DAILYUPDATES

The Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens' Rights Commission (PDCRC), hosts her 2024 End-of-Year celebration/award to best staff.  In his opening address, the Director General, PDCRC, Musa Onogo Idris, Esq. commended the heads of Departments, Law Officers and staff of the Commission for their commitments to duty throughout the year.  He applauded Officers for their diligence and dedication in handling matters brought before the Commission.  While reflecting on the Commission's contributions to the administration of justice, the DG noted that PDCRC demonstrated exceptional commitments to the discharge of her mandate which include the provision of legal aid and other related services to the indigent, vulnerable and disadvantaged residents of the State; settlement of matters through the Alternative Dispute Resolution unit and the preservation and protection of the fundamental human rights of residents of the State.  He...

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has presented the sum of  three billion Naira (3,000,000,000) to over 2,381 direct beneficiaries in over 170 groups from 80 communities impacted by climate change under the Community Revolving Fund of the Agro-climate Resilience in Semi-arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project  in partnership with the World Bank Group.  Performing the presentation of cheques at the Government House in Lokoja on Monday, Governor Ododo said the Community Revolving Fund is in line with his administration’s commitment to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the  State. In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo who  assured that the Kogi State government will continue to provide enabling environment for the success and sustenance of the ACReSAL project, noted that the effort  is in furtherance of the development agenda of the state to increase the adoption of s...

I write, on behalf of the Management, staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, to celebrate the Accountant General, of Kogi State, Hajia Habibat Tijani Onumoko, on the auspicious occasion of her birthday celebration.  Our Dear Accountant General, we celebrate you today for your immeasurable contributions to the consolidation of the gains of democracy in Kogi State and for your selfless service to humanity as a whole. In addition, your unwavering commitment to the care of the needy and your unrelenting support for education are an inspiration to us all. Your disposition as a detribalised personality who chooses merit over tribal or religious affinity has remained an inspiration to the young and upcoming generation. Here in the Polytechnic, we are grateful to you for your guidance and support which have been instrumental in shaping the institution's growth and progress We pray God in His infinite mercy to continue to grant you the needed wisdom, knowledge,...

Never in my wildest imagination did I believe that I will be writing a tribute to bid a compatriot and a renown soldier of human kindness, Rt. Hon. Enema Paul, farewell to this sinful world so soon.  Both in his accomplishments in politics and academic attainment, he remained humble and dutiful to human kindness.  As a former Special Adviser, Commissioner, a two term Member, Kogi State House of Assembly, and the immediate past Deputy Speaker, he was a legend of humility and humanity.  I remember how, on several occasions he limped, struggled and climbed to my office, all in the bid to seek employment opportunities for members of his consistituent. Those gestures are further testimonies  and a propeller for the appreciation of the memorable encounter I had with him much earlier.  I describe the encounter as the period when I set a very difficult examination in humanity for him, and he passed effortlessly with a Distinction.  My dear Rt. Hon. Paul...

A renown Egg-- head and Scholar in Bayero university Kano, Prof Adetokunbo Rafel Adebola has called on the youths to only go for courses that will make them to be self reliant after graduation so as to avoid being jobless. Prof Adebola who was a guest speaker at the 2024 Odide day Cultural ceremony organized by the Ilajo Royal family of Kabba gave this advice during the Family's Banquet which took place at the Lisa  Palm Hotel kabba . The Erudite scholar who is a retired Wing Commander stressed that most of the courses our youths rush for at the tertiary institutions are obsolete and not marketable and urged them to embrace modern technology via digital education adding that the advent of Artificial intelligence is a serious threats to some courses and  jobs. The guest speaker who spoke on the topic" Love and unity as ingredients for community development " stressed the need for the youths to think out -of- the box  and be productive and expressed the need for...

