Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Matthew Kolawole, has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of forthcoming elections in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
Speaking during the official endorsement/ mega rally for President Tinubu and Governor Ododo continuity project organized by Team Yomi Kola political group held in Kabba on Friday, Prince Kolawole , said the endorsement was based on a careful assessment of the policies and programmes of both the federal and Kogi State governments, noting that their administrations had recorded measurable progress across key sectors.
He described the occasion as an opportunity for stakeholders to objectively evaluate governance and contribute to shaping the future of the constituency, state and the nation at large.
At the federal level, Kolawole highlighted key initiatives of the Tinubu administration, including the Students Loan Programme aimed at expanding access to higher education.
He said the intervention would ease financial burdens on families and create broader opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The former Speaker also commended the Federal Government’s youth and women empowerment programmes, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen national security through increased support for security agencies to combat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
He further pointed to infrastructure development, particularly the reconstruction of the Kabba–Egbe–Ilorin road, describing it as critical to boosting economic activities and improving connectivity between Kogi, Kwara and neighbouring states.
He also referenced approvals for major projects such as the Lokoja–Abuja road, Kabba–Ekiti road and the proposed airport for Kogi State.
Kolawole noted that the appointment of indigenes of Okunland and Kogi State into key federal positions was a positive step towards inclusive governance and national representation.
On the performance of the Ododo administration, he said the state government had demonstrated commitment to improving security, especially in areas affected by criminal activities.
He added that collaboration with security agencies and local vigilante groups had contributed to enhancing safety in communities.
He also praised the regular payment of salaries and pensions, describing it as vital to the welfare of workers and the economic stability of families across the state.
According to him, ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects across Kogi West, including Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu local government areas were gradually improving transportation and stimulating commerce.
In the education sector, Kolawole commended the establishment and development of Kogi State University, Kabba, noting that it would expand access to tertiary education and promote economic growth in the area.
He also lauded the payment of WAEC and NECO examination fees for public school students, which he said had reduced financial pressure on parents.
He emphasized that investments in youth and women empowerment programmes remained essential for sustainable development and economic inclusion.
Kolawole, however, stressed the need for continuous public evaluation of government performance, urging citizens to demand accountability while supporting policies that promote development.
He called for peaceful political participation and responsible leadership, adding that governance must remain focused on improving the quality of life for citizens through better infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
“For Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu, our goal must be sustainable development that benefits all communities and we can only achieve this desire if we collectively support our president and our governor to return back to governance in 2027,” he said.
The former Speaker concluded by urging constituents to support and endorse President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and all APC candidates for another term in office, expressing confidence that continuity would consolidate ongoing development efforts.
The event drew political leaders, community stakeholders, youth and women groups from across the constituency.
