Kogi State is making bold strides in human capital development — and the numbers are telling a compelling story.
The state has now recorded the lowest number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, thanks to targeted education policies and people-focused leadership under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. This remarkable progress was celebrated at the 2025 Blueprint Impact Award Series in Abuja, where Governor Ododo was honoured as Governor of the Year in Human Capital Development.
Speaking on behalf of the governor at the event, Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, said the award was not just a personal accolade, but “a validation of the administration’s unwavering commitment to building a better future for the people of Kogi.”
“Kogi State under Governor Ododo has shown that when you invest in people, the results speak loudly,” Isah said.
“This award proves that our approach — putting education and health at the heart of governance — is working.”
According to him, in just over a year, the Ododo administration has injected over ₦1 billion into the payment of external examination fees for public school students, directly boosting enrolment and reducing dropout rates across the state.
“We’re not just sending children to school; we’re removing the financial barriers that keep them out,” Isah noted.
The governor’s spokesperson also highlighted a massive healthcare initiative currently underway — the revitalization of more than 300 primary healthcare centres across all 21 local government areas of the state.
“You can’t talk about human capital without good health,” he said. “That’s why we are strengthening our healthcare foundations alongside our education sector.”
Isah emphasized that these efforts are part of Governor Ododo’s broader vision to build a knowledge-based, healthy, and productive population — a vision already gaining national recognition.
“We are proud of the path we are on. This award from Blueprint is a morale booster and a clear signal that the nation is taking notice,” he added.
The Blueprint Impact Award Series is an annual celebration of individuals and institutions making exceptional contributions to national development, innovation, and good governance.
As the applause settles and the spotlight moves on, Kogi’s message remains clear: invest in people — and the state rises with them.