A Good Tree is Known by its Fruits: Why Ejule and Ofu People are Praising Gov Ododo and their Son, Joel Salifu »

By Dr. Ibrahim Atule

In every community, there comes a time when people pause to look around and ask themselves a simple question: “Are things getting better?” In Ejule and indeed Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, many people believe the answer to that question is yes.

Across Ejule Community and Ofu Local Government Area, there is a growing sense of gratitude and appreciation for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and their own son, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu. For many residents, the development projects, improved security, and opportunities being enjoyed today are clear signs that the government is working for the people.

The people believe that when good leadership meets genuine concern for the welfare of the people, development naturally follows. Today, the evidence can be seen in schools, roads, water projects, electricity supply, youth empowerment, and improved security across the area.

One of the most remarkable interventions is at Ofuloko Primary School, where two blocks of six classrooms have been remodeled, giving the school a new look. The construction of a modern 6-classroom complex, is also ongoing. To further improve learning conditions, a borehole has been provided for the school, while work is progressing on a perimeter fence to improve security and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.

The joy among the pupils is difficult to miss. Some of them described the projects as something they never imagined would happen in their school.

“This is the first time we are seeing this kind of development here,” some of the pupils said, while praying for God’s blessings upon Governor Ododo and his team.

The story is not different when it comes to water supply. For years, the Ate Ajiyolo Borehole Project remained dormant and moribund. Today, it has been revived with a solar-powered electricity system and is once again serving the people.

As the elders often say, water is life, and the restoration of the project has brought relief to many families.

Residents also commended the ongoing construction of the Ejule-Okabo Road, describing it as a project that will improve transportation, support economic activities, and make life easier for farmers, traders, and commuters.

Their hopes were further raised when engineers recently visited the Ejule-Allah to Achokpa Road corridor for measurements. The community is optimistic that contractors will soon be mobilized to site so that work can commence on the road project.

In the area of electricity, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo recently approved four 500KVA transformers for Ejule Community to improve power supply and support economic activities. The transformers were distributed to Alome Ajaboko, Ejule Central Mosque area, Alloma Road Community, and Ofuloko Community.

For many residents, the intervention could not have come at a better time. They said improved electricity supply will support businesses, reduce hardship, and improve daily living.

But the good news does not end there.

The Ododo administration is also carrying out major solar power projects across the area. In Ojiofa Community, a 450-kilowatt solar power project is ongoing. Agojeju Community is benefiting from a 279-kilowatt solar project, while Nyebu Community has a 191-kilowatt project. Okenyi Community in Ankpa Local Government Area is also benefiting from a 364-kilowatt solar power project.

Together, these projects amount to about 1,284 kilowatts of solar power. Equipment has already arrived at the project sites, and work is ongoing. When completed, the projects are expected to light up the benefiting communities and surrounding areas, improve security, and support local businesses.

The people also pointed out that the ongoing transformation is not limited to roads and electricity alone. Across Ofu Local Government Area, several schools are receiving attention from the Ododo administration.

Education is equally receiving a boost across Ofu Local Government Area. Residents pointed to the remodeling of Agojeju Community Secondary School and Egwubi Primary School, among several other schools that have been renovated under the present administration.

Many residents see these projects as proof that Governor Ododo understands that education remains the foundation upon which every prosperous society is built. After all, the child who learns today becomes the leader of tomorrow.

Beyond infrastructure, the people also acknowledged the growing opportunities available to youths of the community since Comrade Joel Salifu assumed office as Deputy Governor. According to them, many young people from Ejule have secured appointments and employment opportunities in federal and state agencies, ministries, departments, and other public institutions. They also noted with pride that one of their sons is currently working with an international organization, UN.

The people believe that empowering young people is one of the greatest investments any government can make because today’s youths are tomorrow’s leaders. As the saying goes, when you build the youth, you built the nation.

Another area that has attracted widespread commendation is security. Residents said that since Governor Ododo came on board, Ejule and its surrounding communities have enjoyed greater peace and stability. According to them, the increased presence of security personnel in the area has helped to strengthen security, reduce intimidation, maiming and thuggery, which has restored confidence among the people.

Today, farmers can go to their farms without fear, traders can carry out their businesses peacefully, and families can go about their daily activities with a sense of safety. As many residents put it, they can now sleep with their two eyes closed, knowing that security agencies are working tirelessly to protect their lives and properties.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Ejule Community Leader, Comrade. Yahaya Adama, thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to grassroots development and praised Deputy Governor Joel Salifu for ensuring that the needs of his people receive attention at the highest levels of government.

Similarly, the PTA Chairman of Ofuloko Primary School, Hon. Hassan Onoja, commended the Governor and the Deputy Governor for transforming the school and providing a better future for the children.

The appreciation was echoed by residents, teachers, school staff, parents, and pupils, who all agreed that the impact of government is now being felt in the community.

Importantly, the people noted that these developments are not limited to Ejule alone. Similar projects and interventions are ongoing in various communities across Ofu Local Government Area and neighbouring areas, showing the determination of the Ododo administration to spread development across all parts of the state.

As the saying goes, a good tree is known by its fruits. For the people of Ejule and other communities in Ofu Local Government Area, the fruits of good governance are becoming increasingly visible. From education and roads to water, electricity, security, and youth empowerment, the impact of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu continues to touch lives and bring hope to the grassroots.

For this reason, the people remain grateful and united in their support, praying that God grants the Governor and his Deputy the wisdom, strength, and good health to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to Kogi State and its people.

Dr. Ibrahim Atule, an academia and public affairs analyst, writes from Obagu in Ofu Local Government Area.
17.06.2026