Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has firmly pledged the state’s resounding support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election. This assurance, conveyed through the Commissioner for Works, Abdulsalami Ozigi Deedat, underscores the state’s appreciation for the Tinubu administration’s strategic investments in legacy projects and a significant increase in federal funding directed towards Kogi. The pronouncement was made during a comprehensive inspection tour of both federal and state-funded projects, conducted by the National Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team, aimed at showcasing developmental strides across the nation.
Contextualizing the Endorsement and Inspection Tour
The declaration of support from Kogi State, coming well ahead of the 2027 general elections, highlights the strategic political alignment and perceived benefits accruing to the state under the current federal dispensation. Governor Ododo’s administration, still in its nascent stages, appears keen to solidify its ties with the presidency, leveraging federal goodwill for accelerated development. This public endorsement also serves to counter "misinformation on social media," as noted by Commissioner Deedat, emphasizing that the people of Kogi remain steadfast in their backing of President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda.
The inspection tour itself is part of a broader federal government initiative to publicize the impact of its policies and projects across states. The National Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Media Team are tasked with monitoring and reporting on the implementation of these initiatives, providing a direct link between federal policy and grassroots development. Such tours are crucial for accountability, transparency, and for shaping public perception regarding government performance, especially in the lead-up to future electoral cycles.
Federal Support: A Catalyst for Kogi’s Development
Central to Kogi State’s enthusiastic endorsement is the tangible impact of increased federal allocations and strategic project interventions. Commissioner Deedat explicitly linked the state’s improved financial standing and capacity for infrastructural development to President Tinubu’s reforms. "We know what he’s doing on Ajaokuta. We know how he’s making the resources available to our governor to give us all the benefits of democracy," Deedat stated, highlighting specific areas of federal engagement.
Following the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, states across Nigeria experienced a substantial increase in their monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). This fiscal boost, a direct consequence of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, has empowered state governments to undertake more ambitious projects and address critical developmental gaps. For Kogi, a state with significant infrastructural needs and economic potential, this increased fiscal space has been transformative. Governor Ododo, according to his Commissioner, has been transparent about the source of these funds, ensuring that citizens understand the crucial role of the federal government in their state’s progress. This transparency, Deedat suggested, translates into consistent electoral success for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi, where the party consistently wins "with a very high margin."
Revitalizing Ajaokuta Steel Company: A Symbol of Hope
The mention of Ajaokuta Steel Company is particularly significant. For decades, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, located in Kogi State, has been a symbol of Nigeria’s unfulfilled industrial potential. Conceived in 1979, the project has remained largely moribund despite massive investments, plagued by contractual disputes, mismanagement, and political inertia. Its revitalization has been a recurring promise of successive administrations. President Tinubu’s administration has reiterated its commitment to fully operationalizing Ajaokuta, recognizing its potential to be the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization and a major employer of labor in the North Central region. While specific details of recent progress were not elaborated upon during the tour, the mention by Commissioner Deedat indicates ongoing federal attention and efforts, which are highly valued by the people of Kogi. A functional Ajaokuta would not only create thousands of direct and indirect jobs but also stimulate ancillary industries, drive local economic growth, and significantly enhance the state’s revenue base.
Investing in Education: From Secondary Schools to Universities
The inspection tour prominently featured educational infrastructure, underscoring the state’s commitment to human capital development, significantly aided by federal support. One key project visited was the Model Science Secondary School in Nagazi, Adavi Local Government Area. This institution is envisioned as a feeder for Kogi State’s three universities: Prince Abubakar Audu University in Kogi East, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, and the Kogi State University, Kabba.
Commissioner Deedat explained the strategic rationale behind establishing such a high-quality secondary school: "When we have such quality universities, we must also create a system where we will be able to feed the university with quality students from quality secondary schools like this." He further clarified that while the idea for the school was initiated by former Governor Yahaya Bello, Governor Ododo took up the mantle to ensure its completion, demonstrating continuity in governance and commitment to educational excellence.
Further reinforcing the state’s educational thrust, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Sani Nefaye Abdullahi, highlighted the transformative role of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, he emphasized that TETFund has been instrumental in the infrastructural and academic growth of the university since its establishment. TETFund, an intervention agency of the Nigerian Federal Government, is funded by a 2.5% education tax levied on the assessable profit of all registered companies in Nigeria. Its mandate is to provide supplementary support to all public tertiary institutions, covering infrastructure, staff development, research, and library development.
Prof. Abdullahi detailed how TETFund interventions have positively impacted both staff and students at PAAU. For staff, the research grants provided by TETFund have motivated them to undertake more cutting-edge research, enabling them to compete globally and publish in high-impact journals. This directly enhances the academic standing of the university and contributes to knowledge creation. For students, improved facilities and better-trained faculty translate into a richer learning environment and enhanced academic outcomes.
