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Showing posts from May, 2025

Okun Summit: Gov Ododo Preaches Unity as Key to Progress in Kogi State

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  Okun Summit: Gov Ododo Preaches Unity as Key to Progress in Kogi State  The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has stressed the importance of unity in driving progress in Kogi State. In a Press statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Unubi Emmanuel the Governor while speaking at the second Okun nation's summit in Kabba on Saturday, revealed that unity is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving greatness. The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Comr Joel Salifu  emphasized "the Power of One Voice and the Strength of a united Hands." He noted that his administration is committed to fostering peace and unity, which is crucial for sustainable growth and development. In his words "Unity is the foundation upon which we can build a stronger, more prosperous Okun nation, It is our greatest asset, and when we come together with one voice, there is no limit to what we can achieve. When we speak with...

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer kogi State Printing and Corporation, Publisher of the Graphic Newspaper Yusuf Itopa Emerged New Chairman Association of Nigerian Author s ( ANAN Kogi State Chapter

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The Managing Director and CEO of Kogi State Printing and Publishing Corporation, publishers of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, has been emerged as the New Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kogi State Chapter. Mr. Itopa won the keenly contested election held at the NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja, defeating Dr. Abah A. Abah of the Federal University, Lokoja, with twelve votes to eight to defeat Doctor Abah A .Abah. I n his acceptance speech after  the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Itopa expressed deep appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his commitment to the growth and development of the association. Mr Itopa assure  that  would  work tirelessly to uphold the values and principles of ANA.  He promised  to strive to learn, evolve, advocate, and develop the  Union to promote the culture of reading and quality writing among the younger generation. The Managing Director acknowledged his fellow contestants ...

Kogi First Lady Pledges Stronger Support for Women, Children, Vulnerable Groups

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  Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed her commitment to uplifting the lives of women, children, and other vulnerable groups across the state. Mrs Ododo stated this while addressing a delegation of market women from the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State at her office in Lokoja. She pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of women and mitigating the challenges they face. She expressed her openness to partnerships and consultations but also cautioned women coordinators and community representatives against exploiting or shortchanging their members, urging transparency and fairness in all engagements. Addressing growing concerns around moral decay among young girls, the First Lady emphasized the vital role of mothers in raising disciplined and responsible children.  She called for increased parental involvement, vigilance, and guidance to steer children away from social vices. In a separate meeting with Executi...
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  The Chief Servant of Kogi state,Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has been described as a sincere leader who is desirous to uplift the standards of living of the people through the delivery of results oriented governance . The Head Financial Management Unit, World Bank Assisted Project, Mallam Aliu Abdulazeez gave the assertion  when he received  Committee  of Friends from Orietesu and Idoji wards in Okene- Local government area in his office  Lokoja. Mallam Abdulazeez ,said the administration of governor Ododo has continue to develop human capacity and the provision  of empirical infrastructural development through his transformative policies cutting across the three Senatorial districts of the state. He noted that the  magnanimity of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to Civil Servants in the restoration of payment of leave bonus showed his passion for entire citizens and pragmatic approach to extend succour them  A ccording to him, the visit of the committee...

Bwari Area Council, 2025 : Hon Ayodele Jemialu Obtains Chairmanship Form

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat was on Wednesday Agog as Honourable Ayodele Jemialu obtained intent/ nomination form. The race for the Chairmanship of Bwari Area Council became more interesting as Hon. Ayodele Jemialu personally obtained his form for the chairmanship position of the area council. Addressing the press after purchasing the form, he stated that the local government area is strategically located hence it should be advantageous for farmers as there is arable land for all season farming. The Chairmanship hopeful emphasized that if elected, the issues of banditry and herdsmen/ farmers crisis will be a thing of the past as he will put mechanism in place to address all issues related therein. He posited that Bwari Area Council has what it takes not to depend on the monthly allocation alone, stressing that, he has plans to think outside the box in ensuring he leaverages on other sources of revenue for the benefit of the people as Agriculture, Education, ...

