Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has inaugurated a newly constructed hostel facility in Eika Adagu, Okehi Local Government Area, executed by the Dr Abdullahi Mustapha Foundation, describing the project as a significant boost to education and grassroots development in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Ododo said initiatives such as the hostel project complement government efforts to improve access to quality education, strengthen community infrastructure, and promote economic empowerment among young people. He noted that sustainable development thrives when public leadership and private philanthropy work in synergy.
The governor particularly commended Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and founder of the foundation, for investing personal resources in people-centred projects that directly address community needs. He urged other well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies, and organisations to emulate such efforts by supporting development initiatives at the grassroots.
According to Ododo, education remains a critical pillar of his administration’s development agenda, and facilities that provide safe and conducive learning environments are essential to improving outcomes for students, especially those from underserved communities.
Beyond the hostel facility, the governor also inaugurated two other key projects executed by the foundation in Adavi Local Government Area. These include the Kahal Hall in Inoziomi and the DAM Civic Centre at Ebegogo, both designed to serve as multi-purpose community hubs.
In his remarks, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha explained that the hostel was built to provide secure and comfortable accommodation, particularly for students and young people, while also serving as a lodging facility for athletes during sporting events and competitions.
He described the DAM Civic Centre as a space intended to promote sports development, civic engagement, cultural activities, and community interaction, noting that such platforms are vital for fostering unity, talent discovery, and social cohesion at the grassroots level.
As part of the programme, the Dr Abdullahi Mustapha Foundation also carried out a large-scale empowerment initiative for residents across Kogi Central. Beneficiaries received various items, including bags of rice and beans, sewing machines, solar panels, solar streetlights, solar-powered televisions, laptops, writing materials, and tools for artisans.
In addition, start-up funds were distributed to widows to support small businesses, while motorcycle riders and market women benefited from food items and other forms of assistance aimed at easing economic pressures and improving livelihoods.
Mustapha said the empowerment programme was designed to promote hope, opportunity, and long-term development by fostering economic inclusion, especially among youths and small-scale entrepreneurs, through the provision of skills, tools, and financial support.
The event attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, and senior government officials, who collectively emphasised the importance of collaboration between government institutions and private foundations in driving sustainable development and improving the quality of life of communities across Kogi State.
