DAILYUPDATES

The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its determination to revolutionize the state’s education sector in line with global standards. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, gave the assurance during a media tour of Kogi State University (KSU), Kabba, where journalists inspected ongoing developmental projects. Fanwo noted that the administration of Governor Usman Ododo has continued to prioritize education while also ensuring security and providing a conducive environment for learning across the state’s institutions. He dismissed misconceptions that the university is unsafe and unfit for academic activities, stressing that the institution has remained peaceful and habitable. “The three state-owned universities remain a true reflection of unity in Nigeria,” Fanwo said. “Governor Ododo is transforming the education sector beyond what many thought possible. That is why we brought you here—to silence the naysayers. We are not just talki...

Ambassador Coach Gabriel Abinu, a young philanthropist, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Alhaji Asiru Ijagbemi, father of the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning. The late Alhaji Ijagbemi died on Sunday at the age of 95. In a condolence message to the bereaved family, Ambassador Abinu described the late nonagenarian as “a father whose love for his children and community knew no boundaries.” He noted that Alhaji Ijagbemi lived a fulfilled life and would forever be remembered for his immense contributions to humanity and the peace of the state. “We have lost a father and a peace builder in Kogi State. Late Alhaji Asiru Ijagbemi was a man loved by all, a man who touched many lives positively. As the Holy Book says, from dust we came and to dust we shall return. Baba has done his best for his people, and it is now left for us to sustain his good works on earth,” Abinu stated. The philanthropist also prayed for strength for the family ...

The Kogi State Government has commenced the inspection of the ongoing 10-kilometre Mopa-Muro township road project, reaffirming its commitment to the timely completion of infrastructure across the state. The inspection team, led by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Muhammed Avohi Yusuf, emphasized the administration’s determination to improve road networks for the ease of transportation of goods and services. Speaking to journalists during the tour, Engr. Yusuf disclosed that significant progress has been made on the project. “The government is constructing not less than 10 kilometres of road in this local government. As you can see, four kilometres have already been completed with asphalt. Once the rainy season ends, the entire project will be delivered,” he said. He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing infrastructure development, noting that similar projects a...

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Alhaji Asiru Ijagbemi, father of the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, who died on Sunday at the age of 95. In his condolence message to the bereaved family,  Governor Ododo noted that the late Alhaji Ijagbemi lived a fulfilled life and left behind enduring legacies that will continue to be remembered by his family and community. “Alhaji Asiru Ijagbemi was a man of rare virtue who lived a life of fulfilment, honour and piety. His passing is not only a grievous loss to his immediate household, but also to the entire people Yagba East and indeed, to the entire Kogi State,” the Governor said. The Governor noted that only a few weeks ago he lost his own father and a priceless friend and as such, he knows what it truly means to lose a father at this time, stressing that while the pain is immeasurable, the comfort lies in the enduring legacy left behind by t...

The Ijumu Ladies Association has congratulated Prince Olatunji Olusoji on his conferment with a prestigious Honourary Doctorate Degree by Vine University, USA. In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olajumoke Olumosunle, the association described Prince Olusoji as a distinguished philanthropist and advocate of human capital development whose contributions have left indelible marks in Ijumu, Okunland, and Kogi State at large. According to the association, the honour is a recognition of Prince Olusoji’s tireless commitment to philanthropy, education, and community development, especially in supporting the poor and vulnerable. “We are delighted to identify with his humanitarian and philanthropic services, which resonate with our vision and mission. Prince Olusoji’s remarkable work has improved lives, empowered individuals, and inspired positive change in society,” the statement noted. The association further commended Vine University for acknowledging the selfless eff...

The Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS), Olamaboro Command, has arrested a suspected serial burglar identified as Ojochenemi Samuel in the Etutekpe area of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. According to a statement issued on Friday, September 19, 2025, by the KSVS Public Relations Officer, Idris S. Idris, the suspect was apprehended following an intelligence tip-off. Items recovered from him at the point of arrest include:One single-barrel firearm, a wheelbarrow, Three mobile phones and Cash in naira denominations During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to breaking into the residence of one Mr. Sunday Abutu, from where he allegedly carted away the recovered items. The statement added that the suspect and the exhibits have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Olamaboro Division, for further investigation and prosecution. The Comptroller-General of the KSVS, Ibrahim Omeiza Sani (Rtd.), commended the operatives for their swift respons...

