Kogi saves N20b from refurbishing 140 abandoned tractors

By Richard Elesho

The government of Kogi State has saved more than N20 billion in the treasury through its initiative to refurbish 140 abandoned tractors at a fraction of new ones.

This is in addition to distributing inputs of over N7 billion to farmers in the state in recent times.

These were disclosed by the governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in a keynote address at a 3-day training program on development and infrastructure growth, in alignment with the state’s 32-year development plan.

Ododo, who was represented by his Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, reeled out the achievements of his administration in two years, urged participants to key into the development plan of the state.

“The Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market is poised to redefine market architecture in Nigeria.

The President has granted approval for the development of our International Airport at Zariagi. This is a legacy that this administration is fully committed to seeing through.

“The design has been completed, and tendering is imminent. Our aim is to expand economic growth and investment, enhance trade and connectivity, strengthen infrastructure and urban development, promote social and regional integration, and, most importantly, create a wide range of job opportunities for the youths of Kogi State.

“The proposed Kogi Free Trade Zone, planned on about 3,000 hectares within the Ajaokuta economic corridor, will in a matter of days be formally announced, as the President has graciously approved its development.

“The Zone aims to harness Kogi’s natural resources, agricultural potential, and geographic advantage for value-added manufacturing, processing, export, and industrialization.

“We are confident that this will serve as another avenue for job creation, economic growth, stimulation of entrepreneurship, industrialization, and the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the Alape Processing Zone— a broader agro-industrial programme under the national Special Agricultural Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative— which will enhance our drive to attract private sector investment (both foreign and domestic) under a coordinated framework with federal agencies and development partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB).

“These are deliberate steps to move Kogi State from consumption to production—from civil-service dependence to agro-industrial dominance.