KOGI GOVT APPROVES FARM INPUTS, AIRPORT EXPANSION, RENOVATION OF KOGI BROADCASTING CORPORATION’S BUILDING.
The Kogi State Executive Council has approved several projects and policy initiatives covering agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public communication, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his developmental strides.
The decisions were made at the Council meeting presided over by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in Lokoja on Monday.
The Council praised the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway, describing it as a major infrastructure intervention that would improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and create economic opportunities across the North Central and South-South regions.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojoma, said the Council approved and ratified the procurement of fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, and other essential farm inputs for farmers.
He said the intervention would support food production during both the wet and dry seasons, adding that agriculture remained a priority of the Ododo administration.
Ojoma also disclosed that Kogi State had made progress towards the take-off of the African Development Bank-supported Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), with necessary studies, qualification processes, and approvals completed.
According to him, land preparation and site allocation had also progressed.
He said the program would strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment, create markets for farmers, and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Commissioner added that road projects in parts of the Ibaji, Bassa, and Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas had received attention, noting that improved access roads would ease the movement of agricultural produce to markets and processing centers.
He further disclosed that the state was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and the Bank of Agriculture on initiatives to boost food production, including plans for poultry and egg production centres across the 21 local government areas.
In the information sector, the Council approved the renovation of the headquarters of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC), Lokoja, and the installation of solar power systems at its radio stations in Ocheja and Okene.
It also approved the introduction of a quarterly media briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communications to provide regular updates on government policies, programs, projects, and achievements.
The State Executive Council further moved to reposition lottery, signage, and food administration through new legislation.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika, said the Council approved the construction of Phase Two of students’ hostel accommodation at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital in Okene.
He said the approval also covered furniture for the students’ accommodation and doctors’ quarters, adding that the intervention would support students progressing into clinical training.
Abanika disclosed that construction of the Kogi International Airport had commenced, with site clearing, equipment mobilization, and perimeter fencing already underway.
He said the airport would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and create opportunities for investment and economic development.
The Commissioner also announced the approval of the End Care Programme, which he said would provide support and welfare benefits to more than 5,000 indigent residents across the state.
He added that implementation of the program would commence soon.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to projects and policies aimed at improving living conditions, strengthening infrastructure, promoting food security, and expanding economic opportunities across Kogi State.