CLERK and Head of Legislative Service, Kogi State House Assembly, Alhaji Ahmed Sule Chogudo has urged Nigerians to unite, promote peace and support the less privileged with a common resolve that all will be well soon. Chogudo made the call in his New Year message as contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Clerk Administration and General Service , Mr Aka Adebayo Michael and made available to newsmen  in Lokoja. He stressed the importance of unity and tolerance among the tribes in Kogi State as he urged more commitment and  diligence on the part of the people and leaders for the state to advance and attain greater heights. The Clerk said that the New Year offered another opportunity describing the New Year celebration as a time of love, renewal of hope and faith. Chogudo used the opportunity to commend Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for setting the pace in the payment of the new minimum wage to civil servants. He also commended the Governor for granting the long e...

A former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Egwu, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in the alleged forceful seizure of his property by men of the Nigeria Police Force, who claimed to be acting on a court judgment. Egwu alleged that his property was fraudulently used as collateral by some fraudsters to obtain a loan from First Bank, without his knowledge or consent. According to him, he has never engaged any Bank for a loan talk more of using his house as collateral, "some fraudsters used a property, similar to my house to secure a loan. I only got to know, when some group of Nigeria police, First Bank Agents and Some High Court officials, Invaded  the house and chased away all the occupants claiming that their action was based on court judgement which I am not a party to." Emma Egwu in furiousity explained that Ab initio , the parties to the initial case, filed by Bar. Joseph Akubo- and Ruled by ...

The dazzling and elegant ladies of Ogidi came together in a spectacular display of unity and empowerment at their recent successful inauguration and fundraising event. Led by Mrs. Bukola Ajayi, the president of the group, the glamorous ladies of Ogidi have set out on a mission to promote unity and togetherness within the vibrant community of Ogidi. The seeds of this remarkable group were planted during a round table discussion among the founding members at the gracious abode of Chief APS Arogundade, the Patron, back in 2019. From that initial meeting sprung a vision of a tightly knit women's ensemble dedicated to creating positive change within their community. One of the group's key achievements thus far has been the installation of five electric poles across Ogidi, a testament to their commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and amenities within the community. Looking ahead, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oki, the group's secretary, unveiled their plans to replace old ele...

On behalf of the Academic Board, Management, staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, I deeply commiserate with the family of a former Registrar of the institution,  Mr. Mathew Enejoh Ocholi, who died on Thursday, 26th December 2024, after a brief illness. We extend our deepest commiseration to the immediate family, kinsmen, associates of the deceased and the good people of Agbokete, Akpanya in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government over the irreplaceable loss. The entire Polytechnic community is in deep shock and sorrow over the sudden demise of such a diligent, selfless and intelligent public servant who gave his all not just to the Polytechnic, but the service of humanity as a whole. While his demise is hard to take, we remain consoled by the impressive records of resourcefulness and professionalism which were the hallmarks of his service to the institution. We pray God in his infinite mercy to grant his family, friends, well wishers, associates and the entire...

The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf has called for unity, peace and tolerance among citizens of the State as the global Christian community celebrate Christmas.  This is contained in a Press statement made available to the media by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Yabagi Mohammed.  The Speaker said in the statement that Kogi State, being the most peaceful in Nigeria owes that title to the government and the cooperation of the citizens, noting that the season of celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ should be a time for every Christian and non - Christians to extend their hands of love to one another.  The statement further quoted the Speaker to have said this sacred season reminds everyone of the virtues Jesus Christ exemplified, which includes love, humility, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence.  "His teachings compel all of us to embrace unity and tolerance, irrespective of our ethnic, religious, or politic...

