By Imrana Abdullahi
In an effort to continue bringing Government closer to the people, the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy, with a focus on projects that directly improve the living conditions of citizens.
Speaking to journalists through his Special Adviser on Media Affairs, Malam Isah Ismaila, at Nigerian union of journalists ( NUJ) Kaduna, the governor highlighted key achievements recorded so far across critical sectors, particularly healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.
According to Ismaila, the Ododo administration has commissioned over 80 primary healthcare centres across the state, while also strengthening General Hospitals with the required personnel to enhance service delivery.
Isma’ila, added that the government has expanded access to healthcare through the implementation of a health insurance programme aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents.
Revealing further said, In the education sector, the governor has supported over 30,000 adolescent schoolgirls and facilitated the renovation of more than 700 public schools to boost teaching and learning outcomes.
On infrastructure, Ismaila disclosed that road projects spanning 20 kilometres in each of the 21 local government areas are nearing completion, a move expected to stimulate economic activities and improve connectivity across the state.
He further revealed that the state government has acquired about 4,000 hectares of land for the development of Free Trade Zones to attract both local and foreign investors.
Addressing security concerns, the governor’s aide said the administration has procured drones to support security operations and revitalised local vigilante groups to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
While acknowledging the existence of pockets of insecurity, he expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to address the challenges.“We are not denying that there are still pockets of insecurity in the state, but we are confident that our security agencies are equal to the task,” he said.
Isma’ila Isa said, The government has also introduced transportation support for civil servants through the provision of buses to ease commuting, alongside the payment of salary arrears and other entitlements.