Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged officials in Kogi State to deepen grassroots engagement and champion local patronage as the state government celebrates a major fiscal milestone, the clearance of ₦98.8 billion in inherited debt within just 15 months.
The Governor issued the directive during the State Executive Council meeting held at the EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja, where he emphasised the importance of responsive governance driven by proximity to the people.
“We are in government to serve the people, and that means staying connected to their needs and aspirations,” Governor Ododo said, as he urged public officials to remain rooted in their communities.
In a symbolic move to stimulate local enterprise, the Governor also mandated all officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics to promote homegrown industries. “Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” said Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
Fanwo also gave updates on infrastructure projects, revealing that perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, is now 90% complete, with male and female hostels already housing students. Similar projects are advancing at Kogi State University, Kabba.
As part of its policy drive, the Council approved two key bills — one to restrict heavy truck movement during peak hours, and another to establish the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change, aimed at responding to emerging global environmental challenges.
In a separate briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, announced that the Ododo administration had successfully cleared ₦98.8 billion in debts left by past governments. The debts included ₦8 billion in bonds from the Idris Wada administration, ₦50.8 billion in salary bailouts, a ₦10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan, and infrastructure loans totalling ₦30 billion from Zenith Bank and UBA Plc.
“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery. Within 15 months, we have cleared ₦98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Idris said.
He also confirmed that Fitch Ratings had upgraded Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’ with a stable outlook, citing prudent financial management. As of 30 September 2024, Kogi’s debt profile stands at ₦40.5 billion, placing it on a sustainable financial trajectory.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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