As Kogi State marks 35 years of existence, stakeholders across the state are reflecting on the journey so far – the progress, the challenges, and the collective efforts that have kept the Confluence State standing.
For Dr. Abdulrahman Adabenege Saidu (DAAS), who is the Director General, Ododo Political Vanguard (Home and Diaspora), a respected voice in Kogi affairs, the 35th anniversary is a moment to acknowledge both current and past leaders for their contributions to sustaining peace, infrastructure, and unity in the state.
Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Adabenege noted that since Kogi was carved out of Benue and Kwara States on August 27, 1991, the state has navigated political transitions, economic realities, and security challenges, yet continues to grow.
“Kogi @35 is not just about celebration. It is about appreciation. From the founding fathers who laid the foundation, to successive administrations that built on it, and to the present leadership under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, we must commend the efforts that have kept Kogi in good shape”, he said.
He pointed to key areas where the state has made visible strides. In infrastructure, he cited road networks linking the three senatorial districts, ongoing urban renewal projects in Lokoja and Okene, and investments in healthcare and education facilities. In governance, he praised efforts at civil service reform, youth inclusion, and the drive to attract investment through the state’s strategic location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers.
Dr. Adabenege was particularly emphatic about the role of past governors in stabilizing the state through turbulent political periods.
“Every administration came with its own vision and challenges. Some built schools, some focused on roads, others on security. Taken together, those efforts are why Kogi today is regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the North Central,” he noted.
On the current administration, he commended Governor Ododo for what he described as continuity and focus, noting that the governor’s emphasis on completing ongoing projects, paying workers’ salaries promptly, and strengthening security architecture has earned public trust within his first two years in office.
“Kogi people want governance that touches their daily lives – food on the table, safety on the roads, and opportunities for the youth. That is what we are seeing, and it deserves commendation”.
Beyond government, he also lauded traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens for fostering unity among the state’s diverse ethnic groups, describing Kogi’s multi-ethnic composition as a strength that, when well-managed, positions the state as a bridge between the North and South.
As celebrations continue across the 21 LGAs, Dr. Adabenege called for more investment in agriculture, technology, and human capital development to secure the next 35 years.
“The foundation has been laid. Now we must build a Kogi that is economically strong and globally competitive,” he said.
For many Kogites, the message at 35 is clear: celebrate the past, appreciate the present, and work together for a greater future.
