Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah, has said that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to ensuring that mining activities in the state are community owned and youth driven, as part of a broader agenda to promote inclusive economic development.
Isah gave the assurance on Thursday while speaking on Rapid TV in Abuja, where he outlined key elements of the Ododo administration’s economic strategy, particularly in the solid minerals and agriculture sectors.
The media expert disclosed that with the recent acquisition of 15 mining licenses, the Kogi State Government is set to unlock the economic potential of local communities by involving them directly in mining activities through cooperatives and participatory structures.
“Kogi State is richly endowed with over 32 solid minerals in commercial quantities. The government has floated a Solid Minerals Development Company through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to open up the sector to serious local and foreign investors,” Isah said.
“Our approach is to ensure that communities are not sidelined but empowered as stakeholders. We are encouraging the formation of cooperatives that will allow host communities to have a voice in how mining operations are carried out in their areas.”
He added that the state plans to train 25,000 youths to take leadership roles in the mining value chain and to equip them with the skills needed to benefit from the booming sector.
Isah also revealed that Governor Ododo is currently engaging with development partners in China to attract investment, technology transfer, and capacity building in key sectors such as mining, power, education, and agriculture.
“We are promoting Kogi State as an investment destination with vast potential—fertile lands, mineral resources, and a skilled population. This government is serious about turning these assets into real opportunities,” he said.
Isah noted that the administration’s focus on mechanized farming through its ‘one farmer, one hectare’ policy, revealing that over 10,000 hectares were cultivated last year, with plans to expand to 50,000 hectares this year.
“We are investing in modern agricultural equipment to drive productivity and food security. Farmers are at the center of our rural development strategy,” he stated.
He also spoke on the administration’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive social register to support vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, aged citizens, widows, and MSMEs, through targeted grants and expanded health insurance coverage.
Media Adviser emphasized that Governor Ododo remains committed to inclusive governance and equitable development, assuring that political differences will not hinder participation in the government’s transformation agenda.
“Governor Ododo is in a hurry to make a difference. He knows the struggles of rural communities because he grew up in one. That background is shaping his policies and priorities today,” he said.
Government House Media Team
April 19th, 2025