In the corridors of power at Lugard House, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo stands out not just for his ever-present smile but also for his remarkable ability to listen. Much like the famed political strategist and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, Governor Ododo has earned a reputation as a leader who values the opinions and ideas of those around him.
His approachability and willingness to listen have endeared him to many, making him a beacon of hope for the people of Kogi State. He encourages his Commissioners to provide advice, patiently listening to the numerous suggestions that come before him daily. After appropriately deciphering them, he makes the final decision he deems right for the overall benefit of the State. This trait may be attributed to his closeness with PBAT. President Tinubu is known for being a good listener, and so is Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
His journey to Lugard House was divinely arranged and God used the ‘white lion”, the no-nonsense former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to make that divine plan a reality.
As a former Auditor-General for Local Governments in the States, Alhaji Usman Ododo acquitted himself so creditably well to the point that he won the former Governor trust and respect for competence and timeous discharge of his duties.
Alhaji Usman Ododo was not known for “eyes services” and that was one of the qualities that stood him out as the former Auditor General of Local Governments in Kogi State, a testament to his brilliance, destiny and the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can rise to great heights with perseverance and divine intervention. And that is the case of Alhaji Usman Ododo, the current landlord of Lugard House.
The emergence of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as the Governor of Kogi State is not a hidden story but a remarkable political feat that endeared many to him. Of course, as a man of destiny has never hid the constant premonition that man or woman can be elevated to the highest levels of his or her profession if he or she diligently applied himself or herself before divine intervention.
Born and raised in the ancient town Okene, one of the leading towns Kogi State, which qualifies him as ozi aniEbira oboro-oboro (meaning a proud son of Ebira). Governor Ododo’s early life was marked by hard work and determination. After obtaining his accounting degree, he embarked on a successful career in the field, where he honed his skills, and earned a deserved reputation from and amongst his contemporaries for his excellence. Despite and inspite his professional successesAlh Ododo remains humble, unassuming and committed to the growth, development and enhanced prosperity Kogi State. Ododo was never under any illusions that Kogi State can indeed be counted amongst the frontline States It is therefore not astonishing that Kogi State is now rated amongst the oil-producing States” in Nigeria.
Needless to encapsulates the challenges he faced on the way, however Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remained steadfast and resolute in his belief that God had a plan for him. Today, he stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when one trusts in a higher power and remains true to their values.
However, fate had other plans for Governor Ododo. Through a series of events that can only be described as divine intervention, he found himself thrust into the political arena, where his leadership qualities and vision for a better Kogi State captured the hearts of the people. His inauguration was a testament to his humility and unwavering faith, as he attributed his success to a higher power.
As Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has outlined a comprehensive political plan focused on transforming Kogi State into a model of development and progress. His agenda includes:
- Infrastructure Development: Governor Ododo is committed to improving the state’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth.
- Healthcare: Ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all residents of Kogi State is a top priority for Governor Ododo. He plans to upgrade existing healthcare facilities and invest in healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population.
- Education: Governor Ododo recognizes the importance of education in driving socio-economic development. His administration is working towards improving the quality of education in Kogi State by investing in schools, teachers, and educational resources.
- Youth Empowerment: Governor Ododo is committed to empowering the youth of Kogi State by providing them with opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment. He believes that investing in the youths is key to securing a prosperous future for the state.
- Agriculture and Rural Development: Governor Ododo aims to revitalize the agricultural sector in Kogi State to ensure food security and create employment opportunities in rural areas. His administration is implementing policies to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s political plan for Kogi State reflects his vision for a prosperous and inclusive society. With his leadership, the people of Kogi State can look forward with optimism for a prosperous future filled with opportunities for growth and development.
In life, there are moments when our paths seem intertwined with those of others, leading to unexpected parallels that inspire and uplift. Such is the case with myself and Governor Ododo, whose journey from dreamer to governor stands as a beacon of hope for us all.
As I reflect on my own aspirations and the challenges I’ve faced, I find solace in Governor Ododo’s story—a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Like many of us, he has had his share of setbacks and obstacles, yet through it all, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of a brighter future.
Today, as Governor Ododo sit as the new landlord of Luggard’s house, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a generation—a generation that looks to him for leadership, guidance, and inspiration. His journey serves as a reminder that no dream is too big, no goal too lofty, and no obstacle too great to overcome.
To the youth of today, I say this: do not give up on your dreams. Have a vision, remain focused on that vision, and nurture it until it becomes a reality. Who would have thought that Governor Ododo could one day be a landlord at Luggard’s house? Yet, here we are, witnessing his rise to greatness—a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself.
As I celebrate with Governor Ododo on his well-deserved position as no 1 Kogites, I am filled with pride and admiration for his accomplishments. His leadership serves as a shining example of what is possible when we dare to dream and work tirelessly to achieve those dreams.
Governor Ododo, you are not just a leader, but a symbol of hope and inspiration to us all. Kogi State is truly blessed to have you as its chief servant, and I have no doubt that under your leadership, it will continue to thrive and prosper.
Ride on, Ododo, and may your tenure be marked by success, progress, and prosperity for all.
