Governor Ododo’s Bold Move: Kogi Communities to Own Mining Operations in Groundbreaking Economic Shift – Media Aide
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In a major shift set to redefine economic participation at the grassroots, the Kogi State Government has announced plans to ensure that mining operations in the state are community-owned, empowering locals to take charge of their natural resources and economic future.
Speaking during an appearance on Rapid TV in Abuja on Thursday, Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, revealed that the administration has acquired 15 mining licenses as part of a sweeping effort to kickstart mining and infrastructure development projects across Kogi State.
Isah emphasized that the new approach will prioritize local ownership through the formation of cooperatives, giving communities a critical stake in mining activities on their land, rather than relegating them to passive recipients of corporate social responsibility (CSR) handouts.
“Our approach is to make these mining activities community-owned,” Isah stated. “We are encouraging communities to float cooperatives so they can become critical stakeholders. Aside from CSR, we want our people to have a real say in what happens on their land.”
Kogi State, blessed with over 32 commercially viable mineral deposits, is poised to become a solid minerals powerhouse. To ensure the full benefits reach its people, the state government has established a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under its Solid Minerals Development Company to attract foreign and local investors into a newly structured mining sector.
A major highlight of the strategy is the inclusion of youths, with plans to train 25,000 young people to spearhead mineral exploration and mining operations. “Our youths must play critical roles in this new economy,” Isah stressed.
Currently in China, Governor Ododo is leading efforts to attract investment and forge partnerships for technology transfer and manpower development. Discussions are centered on not just mining, but also agriculture, healthcare, education, power, and transportation, ensuring a holistic economic revitalization for Kogi State.
“We run a very smart government with smart people on board,” Isah said, highlighting the experience and expertise within the administration. “Kogi is home to some of the most brilliant human beings in the world, and we have the human resources ready to support investors.”
In addition to mining, the administration is driving a bottom-up transformation of the agricultural sector. Through initiatives like the ‘One Farmer, One Hectare’ program, nearly 10,000 hectares were cultivated last year, with plans underway to expand to 50,000 hectares in the coming year. Mechanization is a key focus, with modern farming equipment replacing outdated tools to boost productivity.
Isah also detailed ongoing efforts to secure farmers and their farmlands, expand health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups including pregnant women and the elderly, and build a robust social register to ensure consistent support for MSMEs and marginalized communities.
“Governor Ododo is in a hurry to make an impact. As a grassroots man who grew up on a farm, he understands firsthand where the challenges lie,” Isah said.
He concluded by affirming that the government’s programs are inclusive and apolitical, promising that all stakeholders—regardless of political affiliation—will be carried along in the state’s unfolding transformation.
With mining and agriculture as twin engines of growth, and communities positioned at the heart of the action, Kogi State appears set for an unprecedented era of economic empowerment and sustainable development.
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