By Abubakar Shuaibu A.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development as foundations for good governance.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Joel Salifu, at the Government House, Lokoja on Tuesday, during the reception of the Commandant, faculty members, and participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 on a study tour of the state, Governor Ododo noted that the visit comes at a time when his government is consolidating gains in security and inclusive growth.
The Governor highlighted that his administration has strengthened collaboration with security agencies, empowered community policing structures, and deployed technology to monitor flashpoints across the state’s borders with nine neighboring states and the Federal Capital Territory. “These efforts,” he said, “have yielded remarkable progress in safeguarding lives, protecting investments, and ensuring the free movement of people and goods across the state.”
Emphasizing the link between security and development, Governor Ododo explained that the state is investing heavily in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and the solid minerals sector to create jobs and reduce poverty.
He commended the management of the National Defence College for shaping minds that drive national security and policy direction, describing Kogi State as a “microcosm of Nigeria—diverse, strategic, and rich in potential.”
The Governor encouraged the faculty members and participants to engage deeply, observe critically, and draw lessons from Kogi’s governance experience to inform broader national strategies.
Speaking at the gathering, the Secretary to the Government of State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D., welcomed the NDC Course 34 entourage to Kogi, noting that the state’s abundant mineral resources, if properly harnessed, could prevent poverty. She called for national consideration for derivation payments from natural resources extracted in the state.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, represented by the Provost of the College, Professor Adam Okeene Ahmed-CSRS, thanked the Governor for the warm welcome, ensuring a pleasant working visit. He explained that the visiting group comprised eight faculty members and 35 participants drawn from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, DSS, and some strategic government ministries. The NDC is the highest military training institution in the country, and the findings from the tour, themed “Solid Mineral Development and National Security: Kogi State in Perspective”, will be made available to both the state and the Federal Government.
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