By Olu Samuel
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Monday paid a courtesy visit to Prince Mohammed Audu, son of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, with discussions focusing on the development of the state, strengthening the state’s economy and improving the welfare of its people.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Governor and Prince Mohammed Audu discussed ways of strengthening Kogi State’s economy through improved agricultural production and a more efficient cashew value chain that would enable individual farmers and the state to derive greater economic benefits from the sector.
“The discussion was part of Governor Ododo’s broader engagements with stakeholders on practical ways of expanding economic opportunities, supporting farmers and creating greater value from the state’s agricultural resources. The commissioner said.
Prince Mohammed Audu expressed his readiness to work with Governor Ododo to attract development to Kogi State, stressing the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in advancing the interests of the state.
He thanked Governor Ododo for being the first serving Governor to visit his residence, despite his longstanding relationships with several former and serving Governors, and commended the humility demonstrated by the Governor.
Prince Audu also appreciated Governor Ododo for organising the 10th anniversary ceremony marking the passing of his father and for naming a road after him as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard.
According to Fanwo, Prince Audu said “the gestures demonstrated that Kogi State would continue to remember and honour his father, whom he described as a man who laid the democratic foundation of the state.”
He also expressed appreciation to the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for returning the then Kogi State University, Anyigba, to its original name, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, describing the gesture as an honour the family would cherish forever.
“The meeting also provided an opportunity for discussions on strengthening understanding and cooperation among political stakeholders in the state, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at fostering reconciliation, strengthening relationships and promoting unity within the party in order to build a common platform around the political and developmental interests of Kogi State.”He noted.
Prince Audu urged Governor Ododo to sustain his reconciliatory efforts, noting that the engagements were already yielding positive results.
The Commissioner added that the Governor’s stakeholder engagements were also aimed at mobilising broad-based support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
He said Governor Ododo remained committed to bringing stakeholders together around shared objectives of peace, economic growth, development and progress for Kogi State.