DAILYUPDATES

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State Chapter, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his transformative strides in the state’s health sector, while also calling for the urgent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) 2024 and payment of all outstanding entitlements owed to medical professionals. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Kogi State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Aazee Jimoh, and the Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Abdulrahman, following an Emergency Congress Meeting of the Association held on June 25, 2025. The Association praised the Governor’s achievements, especially in the areas of health insurance, malaria prevention, drug procurement and distribution, health awareness campaigns, and extensive infrastructural development — particularly the ongoing renovation of Primary Health Care Centres across the state’s local government areas. “We commend His Excellency, Governor Ododo, for his visionary leadership and s...

In recent discourse, a growing wave of uninformed criticism has questioned the credentials of Nigerian Army Generals, with some suggesting that many never "fought a war" and thus are undeserving of their ranks. This perception is not only erroneous but deeply unfair to the sacrifices and experiences that have shaped these officers. Becoming a General in the Nigerian Army is not the product of mere bureaucracy or favoritism. It is a journey defined by strict military codes, rigorous evaluation, field experience, professional courses, and merit-based promotions. No one is promoted into the rank of General without meeting an array of highly disciplined standards enforced by the Nigerian Armed Forces. The rank is earned through decades of resilience, operational command, and integrity under pressure. What many fail to acknowledge is that Nigeria’s Generals are battle-hardened veterans. They have led missions both at home and abroad - particularly in complex theatres l...

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello (CON), has felicitated the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, on his 51st birthday anniversary.  The former governor extended warm birthday wishes to the monarch, on Sunday, through the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael.  According to him, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland is not just being celebrated as a monarch but as a symbol of unity and strength.  “Your wisdom, leadership, and compassion have inspired hope and progress. Your reign has been marked by peace, prosperity, and unity.  “Your dedication to the well-being of your subjects is greatly appreciated," he stated. "I wish you good health, happiness, and many more years of fruitful leadership," the former governor added. OHIARE MICHAEL  DIRECTOR, YAHAYA BELLO MEDIA OFFICE. 29-06-2025

The Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN), a non-governmental and community-based organization, has called on the Federal Government to urgently accelerate the implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan (2023–2027) to address the growing cancer burden across the country. In a letter dated May 31, 2025, addressed to the Honourable Minister of Health, the National Coordinator of CiSCANEN, Dr. (Mrs.) Adegoke-Elijah, expressed concern over the slow pace in executing the key components of the plan, particularly in the areas of prevention and early detection. "With 2025 already underway, none of the critical strategies aimed at screening over 50% of the eligible population by 2027 have commenced," Dr. Elijah stated. "Given the alarming rise in cancer cases in Nigeria, immediate and focused action is imperative if we are to meet the targets set in the plan." While acknowledging and commending the Federal Ministry of Health and stake...

In a move to support the cultural heritage and enhance the traditional institution in Kogi State, renowned philanthropist and youth sports advocate, Ambassador Coach Gabriel Abinu, has donated the sum of N500,000 towards the construction of a new palace for the Agbaja Oworo traditional ruler in Lokoja Local Government Area. The donation, which was made in Lokoja, fulfills a promise Abinu had earlier made to support the development of the Agbaja Kingdom, particularly under the current administration of Governor Usman Ododo. Ambassador Abinu, a rising tennis coach and community development enthusiast, emphasized that his contribution was inspired by a deep commitment to community service and cultural preservation. “My donation today for the construction of a befitting palace for our revered monarch is aimed at ensuring that our traditional institution in Oworo land remains one of the best in Nigeria,” he said. He further stressed the role of traditional institutions in foster...

The Judiciary in Nigeria, the National Working Committee of the People's Democratic Party, and citizens of Nigeria, have been called upon to halt what Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo describes as illegality and impunity walking naked in the Kogi State PDP, insisting that he is the duly elected Chairman of Kogi PDP. Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo in a statement disclosed that by the Court order and Judgment delivered prior to and after the August 31st, 2024 Kogi State PDP Congress, Enemona Anyebe did not participate and was never a contestant in the Congress, lamented that even after the judgement of a High Court, that described his participation as contempt, lamented that he is yet to be sworn in, says he  remains the duly elected Chairman of Kogi PDP. Hon. Gambo disclosed that a court order barred Enemona Anyebe from participating in the State Congress said he didn't participate in the Congress. He added that it is in public domain that a High Court sitting in Lokoja also dec...

