DAILYUPDATES

Abdul Mohammed Lawal. When I came across this picture of Hon. Akus Lawal presenting his certificate of return to His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, this morning, I couldn't help but smile. I knew a bit more about the struggle leading up to that moment, more than the average person. It took me down memory lane to 2022 when the APC was embroiled in an intense battle over who would fly its flag for the 2023 elections into the KSHA. I first met Akus while working at the Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Council (YBPCC), and his soft-spoken nature was his charm in dealing with everyone around him. It was exciting when discussions about the Ankpa 1 State Constituency started including his name, even though the list of contenders was long, with each believing they had a legitimate claim. Among this long list of hopefuls, only two names stood out; Akus Lawal and Hon. John Aduga, a former LG Administrator from the same Akwu community. It was a showdown between two brothe...

Abdul Mohammed Lawal. When I came across this picture of Hon. Akus Lawal presenting his certificate of return to His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, this morning, I couldn't help but smile. I knew a bit more about the struggle leading up to that moment, more than the average person. It took me down memory lane to 2022 when the APC was embroiled in an intense battle over who would fly its flag for the 2023 elections into the KSHA. I first met Akus while working at the Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Council (YBPCC), and his soft-spoken nature was his charm in dealing with everyone around him. It was exciting when discussions about the Ankpa 1 State Constituency started including his name, even though the list of contenders was long, with each believing they had a legitimate claim. Among this long list of hopefuls, only two names stood out; Akus Lawal and Hon. John Aduga, a former LG Administrator from the same Akwu community. It was a showdown between two brothe...

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has praised the family of late Engr Joseph Makoju for a donation of 250 seater capacity Lecture Theatre to the institution. The Vice Chancellor gave the commendation while speaking at the commissioning and dedication of Joseph and Enesi Oyeyani Makoju Memorial Lecture Theatre, donated to the Federal University, Lokoja, by the family,  held at the institution's permanent site, Felele, in Lokoja, on Sunday. Professor Akinwumi described the 250 seater capacity Lecture Theatre as architectural master piece. The Vice Chancellor who expressed gratitude to Makoju's Family, affirmed that the gift will go a long way in providing the needed quality education in the university. "To the Makoju's Family, your generosity is highly appreciated and will be rewarded abundantly "We, members of the University Community, remains eternally grateful to Makoju's Family for initiating the p...

A young Philanthropist from Kogi State Amb. Gabriel Abinu has felicitated with all Muslims within and outside the Country on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. In a statement signed by him on Sunday in commemoration of this year Eid-El-Fitr celebration, he prayed for peace and hoped that the supplications of the Muslim faith will be accepted for the good of our country He admonished Muslims to imbibe the lessons leant from the ramadan fast which is love, forgiveness, tolerance, and perseverance as exemplified by the holy prophet. According to him,“Congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan. “May all the supplications of our Muslim brothers and sisters be accepted and may the blessings of Ramadan abide with us all. May we experience peace, prosperity and joy in all spheres of life. “Let us remember those in need as we celebrate and pray for the stability of  our nation.” He particularly commended the Maigari of Lokoja Alhaji I...

A coalition of fifteen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has set up a situation room to monitor the ongoing process to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, as initiated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a press statement signed by Mike Femi, Convener and Lead Partner of the Civil Monitoring Society Situation Room for the Kogi Central Recall Exercise, the coalition emphasised its commitment to ensuring the recall process adheres strictly to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) and follows INEC’s established guidelines. According to the coalition, INEC has received a petition from constituents of Kogi Central seeking to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the commission has formally notified the lawmaker as required by law. The CSOs noted that while recall is a constitutional right of the people, the process must remain free from political interference or manipulatio...

