There was showers of encomiums as Hon. Oshoke Gbenga Sunday, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State on Grassroots Mobilization launched an education empowerment project tagged “Gbenga Oshoke Education Empowerment Scheme.”
The Scheme which was launched at Ogale in Ijumu Local Government Area saw speakers upon speakers describing the project as first of its kind in the history of the Community.
Ododo’s Triumph Is Victory For All – Hon. Oshoke
The Governor’s Aide while speaking at the ceremony, said the feat was achieved due to the opportunity given him by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to serve and his own was of supporting his laudable programmes and policies especially in the education sector.
In his words “I must express my deepest appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Your Excellency for his visionary leadership and for providing the enabling environment for young leaders like myself to thrive.”
He further states that “Your commitment to the “Consolidation and Continuity” mandate is not just a slogan; it is a lived reality that is felt in every corner of Kogi State. We are here today to further consolidate your legacies by ensuring that the fire of education you have ignited continues to burn brightly in our communities.”
Under the proactive leadership of Governor Ododo, Kogi State has moved from a defensive posture to a bold, offensive strategy against insecurity. Through the recent 2025 Executive Proclamation on Security Protocols, His Excellency has sent a clear message: Kogi is a ‘no-go area’ for criminals and their collaborators. By equipping our security agencies with over 40 operational vehicles, integrating over 1,000 local hunters into the security network, and uniquely converting vigilante personnel into civil servants, the Governor has not only secured our borders but has also professionalized grassroots policing. This ‘Security Blueprint’ ensures that our communities, from the mining corridors to the rural farmlands, remain safe havens for development.
Beyond his transformative work in infrastructure and administration, we must also hail His Excellency for his unmatched strides in securing the lives and property of our people. Governor Ododo has demonstrated that development can only thrive in an environment of peace. Through his proactive security architecture and unwavering support for our security agencies, he has turned Kogi State into a fortress of safety and a model for the federation. We can walk our streets with confidence and our children can attend schools without fear because we have a Governor who prioritizes the sanctity of human life above all else.
I also want to specially recognize and appreciate the APC leader of my Ward Ogale/Aduge ward and also the Provost Kogi State College of Education Ankpa, Dr. Fashagba Paul Femi. Sir, your leadership style, marked by humility, mentorship, and a people-centered approach, has been a guiding light for me. Thank you for showing us that leadership is about service and for your unwavering support in making this Education Empowerment Scheme a reality.
Hon. Oshoke however emphasized the importance of education, describing it as a pathway to success.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world. It is not merely a process of giving knowledge for a future job; it is a pathway to the future and a bridge to human dignity.
I believe that if we want to secure our state and our nation, we must first secure the minds of our youth. Education is the great equalizer, it allows the child of a farmer to sit at the same table as the child of a king. By launching the Gbenga Oshoke Education Empowerment Scheme, we are declaring that no brilliant mind in our community should be dimmed by the shadow of poverty.
A Legacy of Impact:
Since the very moment I received my appointment, I have been consumed by one question: How can I make my time in office count for the next generation? I am a firm believer that an impactful life is measured not by the wealth we accumulate, but by the number of people we lift up. This Education Empowerment Scheme is my answer to that question. It is my contribution to the Governor’s agenda of human capital development. We are investing in books, tuition, and tools today so that we don’t have to build more prisons tomorrow.
“As we launch this Scheme today, I call on all well-meaning individuals to join us. Let us build a Kogi where every child has a pen in their hand and a dream in their heart. Together, we are not just launching an Education related Scheme; we are launching the future leaders, doctors, engineers, and governors of tomorrow.
In his remarks, Provost of Kogi State College of Education Ankpa, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba applauded the initiative of Hon. Oshoke, saying he is reliable and goal getter.
