POLITICAL POLITICS

Kogi Governor Urges Diaspora Support For Tinubu Reforms

by admin on | 2026-07-31 12:36:25

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 59

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on Kogites and Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to support the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the policies are projecting a positive image for Nigeria.

According to a report by the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications in Lokoja, the governor made the call at a Town Hall Meeting with Kogites and other Nigerians in London on Thursday.

He said Nigeria’s future depends on the collective efforts of citizens at home and abroad, urging the diaspora to become active partners in nation-building by supporting ongoing reforms and leveraging emerging investment opportunities in Kogi State.

Governor Ododo urged Nigerians in the UK to invest in the country, noting that their global business networks could add value to the development of Kogi State and the nation.

He said the engagement provided an opportunity to reconnect with Kogites in the diaspora and strengthen collaboration between them and the state government in pursuit of sustainable development.

“You may have crossed oceans in search of opportunity, but you have not crossed beyond your identity. Wherever you excel, our homeland is honoured. Wherever you break new ground, our flag flies a little higher.

“Will we merely inherit history, or will we have the courage to make history? I believe ours is a generation called to make history.

“Bring home not only your investments but also your ideas, your expertise, your innovation, and your global networks. Nations are transformed not only by the wealth their people send home but by the knowledge, values, and vision they bring home,” the governor said.

According to Ododo, the progress recorded in the state demonstrates what can be achieved when citizens place the common good above sectional interests.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking difficult but necessary decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy, describing him as a courageous leader who chose reform over convenience.

The governor said the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market and ongoing fiscal reforms have improved the financial capacity of states, enabling greater investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and other critical sectors.

He highlighted key Federal Government interventions in Kogi State, including the approval of the Kogi International Airport, the Kogi Free Trade Zone, the Agricultural Processing Zone, renewed efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reconstruction of strategic federal roads.

Governor Ododo said sustained investments in security, agriculture, solid minerals development, tax reforms and ease of doing business are restoring investor confidence and laying the foundation for long-term growth.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose reform over comfort. Leadership is not measured by the ease of today’s decisions but by the prosperity they create for tomorrow.

“If we were dissatisfied with past leadership, we have no reason to transfer that dissatisfaction to an administration that is already correcting the mistakes of the past. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been honest about his approach to leadership, and Nigeria can only get better if we continue to support him and his reforms,” Governor Ododo stated.

The governor said Kogi State has translated opportunities created by the Federal Government into tangible progress through investments in road infrastructure, free education from primary to secondary school, payment of public examination fees, improved healthcare delivery, expanded health insurance coverage, agricultural mechanisation and targeted empowerment programmes for youths and women.

He noted that security remains the bedrock of development, adding that collaboration with the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies has created a safer environment for farming, commerce and investment.

Governor Ododo also promoted the Kogi Rebrand Initiative, urging Kogites to act as ambassadors of the state by projecting its strengths and opportunities.

“Peace is the first infrastructure of development, and we will continue to protect it.

“No nation rises above the story it tells about itself. Let us become ambassadors of hope, confidence, and possibility because every positive story we tell about Kogi State and Nigeria opens another door to investment and opportunity.

“When we continually speak ill of our own country, we often end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. Let us speak with honesty, criticise with patriotism, and promote our nation with confidence,” he said.

Participants at the meeting commended the governor for the transformation in Kogi State, particularly in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and economic development.

They pledged to support the administration by deploying their expertise and mobilising investors to tap into the state’s economic potential.

According to the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, the engagement will deepen collaboration between the diaspora and the state government to sustain ongoing development efforts.

Seen by Terver Dominic, Bureau Chief, North Central States of Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue.