Trending 
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has promised that local communities will soon witness significant economic growth with the initiation of mining activities and new infrastructure projects throughout the state.
Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, stated that with the recent acquisition of 15 mining licenses, the Kogi state government aims to boost the economy in various local communities, highlighting that the youth will play a key role in the evolving solid minerals industry in Kogi.
“Kogi has over 32 mineral deposits, all in commercial quantities. The state government has floated a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Solid Minerals Development Company to open up the mining sector to foreign and local investors. We have acquired 15 mining licenses and are ready to go into full mining business.
“We will also ensure our youths play critical roles in the mining operations. The state government has unveiled plans to train 25,000 youths to take the lead in the mineral exploration we are embarking upon,” he said.
Isah disclosed that Governor Ododo is currently in China, engaging in discussions with the international community regarding investment prospects in Kogi State.
He noted that, in addition to direct investments, Governor Ododo is also exploring opportunities for technology transfer and workforce exchanges to enhance expertise and technology that will facilitate the development of key sectors, including mining, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, and transportation.
He affirmed that Governor Ododo is open to welcoming genuine investors into the state’s mining sector who are willing to align with the state’s developmental goals.
Regarding the agricultural sector, the Governor’s spokesman stated that the administration led by Ododo has embraced a grassroots approach to ensure economic advancement across various sectors in the state.
“We are building that up by ensuring that we are mechanising agricultural production. Last year, we covered almost 10,000 hectares of land under our ‘one farmer, one hectare’ policy to ensure that each farmer or farming group has up to one hectare of land, allowing them to cultivate on a large scale for both subsistence and commercial purposes.
“We are also ensuring that our farmers use tractors and not some outdated equipment to enhance productivity. We are also concerned about securing our farmers and farmlands.” Isah said.
He assured that the state government is dedicated to supporting farmers and agricultural communities, indicating that all stakeholders in the state will be included in the development plans of the Ododo administration, regardless of their political affiliations.
