By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Nov 9, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the development of the 37-kilometre Ejule–Ojeba–Unale–Onyedega street, linking Idah Local Government Area to the headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area, with a completion interval of 30 months.
Speaking on the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ododo described the venture as a serious step in the direction of fulfilling his administration’s dedication to opening up rural communities and connecting residents to higher financial alternatives.
“When I promised to fix this road, some people were already asking why work had not started. But governance is not a magic show. I cannot bring equipment here for the cameras only to take them away the next day. We took our time to complete the necessary due diligence. Now we are ready, now we are here, and now the work begins,” he mentioned.
According to him, his administration is not going to permit political disagreements to find out the distribution of infrastructure and different growth tasks throughout the state.
“Even if you hate Ododo, please love development. A child should not be denied food because the parents disagree. I am here for development, and I will not be distracted,” the governor declared.
The governor counseled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his management and financial reforms, expressing appreciation for the Federal Government’s assist in the direction of growth on the state stage.
Describing the Idah–Ibaji street as a historic intervention, Governor Ododo mentioned its completion would enhance entry to markets, strengthen transportation networks and create higher alternatives for farmers, merchants, younger folks and households.
He charged CCECC to ship high quality work in accordance with the permitted specs, warning that the folks of the world had waited lengthy sufficient for a sturdy street.
In a associated growth, Governor Ododo cautioned conventional rulers towards actions succesful of producing communal crises and insecurity, urging them to make use of their positions to advertise peace and unity.
He warned that any conventional ruler discovered culpable of instigating battle between communities would face the implications in accordance with the legislation and relevant procedures.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Honourable Momoh Salami Ozigi, described the flag-off because the fulfilment of a long-awaited promise to the folks of Idah and Ibaji.
He mentioned the Idah–Ibaji street had remained a serious problem for residents for over 20 years, explaining that its deplorable situation had affected transportation, agricultural manufacturing, healthcare supply and different financial actions.
“For over 20 years, the Idah–Ibaji road has been a nightmare, a story of pain and loss. It is a road that cuts off our people during the rainy season. Farmers lose their produce, mothers find it difficult to access hospitals, and our economic life is crippled by flooding and failed portions,” he mentioned.
The commissioner additionally appealed to residents, conventional rulers and different stakeholders to supply a peaceable working surroundings for the contractors and defend authorities property.
In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of Ibaji and Idah Local Government Areas, Honourable Alexander Ukwela and Honourable Sule Amodu, respectively, expressed appreciation to the governor for commencing the venture.
The Ibaji council chairman recalled that Governor Ododo had visited the world on July 13, 2026, when he promised to reconstruct the street from Idah to the headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area.
He described the flag-off as the start of the fulfilment of that dedication, noting that the venture would ease transportation and enhance the residing situations of residents.
Ukwela pledged the assist of the native authorities and neighborhood stakeholders in the direction of the profitable execution of the venture.
Also talking, the consultant of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, Henry Shuo, thanked the Kogi State Government for the arrogance reposed within the firm and promised to finish the venture between the stipulated interval of 30 month.
He disclosed that the venture would contain the development of a 37-kilometre carriageway measuring roughly 10.3 metres in width, alongside six new bridges and different supporting infrastructure.