A Cleric,   Pastor Rotimi Nathaniel,  RCCG City of Grace, Region 24, Kogi,  has said that Nigeria will  soon come out of its economic woes by the grace of God. Nathaniel made the remarks during the thanksgiving service  of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi Chapter, at the City of Grace Regional headquarters,  Lokoja, on Sunday in celebration of its Press Week In his sermon titled: "Arise to the Next Level, "  the  pastor said with the Policies and programmes being introduced by President Bola Tinubu's administration,  it's a matter of time for Nigerians to smile. Quoting from 1 Sam. 1:18-19, he said God has not forgotten Nigeria but will arise to deliver her from all the prevailing security and economic challenges.  He said God so love Nigeria, which explains why in all her security,  political and socio-economic challenges, the country is still standing and waxing strong.  According to him, some pe...

... As Partners Seek $7trn Yearly To Meet SDG 2030 Goals The Kogi State delegation attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), New York, have expressed Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo's administration's efforts to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This is as Global development partners and Nigerian delegation at the Assembly also advocated strong partnerships, resource mobilisation in bridging the massive funding gaps that is threatening the accomplishments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Kogi State delegation to this year's Assembly, led by Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. Mrs Ayoade Folashade Arike Phd, has other Economic Council Members, made the disclosure of the administration's determination to gender equality, ending poverty and protecting the environment. Some of the other delegates from Kogi State attending the 80th UNGA include; Asiwaju Asiru Idris, Hon Inda ...

Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah has begun sensitization campaign on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Adavi Local Government Area. Speaking on friday during the exercise, Hon. Isah said the mobilization was part of efforts to sensitize citizens on the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections. He emphasized that democracy can only thrive when citizens take part in the electoral process, noting that the PVC remains the strongest tool for making political choices. “The power to choose our leaders and influence governance lies in our PVCs. Today’s mobilization is a call to civic duty and an opportunity for every eligible citizen to make their voices heard and their votes count,” he stated. Former Chairman of Adavi LGA and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency), Hon. Joseph Salami, commended the initiative, describing it as a clear demo...

From AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday commissioned a set of modern facilities at the historic Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna, sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL). The projects include a state-of-the-art ablution centre, 50 restrooms with VIP sections, and a 300,000-litre overhead water tank to serve both worshippers and the surrounding Ungwan Sarki community. Tinubu, who was in Kaduna for the wedding of former Zamfara Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari’s son, described the intervention as a testimony to unity and corporate social responsibility across Nigeria’s regions. Before the intervention, the mosque relied on a small ablution facility that was grossly inadequate for the large number of worshippers, particularly during the Friday Juma’at prayers. The new ablution centre can now serve up to 300 worshippers at the same time, while the overhead tank guarantees uninterrupted water supply for both the m...

The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), the umbrella body of civil society organizations in Kogi State, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis between the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara. The dispute, which stems from allegations of employment marginalization and non-compliance with disability inclusion laws, has raised tensions in the state. In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, KONGONET described the situation as “disturbing,” citing the apparent disregard for established disability rights frameworks. The group reminded stakeholders that the *Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018*, guarantees equal opportunities in employment, education, health, and access to public services. It also noted that the Kogi State Disability Rights Law, which aligns with the federal legislation, affirms the rights of PWDs to fair representati...

The Kogi State Government has condemned the violent protest staged on Wednesday at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, by some persons under the banner of the Association of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs). The protesters, who locked the university’s main gate and disrupted academic activities, claimed they were being marginalized in employment opportunities at the institution. However, in a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the claims as “baseless,” stressing that the institution has employed several qualified persons living with disabilities in both academic and non-academic roles. He listed examples to include Rofiat Ozohu Ohize, who has been serving as Technologist II in the Chemistry Department since 20th May 2024; Ahmed Rufai Omuya, who assumed duty on 11th January 2024 as an Assistant Executive Officer in the Registry Department; an...

The Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) has called for deeper collaboration between civil society and government to strengthen legislative openness and improve governance in Kogi State. This was part of the resolutions contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day inception meeting of the *Strengthening Legislative Openness and Oversight Project for Improved Governance in Kogi State (Kogi LOOP)*, held in  Lokoja.  The project is sponsored by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, members of the House Standing Committee on Information, the Deputy Clerk and Committee Clerk, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, representatives of the State Steering Committee, Non-State Actors (NSA) of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), youth groups, and media practitioners. In its ...

By Bishop Aturu The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kogi State has continued the distribution of N40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to schoolgirls, following the earlier flag-off of the scheme. The initiative is aimed at enhancing school enrollment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, thereby strengthening their contribution to the state’s social and economic development. At the exercise held on Tuesday at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS), Lokoja, the AGILE team issued preloaded ATM cards to parents and guardians of beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Oricha, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for keeping to his promise of ensuring that ATM cards are distributed across the state to all beneficiaries.  He stressed that the disbursement was not a one-off, but a follow-up activity towards the Governor’s pledge that the AG...

