FIC Report (Kogi State) – Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and security as he inspected completed and ongoing road and construction projects in Mopa-Mopamoru Local Government Area.
Speaking during the inspection tour, the governor declared that the fight against insecurity must be collective, urging residents to take personal responsibility for the safety of their communities.
According to him, insecurity would be decisively crushed when citizens actively support government efforts.
He made this assertion at the palace of the Elulu of Mopa, where he commended the people for their resilience and firm resistance against criminal activities.
Governor Ododo further warned that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists, bandits or criminal elements, stressing that anyone found sympathising or collaborating with criminals would face severe consequences, including demolition of their houses.
He directed traditional rulers to take this message seriously and ensure it is clearly communicated to their subjects.
In a stern directive, the governor cautioned traditional rulers across the state against indiscriminate sale of land, describing the practice as a threat to the state’s future resources.
He announced that effective January 2026, any traditional ruler who allocates land without government approval and proper council consent would be dethroned and banished.
While assuring Mopamoru of more development projects, Ododo said all internal roads across Kogi State are captured in the administration’s work plan and would be executed progressively.
He noted that all state projects are executed with locally sourced labour to engage youths, reduce unemployment and harness local skills.
During the inspection of the triple-cell box culvert under construction on the Olu Ezekiel–GRA link road in Mopa, the governor praised the Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) for its diligence.
He noted that the project, widely applauded by residents, is a critical solution to long-standing flooding and access challenges in the area.
The governor also inspected ongoing projects at the permanent site of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
He commended the Provost for effectively implementing the mandate to revive the institution, adding that the administration is piloting a system that will allow residents to live and settle peacefully in any part of the state.
Ododo flagged off the construction of the 10.5-kilometre Asaya–Ogidi–Ayere road, noting that improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, ease movement and strengthen social and economic interactions among communities.
He also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary resources to support infrastructural development across the country.
Earlier, the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Dr. Muyiwa Ibeun, who spoke on behalf of the Mopamoru Traditional Council, said the local government is enjoying the dividends of democracy, with most township roads already tarred.
He described Mopamoru as one of the richest traditional councils in human resources and praised Governor Ododo as a reference point for good governance, urging him to sustain the development momentum.
In his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, thanked the governor for his continued support and highlighted the significant improvement in security within the local government area.
The Provost of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa, Prof. Muhammed Kabir Ibrahim, disclosed that following a matching order from the governor, the institution had fully relocated from Kabba to Mopa within eight months.
He further revealed that the college has matriculated 500 NCE students, while construction of staff quarters, student hostels and office buildings is ongoing.
The provost also acknowledged the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State Dr. Folashade Ayoade Arike, for fully sponsoring 20 students of the institution.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Hon. Haruna Ibrahim, described the ongoing road projects as transformative, noting that they have improved access to farms and markets, enhanced security and enabled residents to go about their daily activities peacefully.
He added that the execution of rural projects has brought governance closer to the people and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to rural development.
Signed
Maryam Abubakar Gulma
Federal Information Centre
22nd January 2026
