DAILYUPDATES

Distinguished political leader and philanthropist, Chief Dr. Joseph Ameh Erico, has publicly commended the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the successful distribution of official vehicles to the 21 Local Government Council Chairmen across the state. Chief Dr. Erico described the gesture as a bold move to strengthen grassroots governance and improve administrative efficiency at the local level. He noted that the action reflects the Governor’s visionary leadership, commitment to inclusive development, and keen understanding of the operational needs of local councils. “Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has once again proven to be a true leader—one who understands the pulse of the people and the need to empower local authorities. Providing these vehicles is not just symbolic; it is strategic. It will ease mobility, enhance supervision of community projects, and improve responsiveness to constituents’ needs,” Chief Dr. Erico noted. He furt...

The Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Arts and Culture, Juwon Demas Olorunnipa, popularly known as "Jumabee, has applauded Senator Sunday Steve Karimi for what he described as “exemplary dedication and service” to the people of Kogi West Senatorial District. Olorunnipa gave the commendation during a media interaction in Lokoja, the state capital, where he outlined the Senator’s various achievements and called on constituents to rally behind him for sustained development. “Senator Karimi’s hard work and commitment in ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people of Kogi West are truly commendable,” Jumabee said. “His efforts in rehabilitating and improving our federal roads, distributing transformers to enhance power supply, and empowering women entrepreneurs are impactful and worthy of recognition.” He further highlighted Karimi’s role in supporting education and water access across the senatorial district. “The Senator has consistently provided ann...

The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja is compelled to make this official statement to clarify certain fabricated and misleading information authored and circulated by one Abddulaziz Yusuf Okadigbo, claiming to have been arrested because of a purported congratulatory message to a new appointee and his overall support for the Government of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State For the record, the said Abdulaziz Yusuf Okadigbo has, in connivance with a member of staff in the School of Environmental Technology of the Polytechnic, been illegally and fraudulently using the name, identity and logo of the institution to solicit and obtain fund from international organisations, government agencies and other organisations within and outside Nigeria without authorisation. In clear terms, we are in possession of documents that the said individual and his cohort have used under a fake Centre dubbed “Environmental Resource Information C...

In a sustained effort to uplift the lives of grassroots citizens, renowned philanthropist and humanitarian, Ambassador Coach Gabriel Abinu, has empowered over 120 women and youths in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State with financial and material support. The empowerment event, held at Club Fitness Centre in Lokoja, witnessed a large turnout of community members and dignitaries. Beneficiaries received cash gifts some worth millions of naira as well as clothing and other items aimed at helping them start or grow small businesses. Speaking during the well-attended ceremony, Amb. Coach Abinu reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to community service.  “What I am doing here today is born out of my passion to help my people,” he said. “It has always been my desire to give back to society, and I will continue to do so until my last breath on earth.” Also speaking at the event, the Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources,...

By Bishop Aturu The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project is set to take a significant step in improving girls' education as His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, prepares to launch the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme for over 13,000 adolescent girls across the state. The official Flag-Off Ceremony will take place on 28th July 2025 in Lokoja and will witness the presence of the Executive Governor, top government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, and other development partners. This landmark initiative targets girls in transition classes, Primary 6, JSS1, JSS3, and SS1 with the objective of increasing enrollment, retention, and progression in school. A total of 13,359 beneficiaries will receive ₦40,000 each, broken down into: ₦15,000 for school registration support, ₦25,000 for transition support, and an additional ₦10,000 termly stipend to encourage regular attendance. The ...

By Bishop Aturu  The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project is set to launch its Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme on the 28th July, 2025, aimed at supporting adolescent girls in transition classes across the state. The initiative targets girls in Primary 6, JSS1, JSS3, and SS1, with the goal of boosting enrollment, retention, and seamless progression through the education system. The Flag-Off Ceremony, scheduled to take place in Lokoja, will be attended by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside top government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, and other development partners. A total of 13,359 beneficiaries have been selected to receive ₦40,000 each, comprising: ₦15,000 for school registration support, ₦25,000 for transition support, and additional ₦10,000 termly stipend to promote regular school attendance. The CCT falls under Comp...

