The Kogi State Executive Council has commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing developmental interventions in the state, particularly lauding the reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Benin Highway.

The commendation was contained in decisions reached at the council’s meeting, presided over by Governor Ahmed Ododo, in Lokoja on Monday.

Mr Ododo expressed appreciation to the president for the pace and quality of work on the strategic highway, describing it as a transformational project that would enhance connectivity between the North-Central and South-South regions.

He said completion of the corridor would facilitate movement of people and goods, boost trade and investment, improve access to markets and create new economic opportunities for communities along the route.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojoma, said the council approved support for farmers through the procurement of fertilisers, agricultural chemicals and other essential farm inputs.

Mr Ojoma said the intervention was aimed at boosting food production during both wet and dry seasons, stressing that agriculture remained a major pillar of the administration’s economic development strategy.

He also announced progress toward the take-off of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), supported by the African Development Bank, saying necessary studies, qualification processes and approvals had been concluded.

According to him, land preparation and site allocation have also progressed, with the project expected to strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment, create markets for farmers and reduce post-harvest losses.

The commissioner said the state is also collaborating with relevant federal agencies and the Bank of Agriculture on initiatives to expand food production, including plans for poultry and egg production centres across the 21 local government areas.

Also briefing journalists, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika, said construction had commenced on the Kogi International Airport, with site clearing, equipment mobilisation and perimeter fencing already underway.

He said the airport would improve transportation connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods and create opportunities for investment and economic expansion.

Mr Abanika added that the council approved Phase Two of students’ hostel accommodation at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Okene, including furniture for students’ accommodation and doctors’ quarters.

He said the project would support students advancing to clinical training and strengthen facilities for medical education and healthcare delivery.

The commissioner further disclosed that the council approved the implementation of the End Care Programme, which is expected to benefit more than 5,000 indigent residents across the state.

“In the information sector, the council approved the renovation of the headquarters of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC), Lokoja, and the installation of solar power systems at its radio stations in Ocheja and Okene.

“It also approved the introduction of a quarterly media briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communications to provide regular updates on government policies, programmes, projects and achievements. The council equally approved new legislative measures, covering lottery administration, signage regulation and food administration, aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and improving institutional efficiency.

“The council reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies and projects that would improve citizens’ welfare, stimulate economic activity, strengthen infrastructure, promote food security and create opportunities for sustainable development,” he said.

The approvals, he said, reflected the administration’s broader focus on infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, human capital development, social intervention and institutional reforms.

(NAN)