The Chairman ESV Elder Apeh  Philips, Executive Committee and members of Kogi State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) wishes to extend her hearty congratulations to the President, ESV Victor Adekunle Alonge PNIVS, FRICS, FIoD, on his recognition on the global stage for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. In a statement on Saturday issued by the branch Honourary Publicity Secretary and Chairman Elect, ESV John Eniwaiye noted that this Outstanding Humanitarian Award’ at the United Nations Headquarters in New York is a testament that this prestigious honour conferred by the United Nations Commission for the Status of Women (UNCSW) is in recognition of the President dedication, commitment and impactful support for African women’s status advancement initiatives. Eniwaiye added, his efforts have significantly contributed to initiatives that promote inclusivity, professional development, and economic opportunities for Afri...

Your Excellency, as you mark your 73rd birthday, I celebrate your remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of our nation with deep respect and admiration. Your courage, wisdom, and visionary leadership continue to steer our country through challenges, reflecting your vast experience and dedication to national progress. Your bold and transformative economic reforms have stabilised Nigeria, and their positive impact is now evident, ushering in Renewed Hope and prosperity for our people. From the strategic removal of fuel subsidies to the unification of exchange rates and the revitalisation of key infrastructure, your administration’s policies have laid a strong foundation for long-term economic growth and stability. On this special day, on behalf of my family, I celebrate you as a statesman, a reformer, and a leader devoted to the wellbeing of Nigerians. May Almighty Allah bless you with continued good health, strength, and wisdom as you lead Nigeria...

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his heartfelt felicitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.   Governor Ododo in statement signed by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah described President Tinubu as a statesman whose leadership and dedication to national development continue to inspire hope and progress across Nigeria.  He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving economic reforms, strengthening national unity, and advancing the nation’s democratic values.   "On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, I celebrate Mr President and our father on this special day. Your resilience, visionary leadership, and patriotism have laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts in repositioning our country for sustainable development," Governor Ododo stated.   He further reaffirmed...

”.What started as a bicker over a change of seat at the Red Chamber snowballed into the ultimate move to recall Natasha Akpoti from the Red Chamber as a Senator representing the people of Kogi Central.  The chain of events that led to this recall move are better left to the social commentators.It is however, worrisome that as serious as the recall exercise which is already in full throttle is, Natasha and her supporters seem to be focusing on things that are not relevant and plainly of no consequences in the eyes of the law.  The media reported that following the submission of the recall petition at the INEC office wherein the INEC raised an issue of not submitting the contact details of some of the representatives of the petitioners as provided under the Rules and Guideline for recall, Natasha Akpoti pointed out that the INEC ought to have rejected the recall petition in its entirety having not complied with that section of the recall guideline.  In another n...

It would be recalled that a purported suspension of the following personalities from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter by the current State Chairman of the Council Comrade Benjamin Jeremiah Ojodale namely: 1) Engr. Godwin SB Emmanuel - a former State Chairman of the Council and Elder of NYCN  2) Hon Isah Emmanuel Ojobunwene- Mario , an ex-State Secretary and Stakeholder  3) Destiny Ali Keller 4) Sunday Alih Arising from the NYCN Council of Elders, Kogi State Chapter meeting ,the said current Chairman of the Council has no powers to do so without the consent of the Management of the Body. Besides, both Engr Godwin S.B. Emmanuel (a reputed ex-State Chairman) and Isah Emmanuel Ojobunwene Mario ( a reputed ex-State Secretary) are no members of his Exco in the Council. Therefore, the said Chairman's actions and publication ultra-vires, null and void. In addition to the above, the previous so-called 3-man review committee the Chairman set u...

The leadership and Stakeholders of National Youth Council of Nigeria has warned one Mallam Faruna Aminu to stop parading himself as the coordinator of the Council at the Chapter or risk be arrested and prosecuted for impersonation. This decision came up rising from a meeting upon seeing a list he's circulating on social media platforms affirming himself as coordinator  It is on record that the said Mallam Faruna Aminu contested for election for the position of Coordinator on the 27th day of March, 2025. During the processes for the election, he confirmed and reaffirmed that he didn't contest for any election and this Statement is evidential in a video at Ajaka, Igalamela Odolu LGA. Mallam Faruna Aminu contested for the election held on the 27th of March and was defeated by Comrade Timothy Alewo JIBRIN who scored nine(9) of the total of seventeen accredited delegates voted while Aminu Faruna got five(5) votes. The balance of votes were shared by two other contestants...

