Democracy is a political system where people with common interests collectively, generally and unanimously agree to set a governance structure for themselves, for purposes of achieving their expected socioeconomic goals, with all aspects of protection being put in place to counter probable insecurity challenges against lives and property. This structure is actually meant to be realized through routine policing to detect and control crime, and defense from external terrorism or attacks against the sovereign state. In simple parlance, therefore, it is a way of governing which depends on the will of the people (that is to say; “the government of the people, by the people, and for the people”). Representative democratic governance therefore, should not be anything less than selfless services rendered onto humanity. This responsibility should be expected of all appointed or elected public office holders to their citizens, with fully realizable democratic dividends recorded in the course of their stewardship.
The search beam of this piece is specifically focused on Kogi State of Nigeria. Located in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Kogi State shares boundaries with many other states in the country but, specifically delineates her borders southwards with Enugu State, which is located in the South East geopolitical zone of the country. It was carved out in 1991 from Kwara and Benue states, with her capital located at Lokoja (the confluence town, where River Niger and River Benue joined to flow southwards into the Atlantic Ocean). It is a state recognised economically to be an agrarian state, which is also richly endowed with solid mineral deposits. Her diverse ethnic groups include the Igala tribe, Ebira and Okun people. The economy of Nigeria significantly relies on the rich solid minerals hence, the establishment of both the multibillion naira Ajaokuta Steel rolling mills and the Aladja steel complex in Delta State.
Kogi State’s contribution to the economic growth and development of the Nigerian state does not need to be overemphasized because the building industry significantly relies on raw materials (marbles and tiles) that are produced in the state with globally acclaimed high quality standards, that is competitively highly rated. The numerous agricultural produce (fruits, grains, etcetera) are in the frontline of supporting local manufacturing industries (processed foods and drinks).
As Nigeria turns 65 years on October 1, the world is watching, especially to see the outcomes the economy will achieve after this celebration of Nigeria @65. One aspect of our national life that demands immediate attention is the needed attention of our leaders to make life worth living in the country. While Kogi State, that is strategically positioned and very importantly, for the economic wellbeing and prosperity of the nation’s economy, numerous observers still find it hard to believe that those in authority, who are expected to improve the wellbeing of the suffering masses, are the ones that “add salt to the injury” by neglecting these core duties and abandoning the assignments meant to ease risks from life threatening challenges the general public encounters on a daily basis as they go about their economic activities. The state needs to effectively apply political will and proactively come to the rescue of those they swore on oath to protect on assuming public office after elections. Provision of amenities and road infrastructure (particularly in this case) is the major task. The truth about it is that both economic emancipation and growth (alongside safety of lives and property) ought to be decisively addressed by those in positions of authority.
This particular matter calls for the attention of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as a matter of urgency! An empirical observation, report and experience, was practically recorded while travelling from Odenigbo Nsukka in Enugu State to Idah in Kogi State, through the rough terrain of Ibagwa to Okputu Hill; extending beyond Odolu/Igabada road to Idah town in June 2025. National security and the safety of life should be of prime importance to those in positions of authority. This is a testament that demands an inward reflection. Having experienced a horrible, life threatening, calamitous voyage (risking incessant kidnapping, banditry attacks, highway robbery attacks, reckless assassinations of innocent road users) by embarking on a suicidal journey of “no return”, only God knows the outcome on such trips; plying that short but hopelessly rough, dangerous, lonely road, a death trap that lasts about three hours. This descriptive imagery is better imagined! Shortly after we had crossed, right behind us, the next day, regular traders on that route met their waterloo, and were murdered by Fulani herdsmen on the hill, where their vehicle broke down!
The boundary town with the scary “Okputu Hill” is delineated within the territorial borders of Enugu State. It has remained an intractable spot as a result of protracted argument between the neighbouring states over whose duty and responsibility it is to work on this estimated half a kilometer spot (popularly known as a very dangerous death trap). Whatever the argument, be it a federal road, Enugu or Kogi state road, one passionate plea that is being made through this medium, is for Governor Ododo of Kogi State to look beyond trivialities, and work on that hill before revisiting whose responsibility it is (between the federal government and Enugu State) to do the road. Thereafter, he can put up claims for refund on the great work he may have done. This counsel is based on informed knowledge, considering how strategic that road means for Kogi’s economy; linking all adjoining communities in Kogi State, and most importantly, the ancient city of Idah (the traditional seat of Igala kingdom), and from where most daily commercial activities link the Eastern commercial hubs of Aba and Onitsha. At Leventis, in Ochanja market (on Uli Street Onitsha), where commuters to Idah used to board vehicles daily, this has degenerated to an abysmal low traffic frequency as only a vehicle leaves or comes in after two or three days. If the hill is fixed, the economy of Kogi State will instantly and drastically improve because the obvious hindrance in commuting all mercantile goods, agricultural services and traders would instantly disappear.
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