The Built Environment and Materials, (BEBM), Exhibition, has honoured Chief (Hon) Julius Arojujoye (JB) and  Mr. Abdulrafiu Yakubu  Foundation Honoured for their Contributions to the Society. The theme of the Exhibition is "Local Building Materials; Affordable Strategy For Housing in Nigeria and the Part To Economic Rejuvenation." Which was essentially aimed at drawing attention to the use and affordability of local building materials. Chief (Hon) Julius Arojujoye (JB) received the 2024 Built Environment Development Excellence Award, of BEBM Exhibitions, while Mr. Abdulrafiu Yakub was awarded the                            Shelter Development Icon of the Decade. Chief Arojojoye Julius Biodun, is a an Entrepreneur a Business man and the Managing Director of several companies which includes; Managing Director of Parklays Nigeria Limited, MD. Golden Gate Integrated Services, Principal Partner GASAPA...

....BEBM Exhibitions Celebrates Treasure Bakaries for Supporting the Less Privilaged The Management of Treasures Bakery, led by Dr. and Mrs. Femi Akande, has  empowered over 300 widows with food, clothing, and cash to celebrate the Christmas season. This act of philanthropy marks the 13th year of the bakery's commitment to impacting lives and giving back to the community. The event, which took place at the Treasures Bakery premises in Lokoja, was attended by dignitaries from far and near, including the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Arike Ayoade, who represented the state government. In her remarks, Dr. Ayoade charged the widows to look unto God for comfort and strength, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith. In his welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of Treasures Bakery, Dr. Femi Akande, narrated how the vision to empower widows was birthed many years ago in Ilorin. He expressed his gratitude to God for His faithfulness ove...

. BEBM Exhibitions Justifies Award. Executive Director of "Send a Child to School Organisation"  Chief Mrs Kikelomo Akande with support from her amiable husband, Dr Femi Akande, over the weekend, distributed N3million to three hundred children in Kogi as Christmas gifts Each of the beneficiaries received the sum of ten thousand naira Chief (Mrs) Kikelomo Akande while speaking at Treasures Bakery Children Party with Father Christmas,  held in Lokoja, over the weekend, said that the gesture became necessary inview of the present hardships bedeviling Nigeria. She said that the gifts is also targeted at ensuring that the benefiting children have a joyous Christmas celebration with their parents. Following her humanitarian gestures to aid children education in Kogi state,  Chief Mrs Kikelomo Akande, the Executive Director of "Send a Child to School Organisation" was awarded with the Kogi BEBM Exhibition's Humanitarian Award. The recognition was bestowed o...

......Reflects On Achievements The Like Minds Progressives Association gathered to celebrate the end of year get together, as it reflects on achievements and planned towards next year. The Chairman of the association, Sanni Mutari  (ASP),  in his speech, expressed appreciation to members for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. "Today is not a meeting day, but a day to give thanks to the Almighty God for seeing us through the hurdles of the year," the leader said. The Chairman took time to reflect on the past year, acknowledging numerous milestones, challenges overcome, and significant progress made.  He equally remembered late members, including Brother Ibrahim Odiba, Mohammed Abdullahi (Otto's), Elder Kabiru Ola Yusuf (kby), and Micheal Adejoh, whose selfless service and positive contributions will never be forgotten. As the association looks to the future, Mutari announced plans to launch new initiatives and projects designed to drive growth, improv...

The Organizers of Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu Essay competition, the Kogi Built Environment and Materials Exhibition has inaugurated the assessment committee for the competition.  The assessment committee was inaugurated after the closing of entries which officially closed on 16th December, 2024 Inaugurating the assessment committee, at the National Library Lokoja in Kogi state, the convener of the exhibition, Mr. Bayode  Makakese  Oladipo, charged Members of the committee to be professional in their assessment. "You have been carefully selected to carry out this all important assignment. I therefore charged you to be very professional and give attention to every details of the entries. I have no doubt that you will do a clean job, given your track records in the execution of similar assignment in the past. The competition on the topic "Reactivating the Ajaokuta Steel Company as a means to Reinvigorating the Nigeria Economy is powered by BEBM exhibition. Accor...