May 29: Governor Ododo Praises President Tinubu for Inspiring National Resilience

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  Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, extends a heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his second year in office.  In a congratulatory message, Governor Ododo lauded the President for demonstrating visionary leadership and for inspiring resilience among Nigerians through bold and transformative policies. "Today marks two years of visionary leadership under our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Your Renewed Hope Agenda has brought bold reforms, national recalibration, and a new sense of purpose across critical sectors of our economy and governance,” he stated. He described the President’s second year as a season of harvest, emphasizing that Nigeria is beginning to experience tangible benefits of the far-reaching economic reforms initiated during the first year of the administration. Key policy decisions such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange system, and reforms in the tax and financial sectors wer...
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  The Legends Club of Okun Land has announced plans to host a high-level Civic Reception in honour of newly appointed Federal Government appointees of Okun origin.  The prestigious event is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2025, at Haris Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, and is expected to attract distinguished sons and daughters of Okun Land from across the country. The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Legend Mofolami Onirinwa,  who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, described the reception as “a gathering of visionaries committed to the progress of Okun Land and Nigeria at large.” He said the Civic Reception would play host to members of the National Assembly who are patrons of the Club, esteemed traditional rulers from the Okun region, the leadership of the Okun Development Association (ODA), captains of industry, public servants, and other notable stakeholders. According to Legend Onirinwa, the event seeks not only to celebrate the appointments of these distinguished...

Kogi First Lady Restates Commitment to Promoting Policies Safeguarding Children's Rights

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  The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has restated her commitment to promoting policies that safeguard children’s rights in the state. Mrs Ododo gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday in Lokoja, to commemorate this year’s children’s day. She expressed deep admiration for the resilience, dreams, and boundless potential of Nigerian children, especially “the bright and promising children of Kogi State.” "As Nigeria marks Children’s Day, I extend my warm felicitations to children across the state; the light of our future and the pride of every home. “As a mother, I see in every child the hope of a better tomorrow.  "Their laughter, curiosity, and imagination remind us of the beauty of life itself and the duty we owe them; to protect, nurture, and prepare them for greatness,” she said. She emphasised the government’s ongoing efforts under Ododo's administration to promote policies that safeguard children’s rights. She added: "To expand their access to ed...

KOGI STATE IS OPEN, READY FOR INVESTMENT, GOV ODODO ASSURES WORLD-BE INVESTORS

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  The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has assured prospective investors that the state is ready to welcome foreign investment and private enterprises. The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, stated this during a meeting with Mr. Xzhangcong, the country representative of the Shanxi Construction Investment Group Company Limited, at his residence in Lokoja, the state capital. In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Unubi Emmanuel, the Governor emphasized that Kogi State is ready to collaborate with foreign investors willing to establish operations within the state, highlighting the availability of aboundant land, a skilled manpower, and many solid minerals. He maintained that such partnerships would not only benefit the companies involved but also contribute positively to the government and the people of the state. Governor Ododo noted that he has always encouraged foreign investors to come to Kogi State and establis...

Governor Ododo Mourns Victims of Lokoja-Obajana Road Accident

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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 19 persons, including five children, and left eight others injured along the Lokoja-Obajana road in Lokoja Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Monday. He described the incident as a devastating loss, not only to the families of the victims but to the entire state. The Governor lamented that the accident, which involved a Toyota Hummer Bus and an articulated vehicle, resulted from over speeding and wrongful overtaking, and called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and discipline by road users.  “Losing 19 lives, including innocent children, in one accident is a tragedy for which words cannot fully express our grief. Our hearts are heavy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected, and we must take urgent steps to prevent such sorrowful occurrences. Every life matters, and no journey is worth the risk of over speeding...

AI by Hand': Unmasking Artificial Intelligence for the Next Generation

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  As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly transforms our daily lives, a Nigerian US-Based Researcher, Cornelius Adejoro, has advocated for the use of 'AI by Hand' as essential tools to educate the next generation about the technology shaping their world. Adejoro, in an interview with our Correspondent on Monday in Lokoja, said AI by Hand" offered a unique approach, using simple tools like pen, paper, and imagination to expose the logic behind machine learning. According to him, this method helps young learners understand how decisions are made and empowers them to navigate the AI-driven world. Speaking on its concept, Adejoro defined "AI by Hand" as an innovative approach that breaks down complex AI concepts into tangible, hands-on activities.  "By leveraging everyday tools, children can explore AI's underlying logic and decision-making processes. This method fosters a deeper understanding of AI, encouraging kids to think creatively about its applic...

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will soon commence a sensitisation awareness against fake products in Kogi State.

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  National Agency for  Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will soon commence a sensitisation awareness against fake products in Kogi State. Kogi State Coordinator of the agency, Mr Anikoh Ibrahim stated this while speaking with news men in Lokoja. Mr Anikoh said, the sensitisation tour is to educate the public on the dangers poses by the consumption of fake drugs and other consumables. He  noted that NAFDAC is working closely with Kogi State Government and other relevant stakeholders to make the exercise a successful one. He explained that fake and substandard products have led so many people to their early graves and urged the people of the state to be vigilant and report suspicious cases to appropriate authority. Anikoh maintained that consumable products that are duly registered with the Agency,among others will contain labels indicating; name of products, manufacturing dates, weight, composition, batch coding and expiry dates. He also appealed to consum...