Arc. Kayode Olaleye, the university’s Director of Physical Planning Unit, provided concrete examples of TETFund-sponsored projects completed within the last three years. These include two academic office buildings for the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Arts and Humanities, significantly expanding teaching and administrative spaces. More notably, two "iconic projects" stand out: the new Senate Building, boasting over a hundred offices and a state-of-the-art Senate Chamber capable of seating nearly 400 persons with modern media equipment, and a Council Chamber. The second iconic project is a 500-seating capacity lecture theatre at the College of Health Sciences, crucial for handling large student cohorts and improving learning conditions. These projects exemplify the tangible impact of federal intervention in strengthening tertiary education infrastructure across the country.
The NELFund Student Loan Scheme: Easing Financial Burdens
Beyond infrastructure, the federal government’s National Economic Livelihood Fund (NELFund) student loan scheme has been a significant relief for students and parents in Kogi State. Prof. Abdullahi confirmed that over 20,000 students of PAAU have been benefiting from the scheme since its inception. He noted the timely disbursement of "pocket money" to students, with the most recent payment occurring just the previous week. This assistance, particularly during examination periods when students’ financial resources are often depleted, has been met with jubilation. "It motivated them to concentrate fully on their studies because of that little money that came into their pocket," he stated, highlighting the psychological and practical benefits.
The NELFund scheme, a flagship initiative of the Tinubu administration, aims to provide financial access to higher education for indigent Nigerian students. By offering interest-free loans for tuition and upkeep, the government seeks to remove financial barriers that often prevent qualified students from pursuing their academic aspirations. The positive reception in PAAU underscores the scheme’s potential to significantly reduce the financial burden on parents and foster academic concentration among students, thereby improving educational outcomes and reducing attrition rates. Both university staff and parents, according to Prof. Abdullahi, deeply appreciate this federal initiative.
Infrastructure Development and Community Impact
The inspection tour also covered vital infrastructure projects directly impacting rural communities in Kogi State. These included the construction of rural roads, the 60km Iyale-Ogane-Enugu road in Dekina, and 15km of internal roads in Egbe. These projects are crucial for enhancing connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and improving the quality of life for residents.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Timothy Ojoma, underscored the economic importance of these roads, particularly the Iyale-Ogane-Enugu road, for farmers in Dekina. "Most of the people you are seeing here are farmers. And their farm produce needs to come from the interior to the market. Without road, whatever they produce will go spoiled," he explained. Improved road networks mean quicker and more efficient transportation of agricultural produce from farms to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, increasing farmers’ income, and ensuring food security. This direct link between infrastructure and livelihoods resonates strongly with the rural populace.
Traditional rulers, as custodians of their communities, also voiced profound gratitude. The Ighare of Okwaa Egbe, Adedoyin Bolaji, expressed appreciation for the township roads, attributing their construction to Governor Ododo’s strong relationship with President Tinubu. He pledged unwavering support: "We are promising both of them, when it is time for us to vote in Yagba West, all our votes without exception is going to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Jagaban, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu." Similarly, the Obobanyi of Ohionwa Clan, Dr. Ahmed Jimoh Eneji, thanked both federal and state governments for reconstructing a road last built in 1982, stating, "We are waiting to support the government through the coming election. We appreciate what they have done for us and we are going to show the appreciation in the election." These endorsements from traditional leaders carry significant weight in local communities, signaling widespread acceptance and support for the current political leadership.
Presidential Commendation and Broader Implications
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, conveyed the Presidency’s commendation for Governor Ododo’s strategic deployment of increased funding towards rural development, healthcare, and education. Ajayi reiterated that the enhanced fiscal capacity of states is a direct outcome of President Tinubu’s economic reforms initiated three years prior. "All the governors have confirmed that they have more fiscal power, more resources to do what they are doing. So again, we have seen the synergy," Ajayi remarked, highlighting the federal government’s role in empowering states. This synergy between federal reforms and state-level implementation is presented as a key driver of the "Renewed Hope" agenda.
Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Joseph Oluwasegun, further reinforced this, noting that the Tinubu administration not only provided more funds but also established the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to accelerate regional development. The NCDC is designed to address the unique developmental challenges and exploit the potential of the North Central geopolitical zone, including Kogi State, through targeted interventions in infrastructure, human capital, and economic diversification. Such initiatives signify a holistic approach to regional development, going beyond mere financial allocations.
The early and unequivocal endorsement from Kogi State for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid carries significant political implications. It signals a strong and stable political alliance within the ruling APC, providing an early boost to the President’s potential campaign. For Governor Ododo, this alignment ensures continued federal support and strengthens his political standing within the party and the state, especially as he is expected to seek re-election in the Kogi governorship poll later in 2027. The collective pledge from the Kogi State Executive and Traditional Councils underscores a broad-based political consensus within the state, uniting various stakeholders behind the President and the Governor. This proactive political maneuvering suggests a confidence rooted in the tangible benefits and developmental strides attributed to the current federal and state administrations, setting a tone for the political landscape in the coming years.