On behalf Of Olamaboro Chapter of National Youth council of Nigeria, we write do disassociate ourselves from the reckless, bias and shameful comments of suspension credited to Benjamin Ojodale against our respectful and capacity oriented leaders from Olamaboro where he hails from. For the records, the above names mentioned in his comments  are leaders who suffered and have sacrificed to build and mentor youth in the local government and Kogi State at lager often times regardless of who you are. As Olamaboro Youth we write as follows,  1. That we reject the purported suspension with Immediate effect. 2. That we will not recognize Comr Benjamin Jerry as Kogi State NYCN Chairman until he pulled down his reckless and political motivated post against those he allerged wrongly. 3. That he must tender an unreserved apology to our respectful leaders before 24hours of the receipt of this public notification. 4. That the State Chairman Should be held responsible should they ...

On behalf Of Olamaboro Chapter of National Youth council of Nigeria, we write do disassociate ourselves from the reckless, bias and shameful comments of suspension credited to Benjamin Ojodale against our respectful and capacity oriented leaders from Olamaboro where he hails from. For the records, the above names mentioned in his comments  are leaders who suffered and have sacrificed to build and mentor youth in the local government and Kogi State at lager often times regardless of who you are. As Olamaboro Youth we write as follows,  1. That we reject the purported suspension with Immediate effect. 2. That we will not recognize Comr Benjamin Jerry as Kogi State NYCN Chairman until he pulled down his reckless and political motivated post against those he allerged wrongly. 3. That he must tender an unreserved apology to our respectful leaders before 24hours of the receipt of this public notification. 4. That the State Chairman Should be held responsible should they ...

The Campaign for Democracy has said that the actions taken by the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, since the “avoidable” crisis began a few weeks ago, have put Nigeria’s image on trial before the global community. The foremost Civil Society Organisation expressed concern that, rather than addressing the core issues surrounding her suspension within the framework of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan chose to “engage in a campaign of calumny against the Senate as an institution.” In a statement on Thursday, signed by its President, CD said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s activities within and outside the country since the beginning of the controversy had cast an unfortunate dent on the image of Nigeria, for which she must apologise. According to the organisation, this is nothing but gross misconduct against Nigeria. The statement, however, advised respected Nigerian leaders t...

Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has reiterated the transformative power of spiritual exercises in shaping morally upright families and societies, stating that prayers remain pivotal to every successful household. The Kogi First Lady made the remark while hosting religious, professional, and socio-political women groups including commissioners, council legislators, women journalists, and Igbo women groups to a Ramadan Iftar at the Government House in Lokoja.  Mrs. Ododo urged women to deepen their faith in God and support their families through fervent prayers, emphasizing the need for unity, sacrifice, and mutual support beyond the fasting period. “Fasting should bring us closer to Allah, but we must ensure that this closeness continues beyond Ramadan. Our prayers should not end with fasting; we must continue to pray for our children, families, state, and nation,” she stated. She also encouraged women to extend a helping han...

The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, led by the Rector, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has extended its heartfelt condolences to His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba, on the passing of his beloved wife, Olori Maria Ige Owoniyi.   During a condolence visit to the palace on Tuesday, 24thy March , 2025, in Kabba, Kogi State, Professor Usman expressed deep sorrow over the irreparable loss, describing Olori Maria Ige Owoniyi as a remarkable woman whose contributions to society will remain indelible.   Professor Usman extolled the virtues of the late Olori Maria Ige Owoniyi, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to community development, her compassionate heart, and her steadfast dedication to uplifting the lives of the people of Kabba and Okun land as a whole. The Rector further prayed for divine strength and comfort for His Royal Majesty, the royal family, Kabba and the entire Kingdom, urging them to find solace in the im...

