DAILYUPDATES

The Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu (FUAHSE) has received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the addition of eleven (11) new programmes. The approved programmes include Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, Parasitology and Etymology, Water and Sanitation Hygiene, Community Health, and Occupational Therapy. These programmes are set to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session. The Registrar, Barr. Dr. Chris Igbokwe expressed his gratitude for the approval and commended the dedication and hard work of the University’s community. He called on all staff to redouble their efforts in service to the University to ensure the successful takeoff and sustainability of the new programmes.

***Honoring Tradition while Building a Brighter Future for All ***Together, let's continue the journey towards a more united and prosperous Kogi State. Your Excellency, the best is yet to come Your Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Government House, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. Your Excellency, Warmest Congratulations on Your Two-Year Anniversary in Office I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency on the remarkable milestone of completing two impactful years as the Executive Governor of Kogi State. This anniversary is not only a celebration of time but a testament to your unwavering commitment to the development, unity, and prosperity of our dear state. Your leadership has brought visible transformation across multiple sectors: Security, Infrastructure, Education, Healthcare, and Youth Empowerment. The stability and continuity of your administration are commendable, and I recognize your tireless efforts in consolidating...

Stakeholders comprising non-governmental organisations (NGOs), political parties, electoral bodies, religious leaders and civil society actors in Kogi State have resolved to work collectively to end electoral violence and dismantle barriers limiting women’s participation in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. The resolution was reached at a state-level consultative forum on women and political parties, convened to improve inclusivity and enhance women’s participation in the electoral process in Kogi State. Speaking at the forum, participants identified deep-rooted cultural and religious barriers, political victimisation, violence before, during and after elections, unfavourable social norms and the persistent stigmatisation of women as major obstacles discouraging women from active political engagement. They stressed that these challenges must be urgently addressed before the 2027 polls. The programme was organised by the Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI) in ...

The Kogi State chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has commended Governor Usman Ododo for what it described as “remarkable and people-centred achievements” in the health sector as he marks two years in office. In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the State Chairman of the association, Dr. Olukoya Taiwo, and the Secretary, Dr. Idris Ibrahim Nuhu, the body said the Ododo administration has demonstrated purposeful leadership, particularly in strengthening healthcare delivery across the state. According to the statement, one of the most notable achievements of the administration is the prompt and consistent payment of salaries to health workers, a development the association said has significantly boosted morale and improved service delivery in public health facilities. “Of particular note are the prompt and consistent payment of salaries to health workers, which has greatly enhanced motivation, ...

On behalf of the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, I heartily congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State and Visitor to our institution, on the remarkable occasion of your second anniversary in office. Your Excellency, within two (2) years, your administration has recorded the following remarkable achievements: 1. Historic fencing of our Itakpe Campus for enhanced security; 2. Provision of a transformer to boost electricity supply at the Itakpe Campus; 3. Installation of solar street lights on the Lokoja Campus to improve illumination; 4. Provision of CCTV cameras to strengthen security operations on both Lokoja and Itakpe Campuses; 5. Accreditation of 18 programmes and the introduction of 8 new ones, thereby promoting quality assurance and expanding access to Polytechnic education; 6. Implementation of the minimum wage and the corresponding tax holiday; 7. Fu...

High Chief Olugbemi Femi Michael, a prominent son of Kabba/Bunu and a frontline aspirant for the Kogi State House of Assembly, Kabba/Bunu State Constituency, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo and his Deputy, Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, on their second year anniversary in office. In a statement, High Chief Michael praised the governor and his deputy's tireless efforts towards the development of Kogi State, describing their leadership as visionary and people-centric. "Your Excellencies, your dedication to the progress of Kogi State is truly commendable," High Chief Michael said. "I am confident that with your continued leadership, Kogi State will achieve greater heights." High Chief Michael also prayed for God's continued guidance and protection for the governor and his deputy, wishing them many more years of success in office.

Renowned philanthropist and public affairs commentator, Ambassador Coach Gabriel Abinu, has congratulated Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, on his second anniversary in office, describing his administration as visionary, people-centred, and impactful. In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the milestone, Abinu praised Governor Ododo for what he termed “purposeful leadership anchored on humility, vision, and service to the people.” According to him, the governor’s two years in office have been marked by visible achievements across critical sectors, including health care delivery, education, workers’ welfare, and infrastructural development. “Governor Ododo has demonstrated that leadership is about service, not noise,” Abinu said. “In just two years, his administration has recorded remarkable progress that speaks directly to the needs of the people. From improved welfare for workers to strategic investments in education, health, and infrastructure, the impact is evident acr...

