Governor Ododo Engages Chinese Consular General to Strengthen Kogi Economic Partnerships

The Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, on Monday, engaged with Yan Yuqing, the Consular General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos.

In a press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Relations, Onogwu Muhammed, it was stated that the meeting aimed to strengthen friendly and economic ties, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Ododo used the opportunity to highlight Kogi State’s vast potential and readiness to accommodate Chinese investors interested in tapping into the state’s diverse opportunities. He underscored his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, particularly within the State Free Trade Zone and the proposed Industrial Park.

He noted that with its vast expanse of arable land, rich deposits of diverse mineral resources, abundant water bodies, and favorable climatic conditions, Kogi State stands as a prime destination for industrial and agricultural revolution in Nigeria.

The Governor stated that Kogi’s fertile soil and conducive weather make it an ideal location for large-scale farming and agro-industrial ventures, while its untapped mineral wealth—including iron ore, limestone, coal, and more—positions it as a powerhouse for manufacturing and mining industries.

Furthermore, he added that the abundance of rivers and water bodies provides opportunities for irrigation, aquaculture, and hydroelectric power generation, ensuring sustainable development across sectors and combined with its investor-friendly policies and commitment to infrastructural development, the State is poised to drive Nigeria’s economic growth through innovative industrial and agricultural initiatives.

Ododo also sought partnerships with Chinese sister cities to advance his administration’s developmental blueprint, emphasising the importance of collaboration in achieving shared economic goals.

In her remarks, Consular General Yan Yuqing expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit and acknowledged the value of the discussions. She reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kogi State and announced plans to enhance trade relations by establishing connections between Kogi and two key Chinese cities.

Additionally, she pledged to streamline visa processing for Kogi State’s representatives to facilitate smoother cooperation and deeper engagement.

Meanwhile, Ododo also signed a bill converting the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital in Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.

The announcement was made in Lokoja on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing.

Fanwo said the move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval of a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, among other medical courses, at CUSTECH. According to Mr. Fanwo, the step ensures the program begins on a solid foundation.

“This achievement is the result of months of coordinated engagement between the university, the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Education. We commend the State House of Assembly for passing the bill, which has now been signed into law by Governor Ododo,” Fanwo said.

He emphasised the administration’s prioritisation of healthcare, noting that the former Reference Hospital, now the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, is equipped with world-class medical facilities, some of which are debuting for the first time in Africa.

“With this development, CUSTECH will have cutting-edge medical technology to train outstanding healthcare professionals for Kogi State and beyond,” he added.

Fanwo further highlighted the administration’s commitment to healthcare and education, describing the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s progress. He also expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their collective effort in creating this historic achievement. He said with the bill now law, CUSTECH is poised to effectively commence its MBBS program.

Chioma Kalu

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