Kogi Airport: Ododo Hails Tinubu, Says Project Now 25% Completed, Slams Doubters
By Faith Adikeh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the ongoing Kogi State International Airport project at Zariagi, Lokoja, describing it as clear proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to taking critical infrastructure to the subnational level.
Governor Ododo spoke on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the airport project site, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done so far.
The Governor described the airport as a strategic investment in the future of Kogi State, noting that President Tinubu’s backing of the project shows his understanding of the developmental needs of states and the need to build infrastructure that will drive economic growth, improve connectivity and attract investments.
Ododo said Kogi’s strategic location as a gateway state that borders ten states, including the Federal Capital Territory, makes an airport a necessity for unlocking its economic potential.
He lamented that despite its vantage position, Kogi had remained without an airport until President Tinubu approved the project and gave the needed federal support for its execution.
According to him, his administration is closely monitoring the project to ensure it is delivered according to standard and within the stipulated timeline. He expressed optimism that the project would reach an advanced stage by next year.
The Governor also took a swipe at those doubting the project, challenging them to visit the site instead of spreading speculations online.
“Please, I want them to come here to see things by themselves. It is not an AI thing. You can see the equipment working, and they are working day and night. We are not going to make noise about it; we invite them to come and see,” Ododo said.
Giving an update on the project, the Project Manager of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Engr. Sun Yishi, said work has attained about 20 percent completion, with the current phase focused on massive earthworks for the runway and its safety areas.
Yishi explained that the earthworks remain the most demanding stage of the project, involving extensive excavation, filling, laterite placement and ground preparation before the pavement construction begins.
On his part, the Lead Consultant to the project, Arc. Adebayo Adidipe of Arcade Consultants Limited, put the overall completion level at 20 to 25 percent.
Adidipe expressed confidence in the progress of work and commended Governor Ododo and the State Ministry of Transportation for their prompt response to issues raised by the project team.
