Kogi Politics Gets New Direction as Ododo Prioritizes Performance and Unity

Many have characterized Nigerian politics as a zero-sum game where vehement rivalries, long-standing interests, and ethnic divisions dominate.

But under the direction of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, a new story is taking shape in Kogi State.

During his brief tenure in office, Ododo has shown that politics can be about performance, inclusion, and reconciliation.

His political acumen and grassroots development, symbolic reconciliation and tangible projects, and humility and vision have all been blended together.

He experienced some upheaval throughout his ascent to power. There was fierce competition for the governorship on November 11, 2023, as many people feared Kogi would revert to the perilous course of political animosity and ethnic division. But Ododo’s inauguration address laid the groundwork for an alternative course that is based on progress, equity, and unity. An Appeal for Cohesion On January 27, 2024, Governor Ododo gave a speech at his inauguration that was both visionary and accommodative.

“We are here today because we have chosen unity over disunity; greatness over petty grievances and peace over dangerous acts of recriminations and worn-out dogmas of ethnic jingoism,” he said, despite the election tempest that threatened to turn brothers and sisters against one another. In Kogi’s political discourse, that remark has subsequently become a point of reference. It was a departure from previous elections, which frequently widened rifts.

By promising that his government will support all Kogites, irrespective of their political inclinations, ethnicity, or religion, Ododo made an effort to win over opposition leaders. He responded sharply, “Fellow Kogites, I swear to you all that I will be the governor of Kogi State, not an ethnic governor.” The “Ododo Political Magic” is the term many now use to characterize this inclusive worldview. Building bridges, humility, and shared responsibility are all valued in this way.

The First Anniversary: A Sign of Peace The most obvious example of Ododo’s reconciliatory tactics may have occurred in January 2025, around his first anniversary. Rather than holding self-congratulatory events, he organized a wide-ranging discussion that included Kogites from all backgrounds, as well as individuals from the business community, civil society, traditional authorities, youth organizations, women’s associations, and even opposition members. There were most of the people who ran against him and his predecessor present.

His dignity and humility inspired them to see the wider picture of a more powerful Kogi State. Irrespective of political or ethnic differences, the meeting was a symbolically authentic attempt to brainstorm ideas for the state’s future.

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As he concluded, Ododo reminded the audience that governance is a relay race, saying, “The baton is passed from one administration to another, but the ultimate goal remains the same, which is progress.” The realization of a larger Kogi State depends on your involvement, whether you are a private investor, state official, traditional leader, or concerned citizen. His profound awareness that Kogi’s diversity is a strength that can be used for development rather than a weakness is shown in this emphasis on shared responsibility. Still, Ododo’s power is not limited to speech, according to the Governor of the Grassroots.

The people-centered development initiatives that his administration has started have a strong grassroots appeal. He has purposefully made investments in the fundamental areas that affect the lives of common people, in contrast to many presidents who concentrate mostly on metropolitan infrastructure. Fortifying Health Systems Making the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme more accessible to low-income people was one of his first measures. The expansion of coverage and the subsidization of premiums for vulnerable populations have made affordable healthcare more accessible to more Kogites.

In addition, there has been an unparalleled focus on the Primary Healthcare Delivery System. Rural communities have seen the establishment of new centers and the rehabilitation of old ones. Villagers no longer have to travel far for medical care thanks to the provision of necessary medications and the hiring of medical personnel, which has enhanced service delivery. Infrastructure and Roads in Rural Areas Accessibility in rural areas has been a top priority. Ododo is aware of how important good rural roads are to Kogi’s economy, which is based on agriculture. An ambitious scheme to repair feeder roads connecting farming areas to markets has been started by his administration. In addition to enhancing trade, these roads are bringing distant settlements closer to the state’s center of economic activity.

Education and the Development of Young People Ododo’s dedication to education is demonstrated by his efforts to rebuild deteriorating school buildings, provide educational resources, and construct new facilities that align with his goal of building on the achievements of the recent past.

Additionally, his administration has started programs to incorporate digital education into classrooms, preparing Kogi’s youth for a competitive future. To further prepare young people with real-world skills in ICT, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, vocational training centers have been built.

