The visit has opened discussions between Kogi State and several Kuwaiti institutions, with technical teams expected to begin work on priority projects following the high-level engagements.
At the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Governor Ododo met with the Acting Director-General, Rashaid A. Al-Bader, and senior officials of the fund.
The governor presented Kogi State's development priorities and outlined areas where the state is seeking international cooperation.
According to a statement by Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Ododo said the state was seeking a long-term partnership capable of turning its natural and human resources into sustainable economic opportunities.
He highlighted Kogi's strategic location, water resources, agricultural potential, solid mineral deposits and emerging energy opportunities as key assets that could support job creation, food security, industrialisation and improved living standards when supported by appropriate infrastructure and technical expertise.
The Kuwait Fund expressed readiness in principle to work with Kogi State on selected priority projects, subject to the necessary technical, financial and institutional assessments.
The proposed areas of cooperation include water infrastructure, irrigation and agricultural development, renewable energy and power, solid minerals and mineral beneficiation, agro-industrial development, transport, communications and information and communication technology.
The partnership could also cover feasibility studies, project preparation, engineering designs, technical assistance, institutional capacity building, as well as environmental and social assessments.
Governor Ododo said the areas were interconnected, noting that improved water infrastructure would benefit communities and agriculture, while irrigation could support year-round farming. He added that reliable energy would strengthen agro-processing and industrialisation, while mineral beneficiation could help the state derive greater economic value from its natural resources.
Education and Research Cooperation
Beyond financing and infrastructure, the Kogi delegation held discussions with Kuwait University on possible cooperation in education, research, innovation, engineering, agriculture, water-resource management and technology.
Ododo met with the university's President, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, with both sides exploring opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration and capacity development between Kuwait University and tertiary institutions in Kogi State.
The delegation also met with the Governor of Al Ahmadi Governorate, His Excellency Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
The discussions focused on the possibility of establishing a sister-government relationship, alongside cooperation in infrastructure, investment, industry and the exchange of development experience.
Talks on Power, Water and Renewable Energy
Another major engagement was a meeting with Kuwait's Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem.
The discussions covered water infrastructure, irrigation, renewable energy, power development and technical cooperation.
The areas align with Kogi's plans to expand irrigation, promote all-season agriculture, develop agro-processing industries and improve access to reliable energy for industrial development.
The delegation also explored opportunities for greater commercial and industrial cooperation between Kogi State and Kuwaiti businesses and institutions, including investment and value-addition opportunities.
Technical Teams to Follow Up on Agreements
One of the key outcomes of the visit is the establishment of a technical process to follow up on the agreements and understandings reached during the engagements.
The technical teams are expected to work on project documentation, feasibility studies, technical assessments and other preparatory activities required to move the proposals towards implementation.
Members of the governor's delegation included the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA; Commissioner for Works, Hon. Momoh Ozigi Deedat; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Farouk Danlami; State Auditor-General, Hon. Yakubu Yusuf Okala; and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Nda Salami.
Governor Ododo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government's diplomatic support and the enabling environment for Nigerian subnational governments to engage international development and investment partners.
He also commended the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait, led by Ambassador (Dr.) Abubakar Sanusi Aliyu, for facilitating and supporting the engagements.
The governor said the Kuwait mission marked a move from high-level discussions towards detailed technical work aimed at developing sustainable partnerships in water, agriculture and irrigation, energy, education and research, solid minerals, commerce and industrial development.
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