With heavy hearts, but in total submission to God, the family of Dr. (Engr) Okibe Michael Udeh, announce his passing on Monday, 14 of April, 2025 at the age of 74.

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  Ob ituary Announcement With heavy hearts, but in total submission to God, the family of Dr. (Engr) Okibe Michael Udeh, announce his passing on Monday, 14 of April, 2025 at the age of 74. Dr. Udeh was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and an esteemed professional whose legacy of dedication and integrity will forever be remembered. He is survived by a loving immediate and extended family. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Thursday fifth June service of songs/Christian wake keep at his residence #27 Okwo -Omenka Street, Sabo -gari- Otukpo, Benue State Friday sixth June Interment and final laying to rest at Dr. Okibe Udeh's Compound at New Jerusalem site, Apa* We kindly request for your prayers during this time of grieve. Signed: Mr. Udeh Okibe Udeh, Son for the family.
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  Prof. Usman Urges FG to Convert Emefiele's Recovered Duplexes to National Asset for Local Governments Chief Salisu Ogbo Usman, PhD, a Political Economy and Development Specialist, has urged the Federal Government to convert the 753 recovered duplexes linked to former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, into National Liaison Offices for Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) Usman gave the advice in statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Lokoja. According to Usman, converting these properties into National Liaison Offices for Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), will promote national representation, administrative utility, and unity. "I wish to add my voice and opinion to the avalance of suggestions on how the Federal Government can handle the recovered "Emefiele's Duplexes" for the benefit of the public. Amidst suggestions for military use or public sale,, amongst other enthusiastic suggestions to guide the Federal Government in tak...

Pastor David Onu of King Liberation Deliverance Ministry AKA Throne of Victory urged to be honest in the service of God

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Pastor David Onu of the King Liberation Deliverance Ministry, (AKA )Throne of Victory, beside APC Secretariat Lokoja, has urged Nigerians to be pro- active in the service of God . Pastor David Onu made the remarks while delivering a sermon at the church service in Lokoja. He noted that God has a purpose for everything on earth,some deliver his messages , saying that those who believe in God would found something easy in life. The clergy admonished Christians to show renew commitment to the work of God for the overall development in the country. According to him, Divine package would come for those who have faith  and connected to God in any circumstances, urged the congratulations to always trust in God. The down fall of man  came when you put your trust in humanity, he advised the people to continue to celebrate God instead of human or wealthy. He prayed for total turn around for better Nigerian, adding that prayer changes things. Pastor David Onu emphasized the need for cont...

Kogi Deputy Gov Receives Hon. Peter Michael Egwudah, NNPP 2023 Ibaji State Assembly Candidate

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  Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu received Hon. Peter Michael Egwudah, popularly known as Agbané Ibaji, to his residence in Lokoja. Hon. Egwudah, who was the 2023 NNPP House of Assembly candidate for Ibaji state constituency, paid a courtesy visit to pledge his loyalty to the  government of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Accompanying Hon. Egwudah were Hon. Thomas Offor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties II, Hon. Gabriel Ugbena, Hon. Lucky Ukwukama, Hon. Ambrose Etiukwu, Hon.Sunday Atule, and Hon. Williams Egwudah. During his visit, Hon. Peter Egwudah revealed that he had joined the ruling party at his Ojilah ward in Ibaji local government area, and pledged his commitment to supporting the transformative leadership of Governor Ododo and his Deputy in the state. Responding, the Deputy Governor commended Egwudah for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that it is the right family t...

NAWOJ), Zone D, has honoured nineteen of its former leaders for their outstanding contributions

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N Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has honoured nineteen of its former leaders for their outstanding contributions to the growth of journalism. Those honoured are: the Deputy Director News and Current Affairs Department, Radio Kogi, comrade Habibatullah Onakpa Abdallah, Mrs Ese Ekama-Williams, Assistant-Editor-In-Chief News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja among others. The recognition was part of the activities lined up for the 2025 conference of NAWOJ Zone D which held in Abuja. The NAWOJ Zone D comprises all the states in the North-Central geo-political zone which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and Federal Capital Territory. Vice President, NAWOJ Zone D, Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, while highlighting on the roles of some of the recipients, said that comrade Habibatullah Onakpa Abdallah’ contributions as vice president marked a significant era in the history of female journalists in the zone. Ogbeche said, as a respected journalist an...

