DAILYUPDATES

By Jude Obioha In a country where activism often clashes with national cohesion and where loud voices frequently overshadow steady hands, Matthew Tonlagha represents a rare Nigerian archetype. This bridge builder fights fiercely for his people while working tirelessly for the peace, stability and economic future of Nigeria. His journey from the creeks of the Niger Delta to global engagement is not merely a personal success story. It is a powerful narrative of resilience, citizen diplomacy and quiet nation-building. Tonlagha’s story begins not with privilege but with adversity. Born into a disciplined military family in Delta State, his early life was marked by profound physical challenges after complications from an ill-administered polio vaccine impaired his mobility. For nearly a decade, he depended on his mother’s strength to attend school and navigate daily life. Social stigma, financial hardship and the early loss of his father could have silenced his ambitions. Instea...

Renowned philanthropist, Ambassador Coach Gabriel Abinu, has congratulated Hon. Idris Kasim on his emergence as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. In a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, Abinu described the newly elected party chairman as a visionary and committed leader capable of repositioning the party for greater success ahead of future elections. He noted that Kasim’s emergence was well deserved, citing his dedication, loyalty, and years of active participation in party affairs. “I want to use this opportunity to congratulate my dear brother, Hon. Idris Kasim, on his emergence as the new APC Chairman in Lokoja Local Government,” Abinu said. “His emergence did not come as a surprise to me because he worked tirelessly for it and truly deserves it. He has consistently demonstrated commitment to the growth and unity of our great party.” Abinu expressed optimism that the new chairman would deploy his wealth...

The Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has urged Kogites at home and in the diaspora to unite and maximise the spiritual significance of the Ramadan fast and the Lenten season for the overall progress of the state. In a goodwill message to Muslim and Christian faithfuls, the First Lady emphasised the need for adherents of both faiths to reflect on the core values of devotion to the Creator, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion, principles that have sustained humanity for centuries. She noted that strengthening these values would deepen unity, foster social cohesion, and accelerate sustainable development across the state. Hajia Sefinat further observed that the coincidence of the two fasting periods was divinely significant, urging Muslims and Christians to commit themselves to spirituality and fervent prayers for the people, leaders, and the overall development of Kogi State. The First Lady reassured citizens of her continued commitment to support...

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on in the people of the state to embrace religious tolerance, vigilance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims around the world begin fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. In statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, the Governor described Ramadan as a sacred period of fasting, prayer, reflection and spiritual rejuvenation for the Muslim Ummah. According to the Governor “the holy month of Ramadan offers an opportunity for believers to strengthen their relationship with Almighty Allah and reaffirm commitment to the values of compassion, charity, humility and self-discipline.” Governor Ododo also urged Muslim faithfuls to use the Ramadan period to pray for sustained peace, stability and development of Kogi State and Nigeria at large. The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship and promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths across the state. He praye...

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime paid a familiarisation visit to the Polytechnic’s Itakpe Campus on Tuesday, 17th February, 2026 as part of ongoing engagements with staff and stakeholders across the institution. Addressing the staff members during the visit, the Rector described the School of Engineering as central to the mandate and original purpose for which the Polytechnic was established, stressing the need to strengthen technical education and practical training within the institution. Professor Avidime noted that the visit was aimed at familiarising himself with staff members, understanding their challenges, and identifying areas requiring urgent attentions to enhance productivity and institutional growth. He reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to improving staff members’ welfare, acknowledging the critical role staff members play in achieving academic excellence and institutional stability. The Rector called for t...

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Kogi State Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence in the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Aliu Yusuf, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the welfare of legislative staff. The union, through its executive members, also pledged total loyalty to the Speaker’s leadership, assuring him of their continued support in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Assembly. In a statement signed by PASAN Chairman, Comrade Omotala Emmanuel Ayodele, the staff expressed satisfaction with the Speaker’s administration, noting that his leadership has strengthened staff morale and fostered a more inclusive working environment within the legislature. According to the union, while previous Speakers may have carried staff along to some extent, none, based on their findings, has matched the inclusive and open-door leadership demonstrated by Rt. Hon. Yusuf. PASAN particularly highlighted his human-centered ...