Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has met with Mohammed Audu, son of the late former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu, as part of efforts to promote development and strengthen political unity in the state.
The meeting, which took place on Sunday, focused on ways to strengthen Kogi’s economy, improve agricultural production, enhance the cashew value chain and improve the welfare of residents.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Fanwo said the governor and Mohammed Audu discussed practical measures to expand economic opportunities for farmers and enable both producers and the state to derive greater value from Kogi’s agricultural resources.
He said the engagement formed part of Ododo’s broader consultations with stakeholders on strategies to accelerate economic growth and development in the state.
Mohammed Audu, according to the commissioner, expressed his willingness to work with the governor to attract further development to Kogi, stressing the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in advancing the interests of the state.
He also thanked Ododo for being the first serving governor to visit his residence, describing the visit as a demonstration of the governor’s humility.
Audu further commended Ododo for organising the 10th anniversary ceremony marking the death of his father and for naming a road after him as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard.
He described the gestures as evidence that the state would continue to remember and honour the late governor, whom he credited with laying the democratic foundation of Kogi State.
The son of the former governor also appreciated former Governor Yahaya Bello for restoring the name of Kogi State University, Anyigba, to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, describing the decision as an honour the family would continue to cherish.
The meeting also focused on political reconciliation and cooperation among stakeholders, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fanwo said the discussions were aimed at strengthening relationships, fostering reconciliation and promoting unity within the party around the political and developmental interests of Kogi State.
Mohammed Audu urged Governor Ododo to sustain his reconciliatory efforts, saying the engagements were already producing positive results.
The commissioner said the governor’s stakeholder engagements were also designed to mobilise broad-based support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fanwo said Ododo remained committed to bringing stakeholders together around shared objectives of peace, economic growth, development and progress in Kogi State.