Minister of Steel Development Closes Maiden Boot Camp Training as 700 Nigerian Youths Receive Sector-Specific Training, Empowerment

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  The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Friday, May 23, 2025, officially closed the maiden edition of the Ministry’s Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Boot Camp held at the Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI), Onitsha, Anambra State. The programme successfully trained and empowered over 700 Nigerian youths with practical skills tailored to the steel and metals sector. The intensive boot camp provided hands-on training in core technical disciplines, including Welding and Fabrication, Industrial Foundry and Metallurgy, Instrumentation, Control Systems, and Metallurgical Maintenance; key areas aimed at bridging the skills gap within Nigeria’s metals industry. Describing the programme as a pioneering step in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s  “Renewed Hope Agenda”, the Honourable Minister emphasised the initiative’s alignment with national development goals through youth empowerment and capacity building. P rince Audu said that the...

Kogi Govt Takes Giant Steps Towards Transparency with Inauguration of Open Govt Partnership Steering Committee

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  In a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in governance, Kogi State Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee on Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Lokoja on Friday.  The Executive Governor of Kogi State Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo who was Represented  by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu, presided over the ceremony at his office, marking a crucial milestone in the state's journey towards good governance. Governor Ododo emphasized that his administration is committed to deliver effectively on the Open Government Partnership principles and promised that he would continue to partner with all stakeholders to win the trust of the citizens in governance across the state. I n his words "I am pleased to present the Kogi State Open Government Action Plan. Kogi State is one of the leading states in Nigeria; it has abundant arable land, and makes enormous contributions in the area of agriculture in Nigeria" "The state has improved in the a...

Kogi Head of Civil Service Appointed; Patron of Ododo, Bassa Youth Grassroots Initiative (OBYGI

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  The Head of Service of Kogi State, Dr Elijah Adeiza Evinemi FCA  in a warm reception  of the top executives of Ododo Bassa Youth Grassroots Initiative (OBYGI) during a courtesy visit in his office, has been appointed patron of the Association. According to the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Victor M.D Kpanaki  stated that "the contribution of the present head of Service in relation to industrial harmony, implementation of the new minimum wage and prompt payment of salaries is commendable. He further noted that the state is proud of  his modest contributions to the government of His Excellency, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo,the Chief Servant of Kogi State while describing him as worker's friendly Governor. Comr. Kpanaki  reiterated that the membership of the group cuts across the three districts in Bassa LGA and the resilient youths of the area are committed to supporting and projecting the good work of the Governor,   which will give His Excellency a...

Minister of Steel Developments, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Enbarks on a Working Visit to Delta Steel Plant

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  I n furtherance to the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the revival of Nigeria’s steel and metals sector, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, embarked on a facility tour of the Delta Steel Plant (now Premium Steel & Mines Limited) in Aladja, Delta State. Leading a delegation from the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, the Minister expressed the readiness of the Federal Government to support the efforts of the management of Premium Steel in resuscitating the plant by seeking to address the challenges as well as ensuring an enabling environment for the sustainability of its operations. Prince Audu tasked the company’s management to submit a detailed proposal with a revised timeline of 18 months to recommence full operations, shortening the earlier suggested 24-month target. According to the Minister, once operational, the plant, which has not produced any steel...

Kogi Security Trust Fund Presents Operational Vehicles to Security Agencies

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Ko gi State Security Trust Fund has presented 16 Refurbished operational vehicles to security agencies as part of efforts to fight crime and protect lives and property in the state. The presentation held on Thursday in Lokoja, underscores Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's commitment to prevent crime in all parts of the state.  Presenting the vehicles on behalf of the Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Bello, Administrative Officer in the Office of the Director General, Government House Administration, emphasized the administration’s concern for public safety and the welfare of the people.  Fumilayo who also represented the Director General Government, Umar Shaibu noted that the initiative was part of Governor Ododo’s broader strategy to eradicate insecurity and promote a peaceful environment conducive to growth and development. Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, Air Vice Marshal Faruk Omeiza (Rtd), praised Governor Ododo for improving the state’s security architecture and for su...

Kogi State Govt Engages MTN, NCC, Resolves Long-standing Face-offs

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 Earlier today, the Kogi State government convened a high-level discussion with representatives from MTN Nigeria, focusing on the need to resolve longstanding discrepancies concerning tax remittance and operational protocols in the state. The meeting was convened at the instance of the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, at the Mini Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja. In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Mr Unubi Emmanuel, the  engagement was well-attended by top government officials and stakeholders, including Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS); Alhaji Taofik Isah, Director General of the Kogi State Utility, Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA); Engr. Abraham Oshadami, representative of MTN Nigeria; and Engr. Abraham Oshadam...