Sen. Sunday Karimi, Representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has donated the sum of N10m towards the building of the palace of the Olu of Oworo, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammed Bayerohi. The Senator donated the sum at the fund raising and foundation laying ceremony of the Olu of Oworo's Central Palace, held at the proposed Palace  site in Agabja. Sen. Karimi described the place of traditional institutions in maintaining peace in their domain as veritable, said with the insecurity challenge the nation is presently facing, explained that collective efforts is needed to support the traditional institution. The Senator said the place of the people of Agbaja in the socio  cultural and economic development of the people of Lokoja, makes it a pride of place for the Olu of Oworo to have a befitting palace, assured of his continued support for the Oworo people and in any area of community development that desire now and at all times. The Sena...

... Says we are indeed very grateful The Kogi State President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Comr. Mohammed Sanusi has expressed his deepest appreciation to Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo over the commencement of payment of leave bonuses to workers at the Local Government Areas. Comr. Sanusi in a statement of appreciation issued to Newsmen, described Gov Ododo as a promise keeper, described Gov. Ododo as a talk and do Governor, said the last time leave bonuses were paid to LG workers was about 12-15 years ago. "Let me publicly praise the present administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo in the State for making impact in all sectors of the State's economy. I say this with all emphasis that the present administration has made Local Government Administration the cornerstone of it administration". "We in NULGE will continue to remain committed to the programs and policies of the Gov. Ododo led administration. His repositioning of the Local Government Ad...

By Odimayo O.F Local Government workers in Kogi State have showered praises on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what they described as his unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers through the consistent and full payment of salaries. Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Saturday, the Kogi State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Mohammed Sanisu Inyanya, described the governor as “God-sent” and credited him for transforming the lives of local government workers across the state.  “We are gathered here today to sincerely appreciate our amiable Chief Servant of Kogi State for his dedication to workers’ welfare,” Inyanya said. “For the first time in more than a decade, leave bonuses are being paid, and it is under the administration of Governor Ododo that this became a reality.” He revealed that Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area has already received long-overdue leave bonuses payments not seen in nearly 10 to 15 years....

A total of 184 students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, have received their tuition fee disbursements from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, FNSE, disclosed this during the inauguration of the university’s maiden Student Representative Council (SRC) held on campus. He confirmed that all beneficiaries from CUSTECH had received their funds in full, down to the last kobo. Prof. Salawu commended the Federal Government for the initiative, which is designed to ease the financial burden of tuition fees for students across the country.  He emphasized that the intervention would significantly enhance access to quality education for deserving students. In a separate interview, the Bursar of the University, Mr. John Alaji, FCNA, verified that all NELFUND beneficiaries in CUSTECH had been credited accordingly. One of the beneficiaries, Suleiman Luqman Onoruoyiza, ...

The staff of Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA) organized a mini-reception to welcome their General Manager, Chief, Alh. Dauda O. Momoh, who has been far away to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam. The Operations Manager, Engr. Bayode Oladipo, on behalf of the staff expressed happiness and gratitude to God Almighty for journey mercy, stressed out the eagerness of the entire staff to receive from the General Manager the blessings of Allah SWT that follows him home from the holy land. In appreciation, the General Manager who cannot hide his feelings seeing his staff together in unison; said, "from the moment the administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello saddled me with the leadership responsibility of Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA), I knew it would be daunting. I knew, because to provide social and basic amenities for rural communities across the 21 local government areas of the state, each with their individual idiosyncra...

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Josiah J. Majebi, today Friday 27th June, 2025 paid an impactful visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, at the State Command Headquarters in Lokoja. The visit aimed at strengthening collaboration for enhanced criminal justice delivery in Kogi State.  In his remarks, the Chief Judge expressed his heartfelt appreciation to CP Dantawaye for his exemplary leadership, dedication to duty, and unwavering commitment to peace and order across the state. He noted that the visible impact of CP Dantawaye’s administration is a reflection of strategic leadership, discipline, and professional engagement. Justice Majebi also extended commendations to the Command’s management team, lauding them for their mutual support to the CP and the collective efforts in ensuring security delivery across the state. He particularly praised the Police Officers attached to the judiciary for demonstrating high levels of...

A total of 184 students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, have received their tuition fee disbursements from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, FNSE, disclosed this during the inauguration of the university’s maiden Student Representative Council (SRC) held on campus. He confirmed that all beneficiaries from CUSTECH had received their funds in full, down to the last kobo. Prof. Salawu commended the Federal Government for the initiative, which is designed to ease the financial burden of tuition fees for students across the country.  He emphasized that the intervention would significantly enhance access to quality education for deserving students. In a separate interview, the Bursar of the University, Mr. John Alaji, FCNA, verified that all NELFUND beneficiaries in CUSTECH had been credited accordingly. One of the beneficiaries, Suleiman Luqman Onoruoyiza, a 400-level ...

