much is given, much is expected. That’s why I facilitated the establishment of a garri and maize processing facility in Oshobane to boost the income of rural dwellers.”
The benefiting cooperative societies include the Oshobane UNINI Cooperative Society, Tibile Cooperative Society, Agada Market Women Cooperative, Ugugu Cooperative Society, Oturu Bele-To Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Oboro-Akada Cooperative Society.
The SSA who has also supported widows in Lokoja under the ODU platform in Ogori-Magongo, stated that her actions are driven by passion to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged in the society.
She concluded by noting that as part of the celebration of Governor Ododo’s one year in office, she distributed exercise books bearing the Governor’s image to schools across Ogori-Magongo LGA, further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to education and community development, thanks to Governor ODODO thanks to OSHOBANE Ward.
