Ofu LG Chairman Hon Lawal Hails Gov Ododo’s All-Round Achievements, Commends Iyale–Ogane-Enugu Road, Education Reforms at PAAU.

 

The Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area Hon. Musa Mohammed Lawal popularly known as Solar has showered encomium on Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for what he described as the Governor’s all-round achievements across critical sectors, particularly infrastructure development and education, declaring that Kogi State is firmly on the path of sustainable growth under the present administration.

The Council Chairman made the commendation on the sidelines of the 7th Combined Convocation Ceremony and 25th Anniversary celebration of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, where Governor Ododo restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence and human capital development.

According to Lawal, the Governor’s performance is evident not only in the transformation of tertiary education but also in life-changing infrastructure projects, including the ongoing construction of the 10.5-kilometre Iyale–Ogane-Enugu road, which he described as a major economic artery for Kogi East and neighbouring communities.

“The Iyale–Ogane-Enugu road project is a clear demonstration of Governor Ododo’s people-centred leadership,” the Chairman said.

“For decades, our communities struggled with poor access. Today, hope has returned. This road will open up rural communities, boost agricultural activities, ease transportation, and improve the quality of life of our people.”

He further noted that the Governor’s strong emphasis on education, as demonstrated at the PAAU convocation, reflects a clear understanding that development is incomplete without investment in knowledge, skills, and character.

Speaking earlier at the convocation, Governor Ododo described education as “the most enduring pillar for human capital development and sustainable societal progress,” stressing that while infrastructure is important, it is enlightened and disciplined minds that truly build enduring nations.

“Education remains the strongest instrument for shaping the future of any society. While roads and buildings are important, it is knowledge, character, and discipline that truly build enduring nations,” the Governor said.

He described the convocation ceremony as a defining moment for reflection, celebration, and renewed dedication to academic excellence, marking his first official convocation outing as Visitor to the University since assuming office.

Governor Ododo paid glowing tribute to the late founder of the institution, Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as a visionary whose belief in education continues to shape generations.

“Though Prince Abubakar Audu is no longer with us, his dream lives on in every lecture hall, laboratory, library, and in the aspirations of every student who passes through this great institution,” he noted.

The Governor highlighted the remarkable progress recorded by the university, particularly the full reactivation and accreditation of the MBBS programme, which had been dormant for twelve years.

“Beyond accreditation, our government has deliberately provided the infrastructure, equipment, and manpower required to train world-class medical professionals,” he said.

“This moment marks a defining chapter in the history of this university. This is the era when Prince Abubakar Audu University truly came of age.”

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to student welfare through sustained bursary schemes and support interventions, improved internal road networks on campus, enhanced security architecture, and stronger collaboration among state-owned tertiary institutions.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ododo praised the Federal Government’s economic reforms and the impact of a strengthened Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) on infrastructure, staff development, and research advancement.

In recognition of his contributions to public service and governance, Governor Ododo was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration, which he dedicated to the people of Kogi State and past leaders who laid the foundation of the university.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Ibrahim Abdul Aguye, disclosed that the university has maintained 100 per cent accreditation of all academic programmes for the past five years, commending the state government for reviving the MBBS programme and sustaining institutional growth.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, revealed that the university produced 26,160 first-degree graduates and 1,139 postgraduate graduates across the sessions covered by the convocation, noting significant expansion in academic programmes and improved campus security.

Reacting to the outcomes of the convocation, the Ofu Local Government Chairman said Governor Ododo’s achievements in education and infrastructure, particularly the Iyale–Ogane-Enugu road project, clearly show a leader committed to inclusive development and long-term progress.

“From quality education to strategic road construction, Governor Ododo is laying a solid foundation for the future of Kogi State. Ofu Local Government is proud to be part of this development story,” he said.

As part of the convocation activities, Governor Ododo inspected and commissioned several projects on campus, including Patrick Adaba Road, further underscoring his administration’s resolve to translate policy promises into visible, impactful results

The publisher Noah Peter for Accurate News Nigeria ANN  contact us on following phone number 08035986987