…mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu, Ododo ahead of 2027
The Kogi State Government is set to roll out N1.5 billion under a Livelihood Support Grant, with 15,000 beneficiaries expected to receive ₦100,000 each.
The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the Kogi State Commissioners’ Forum, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, disclosed this as the forum resolved to intensify grassroots mobilisation and public engagement in support of the development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said another 5,000 vulnerable persons would benefit from a cash transfer program of ₦20,000 monthly for 12 months, amounting to ₦1.2 billion in total support.
Similarly, 3,400 people are expected to participate in the Labour-Intensive Public Works programme, receiving ₦20,000 monthly for one year, while 350 communities are projected to benefit from infrastructure projects in health, water, and education valued at about ₦2 billion.
The agricultural sector is also expected to receive support, with 7,350 farmers targeted for agricultural inputs and small farm assets estimated at ₦1.9 billion.
The government is also expected to expand the State Social Register to capture more than 300,000 poor and vulnerable residents, with the aim of improving the targeting and delivery of social intervention programs.
Idris charged the commissioners to ensure that residents are properly informed about the various programs and understand how they can benefit from them.
He stressed that the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo for a second term was reached at a meeting of the state’s commissioners.
Idris urged members of the forum and other stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen party unity, work with established party structures, and take information about government policies and programs directly to communities across the state.
He described commissioners as key agents of development and political cohesion, stressing that their responsibilities extend beyond managing ministries to ensuring that government programs reach the people.
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“As Commissioners, we are agents of development and agents of growth. We must take the message of government to the grassroots, work with our party structures, and ensure that our people understand and benefit from the programs and policies of government,” he said.
The forum chairman urged commissioners to return to their respective local government areas and deepen engagement with party leaders, ward executives, community leaders, youths, women, farmers, and other stakeholders.
He also disclosed plans by the Ododo administration to roll out a social and economic empowerment programme targeting vulnerable residents and communities across the state.
The commissioners, at the meeting, commended Governor Ododo for his infrastructure drive across the state, particularly interventions on roads in Bassa, Bunu and Ibaji.
They said the road projects would improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and farm produce, boost local businesses and expand access to social and economic opportunities.
The forum noted that investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and social protection had provided government officials with tangible achievements to present to the people.
The commissioners subsequently reaffirmed their support for Governor Ododo’s administration and pledged to work with APC structures to consolidate its achievements.
They also declared support for President Tinubu, commending his economic and fiscal reforms, which they said had improved the revenue available to the three tiers of government for development projects and social interventions.
Idris urged political office holders to explain the impact of the Federal Government’s reforms to citizens and demonstrate how increased public resources are being channelled into development.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the commissioners pledged to mobilise support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, saying continuity would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms, complete infrastructure projects and deepen social intervention programmes.
The forum also resolved to strengthen cooperation with local government and ward structures, traditional institutions, youths, women, farmers, and other stakeholders.
According to Idris, the most effective political message any administration can present to the electorate is evidence of projects and programmes that directly improve the lives of citizens.
He said the commissioners would continue to serve as a bridge between the government, the APC and the people by ensuring that the impact of government policies is felt and communicated at the grassroots.