Civil society organisations have commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for significant improvements in security and infrastructure within his first two years.

KONGONET gave the commendation in a statement jointly signed by its chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, and secretary, Reuben Joshua, in Lokoja on Monday.

“Ododo’s administration has made a significant impact in the areas of security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development in the state,” it stated.

The organisation highlighted both the gains and gaps in the governor’s performance over the last two years.

According to KONGONET, the administration has made strides in rehabilitating roads, strengthening healthcare delivery, and promoting agriculture.

The group noted with pain that pressing challenges in water supply, waste management, and citizen engagement threatened to undermine the administration’s achievements.

KONGONET urged Mr Ododo to institutionalise quarterly town hall meetings to rebuild trust and ensure citizen voices inform governance, strengthen procurement transparency, and publish annual procurement plans.

The group urged him to prioritise sustainable water solutions, urban sanitation, and a viable mass transit system, especially in Lokoja metropolis, to ease transportation.

The organisation further called for support for the development of the Social Protection Policy Framework and for the appointment of statutory boards for transparency purposes.

The executive director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Idris Abdul, acknowledged the governor’s efforts to pay salaries, maintain peace, and improve security in Kogi.

Mr Abdul said there was still much work to be done, particularly in transportation, housing, water, tourism, human development, and healthcare.

He also commended the governor’s security efforts, including the recent successes of security agencies in Kogi, but emphasised the need for sustainability and community involvement in addressing insecurity.

Mr Abdul also urged the governor to hold town hall meetings with citizens, reduce the size of his cabinet, and appoint professionals with relevant skills to drive development in Kogi.

Mr Ododo was elected in November 2023 and sworn into office on January 27, 2024.

(NAN)