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NUJ Condemns Arrest of Kogi Journalist, Threatens Boycott of Abejide, NSCDC Activities

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D, has condemned the arrest of the Editor of Kogi Report, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly on the directive of the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide. The union warned that it may boycott all activities associated with the federal lawmaker if such actions persist. Addressing journalists during a press conference in Lokoja, the Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Mr. Momoh-Jimoh Adeiza, described the circumstances surrounding the incident as a dangerous trend capable of undermining press freedom and democratic governance in Nigeria. He also warned that the union could place an embargo on the coverage of NSCDC activities in Kogi State should the agency engage in further acts of intimidation or aggression against journalists. Adeiza maintained that if the lawmaker had any grievances regarding the publication in question, he...

WHEN HERITAGE BECOMES A PATHWAY TO DEVELOPMENT: REFLECTIONS ON THE SILVER JUBILEE OF THE ARINJALE OF ISE-EKITI

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By Ambassador Tosin Michael Owonifari Communities are remembered not only for the infrastructure they build, but also for the heritage they preserve. Roads, bridges, and buildings may define a generation, but culture, history, and tradition define a civilisation. As Ise-Ekiti prepares to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the reign of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adetunji David Ayodele Ajayi, PhD, MON, JP, Aweloye II, the Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, beginning on 27 July 2026, the occasion presents an opportunity to reflect on a subject that extends far beyond one community or one traditional institution. It invites us to ask an important national question: How can Nigeria better preserve and utilise its cultural heritage as a catalyst for unity, education, tourism, and sustainable development? Across the world, nations that successfully preserve their cultural heritage often enjoy benefits that extend beyond history itself. Their festivals attract visitors, stimulate local economies, str...

GOVERNOR ODODO VISITS FOREST GUARD TRAINING CAMP, REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO FLUSH OUT CRIMINALS FROM KOGI FORESTS

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Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to reclaiming the state's forests from criminal elements, declaring that there will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within Kogi State. The Governor made the declaration during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard Trainees, where he encouraged them to embrace the responsibility ahead with discipline, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to service. Addressing the trainees, Governor Ododo noted that one of the major security challenges confronting the state is the vast expanse of forests that have remained largely unoccupied and unguarded, creating opportunities for criminal elements to establish hideouts and launch attacks on innocent citizens. He explained that the recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a critical component of the state's broader security strategy aimed at strengthening su...

THE DEATH OF TRUTH

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By Abu Michael In recent times, one thing has become painfully clear in Nigeria: truth has been relegated. Lies, dressed up as sycophancy, now pass for patriotism. For a country richly blessed with human, natural, and capital resources — once the undisputed giant of Africa — we have become a shadow of ourselves.  Our youths have lost faith. They no longer dream of building Nigeria; they dream of escaping it. South Africa, Ghana, even countries with fewer resources have become preferred destinations.  Young Nigerians now risk death crossing the Mediterranean, many dying unannounced and unmourned. The solution is not hidden. It is leadership. Yet leadership itself is the problem.  We have leaders at all levels who should be examples to the next generation, but they have turned lies and propaganda into statecraft. Speaking truth has become a sin. From the Executive to the Legislature and Judiciary, Nigeria has become a laughing stock. Our young people have lost h...

Governor Ododo Visits Iluke, Vows to Flush Out Criminals from Kogi After Bandit Attack

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Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration's determination to eliminate criminal activities across the state following a deadly bandit attack on Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The Governor made the declaration during a condolence visit to the community after armed bandits attacked the area on June 10, disrupting the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and killing three residents. The victims included the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, Pastor Anufo Owuse, an elderly man, and a young girl who was struck by stray bullets during the attack. Contrary to some reports, no student was killed during the incident. The attack triggered panic among students, teachers and residents as the bandits attempted to abduct people, including candidates writing their WASSCE examinations. However, a swift response by the military, local security operatives, vigilantes...

Our Thank You For Gov. Ododo Will Be With The Use Of The Thumb In No Distant Time – Bashiru Gegu

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The Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, has assured that the people of Kogi Local Government Area will reciprocate Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s gestures through overwhelming support at the polls. Engr. Gegu gave the assurance when Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, visited Kogi LGA for the empowerment of 200 women from Kogi and Lokoja LGAs. He described the First Lady’s visit as “the beginning of a brand new Ebira nation one that will not be taken for granted.” The Commissioner said the empowerment initiative will bring relief to poverty and hunger by supporting the less privileged and vulnerable in the area. According to him, “Kogi people are not ungrateful. Gov. Ododo has been doing well for the people of Kogi LGA in the area of road construction and electricity. Over a hundred appointments are today being enjoyed by sons and daughters of Kogi LGA.” He also praised the governor for the upgrade of over 80 tradition...

Politically Timed Allegations Won't Derail Kogi's Security Gains — Govt

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The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) regarding the alleged diversion of funds from the state's Security Operations Account, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking any credible evidence. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the publication by CISLAC failed to uphold the principles of fairness, diligence and objectivity, noting that no investigation report or finding by any competent authority had established any wrongdoing against the state government. Fanwo maintained that security operations require substantial financial commitments and involve investments in intelligence gathering, logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance, operational mobility and community engagement. According to him, Kogi State has consistently invested in strengthening its security architecture, resulting in improve...