By Dickson Omobola

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has urged well-meaning individuals and organisations to invest in people-centred initiatives capable of improving the living standards of residents across the state.

Ododo made the call while commissioning key development projects executed by the Dr Abdullahi Mustapha Foundation, DAM, in Kogi Central, alongside the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha.

The projects are part of efforts to advance education, strengthen community development and promote economic empowerment alongside Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha.

The projects, unveiled at a ceremony held at Kahal Hall, Inoziomi, in Adavi Local Government Area, included a modern hostel facility in Eika Adagu, Okehi Local Government Area, and the DAM Civic Centre at Ebegogo in Adavi LGA.

Speaking at the event, Ododo commended Mustapha for his commitment to grassroots development and described the initiatives as a demonstration of genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

The newly commissioned hostel facility is designed to provide safe and conducive accommodation, particularly for students and young people, while the DAM Civic Centre is expected to serve as a hub for sports, civic engagement, cultural activities and community interactions, aimed at fostering unity and talent development at the grassroots.

In addition to the infrastructure projects, the DAM Foundation carried out a wide-ranging empowerment programme for residents across Kogi Central.

Items including bags of rice and beans, sewing machines, solar panels, solar streetlights, solar-powered televisions, writing materials, laptops and tools for artisans such as bricklayers and welders were distributed, while start-up funds were also provided to widows, motorcycle riders and market women, alongside food condiments to support vulnerable households.

In his remarks, Mustapha, founder of the DAM Foundation, said the projects were intended to go beyond physical structures, describing them as investments in hope, opportunity and long-term development.

He noted that the empowerment initiative was targeted at promoting economic inclusion, especially among youths and small-scale entrepreneurs, by providing them with tools, skills and financial support to build sustainable livelihoods.