Gov Ododo Inuagurates Water Project, Pledges More Rural Development Initiatives

Governor of Kogi State Ahmed Usman Ododo has commissioned a motorised borehole in Inipo Community, Obehira District of Okene local government area under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development across the state.

The water project, facilitated by the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA), was implemented to address years of hardship residents, particularly women and children, had experienced in accessing clean, and safe drinking water.

Speaking during the inauguration, Ododo, represented by the chairman of the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission, Adams Adabenege, described the project as the beginning of a new phase of commissioning community-driven intervention projects in rural communities across the state.

He commended the people of Inipo for their active participation in the successful execution of the project and urged them to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper maintenance for future generations.

The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to sustain investments in community-based development projects, stressing that rural transformation remains a key priority of his government.

He also praised KGCSDA for its effective implementation of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, which he said has significantly improved the living conditions of rural residents.

Adabenege who is equally an indigene of the area,  expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for prioritising investments in the water sector.

He noted that the project had brought relief to residents who previously travelled long distances into remote areas in search of water.

Earlier, the general manager of KGCSDA, Alhaji Dauda O. Momoh, explained that the agency’s micro-project programme is designed to provide essential social infrastructure to underserved and hard-to-reach communities, with the goal of reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

According to him, KGCSDA serves as one of the key implementing agencies of the NG-CARES Programme in Kogi State, working closely with beneficiary communities to identify and execute projects that address their most pressing needs.

Momoh revealed that the late legendary singer, Hajia Aminetu Eche Ozohu, had passionately appealed to the agency to provide a water project for the community. He expressed satisfaction that the promise made to her had finally been fulfilled.

He commended the Kogi State Government for its unwavering support for the NG-CARES Programme, noting that the initiative has attracted critical development projects to rural communities, helped tackle poverty and hunger, and promoted self-reliance among beneficiaries.

The general manager further disclosed that more communities would benefit from the programme through the World Bank-supported Additional Financing window.

He also announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights in Inipo Community and disclosed that residents would be given the opportunity to choose between upgrading their health facility or renovating schools as the next priority project under their Community Development Plan.

Also speaking, the operations manager of KGCSDA, Bayode Oladipo, disclosed that two additional micro-projects would be implemented to meet the minimum requirements of the community development plan. He described Inipo as a model community distinguished by its strong communal spirit and unity.

In separate remarks, traditional rulers in the area, including the Anoba of Odenku, Alhaji Drisu Yusuf, and the head of Arigo Community, Alhaji Wotu Jatto, lauded the state government and KGCSDA for bringing potable water to the community.

Speaking on behalf of the family of the late Hajia Aminetu Eche Ozohu, her daughter, Saadatu Zakaria Ahmed, expressed delight that her mother’s long-held dream of improving the welfare of her people had become a reality.

“I am so happy. God bless the Governor, the Agency, and everyone involved,” she said.

The inauguration marks another milestone in the state’s efforts to improve access to basic social services and enhance the quality of life in rural communities through the NG-CARES Programme.