The Kogi State Ministry of Justice recently concluded a highly productive two-day seminar with the theme "Prospects and Challenges of the Kogi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), 2017: Charting a Way Forward." Held on the 23rd and 24th of July 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja, key stakeholders in the criminal justice sector converged to evaluate the implementation of the ACJL, identify challenges, and propose solutions for enhanced justice delivery in the state. The seminar kicked off with an opening ceremony graced by distinguished figures in the justice sector, including Hon. Justice J.J. Majebi, Chief Judge of Kogi State, High Court Judges, law officers from the Ministry of Justice, and representatives from various security agencies. The welcome address was delivered by the Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Hajia Falilat Yusuf, highlighting the significance of the seminar in fortifying the justice system. In his keynote a...

Hon. Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, has praised the management of the  Julitola International  School located near the Judiciary headquarters at Crusher in Lokoja, the state capital, for exposing its students early enough, to different professions through practical knowledge impacting and career counselling. The CJ gave the commendation when the proprietor and CEO/chairman of the School, Mr. Ajayi Julius Bamidele, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge at the judiciary headquarters in yesterday.  The visit was attended by senior judges of the High Court sitting at the headquarters, including Justice A. N. Awulu, Justice M. E. Umar, Justice E. O. Salihu and Justice M. M. Gwatana.  Also present were Management members led by Hon. Jubrin Oladimeji Ibrahim, the Chief Registrar, and Dr. Mohammed Tanko, Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). In his remarks, Mr. A. J Bamidele expressed gratitude to the Chi...

A former spokesperson of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Engr. Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, has formally resigned from the party and joined the Action Democratic Congress (ADC). In a letter dated July 22, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ogbonicha Ward in Ofu Local Government Area, Abdullahi cited a misalignment between his political aspirations and the party’s ideologies as the reason for his decision. Abdullahi, who contested the 2023 Kogi State House of Assembly election under the PDP for the Ofu State Constituency, expressed gratitude to the party for the platform and opportunities it offered him over the years. The letter reads in part: "After careful evaluation of the current political state of the party and considering the perspectives I have envisioned for my political future, I have come to the conclusion that my aspirations no longer align with the party’s ideologies. I therefore tender my resignation from the membership o...

... Celebration was filled with pomp and pegentry. It was a day off celebration, filled with pomp and pegentry, as Afemai people living in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital, gathered at the Palace of the Onogie Afemai, Alhaji Zakari Dangana to celebrate what they described as his eventful four years on the throne. The Afemai people, also spelled ad Afenmai are a group of people living in the northern part of Edo State South geopolitical. The Afemai people occupy six local government areas of Edo state: Etsakor-East, with headquarters in Agenebode, Etsako central and West, and Owan east & West including Akoko-Edo. These make up the Edo-North Senatorial District. Afemai is an ethnic group, subdivided into different dialects, but people of this ethnicity generally speak and understand each other. The Late Maigari of Lokoja, had on the 21st of July, 2021 coronated the present Onogie Afemai. The Afemai People's joy knew no bound as they all pledge to continue to live peacefully...

A prominent political figure in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amodu Baba, has formally resigned from the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his allegiance to the Action Democratic Congress (ADC). Baba's defection comes on the heels of his resignation from the PDP, conveyed in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the party in Igalaogba Ward, Idah Local Government. In his resignation letter, Baba cited internal party divisions and leadership apathy as key reasons for his exit. The letter reads in part:“I write to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with immediate effect. "This decision has become necessary due to the persistent factionalism within the party and the lack of a clear and purposeful direction. The apparent indifference of the party leadership towards empowering young people has further reinforced my conviction. "In light of this, I find it honourable to part ways w...

The immediate past Deputy Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Hon. Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, has lambasted the Forum of Northern PDP Local Government Youth Leaders over what he described as a “baseless and reckless” statement credited to them, titled *“Coalition of Internally Displaced Politicians? It’s Time to Rebuild the PDP.”* In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, Hon. Abdullahi—who also contested in the last Kogi State House of Assembly election under the PDP accused the group, led by one Hon. Oluwakayode Emmanuel Eseyin, of exposing their “intellectual shallowness and political immaturity.”  “Let me state without ambiguity: the formation of a coalition by committed patriots and political stakeholders many of whom have paid their dues within the PDP and across the broader democratic space is not a crime. It is neither desperation nor betrayal, but a legitimate expression of political agency in a democracy,” the statement r...

