By Peace Erewunmi

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced plans to harness the state’s abundant coal deposits to generate electricity and drive industrial development across the state.

The governor disclosed the plan on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Government House in Lokoja.

According to Ododo, Kogi’s vast solid mineral resources, particularly its coal deposits, have remained largely untapped despite their potential to transform the state’s economy and improve the livelihoods of residents.

He identified the coal deposits in Ankpa and other parts of the state as key resources that could be utilised to support electricity generation and the state’s broader economic development agenda.

Coal-to-Power Initiative

Ododo said his administration was determined to convert Kogi’s natural resources into tangible economic benefits for the people.

The proposed coal-to-power initiative is expected to provide additional electricity for the state while supporting industrial activities and attracting investment.

The governor’s administration has previously identified solid minerals, including coal, limestone, marble, iron ore and gold, as resources that could contribute to Kogi’s industrialisation when developed through appropriate investments and partnerships.

The latest announcement therefore represents another step towards using the state’s mineral wealth to support economic growth and reduce some of the challenges associated with inadequate power supply.

Mass Recruitment Planned

In addition to the electricity initiative, Ododo announced plans for a major recruitment exercise into the Kogi State Civil Service.

He said hundreds of qualified residents would be given opportunities to join the state workforce as government seeks to address vacancies created by retirements and impending retirements.

The governor attributed the state’s improved capacity to sustain its workforce to the implementation of the new minimum wage, increased federal allocations and improved internally generated revenue.

He assured residents that the recruitment process would be transparent and rigorous, with qualified applicants given a fair opportunity to secure employment.

The announcement comes amid a broader employment drive by the state government. The Kogi State Government has separately indicated plans involving more than 12,000 employment opportunities, although details of specific recruitment exercises and application procedures are expected to be announced officially.

Call for Unity

Beyond the economic initiatives, Ododo called on the people of Kogi State to remain united and work together towards the development of the state.

He argued that internal divisions and the inability of residents to collectively support one another had slowed the state’s progress.

The governor also urged APC stakeholders to support government programmes and policies, stressing the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable development.

He highlighted federal interventions in Kogi, including work on the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin road, developments around the Ajaokuta Economic City and investments in the state’s oil and gas sector as initiatives that could stimulate economic activity and attract investment.

If successfully implemented, the proposed coal-powered electricity project and civil service recruitment could form part of Ododo’s broader strategy to increase employment, strengthen public services and make greater use of Kogi’s natural resources.

For now, residents will be watching for further details on the proposed power project, including its implementation timeline and investment structure, as well as the official commencement and application process for the planned civil service recruitment.