It has been gathered that the Electoral Committee (Elcom), chaired by Mario and  Abdulkadeer Ali-Keller as its secretary, has come under intense scrutiny for allegedly subverting the constitution to clear Abdullahi Isah, a serving councilor, to contest for the position of Idah NYCN Coordinator. This move, which directly contradicts the eligibility criteria outlined in the NYCN constitution, has sparked outrage among stakeholders who view it as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral process. Investigations reveal that Isah, in addition to exceeding the constitutionally approved age limit, holds multiple political offices—including his current position as a councilor, the Organizing Secretary of the NYCN state executive, and Treasurer of the local government chapter. These factors alone should have rendered him ineligible. However, under the leadership of Mario and Keller, the Elcom has not only ignored these disqualifications but has gone ahead to insist on his...

 A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi on Monday vacated the Ex-parte Injunction earlier granted to Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 20.  Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, who gave the order setting aside the injunction he granted, also ordered for the acceleration of the case before him. Dashen had on Thursday granted an interim injunction restraining INEC, its staff, agents, privies or assigns from receiving, accepting or acting on any petition containing signatures of members of Kogi Central Senatorial District. The court also stopped INEC from conducting any referendum upon such petition for the purpose of initiating a re-call process of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pending the determination of the Motion on Notice to the same effect. But INEC, through its Counsel, Mr Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), made an oral application for the setting aside of the exparte injunction granted Akpoti-Uduaghan and for an acc...

Kogi West indigenes, on Sunday, said the unstable and embarrassing conduct of the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, had shown that her call for periodic drug tests for senators was apt. The indigenes said the embattled senator's advice was in order, considering the fact that her conduct since she refused to obey a simple sitting arrangement rule at the Senate, had truly called for a drug test to ascertain if she was free from the influence of substance. The constituents were responding to a statement by the embattled Senator, where she called for period drug tests for senators, in response to a statement by the lawmaker representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Senator Sunday Karimi. Their reaction came through a statement signed by the Chairman, Kogi West Patriotic Assembly, Ayodele Joshua, PhD; and Secretary, Kareem Adigun. Senator Karimi had said former Governor Yahaya Bello had been vindicat...

The Kogi State Government has assured retirees that pension and gratuity payments are now processed transparently, eliminating the need for personal connections or lobbying before benefits are paid to retirees.  Director-General of the Kogi State Pension Commission, Mariam Abedo, disclosed this in an Exclusive Chat with the Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah who was on a courtesy visit to her office in Lokoja.  She explained that the government has introduced a technology-driven payment system that ensures fairness and efficiency. “Once a retiree’s documentation is complete, their payment is processed without any influence. We currently process over 200 retirees daily,” she stated. Abedo further disclosed that the commission has significantly cleared pension arrears as the state has consistently made funds available to meet obligations of retirees.  She emphasized that transparency and accountability have improved the commission’s operations, making the pa...

The Senator Representing, Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Sunday Karimi, has said that the current happenings in the Senate involving the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have vindicated former Governor Yahaya Bello. Senator Karimi noted that, as a key player in the National Assembly, he could comfortably say that the former Governor could, afterall, not have been blamed for what Akpoti-Uduaghan blamed him for in the state prior to the National Assembly elections. The Kogi West Senator, who spoke to journalists in Lokoja, in reaction to the face-off between Akpoti-Udaughan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said "former Governor Yahaya Bello must have seen it coming." "Other Kogi lawmakers and I played major roles in ensuring that the State was not brought to ridicule, but no amount of reasoning could prevail. Our intervention was rebuffed," he said. He recalled that the Kogi Central Se...

