How Ododo/Oyibo uphold the directive principles of state policy for good governance
By Isah Jibrin Egbolo
It is logical and reasonable to assert that the Directive Principles of State Policy are constitutional guidelines that direct how a government should formulate laws and policies. They represent foundational ideals aimed at establishing a just, egalitarian, and welfare-oriented state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo — now inseparable twins in good governance — focus their attention not solely on monetary growth but on key demographic and human development metrics. These include life expectancy, literacy rates, access to potable water, and the Human Development Index (HDI), which is a composite measure of health, education, and income.
These inseparable twins demonstrate a profound understanding of development by looking beyond mere financial wealth to evaluate the overall quality of life of citizens. They are more interested in sustainable progress than short-term gains.
Ododo and Oyibo’s development indices are measured using a mix of economic, social, and environmental realities of the people. One does not need Aristotelian wisdom to appreciate that His Excellency’s leadership strategy is anchored on providing sustainable solutions rather than adhoc measures.
It is an unambiguous truth that the mechanisms for supervision and governance under His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy cut across broad participation and inclusion. Even the most vulnerable groups have a voice in their administration through legitimate institutions.
In their responsiveness, all members of society are given a stake and are not excluded from the mainstream. Their leadership style emphasises consensus-building by mediating differing interests to achieve broader agreement.
Under the leadership of Ododo and Oyibo, Kogi State has witnessed and continues to witness greater efficiency and effectiveness. The administration ensures that institutions deliver results that meet the needs of the people while making optimal use of available resources. Their leadership is also defined by timely service delivery to all stakeholders and clear accountability of state institutions to both private sector and civil society organisations.
Ododo and Oyibo firmly believe that transparency rests on genuine partnership. They embody attainable visions, empathy, integrity, and inspiration, all geared toward enabling the state to reach its highest potential. No wonder His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo poured encomiums on Hon. Eunice Achimugu during the recent stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Lokoja, while emphasising the importance of talent identification and utilisation.
As stakeholders, we must support the current administration and work towards continuity by avoiding tendencies or inflammatory statements that could incite insurrection against this noble government. Kogi State is the only state we have, and the continuity of His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo and Deputy Joel Salifu Oyibo is non-negotiable in solving our collective challenges.
No individual should threaten the hard-earned unity, peace, and tranquility of the current administration. Derogatory expressions such as “Season 3” should be avoided, as democracy thrives on sustainable solutions rather than temporary or adhoc arrangements. Leadership that promotes unnecessary conflict should also be shunned, as it portrays the leader as disruptive rather than benevolent.
I personally support healthy civilian political competition, as it deepens democracy. It is equally important for all Kogi sons and daughters to support the Ododo/Oyibo political network, as being canvassed under the able leadership of Comrade Emmanuel O. J, fondly called Emma Show Love. The anchor of his mobilisation is that the continuity of Ododo and Oyibo is not only relevant but crucial to deepening development in the state.
Finally, my special appreciation goes to our former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who brought these amiable leaders on board to manage the affairs of the state in line with the expectations of the citizens. His careful use of figurative speech during reconciliation — a perfect blend of metaphor, oxymoron, and personification — was a masterclass in describing human ambition and correcting the excesses of nomadic politics.
Isah Jibrin Egbolo is a member of the APC and a grassroots mobiliser in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