Against the backdrop of plethora of social and economic vices bedeviling the Nation, a renowned Evangelist, Isaac Omolehin, Founder of The Word Commission International and The Word Assembly Churches in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, has blamed the older generation for lack of proper mentoring of the youths.  The clergyman stated this on Friday while on a courtesy visit to the Management of  graphic newspapers to herald the activities marking his 50 years and retirement from active service in the vineyard of God. He said, the Nation is getting all sorts  of evils as a result of the failure of the Elites to give rightful direction and guides to the youths. Omolehin noted that all institutions of social change that would have moulded the actions of the young ones have failed in the responsibilities which he pointed out has fueled high level of decadence in the country. He decried the activities of some men of God and Government officials who flaunt their ill gott...

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 16 degrees programmes for  the newly established Federal University of Allied Health Sciences Enugu (FUAHSE). The NUC had in October this year visited the university for resource verification for  the degree programmes in Allied Health Sciences. Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof John Emaimo made the disclosure of the approval during an expanded management meeting of the institution on Wednesday. The Acting VC listed the 16 approved programmes to include:  Nursing Sciences,  Medical Laboratory Science,  Radiography,  Social Work,  Public Health,  Dental Technology,  Dental Therapy,  Medical Rehabilitation Therapy (Physiotherapy),  Prosthetics and Orthotics. Others are:  Health Information Management, Healthcare Management,  Biomedical Engineering,  Human Anatomy,  Physiology,  Biochemistry and Microbiology. The Vice Chancellor no...

President and Chairman-in-council, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria, Clement Koko, has called for the creation of the Office of Printer General of the federation. Koko also demanded for the appointment of the Printer General of the federation as obtainable in accounting profession and others in government circle. The President and Chairman-in-council, made the call while on assessment visitation to the newly established Department of Printing Technology at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, along with his working team on Wednesday. He said that the assessment visitation to the new department is part of the early process or step that would facilitate granting of full accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)  to the Polytechnic to run the programme. According to him, "Printing as mother of all professions has been relegated to the background. Printing has gone beyond paper work but serves as wealth creation. Its important...

...Commissioner says it is a major step to the supply of water to Lokoja. The Commitment of the administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo to ensure the seamless supply of portable water to people living in Lokoja Metropolis have been enhanced with the delivery of a brand new transformer to old Lokoja Water Works. The process to install the Transformer according to the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr Yahaya MD Farouk has commenced immediately, will end tomorrow. Recalled that the challenges of power supply to the old Lokoja was mentioned as one of the major factors hindering the supply of water to the metropolis according to the Water Resources Commissioner for Water Resources at an engagement with stakeholders last Sunday at Angwan Tiv area of Lokoja. It will also be recalled that the Commissioner had in the meeting promised the release of water to the metropolis beginning from today Wednesday.  But with the delivery of the Transformer today, the relea...

The Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture Hon.Timothy Ojomah says the State under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo will be the central hub of food production for the Country in 2025. Hon. Ojomah disclosed this shortly after defending the ministry 2025 budget at the Kogi State House of Assembly. The Commissioner, who acknowledged that the State recorded remarkable success in food production in 2024 despite the  flooding in some parts of the Local Government noted that the Government will continue to provide farm inputs and supports for farmers to boost agriculture production. According to him, "Kogi State is producing more cassava than any other states in the country.  It's equally on record that Kogi State produced the highest quantity of cashew in Nigeria. Several persons have been coming to Kogi State to purchase our agricultural product which is a welcome development. "We might look at it as if it is a big disadvantage to the State, but is an ad...

The Chief Medical Director of Reference Hospital, Okene, Dr. Shaibu Stephen Babatunde says the people of the State should expect improved service delivery in the coming year. Dr. Shaibu stated this while speaking with Newsmen shortly after defending the Hospital's 2025 budget at the Kogi State House of Assembly, Lokoja. The CMD said the primary responsibility of the hospital is improved service delivery to patients. "Going forward, we are expecting that as we take off as a Teaching Hospital we are going to be training various professionals in the various fields." He said. "We also believe that the hospital is going to have a strong footing to be self sustaining because that has been a mandate and we are having a good team that is working towards that, so we believe that with our team spirit we are going to achieve that." Dr. Shaibu highlighted the challenges been faced by the hospital to include, shortage of staff, lack of staff quarters, administrat...