The people of Ogori in Ogori-Magongo LGA has praised the Kogi state Governor, His Excellency (Alh.) Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing support through the World bank assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project for the establishment of a Cassava processing plant in Oshobane ward to boast the economic potentials of the area. -This message was recently revealed at the pre-unveiling ceremony of a GARRI PROCESSING INDUSTRY in Oshobane Ogori, the industry when completed would be capable of producing starch, cassava flour, garri etc.  The industry beside the commerce potentials is also aimed at serving as a skill centre to trained youth on the utilization of cassava value-chain in promoting livelihood. -The GARRI PROCESSING INDUSTRY was birthed by the Oshobane UNINI Multi-Purpose Cooperative Limited of Ogori, the members of the cooperative also thanked Hon. Maryam Usman Yahaya who is the SSA to the Kogi State Executive Governor on Livelihood Mobili...

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, today 16th September, 2025, received the newly deployed Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on a courtesy visit at the Command Headquarters, Lokoja.  The visit provided an atmosphere of interagency solidarity and renewed commitments to collaborative approach in the fight against crime and criminality in the state. In his remarks, commandant Aletan Olumide Ebenezer  stated that, the purpose of his visit is to seek for continued partnership and synergy between the Police and NSCDC in Kogi state. Stressing the importance of synergy among security agencies in confronting criminality and other threats to public safety. Nothing that intelligence sharing, and collaborative approach are essentials in security management. In his response, CP Dantawaye thanked the commandant for the visit. He emphasised that, inter-agency collaboration is necessary to improve security...

By Samuel Temiloluwa - Abuja The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Hon Meseko Durosinmi, led a courtesy visit to the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on September 16, 2025.   The Director General of the institute, Professor Samson Duna accompany the Board Chairman on the visit aimed to consolidate on the mutually beneficial collaborations between the two institutions. During the visit, Hon Meseko highlighted the existing good working relationship between NBRRI and FRSC, citing their collaborative efforts in road accident prevention programs and the development of innovative solutions to reduce road accidents. He commended the FRSC's efforts in making Nigerian roads safer, particularly in enforcing speed limiters as per the ECOWAS Declaration and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety. The NBRRI and FRSC are currently working on a National Route Analysis to generate a comprehensive traffic ...

Kogi State Chapter of the Advocacy for Youth Leadership In Governance, Nigeria has endorsed the Special Adviser on Labour Matters to Governor Usman Ododo for the House Of Representatives Seat for Ankpa-Omala-OlamaboroFederal Constituency. Speaking at a Press Conference in Lokoja, the National Coordinator of the Group, Comrade Ajinomoh Abiodun, said the endorsement was done after a careful assessment of the political terrain in Kogi State. According to him, the Group is appealing to Comrade Edoka to present himself for the political seat in view of his unprecedented achievement politically and sterling track record of service and integrity spanning over three decades in the Health Sector both at Local, State and Federal levels. Comrade Onuh Johnson Edoka he stressed beyond his achievements at the health sector, has touched countless lives in his Constituency through youth Empowerment,. Community Development, Employment Facilitation and unwavering support for cultural institu...

…AS STUDENT LEADERS DISTANCE SELVES FROM RUMORED PROTEST PLANS The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, on Monday, September 15, 2025, held an interactive session with representatives of Student Unions to address concerns over the recent upward review of school fees as students returned to the campus today for First Semester 2025/2026 academic session. The meeting held at the Council Chamber of the Polytechnic’s main campus in Lokoja, also had in attendance representatives of key security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police Force (B Division), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Kogi State Vigilante Service. The engagement was aimed at fostering dialogue  and reinforce mutual understanding on the subject for a smooth take - off of the first semester of the academic session. The meeting was specially called amid rumors of a purported planned protest by some individuals who are linking t...

A group, Frontier Waves, has strongly condemned Zik Gbemre's recent criticism of NUPENG and PENGASSAN over their face-off with Dangote.  In a press statement signed by Oluwa Vincent (President) and Ramsey Nede (Secretary), Frontier Waves described Zik Gbemre's comments as uninformed, insensitive, and puppet-like. The group wrote: "From what Zik Gbemre wrote over the face-off between Dangote and the two Unions, it is obvious that he is very uninformed and we will not be surprised if he is on the payroll of Dangote and has been paid by his paymaster to do what he has done. He is fighting for his stomach and so unfortunate that he is not on the side of suffering Nigerian Masses." Frontier Waves questioned Zik Gbemre's motives, asking: "Where was Zik Gbemre over these years when NUPENG and PENGASSAN have been fighting for a better deal for the Nigerian Masses. We know for sure that Zik Gbemre has benefited and is still benefiting from the many battles...

