FIC Report (Kogi State) – Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred development through strategic investments in housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment and social protection programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens.
The governor stated this during the official handover of a four-bedroom bungalow donated to an elderly woman, Salamatu Shaibu, by the My People First Foundation in Obehira, Okene Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Taiye Abanika, Governor Ododo described the gesture as more than the presentation of a house, saying it reflects compassion, humanity and a shared responsibility towards vulnerable members of society.
According to him, the donation by the founder of the foundation, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, demonstrates that leadership is best measured by meaningful actions that positively impact lives rather than by words alone.
The governor noted that access to decent shelter remains a fundamental human need and assured that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that provide safe and conducive living environments for more residents across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Ohi of Okene, His Royal Highness Dr Okatahi Mamman, commended Hajiya Omade for her empathy and generosity towards the elderly beneficiary, describing the gesture as a reminder that giving is driven by goodwill rather than wealth.
He urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the initiative by extending support to vulnerable persons within their communities.
Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Donor Agencies and Multilateral Partnerships, Dr Ozomata Abdullahi, described the project as a model of community service capable of inspiring others to identify and support people in need.
Similarly, the member representing Okehi Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Zakari Otokiti, said the project has set a worthy example for public office holders and other stakeholders to follow.
Founder of the My People First Foundation, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, explained that the project was inspired by her personal experience of receiving kindness from a stranger at a critical point in her life.
She said the foundation was established to complement government efforts by providing support to vulnerable people, restoring hope to the hopeless and improving the lives of disadvantaged members of society.
Hajiya Omade disclosed that plans were underway to construct more houses for indigent persons before the end of the year and called on communities to embrace compassion by supporting those who may never be able to repay acts of kindness.
Maryam Abubakar Gulma
CIPRO FIC LOKOJA
12th June 2026