The Kogi State Chairman, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), has condemned in it strongest terms, recent attempt to defame the character of the Kogi State Accountant General Dr Mrs Habibat Tijjani. ANAN in a statement signed by the Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, issued to Newsmen in Lokoja, described the State Accountant General, a fellow of ANAN, as a dutiful professional, with impeccable character who has brought her analytical and thinking skills for problem-solving to bear, lauded her for her strong attention to details, a feat that has made many to become envious and scared knowing that managing the finances of the State under Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo is no longer business as usual. "ANAN wished to therefore use this medium to commend the State Accountant General as one who pays great attention to details, and ensures due diligence in the discharge of her responsibilities, While it is ok for detractors to be intimidated by her rising profil...

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, has commenced divorce proceedings against his wife, Tosin Ojo, citing irreconcilable marital differences. The couple, who got married in 2016, have two sons and have reportedly faced serious challenges in their union for over a year. Sources close to the family alleged that the dispute began after Tosin discovered Olorunleke’s relationship with Abuja-based girlfriend, Precious Daniel. The situation reportedly deteriorated following Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where Olorunleke was part of the squad. According to reports, Precious shared images and videos of her private moments with Olorunleke on social media, which further strained the goalkeeper’s marriage. Following a confrontation, Olorunleke allegedly admitted to the affair but declined to end the relationship when urged by his wife. Tosin was said to have appealed for reconciliation on the condition that her husband discontinues the extramarital aff...

... expresses deep sorrow over the unfortunate passing of Mr. Olabode Abimbola Ibikunle, a lecturer in the Department of Social Science Education. His sudden demise, in the company of Miss Glory Ojochegbe Samuel (24GE1034) of the same Department, is a tragic and disturbing occurrence that has understandably generated public concern and interest. The University wishes to state that the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Olabode Abimbola Ibikunle is currently under investigation by the appropriate authorities. We therefore, kindly urge the public and the media to refrain from speculations or drawing premature conclusions until the facts are fully established. We are also aware of some unverified reports linking the names of other students, including Miss Bello Yahaya Lubabat of the Department of Educational Administration and Planning, to the incident. The University firmly dissociates Miss Bello Yahaya Lubabat and other students from the matter and cautions against t...

Ward A in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State has emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Coach Ambassador Gabriel Abinu 5-Aside Football Tournament. The team edged out Ward E with a lone goal in a fiercely contested final played at the Confluence Fitness Centre pitch in Lokoja. The grassroots tournament featured five teams, representing Wards A to E, and attracted a large turnout of spectators, including dignitaries from within and outside the state. The final match was a thrilling display of passion, skill, and sportsmanship, as both sides entertained the crowd with remarkable energy and flair. Speaking after the final whistle, the tournament sponsor, Ambassador Coach Gabriel Abinu, expressed satisfaction with the players’ performance and reiterated his commitment to developing grassroots sports in Kogi State. “This competition has shown that Kogi State is richly blessed with raw football talents. I am genuinely impressed ...

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, has extended his warmest felicitations to the institution’s Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, on the occasion of his 64th birthday. The FUOYE VC, Fasina, an erudite scholar and distinguished professor of soil science, clocks 64 today. Ndoma-Egba, an erstwhile Senate Leader and ex-Board Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), in statement issued to congratulate Prof Fasina on his 64th birthday, hailed his remarkable achievements as the VC of the 14-year-old university, believed to be one of the fastest growing among its peers in Nigeria. The Pro-Chancellor, who represented Cross River Central in the Senate between 2003 and 2015, noted that Fasina’s accomplishments at FUOYE will leave a lasting impact, and set a standard for the future in the institution renowned for its academic excellence and distinction.  The le...

Protect the Child Foundation (PTCF), has called on religious leaders on the need to preach against SGBV and stigmatization of survivors, integrate SGBV prevention in marriage counselling. A nonprofit and non-governmental organization (NGO) with the support of the French Embassy Fund made the call during separate advocacy visits by the organization under its Project Ebulejonu to the respective leaderships of the Kogi State chapters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) respectively.  The founder and Executive Director of the Protect the Child Foundation, Barrister Mrs Elizabeth Ebulejonu Achimugu who led the team on the advocacy visits revealed “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence continues to be a silent but severe crisis in Nigeria and particularly in Kogi State due to poverty, ignorance and weak law enforcement among other challenges.  The NGO equally urged them to report SGBV cases to appropriate law enforcement agencies instead ...

Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State wishes to clarify its position regarding the coalition for a joint opposition. While the party leadership has consistently supported and welcomed the coalition, the current arrangement in Kogi State falls short of the expected standards and the principles of a true alliance with the SDP. As the grassroots party deeply rooted in the indigenous communities of Kogi State, the SDP has been at the forefront of the opposition movement. Any alliances formed outside the purview of the party leadership, particularly those involving individual members and disregarding the interests of the suffering masses of Kogi State, are unacceptable. The SDP will not tolerate any underhanded deals or betrayals that is not rooted within our structures, We urge all parties, PDP, LP, ADC, APC factional memebers etc that are involved to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration to form a viable opposition in Kogi State. Those who abandoned the people of Ko...

Mr Abdulraman Abdulmumuni Enesi, a chairmanship aspirant for the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, has pledged to unite youths across the state to drive developmental progress if elected. Abdulmumuni made the pledge while officially declaring his intention to run during a press conference in Lokoja on Monday. He emphasised the critical role youths play in the development of any society, particularly in bolstering economic growth and enhancing security within the state. “As an aspiring chairman of the NYCN, my focus will be on empowering youths to make a meaningful impact on the state’s security, promote peaceful coexistence, and secure a brighter future for Kogi. “My mission is to build a united, empowered, and productive youth constituency that contributes meaningfully to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria at large,” he stated. Abdulmumuni acknowledged that he did not claim to have all the solutions to the challenges facing young people. ...

I consider it a duty to draw the attention of the general public to the ongoing legal developments surrounding the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on July 4, 2025, in the case instituted by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Contrary to misleading public narratives, it is imperative to clarify that Senator Natasha lost all the reliefs she sought before the court. Specifically, the Federal High Court dismissed the following claims made by her: 1. Her challenge to the Senate’s decision to invite her to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions; 2. Her objection to the reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber; and 3. Her claim in seeking to speak from an unauthorised seat on the Senate floor. In dismissing this claim, the court held that she was in breach of the Senate Standing Orders when she attempted to invoke Order 10 (which is an order of privilege), whereas she had vio...

The Kabba-Owe community was indeed jolted , shocked and embarrassed to note the contents of a forwarded PROPOSAL to the National Assembly by the Okun Development Association (ODA) on the creation of Okun State. It recommended that Okun State consisting of all Okun settlements in Kogi State and a sprinkling of some in Ekiti and Ondo States be created with the Capital at Lokoja or a virgin land in the middle of Okunland. It further recommended that some LGAs be split giving Ijumu LGA into 4 LGAs, Yagba-West 2 ,Yagba-East 3, Mopa-Amuro 2, and Kabba given ONLY 1 and to be named not Kabba but Owe LGA. B. Our Reactions 1.00 Anecdotes of ODA hostility against Kabba: At every twist and turn the ODA has been openly or surreptitiously showing their thinly veiled hostility against Kabba. A few years ago, one of our illustrious , well respected and well decorated Custom officer Mr James Olumudi (now late) contested for the Presidency of ODA in an election that he was popularly coasting...

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing it as a national tragedy and an immense loss to Nigeria and the African continent.   The former Governor noted that President Buhari, who passed on at the age of 82, was not only a towering figure in Nigerian history but also a father figure in leadership and political mentor to him throughout his time in office.   “The passing of Baba Buhari is a deep personal loss to me. He was a father, a guide and a mentor whose leadership shaped my own philosophy of governance.   He extended heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, the Government and people of Katsina State, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remarking that ‘the nation mourns a man whose life was marked by simplicity, honour and a profound sense of duty to the country he served with distinction.’   Bello descr...

His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, former Governor of Kogi State, has expressed grief over the passing of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, who joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.   Governor Bello described the late Awujale as a revered monarch whose remarkable 65-year reign brought enviable progress to Ijebu Ode and the entire Ijebuland.    The former governor also noted that the late Awujale, who introduced and popularised the annual Ojude Oba festival, was an iconic national figure. "Oba Adetona ascended the throne in 1960, the same year Nigeria gained Independence, making his 65-year reign a parallel lens into our nationhood.  "He was an internationally respected monarch, symbol of unity, cultural preservation and advancement," he stated.   Governor Bello extended heartfelt condolences to the royal family of Ijebuland, the Government and people of Ogun Sta...