Ododo Urges Nigerians in Diaspora to Back Tinubu’s Reforms, Invest in Kogi

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and contribute their investments, expertise and global networks towards the development of Kogi State and Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Governor Ododo made the call on Thursday during a town hall meeting with Kogites and other Nigerians in London, United Kingdom.

The governor said Nigerians living abroad have a critical role to play in national development, urging them to go beyond remittances by bringing home their knowledge, skills, innovation and international connections.

“Bring home not only your investments, but also your ideas, your expertise, your innovation and your global networks. Nations are transformed not only by the wealth their people send home, but by the knowledge, values and vision they bring home,” Ododo said.

He also urged Nigerians to support the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and other fiscal measures, which he said had improved the financial capacity of state governments.

Ododo said the reforms had enabled governments to increase investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and other critical sectors.

The governor also highlighted Federal Government interventions in Kogi State, including the approval of the Kogi International Airport, Kogi Free Trade Zone, Agricultural Processing Zone, efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reconstruction of strategic federal roads.

He said his administration had translated opportunities created by the Federal Government into investments in road infrastructure, free education from primary to secondary school, payment of public examination fees, healthcare, agricultural mechanisation and empowerment programmes for youths and women.

Ododo also urged Kogites in the diaspora to support the Kogi Rebrand Initiative by promoting the state’s potential and projecting a positive image capable of attracting investment.

“No nation rises above the story it tells about itself. Let us become ambassadors of hope, confidence and possibility because every positive story we tell about Kogi State and Nigeria opens another door to investment and opportunity,” he said.

On security, the governor said collaboration with the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies had helped create a safer environment for farming, commerce and investment in the state.

Also speaking, the member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Salman Idris, said the state government was working with the Federal Government towards the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Idris urged Kogites abroad to support the development of the state by bringing home their investments, professional expertise and international networks.

Participants at the town hall meeting pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Kogi State Government and mobilise investors to explore economic opportunities in the state.