‎The Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka has extolled the virtue of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on the general welfare of workers in Kogi State. ‎ ‎Speaking to newsmen on Monday in Lokoja, Comrade Edoka noted that the Governor's attention to workers welfare has been wonderful, stressing that he has fulfilled his promise again without dispute. ‎ ‎According to him, the cash backing of Promotions from twenty nineteen to twenty twenty two is a fulfillment of the promise made last year having completed the payment of last year leave bonus. ‎ ‎"It is gratifying to note that the Governor has again cash backed promotions, this he promised to do and he has done it. As we speak, the government is not owing workers and so,  we are proud to identify with the administration,. This is true democracy in action, where everyone has a sense of belonging", the Special Adviser stated. ‎ ‎Comrade Edoka explained that the government had since...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has welcomed over 500 defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and other parties in Kogi Central Senatorial District.  The defection ceremony, held at the official Flagoff of Hon. Abdulkabir Okaka Ohiani Itopa, an aspirant for the Adavi Okehi Federal Constituency seat, was attended by prominent PDP members, including State Chairman Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo. Gambo reiterated the PDP's dominance in the Central district since 1999 and expressed confidence in the party's chances of winning more seats in 2027.  He praised Senator Natasha Akpoti Udaughan's efforts and urged the people to support the PDP, emphasizing it's the only party owned by the people. The defectors, led by Usman Ahmed, cited the PDP as the only party capable of salvaging Kogi State's current situation. PDP officials assured a clean sweep in 2027, urgin...

By Bishop Aturu In the quiet but politically strategic communities of Okunchi Ward, the build-up to the 2027 general elections has already begun driven not by loud rallies, but by deliberate grassroots organization, strategic engagement, and steady leadership.  At the center of this renewed momentum is Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, the Ward Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Kogi State AGILE Coordinator. Recently, Oricha convened a strategic meeting of APC stakeholders, ward executives, and field operatives, an intervention many party members describe as timely and necessary. The gathering was aimed at strengthening the ongoing APC electronic registration (e-registration) exercise and reinforcing party cohesion at the ward level. For Oricha, politics is as much about presence as it is about structure. Addressing party members, he emphasized the importance of early mobilization, discipline, and collective ownership of the party’s growth. His message was simp...

No fewer than 500 women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Kogi State have received wheelchairs, assorted crutches and other mobility devices in a landmark humanitarian intervention by the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative (OEI) a pet project of the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo.  In addition to the mobility aids, 260 beneficiaries from the disability community received ₦100,000 empowerment grants each, 100 persons received ₦200,000 each, while 25 persons living with albinism also received ₦50,000 each alongside sunscreen creams and other support items. Speaking at the event held on Wednesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, the Founder of the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative and Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, reaffirmed her commitment to restoring dignity and improving the quality of life of Persons With Disabilities and other vulnerable groups across the state. She noted that the mobil...

Onu Bagana stool: kingmakers urge Gov. Ododo to restrain Omala LG chairman over Committee. As the kogi state government strives to finding lasting solutions to the age long violence clashes in Bagana, a group, under the aegis of Ichekpa OnuIfe kingmakers of Omala Local Government Area has rejected the purported nominee to the chieftaincy stool of Bagana by the Executive chairman of Omala Local Government council, Edibo Mark Ameh. The family described the purported composition of the committee and it's attendant outcomes as a rape on the powers of traditional institution and an affront to the separation of powers in the state. The is just as the group has also  called on the Executive Governor of kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to swiftly intervene by calling the Council chairman, Edibo Mark Ameh to order to enable the traditional council to perform their constitutional role in conducting preliminary investigations for the selection and appointment of qualified mem...

I feel highly elated to identify with and celebrate the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ali Bello, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday.  As we mark another year of your impactful life, I celebrate you for the consistent love and support you have extended to me in particular and for the sustained growth of Kogi State Polytechnic in general. You remain, indeed, a rare gem who is never carried away by the enormous authority and responsibilities bestowed upon you by virtue of your office and position in the Government.  I celebrate you profoundly for your unflinching and time-tested loyalty to the person, programmes, and policies of our Boss, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, as his administration continues to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. Over the years, you have remained humble, simple, respectful, courteous, firm, loyal, and transparent in your decisions and your relationsh...

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, has unveiled for public awareness, the enforcement outfit of the Directorate of Process of the High Court of Justice.  He unveiled the outfit to the public for avoidance of misconception when officers are out to discharge their duties against judgement debtors.  The move became necessary following the misconception of the public towards men and women of the enforcement department of the Court whenever they are on their legitimate duties. Unveiling the new outfit with clearly inscribed name of the institution on both the T-shirt and fez cap, the CJ hinted that the era of misconceiving officers on legitimate functions under the pretext of ignorance was no longer tolerable going forward. He said during the presentation at the judiciary headquarters that the initiative by the DCR in the Directorate, Samuel Salami Esq., couldn't have come at a better time when distinctive identification of law enforcement agents...

