Governor ODODO Reporters

Governor Ododo Attends 2025 DAM Foundation Basketball Championship Finals in Okene, Pledges ₦50 Million Support

The grand finale of the 2025 DAM Foundation Basketball Championship was a remarkable success as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, graced the thrilling finals held in Okene, Kogi Central.
The championship, organised by the DAM Foundation under the leadership of its founder, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, formed part of ongoing efforts to promote grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and the construction of a world-class basketball court in Okene.
Addressing the audience, Governor Ododo applauded the DAM Foundation for its consistent commitment to youth engagement and sports development at the grassroots level. He described the initiative as timely and impactful, stressing that sports serve as a powerful platform for unity, talent discovery, discipline, and economic empowerment among young people.
In a major show of support, the Governor pledged ₦50 million to further strengthen the initiative and reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with private organisations and foundations contributing to youth development, healthy competition, and community growth across Kogi State.

The event drew dignitaries, including the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, former Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello, indigenous and national music artistes, community leaders, sports enthusiasts, and a massive crowd of supporters.

At the conclusion of the championship, Okene Male Team emerged overall champions, carting home the $15,000 grand prize, while Okehi Female Team claimed victory in the women’s category after an outstanding display of skill and teamwork.

The championship ended on a high note, further cementing Okene’s growing status as a centre for sports excellence and youth-driven initiatives in Kogi State.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE KOGI STATE ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL, DR. HABIBAT TIJANI ONUMOKO

The first woman to serve as Accountant-General in Kogi State, Dr. Habibat Tijani Onumoko exemplifies excellence, integrity, and dedication to sound financial management. She is a true testament to women’s capacity for impactful leadership.

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has accepted the call to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

The decision came after strong pressure from key stakeholders during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other leaders rallied support for his candidacy, setting the stage for a major political showdown in Kogi Central ahead of 2027.

GOVERNOR ODODO REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND UNITY

The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering peace, unity, and mutual coexistence across all communities in the state. This was emphasized by the Executive Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, while addressing participants at the One-Day Peace Conference organized by the Ebira Muslims Peace Initiative in Okene. The conference, themed "Essence of Peace and Unity Among the Muslim Ummah," brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, youth groups, and stakeholders from across Kogi State.

Governor Ododo commended the organizers for championing a platform that reinforces unity within the Muslim Ummah while fostering tolerance across ethnic and religious divides. He emphasized that sustainable development is impossible without peace, citing Kogi State's recognition as a model of peaceful coexistence due to the mutual efforts of citizens and the government's proactive peace-building strategies.

The Governor highlighted the role of government and religious leadership in securing long-term peace, noting that security is not achieved by force alone but through deliberate relationship-building and inclusive engagement. He stated, "Our major responsibility is to provide security for our people, and in providing that security, you must ensure unity of the land." He further emphasized the importance of engaging all critical stakeholders, including Islamic scholars, Christian leaders, and traditional leaders, to ensure peace and unity.

The Chairman of the Ebira Muslims Peace Initiative Committee, Ustaz Ismail Obosi Suleiman, also delivered a goodwill message, stressing the importance of unity among various Islamic sects across Ebiraland. He cited Qur'an 3:103, "Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah, and do not be divided," and called for inter-sect dialogue, focus on shared values, and rejection of political manipulation that seeks to worsen divisions.

The One-Day Peace Conference concluded with a renewed commitment by Islamic scholars, government representatives, and community stakeholders to strengthen peaceful coexistence and ensure that Kogi State continues to thrive as a united society. The government and people of Kogi State remain committed to promoting peace and unity, and we urge all stakeholders to join hands in sustaining the peace and stability that our state has enjoyed over the years.

Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor

INCOMING!!!

Governor Ododo Graces Benikrukru Christmas Carnival

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State was among the high-profile dignitaries who graced the 18th Benikrukru Christmas Carnival, powered by the Esther Matthew Tonlagha (EMT) Foundation, held on December 25, 2025, in Benikrukru Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
The colourful carnival, which attracted over 30,000 participants from across the Niger Delta and beyond, showcased vibrant cultural displays, a grand parade, and electrifying musical performances. Governor Ododo’s presence underscored the carnival’s growing national significance as a platform for unity, cultural pride, and festive celebration.
Organised by the EMT Foundation and led by its founder, Deaconess (Dr.) Mrs. Esther Matthew Tonlagha, the annual event once again reinforced Benikrukru’s enduring spirit of resilience, togetherness, and cultural heritage.

The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, today met with His Excellency, Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Ambassador Alhaji Musa Yakubu, the Protocol Liaison Officer to the President, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, at the Government House in Lokoja.

The visit centered on strengthening intergovernmental collaboration and harmonising federal–state engagements aimed at improving service delivery to the people.