Presidency Fuels 2027 Race: Tinubu's Second Term Bid Endorsed

The Presidency has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu's performance, asserting that his achievements over the past three and a half years warrant a second term in the 2027 general election. According to Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, the reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration have successfully freed up resources, enabling state governments across the nation to undertake significant infrastructural development projects. This affirmation was made during an inspection tour of federal and state government projects in Kogi State, organized by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team.

Rahman specifically lauded Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State for his judicious deployment of these freed-up funds, channeling them into impactful interventions across critical sectors such as healthcare, road infrastructure, and education in various local government areas. He emphasized that such developmental efforts by Governor Ododo and other governors, particularly those from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are a direct result of the President's enabling reforms. The Director of Media and Publicity for Renewed Hope Ambassadors further praised Governor Ododo, describing him as humble, fair, and moderate, qualities reflected in the projects undertaken.

In the education sector, Kogi State is making significant strides to improve public school standards. Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, highlighted the state government's investment in Model Science Secondary Schools, such as the one in Okebukun, Kogi West District. These initiatives aim to reverse the trend of parents opting for private schools, with the new public facilities now boasting quality that surpasses most private institutions in the state. Furthermore, a multi-layered security architecture, incorporating advanced technology, has been established to ensure the safety of students and staff, especially in light of past incidents.

Higher education is also experiencing a renaissance. At Kogi State University, Kabba, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kehinde Temitope Eniola announced that new student hostels, including a 300-room facility for male students designed to promote hygiene and self-care, are targeted for completion by August. This project prioritizes student welfare and independent living. Meanwhile, the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, has witnessed remarkable growth, with its student population escalating from 240 in 2020 to an projected 6,000 by 2026. The university now boasts nine faculties and a College of Medical Sciences offering diverse courses like Medicine, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Anatomy.

The Ododo administration's commitment to healthcare extends beyond facility construction to ensuring access and affordability. Remodeled primary healthcare centers have been brought to numerous villages across Kogi State. The state's health insurance scheme is recognized as one of the best in the country, effectively reaching grassroots communities, and offers free medical care for pregnant women and children aged zero to six, a key component of the government's social security agenda. A prime example is the upgraded Primary Healthcare Centre in Obuburu, Adavi local government area, which is among 88 revitalized under the World Bank-supported IMPACT project and 70 upgraded by the state government, with additional support from development partners. This facility now offers specialist services that previously necessitated out-of-state referrals and notably houses Kogi's sole Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility. Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza, Kogi State Health Commissioner, detailed the extensive services, including MRI and CT scanners, renal dialysis, and Nigeria’s only hospital-based hyperbaric oxygen treatment chamber. To support clinical training, medical students' hostels and staff accommodation have been completed, alongside the installation of solar-powered infrastructure to reduce reliance on the national grid.

Infrastructure development further underpins the state's progress. Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environmental and Ecological Management, highlighted channelisation and reclamation projects in Kabba/Bunu local government area and across all three senatorial districts. These initiatives fulfill Governor Ododo's campaign promises to reclaim degraded lands, mitigating devastating floods that previously claimed lives and washed away farmlands. Oluwasegun acknowledged President Tinubu's role in creating a conducive environment for such collaborations, including with World Bank projects. The chairman of Kabba/Bunu local government council, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, underscored the critical impact of these projects on flood-prone areas. Additionally, the Kogi State Commissioner for Works, Abdulsalami Ozigi, confirmed steady progress on major road networks, including the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Auchi Highway, Lokoja-Benin highway, and the 20-kilometre Okene Bypass, following state government alerts and a visit by the Works Minister.

These comprehensive developmental efforts by Governor Ododo's administration, made possible by President Tinubu's economic reforms, are seen as pivotal in transforming Kogi State. Local leaders, like Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, are confident that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will secure widespread victories in the upcoming elections, reflecting the tangible improvements in the lives of the citizens.