Ododo Empowers Over 1,000 Youths, Traders in Kogi East »

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has empowered more than 1,000 youths and petty traders across Kogi East Senatorial District through the distribution of motorcycles and ₦50,000 cash support to strengthen small businesses and improve economic opportunities.

The empowerment programme, held in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area, featured the distribution of motorcycles and financial assistance to beneficiaries as part of the administration’s efforts to promote grassroots economic development and sustainable livelihoods.

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

He highlighted ongoing government interventions in healthcare and education, describing Ofu as an important community in the history and development of Kogi State.

The governor also emphasised the importance of peace and security to economic development, commending residents for their cooperation with security agencies.

He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the empowerment items, noting that small opportunities, when properly managed, could grow into successful businesses and improve family livelihoods.

Ododo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms which, according to him, had strengthened the capacity of state governments to provide support for ordinary Nigerians.

He called on residents to continue supporting the President beyond 2027 and urged different ethnic groups in Kogi State to maintain unity, stressing that political differences should not undermine their bonds of brotherhood.

Welcoming the governor, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Oyibo described the visit as historic and commended the administration’s efforts in security, infrastructure development and economic empowerment.

Oyibo 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.

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

The deputy governor urged residents of Kogi East to sustain their support for the administration, assuring them of continued attention to their welfare and development needs.

Also speaking, Kogi East APC Senatorial Candidate, Chief Joseph Erico Ameh, commended Ododo for extending economic opportunities to women and youths through the empowerment initiative.

Ameh further demonstrated his support for the programme by donating ₦50,000 each to 200 women to strengthen their petty trading businesses.

The governor’s intervention forms part of the administration’s grassroots empowerment efforts aimed at supporting small-scale businesses, improving rural economic activities and creating livelihood opportunities across Kogi East.