The Chairman, standing committee on health and social services in the Kogi State House of Assembly Hon. Ochidi Usman Shehu says the hallow chamber will frequent in it oversight functions in 2025. Hon. Ochidi stated this on Monday in Lokoja during the budget defence by the State Minister of Health held at the Assembly complex. The Kogi Assembly lawmaker  solicited for high level of co-operaton  and unity from Kogites to move the Health Sector to the next level of development.  "It’s on this note, I also wish to sound a note of warning to all agencies and parastatal that will not be conformity with the developmental agenda of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo and that of 8th Assembly, under leadership of Alh Umar Aliyu Yusuf, for granted.  "We the Committee have resolved to be frequent with our oversight function in the year 2025. Let see ourselves as partners in progress that is saddled with the responsibilities of making the health sector of Kogi Sta...

Kogi State Council of Trade Union Congress, TUC, says the administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has ushered in an era of a good dawn for workers in the State. Chairman of the Council, Comrade Sule Ahmed Tijani stated this in a statement while reacting to recent payment of salary and pensions to workers and pensioners in Kogi State. The development, the first of its kind according to him, has proved nay sayers wrong about Governor Ododo's disposition and unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers and the senior citizens. Comrade AhmedTijani said the Union on behalf of workers are full of appreciation and prayers for the Governor for his attempt to make the festive season seamless for all and pledge their continued support to the success of the present administration and it's ' workers'friendly policies. He expressed hope that the talk and do Governor will soon direct the implementation of all outstanding promotions and emonulments with cash backin...

Four inmates in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kabba, regained freedom through the provision of legal aid by the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC).  You may recall that on the 30th day of October, 2024, the Director General, Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission, Musa Onogo Idris, Esq and some Law Officers of the Commission paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kabba, Kogi State, particularly to take up matters of inmates who lacked legal representation in Court for inability to engage a lawyer.  During the said visit, the four (4) defendants above were part of the eighteen (18) inmates PDCRC took the brief to provide free legal representation in Court. The four (4) defendants were separately arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Apata Oworo, Kogi State in the case between Commissioner of Police vs. John Godwin on offences of Criminal Trespa...

YAHAYA BELLO MEDIA OFFICE  PRESS RELEASE  IGNORE FAKE COURT REPORT BY 'A SICK MIND' AGAINST PRESIDENT TINUBU  .PURVEYORS OF THE FAKE NEWS WILL FACE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTION Our attention has been drawn to a not only mischievous but absolutely senseless report published by a mushroom blog called Daily Excessive, which attributed fake quotes against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to our principal, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.  Ordinarily, we would not have even bothered to give this any attention, considering the fact that no informed Nigerian would take such a ridiculous story, written by a sick mind, seriously, especially since court records are public documents.  This clarification is, however, necessary for the record and for the benefit of social media users who circulate fake news without fact-checking the details.  The report, which is part of the desperate plot by irresponsible politicians to strai...

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP) has commended Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for the prompt payment of salaries to Civil Servants in the State. The Kogi State Chairman of CNPP Comrade Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi gave the commendations in a statement on Saturday. Comrade Abdullahi described Governor Ododo as a focused, dedicated, and well determined leader who wants the best for the People of Kogi State. While urging the Governor of the State to sustain his good work since taking over the mantle of leadership in January, Comrade Abdullahi admonished the Governor to use his good office to emulate other States by giving Christmas bonus to workers to meet their needs during this festive season.   According to him" CNPP wishes to commend Governor Ododo for the prompt payment of salary to Civil Servants, Pensioners in Kogi State. No doubt he is writing his name in gold, we want him to sustain this good work that he is doing for our State. For t...