By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
AS Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s marks second year in office, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has outlined his administration’s notable achievements and identified lingering gaps to address in the second half of his tenure.
In a statement signed by Mr Hamza Aliyu and Mr Reuben Joshua, Chairman and Secretary of the Network respectfully, KONGONET applauded the Governor for the achievements and urged that priority attention be accorded the key development gaps.
“Two years into his administration, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has recorded notable progress in Infrastructure, Health Engagement, Agriculture, Security Collaboration, and Openness to Civic engagement.
“However, persistent challenges in water supply, waste management, citizen participation, and procurement transparency threaten to undermine public confidence.
“The development of a Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism Policy Framework (PCVE‑FP) with civil‑society partners marks a proactive step.
Despite this progress, the Network noted that border communities and remote farming areas remain vulnerable to security threats, stressing the need for sustained vigilance and strengthened security presence.
Agriculture, identified as a cornerstone of Kogi State’s economy, has benefited from input distribution, extension services, value-chain promotion, and the ongoing construction of a modern market in Lokoja.
Nevertheless, KONGONET pointed out that smallholder farmers continue to face limited access to credit, climate-related shocks, insecurity, and post-harvest losses, calling for increased fiscal support to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Against this backdrop, KONGONET has called on Governor Ododo to declare a State of Emergency on Urban Water Supply through rehabilitation of waterworks and transparent partnerships.
It added that there is urgent need to implement a comprehensive urban sanitation strategy including private-sector participation, enforcement of sanitation laws, and community engagement
The Network further urged Governor Ododo to develop a viable mass‑transit system for Lokoja, integrating road and water transport, and introduce subsidized transport to cushion subsidy removal effects.
“Government must, as a policy issue, provide a subsidized Mass Transport for citizens to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy as demonstrated by the Federal Government”, the Network added.
KONGONET also called on Governor Ododo to Institutionalize quarterly town‑hall meetings across senatorial districts and publish annual procurement plans, contract awards, and implementation status.
It further advocated acceleration of a Social Protection Policy Framework and funding for the Agency for Social Security and Protection of Older Citizens Law, 2019.
“As the administration enters its final two years, decisive action on these issues will not only demonstrate positive governance outcomes but will also shape citizens’ perceptions ahead of future electoral contests”, KONGONET advised. (Ends)