*Says Yahaya Bello’s name not linked to documents presented as evidence  The fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has refuted, strongly, claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's lawyer that he was harassed by security aides of the former governor.  Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, said, at the conclusion of cross-examination on Friday, that he felt the need to make the clarification on the allegation, raised by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, at the beginning of the day's proceedings.  "My Lord, I wish to clarify the matter raised earlier before the commencement of proceedings. I was not harassed by any of the security details attached to the defendant.  "I was not harassed at all, and I felt the need to clarify this, my lord,” he stated. The Defendant's Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, also called the attention of the Judge to a story on the EFC...

The Member representing Yagba East Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro, has presented an account of his stewardship over the last two years, receiving widespread applause and a resounding endorsement for a second term in 2027 from his constituents. The endorsement came during a town hall meeting, empowerment programme, and a two-day free medical outreach organized by the lawmaker in Isanlu, the administrative headquarters of Yagba East Local Government. The well-attended event, themed "Two Years of Legislative Excellence: Reviewing Our Journey, Renewing Our Commitment," was aimed at celebrating Hon. Obaro’s achievements and further connecting with the people. In his address, Hon. Obaro described the gathering as a moment of reflection and gratitude. He reiterated that the empowerment initiative targeted at over 300 beneficiaries across various wards was designed to directly touch lives and promote inclusive...

By Bishop Aturu  In a determined effort to ensure transparency and successful implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, the Kogi State Project Coordinator (PC) led members of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) on an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing second cohort enrollment exercise for CCT beneficiaries. The exercise took place at two government-owned public schools in Lokoja: Government Day Secondary School, Adankolo, and Holy Trinity School, Alheri Road, both currently hosting enrollment centers for the new cohort of eligible female students under the AGILE-supported CCT scheme. Speaking during the visit, the AGILE Project Coordinator expressed satisfaction with the progress of the enrollment, commending the consulting firm responsible for the biometric data capturing and the CCT Component Lead, Mr. Munini Kunle, for his effective coordina...

By Taiye Agbaje Abuja, June 26, 2025 (NAN) There was a mild drama at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, as Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), described the charge preferred against former Gov. Yahaya Bello as “a political case.” Pinheiro stated this while arguments were being raised before Justice Emeka Nwite on whether the defence lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, could cross-examine the 4th prosecution witness (PW-4) shortly after the conclusion of evidence-in-chief or wait till Friday. While describing the importance of the case and the need to expedite proceedings, the anti-graft lawyer said it was the trial of a former governor of a state, hence, political. However, Daudu responded that the matter was not political one but a trial on allegations bordering on money laundering. Pinheiro insisted it was political, emphasising that he was not prosecuting a bank official, but a political figure, “one who had even aspired t...

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Musa Sandra, has expressed deep appreciation to the Accountant General of Kogi State, Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijani Onumoko, for her recent visit to communities in Ajaokuta Local Government, particularly the ASCO Township. Dr. Sandra, in a statement issued on Tuesday, described the Accountant General’s visit as a clear demonstration of the current administration's commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development. “Dr. Habibat’s visit reassured the good people of Ajaokuta of the state government's unwavering focus on community development,” she said. “She conveyed the gratitude of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the continued support of our people and reaffirmed the administration’s pledge to leave no community behind in the state’s development agenda.” The visit, according to Sandra, featured generous donation...

I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijani Onumoko, The Accountant General of Kogi State, for her recent visit to several areas in Ajaokuta Local Government and especially, ASCO Township.  During her visit, Dr. Habibat reassured the good people of Ajaokuta of the state government's commitment to community development and all inclusive governance. She conveyed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's gratitude for their continuous support and emphasized the administration’s determination to ensure that no community is left behind in the state's development agenda. Her generosity was evident through the cash donations and distribution of valuable items, which showcased the government’s dedication to uplifting all its citizens. These goodwill gestures have rekindled our hope and have undoubtedly intensified our ongoing support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Musa Sandra, Special Adviser on SEMA expresse...

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Tuesday commissioned the newly completed 7.7-kilometre Gande-Male-Gwahitto-Fako Road in Sokoto State, praising the initiative as a bold testament to people-focused leadership and responsive governance under the administration of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto. The road project, executed at a cost of ₦2.2 billion through a partnership between the Sokoto State Government and the World Bank, cuts across Silame and Binji Local Government Areas. It is expected to boost agricultural productivity by connecting rural communities to markets and easing movement across the state’s agricultural corridors. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo commended Governor Aliyu for prioritizing infrastructure and rural development, describing the road project as more than just an access route, but “a lifeline for farmers, traders, and communities who now have direct access to economic opportunities.” “You are not just building roads...