Ododo meets Mohammed Audu, deepens Kogi development, APC unity ahead 2027

By Florence Kalu

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has intensified his engagement with key stakeholders in the state, paying a courtesy visit to Prince Mohammed Audu, son of the late former Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, as part of efforts to promote development, economic growth and political reconciliation in the state.

The meeting, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, focused on strengthening Kogi’s economy, particularly through agriculture and the development of the state’s cashew value chain.

Fanwo said the discussions explored ways of improving agricultural production, empowering farmers and ensuring that greater economic value is derived from Kogi’s agricultural resources.

The engagement formed part of Ododo’s wider consultations with influential stakeholders on practical measures to expand economic opportunities and improve the welfare of citizens.

Prince Mohammed Audu expressed his willingness to support initiatives capable of attracting development and investment to Kogi State, stressing the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in advancing the interests of the state.

He also commended Governor Ododo for visiting him, describing the gesture as a demonstration of humility and respect.

According to Fanwo, Mohammed Audu noted that Ododo was the first serving governor to visit his residence, despite his longstanding relationships with several former and serving governors.

He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for organising the 10th anniversary commemoration of the death of his father and for naming a road Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard in his honour.

Audu said the gestures demonstrated that the contributions of his late father to the development of Kogi State had not been forgotten, describing him as a key figure in laying the foundation of democratic governance in the state.

He similarly appreciated former Governor Yahaya Bello for restoring the name Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, to the institution formerly known as Kogi State University, saying the gesture remained deeply appreciated by the family.

Beyond development issues, the meeting provided an opportunity for discussions on political reconciliation and stronger cooperation among stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.

Audu reportedly encouraged Governor Ododo to sustain his reconciliation efforts, noting that continued engagement among political actors was already producing positive results.

The discussions are coming as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, with the Governor seeking to strengthen relationships among party stakeholders and build a broader platform around the political and developmental interests of the state.

Fanwo said Ododo’s stakeholder engagements were also aimed at mobilising support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

He added that the Governor remained committed to bringing Kogi stakeholders together around common objectives of peace, reconciliation, economic growth and sustainable development, irrespective of political differences.

The engagement with Mohammed Audu, Fanwo said, underscored the administration’s belief that sustained dialogue, inclusiveness and cooperation remain essential to building a more united and prosperous Kogi State.