Governor Ododo

<p>Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is a Nigerian politician, professional accountant and public administrator who currently serves as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria. He assumed office on 27 January 2024 after winning the November 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is an indigene of the Ebira ethnic group, from Upogoro community in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.</p><p>Born on 1 January 1978, Ododo began his educational journey at the Local Government Primary/Roman Catholic Mission School, Upogoro, before proceeding to Local Government Secondary School, Upogoro. He subsequently attended the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, where he obtained both his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Accounting.</p><p>He furthered his education at Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a focus on Forensics. He later earned a Master&#039;s degree in Accounting from Salem University, Lokoja.</p><p>His professional background is rooted in accounting, auditing, financial management and public administration. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and holds memberships and fellowships in several professional organisations, including the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.</p><p>Before entering elective politics, Ododo served as the Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State. His responsibilities involved overseeing the financial auditing and accountability of local government administrations across the state.</p><p>His experience in public financial management and government administration became an important part of his professional profile and political career.</p><p>In 2023, Ododo emerged as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Kogi State governorship election. He contested the election held on 11 November 2023 and was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He subsequently succeeded Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State on 27 January 2024.</p><p>As governor, Ododo&#039;s administration has identified infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture, food security, security and human capital development as major priorities. His administration&#039;s development agenda also emphasises economic expansion, youth empowerment and improved public services.</p><p>His emergence as governor represents a significant chapter in the contemporary political history of Ebiraland and Kogi State, particularly in the representation of the Ebira people within the political leadership of the state.</p>