In continuation of the National Media Tour, which showcases federal and state governments’ landmark projects across the country, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and members of the Presidential Communications Team on Sunday commenced the inspection of strategic federal and state government projects in Kogi State.
The team inspected the Kabba Junction section of the Abuja – Lokoja Expressway, which is also the starting point of the Lokoja – Benin Expressway.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Salami Ozigi Dedaat, explained that the Abuja-Lokoja highway had been in a very deplorable condition due to abandonment by past administrations but has now been earmarked for completion by President Bola Tinubu.
The road has been divided into five different sections, each awarded to a different contractor to speed up its early completion.
Dedaat commended President Tinubu for approving the project and others across the state.
The team visited the state-owned Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara with a mixture of federal and state government projects.
According to the Director of Administration of the college, Mohammed Ahmed, the Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), constructed the Faculty of Science Complex, Faculty of Environmental Sciences Complex, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences Complex as well as the Faculty of Anatomy, valued at over N2.3bn.
He said TETFund had also supported the institution through the 2025 Special Intervention (Renewed Hope Initiative) by the construction of the female hostel, Project Maintenance Intervention as well as in academic and research support.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors also inspected the Barefoot Renewable Energy College and the Green Hydrogen Research & Demonstration Pilot Plant established in the university by the Federal Government through the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication and also the leader of the delegation, Sunday Dare, said the tremendous physical and academic development witnessed in the university was a fallout of the courageous reform policies taken by the President, which has freed more funds to the states.
“When you look at the cardinal points of the eight – point Agenda of the President, education stands on a solid place in that list. There is no better adroit testimony to what we have seen at the Confluence University of Science and Technology.
“For the 21st Century economy, there is primacy for science and technology. We have seen the investments that have come here. We have seen the benefits of continuity on the part of the former governor, Yahaya Bello and we have seen Governor Usman Ododo follow through.”
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr. Otega Ogra, said the Barefoot Renewable Energy College and Green Hydrogen Research & Demonstration Pilot Plant will equip Nigerian youths with practical skills in renewable energy technologies, which will focus on developing a skilled workforce capable of installing, operating, and maintaining clean energy systems.
“The College is the second globally, after the one in India. The Hydrogen Plant is the second in Africa,” he said.
In Kogi West Senatorial District, the team inspected the Kogi State University in Kabba, which has seen marked development in just two years, Mopa Primary Health Centre, some completed inner roads in Kabba-Bunu and the erosion control project in Kabba under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in mid arid areas put together by Governor Ododo.
Earlier on Saturday at the reception organised in honour of the team, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Honourable Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo, said the Kogi Rebrand Initiative of the Governor Usman Ododo administration was meant to change the narratives of the state through impactful infrastructure and people – oriented programmes.