Partnership agreements for social and economic development between the Kogi State Government and the government of Hunan Province in China has commenced with the successful completion of a three-week agricultural training programme for lecturers under the Lecturers/Students Exchange Programme. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who disclosed this while receiving the first batch of participants, said the programme represents the first visible dividends of the Kogi–Hunan partnership, which covers agriculture, mining, industrialization and will deliver developmental strides across different sectors of the state’s economy. He explained that the training at the Hunan Agricultural University, Furong District, Changsha City on Heavy Metal Control and Prevention in Paddy Fields was in response to a request he made during his official visit to Hunan Province earlier this year under the mutual economic cooperation agreement with the People’s Republic of China.  “This initiative has equi...

The Board Secretary of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Alhassan Salisu Adakeke, has inaugurated a technical committee to mobilise residents of Mozum district in Bassa Local Government Area for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections. Hon. Adakeke, a former Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, said the initiative followed the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure maximum participation of eligible voters in the state. Speaking to journalists at the weekend, Adakeke said the committee would work tirelessly to achieve massive voter registration and deliver strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid pls and Governor Ododo’s 2027 project, codenamed *#MozumAA2027*. “The setting up of this technical committee ahead of the 2027 election is timely,” he said. “The people of Mozum district have a simple but crucial task — to return the mandate of two of ou...

The Kogi State Commissioner For Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo is the Chief of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kogi State Council. Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, the Executive Governor of the State is the Special Guest of Honour at the Grand finale of the Press Week. This year's Press Week Grand Finale is to attract very important dignitaries from within and outside the State. The Theme for the 2025 NUJ Press Week  is; "Kogi State's Solid Minerals: How Media Can Drive Development". The Press Week is an annual event for all working Journalists in the State, provides platform for sober reflection as well as to reposition the Union for effective service delivery. This year's Press Week is scheduled to begin as from 19th September, 2025 with the Grand finale expected to hold at the EdgeDrive Hotel Lokoja on the 25th September, 2025. The Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashir...

Press Statement Kabba-Bunu LGA Chairman Challenges APC Elected Leaders on Security Issues The Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon (Barr) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, has called out all elected political leaders, and appointees on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jogi West Senatorial District of Kogi State, to stop paying lip service to issues of security in the state and in the region. In a statement released today, Hon Zacchaeus Dare Michael criticized these elected office holders, appointees and traditional leaders for only making noise on the pages of newspapers and in the media without taking tangible actions to collaborate with the local government chairmen and security operatives to fight against kidnapping, banditry, and insecurity in the state. The Chairman commended the efforts of Kogi State governor Alhaji Usman Ododo for investing significant funds into security, particularly in Kogi West, noting that these efforts are gradually yie...

The Okun Media Professionals have strongly condemned the recent gruesome murders in Okunland, Kogi State, carried out by suspected bandits.  In a statement signed by Chairman, Chief Olugbemi Femi and Secretary Comrade Bolu Obahopo, the group described the attacks as "unwarranted" and "unbearable." The association highlighted the killing of three police officers and two vigilantes in broad daylight along Okoloke in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, as well as the terrorization of Bunu land in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, which has led to the displacement of many inhabitants. The group also reported that one person was killed in Osomule, Ofere, and Suku communities, with five victims still in captivity. The Okun Media Professionals called on the state and federal governments to find a lasting solution to the security challenges in the area.  They noted that the activities of the bandits are not only claiming lives but also threatening food secur...

Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under Operation ACCORD III, in conjunction with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have killed a notorious bandit leader in Kogi State identified as Babangida Kachala. The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations,12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi disclosed this in a statement  on Saturday. Lieutenant  Abdullahi noted that  on 11 September 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area, the combined troops laid an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point.  Explaining further, Lieutenant Abdullahi"Although initial contact was not made, the troops, while withdrawing to base, ran into an ambush staged by the criminals along their route. In the ensuing firefight, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralizing one of the criminals. The troops thereafter exploited the area, during whi...

The Kogi State Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has nominated Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulrahman, Member, Representing, Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, for an award of Excellence. In a statement signed by Alhaji Ademu Saidu Chairman and Comr. Segun Oyenibi  Secretary, said the award is in recognition of his outstanding representation of the people of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. The nomination followed the giant strides witnessed under his representation in the areas of infrastructure development and in  providing quality legislative engagement. Furthermore, the award is in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the people of your Constituency, particularly, towards improving the well-being of the people through regular empowerment. The recognition and award is to be presented and unveiled to you at the Grand finale of the 2025 Kogi NUJ Press Week with the Theme: "Kogi State's Solid Minerals: How Media Can Drive Development...