Ododo strengthens grassroots economy, gives traders ₦50,000, youths motorcycles

By Florence Kalu

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has empowered more than 1,000 youths and petty traders across Kogi East Senatorial District with motorcycles and financial assistance as part of efforts to stimulate grassroots economic activities and improve livelihoods.

The empowerment programme, held on Thursday in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area, featured the distribution of motorcycles to beneficiaries and ₦50,000 cash support to petty traders to strengthen small businesses, improve rural transportation and expand economic opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Ododo appreciated the people of Ofu for their continued support for his administration, assuring them that the area had not been neglected despite his inability to visit earlier.

He described Ofu as a strategic community in the history and development of Kogi State, highlighting his administration’s interventions in healthcare and education as part of its commitment to improving the welfare of residents.

The Governor stressed that peace and security remained fundamental to sustainable development, commending the people for their cooperation with security agencies and urging them to sustain the collaboration.

He charged the beneficiaries to deploy the motorcycles and financial support productively, noting that modest economic opportunities, when properly managed, could grow into viable businesses, improve household incomes and transform families.

Ododo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms which, according to him, had enhanced the financial capacity of state governments to extend development interventions and economic support to ordinary Nigerians.

He urged the people to sustain their support for Tinubu beyond 2027, while calling for unity among the different ethnic groups in Kogi State.

The Governor cautioned against allowing political differences to undermine the bonds of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among the people.

Welcoming the Governor, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Oyibo described the visit as historic, commending Ododo’s commitment to security, infrastructure development and grassroots empowerment.

He highlighted ongoing projects in Ejule, including a major healthcare facility, the revitalisation of the Anyigba Road borehole, and the construction and renovation of Ofuloko Primary School, alongside other community-based interventions.

Oyibo also praised the administration’s security efforts, particularly the recovery of ammunition and arrest of suspected criminals in Edimogo, Ofu Local Government Area.

Describing Ododo as a noiseless achiever whose performance, he said, spoke louder than criticism, the Deputy Governor acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Bello for providing the state with a leader committed to sustaining its development trajectory.

He urged residents of Kogi East to maintain their support for the administration, assuring them that their welfare and development needs would continue to receive attention.

Also speaking, the Kogi East APC Senatorial Candidate, Chief Joseph Erico Ameh, commended Ododo for what he described as his people-oriented leadership and sustained commitment to grassroots empowerment.

Ameh particularly praised the Governor for extending economic opportunities to women and youths, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

In further support of the programme, the senatorial candidate announced a donation of ₦50,000 each to 200 women to strengthen their petty trading businesses.

His intervention amounts to ₦10 million and is expected to provide additional financial support for the beneficiaries.

The empowerment initiative forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to expand economic opportunities at the grassroots, support small-scale enterprises and improve the living conditions of residents across Kogi State.