A young person who is empowered is the best remedy for unemployment and instability, according to his straightforward worldview. Agriculture as a Revolutionary An important component of Ododo’s development strategy is agriculture. He has taken his predecessor’s agricultural platforms to the next level and reinvigorated them.

With the proposed 245-hectare Agro-Industrial Processing Zone next to Ajaokuta, Kogi is establishing itself as a center for agro-industrial activity.

Fifty million dollars’ worth of cashews left the state without value addition in 2024 alone. Ododo has promised to address this by establishing processing industries in Kogi, which will help farmers receive a higher price for their produce. In his own words at the anniversary forum: “This is really unjust to our farmers who work so hard to increase output. Kogi State will have a better and more prosperous future if we work together. Large-scale initiatives for economic change Ododo is not afraid to take on ambitious projects that have the potential to change the world.

The old market is being replaced by a new international market whose location is no longer suitable. According to his promises, this market will “redefine the commercial landscape of Kogi State, creating a hub of economic activities that will serve as a benchmark for other regions.” Progress on the project is steady.

Likewise, there are continuous endeavors to completely utilize Kogi’s rich natural resources, ranging from steel and solid minerals to tourism and the blue economy. His government has strengthened ties with private investors while promising them a welcoming and secure investment environment.

The governor has also made a strong effort to position Kogi as a major actor in Nigeria’s strategy for food security. His ambition of growing crops all year round is slowly coming true thanks to the abundance of water and fertile terrain. As he stated in his inaugural address, “We must produce what we eat, eat what we produce, and produce what others eat.” In Kogi State, the farmer demographic has been positively disrupted by ACReSAL and several agricultural interventions. The sector is being transformed by a new generation of farmers, from Lokoja to Ibaji and from Odo Ere to Obangede.

Political Capital through Humility: Ododo’s personal style and policy decisions are what make him unique. Often referred to as the “Chief Servant of Kogi State,” he is personable and modest. Because of his humility, the political atmosphere has cooled and it is now simpler for him to collaborate with erstwhile rivals. Rather than portraying himself as a “strongman,” he positions himself as a peacemaker.

During his inaugural address, he praised the accomplishments of previous leaders, particularly former opposition party governors Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and Captain Idris Wada. He even praised the late Prince Abubakar Audu, who is considered the founder of contemporary Kogi politics. He made the strong statement that leadership is a journey rather than a battleground by doing this.

Ododo has reinterpreted political participation in a system where the opposition is frequently viewed as an enemy. Inviting detractors to share their thoughts, he frequently emphasizes that “this government is for all of you.”

Our team spent a few minutes learning about the Ododo Political Ideology in the lead-up to the Awards in the first quarter of 2025. He thinks compromise is more important than resentment. According to him, discourse can accomplish anything. Building on a Solid Foundation Ododo has expressed time and time again that it is not an easy undertaking to successor a “hugely successful administration” like Yahaya Bello’s. Nevertheless, he maintains that Bello prepared the ground, tended to it, and sowed the seeds, and that his job was to see those seeds grow.

In stark contrast to the widespread practice of disparaging previous administrations, he was humble enough to acknowledge the work of his predecessor. Ododo’s decision to build rather than break has allowed the state to maintain its pace in governance while saving Kogi valuable time and resources.

Even if Ododo’s leadership is still in its infancy, the outlines of his legacy are already apparent. He is shifting the definition of governance from entitlement to service and politics from recrimination to reconciliation.

Praise for his emphasis on inclusive politics, economic reform, and grassroots development is coming from unexpected places. He once said to Kogites: “As a state, we will be judged by our actions rather than our promises.” To date, his efforts to improve healthcare, rural infrastructure, education, agro-industrial planning, investment, and reconciliatory politics have been more effective than words.

Kogi’s political environment has evolved. Humility, inclusivity, and performance are all components of the “Ododo Political Magic,” which is not a trick. It tells of a guy who made the decision to rule with justice, love, and fear of God.

As the state proceeds on this path, it is evident that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is not only guiding Kogi but also changing the state’s political landscape.