The Director General of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Musa Onogo Idris, Esq., and his team recently visited the Okengwe Traditional Council at Okengwe in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.  The Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf and the royal fathers warmly welcomed the Director General and Officers of the Commission.  In his opening speech, the DG appreciated HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf, the Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi and Okengwe Traditional Council for being present for the sensitization.  He said the purpose of the visit was to sensitize them on the mandate of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC) and the provisions of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022. While speaking on the establishment and functions of the Commission, Onogo Esq. noted that PDCRC was established by the Kogi State Government to provide free...

The Director General of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Musa Onogo Idris, Esq., and his team recently visited the Okengwe Traditional Council at Okengwe in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.  The Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf and the royal fathers warmly welcomed the Director General and Officers of the Commission.  In his opening speech, the DG appreciated HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf, the Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi and Okengwe Traditional Council for being present for the sensitization.  He said the purpose of the visit was to sensitize them on the mandate of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC) and the provisions of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022. While speaking on the establishment and functions of the Commission, Onogo Esq. noted that PDCRC was established by the Kogi State Government to provide free...

The Director General of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Musa Onogo Idris, Esq., and his team recently visited the Okengwe Traditional Council at Okengwe in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.  The Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf and the royal fathers warmly welcomed the Director General and Officers of the Commission.  In his opening speech, the DG appreciated HRH. Abdulkareem Atta Yusuf, the Ohi of Okengwe-Ehi and Okengwe Traditional Council for being present for the sensitization.  He said the purpose of the visit was to sensitize them on the mandate of the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC) and the provisions of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022. While speaking on the establishment and functions of the Commission, Onogo Esq. noted that PDCRC was established by the K...

.'Action shows you've realised you're as good as gone' Kogi Central indigenes have described the recent court injunction obtained by the embattled lawmaker representing the Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from receiving a petition for her recall, as a sign that "she has realised that she is as good as gone." According to the constituents, who cut across the five local government areas of the Senatorial District, once intentions are not pure, individuals are bound to commit irreversible blunders, "which is the case of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan, even in the construction of her court injunction statement." In a statement released on Friday by the Kogi Central Renaissance Assembly, the constituents claimed that desperation had pushed the senator to describe the recall signatures as fictitious, saying that should have been left for INEC to unravel during its verificatio...

Pastor Iyke  Ihedohia, Pastor Ilenwa Ebiloma are expected be the guest speakers. Min. Peter Agala Wealth shall be  the guest Artist. The freedom voices will be on standby all through the program for song ministrations. The General overseer of the chapel of freedom worldwide, Bishop, Dr John and Rev Mrs Margret Ibenu are the Chief Host. Resident Pastor of City of faith, behind old poly quarter Lokoja, Kogi state, Ben Adejoh is the Coordinator and also the Host of the program. Date: Friday 28th _ Sunday 30th March, 2025.  Note that Friday and Saturday 5pm daily. Sunday is 8 30am.  Join us!

Pastor Iyke  Ihedohia, Pastor Ilenwa Ebiloma are expected be the guest speakers. Min. Peter Agala Wealth shall be  the guest Artist. The freedom voices will be on standby all through the program for song ministrations. The General overseer of the chapel of freedom worldwide, Bishop, Dr John and Rev Mr Margret Ibenu are the Chief Host. Resident Pastor of City of faith, behind old poly quarter Lokoja, Kogi state, Ben Adejoh is the Coordinator and also the Host of the program. Date: Friday 28th _ Sunday 30th March, 2025.  Note that Friday and Saturday 5pm daily. Sunday is 8 30am.  Join us!

Ebira indigenes have condemned, in strong terms, insinuations that the recall process against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was not endorsed by the majority of the electorate in the area. The indigenes, from across the five local governments of Kogi Central, said they had resolved to bring the embattled Senator back home, adding that the embarassment she had caused the senatorial district had, unfortunately, taken an "international dimension." This stand was taken in a statement on Thursday, jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), Alh. Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim and Prince Akerejola Johnson of Ogori/Magongo LGA, respectively.  The constituents told Nigerians to disregard the deliberate mischief by the camp of the Kogi Central Senator suggesting that people were deceived to come out for the recall exercise.  "No one is spon...