Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has secured Federal Government’s backing for the state’s development drive after his recent investment visit to Kuwait.

Mr Ododo secured the commitment on Sunday during a strategic meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele in Abuja.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said Mr Ododo presented Kogi’s development priorities and briefed the minister on the outcome of his engagement in Kuwait.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and Kogi State in advancing projects identified as critical to the state’s long-term economic transformation.

The governor explained that his visit to Kuwait was aimed at exploring opportunities for development cooperation, affordable financing, technical expertise and institutional partnerships, including potential engagement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).

He  said the state was developing a pipeline of projects in key sectors, including water security, irrigation and agriculture, reliable energy supply, mineral development and industrial value addition.

According to him, the projects are designed to stimulate economic activity, attract investment, create employment opportunities and improve the living conditions of citizens across the state.

Mr Ododo noted that the initiatives were being developed within the framework of the state’s long-term development plan, with emphasis on projects capable of delivering sustainable economic and social benefits.

Responding, Mr Oyedele expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to work with Kogi State to advance its development objectives.

The minister assured the governor of support as the proposed projects progress through required technical preparation, appraisal and approval processes.

The governor said the engagement was expected to strengthen coordination between Kogi State and the Federal Government.

He added that it would facilitate the development of well-prepared and bankable projects capable of attracting development financing and strategic international partnerships.

Mr Ododo said his administration remained committed to responsible fiscal management, stressing that proposed projects would be supported by sound feasibility studies, clear implementation plans and sustainable financing arrangements.

He added that the discussions in Kuwait had opened fresh opportunities for the state to engage development partners and build a credible pipeline of projects, noting that financing arrangements would be determined through appropriate technical and government reviews.

The governor said his administration would continue to pursue strategic partnerships at national and international levels to accelerate economic development and deliver sustainable infrastructure for the people of Kogi State.

According to him, the meeting marked another step in his administration’s efforts to deepen cooperation with the Federal Government and international development institutions.

Mr Ododo was accompanied to the meeting by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris.

 (NAN)