The Kogi State Police command has appointed ASP Saliu Oyiza as the first female spokesperson of the command. ASP Oyiza takes over from William Ovye Aya who served the command as the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) for 10 years. In his outgoing speech, Aya commended the inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the current Commissioner of Police Nasiru Kankarofi for giving him the opportunity to serve stressing that the new spokesperson should be given the maximum support to succeed in the State "I have been the spokeperspon of Kogi Police Command since 2015. It is now time for someone else to feel this big show. I am very optimistic that the new person coming on board will not only project the good image of the Nigeria Police force,  but also ensure that she maintain good and cordial relationship with the general public. " I want to use this medium to thank journalists especially the federated and correspondent chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journal...

... As Party Embarks on Rebirth,  The Kogi State Chapter, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is charting a new course towards returning to power. This the Party says is mobilizing its members at the grassroots with the aim to win majority seats in the State in the forthcoming 2027 general election. The State Chairman  Kogi PDP, Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo spoke on the party’s strategy at the weekend in a meeting with PDP members in Lokoja, highlighted efforts to rebuild and reclaim Lugard House from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. " Let me repeat it again. Time is up for the APC. They should write there handing over notes. Kogi people want the PDP back. They said our years in Government was rewarding. They  said they can't wait any more. Enough is enough, 2027 is the PDP turn. Let Kogi APC pack and go. Hon. Gambo explained that "Life is a curve; you go from the bottom to the apex and back down again. We started from zero in 1998, ruled for 16 ye...

By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja  A development consultant and Behavioural Change specialist in Nigeria, Dr. Baba Abdul Bala, has bagged the Ogba Merit Award 2025, for distinguished community service, as a patron of the famous Ogba Community Development Union, in Kogi State, north-central Nigeria.  The CEO of Starex Consults Global Services Ltd and MCBENZ Global Consults, was confered with the distinguished community service award (Dcsa) for contributing to youth and sport development in Ogba Community and Bassa local Government area of Kogi State, where he had carried out several youth training programmes that benefit youths in the community, as a trainer, consultant and Philanthropist who had played remarkable role in the ogba community rebirth project. At the Conferment, held on December 27th, 2035, at NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja, President-General of Ogba Community Development Union (O. C. D. U. NIGERIA), Dr Ishaq Dan-Imam, described Dr. Abdul Bala as a skilled and knowl...

Anaekwe Gideon Kodir has been appointed as the National Grassroots Baseball Coordinator (Project 6-16) by the Nigerian Baseball and Softball Federation (NBSF), as announced in a letter signed by President Me. Uche Odozor. The appointment, effective January 2, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the development of baseball in Nigeria. Mr. Anaekwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Honours Intercontinental Concept Ltd., brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. Not only is he a successful entrepreneur in the agricultural sector, but he is also a former baseball player with a deep passion for the sport. His background in baseball, coupled with his leadership skills and commitment to excellence, makes him the ideal candidate to drive the grassroots development of the sport in Nigeria. In his new role, Mr. Anaekwe will be responsible for developing and implementing grassroots baseball programs, with a focus on youth development aged 6-16. He will work closely ...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness (PW9), Mr. David Ajomah, a compliance officer of Sterling Bank Plc, on Friday admitted limits of his evidence against former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello before a law court. Ajomah disclosed this in his evidence during a re-examination being carried out by the Defence Counsel, Mr J.B Daudu (SAN) at the resumption of hearing of the case before justice MaryAnn Anenih of the FCT High Court,  Abuja. When proceedings in the ongoing trial resumed on Friday, the testimony of  Ajomah under cross-examination substantially narrowed the scope of the prosecution’s case. Ajomah, who appeared in court pursuant to a subpoena, testified that between January and August 2019, the account of Bespoque Business Solutions Limited received total inflows of ₦1.16 billion.  He told the court that the inflows were credited by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) as commission.  According to him, cash...

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has described Pastor Babatunde Samuel as an epitome of excellence, integrity, and purposeful living as he marks his birthday. Pastor Samuel, a renowned financial expert and business strategist, hails from Ayede Amuro in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State. Over the years, he has distinguished himself through discipline, innovation, and uncommon commitment to value creation. Fanwo noted that Pastor Samuel’s life journey remains a source of inspiration to countless young people across Kogi State, proving that with vision, hard work, and faith, greatness is attainable. He prayed for greater wisdom, strength, and impact in the years ahead, wishing him continued success in his ministry, business, and service to humanity.

Bank officials on Thursday told the court that over ₦425.8 million was withdrawn from accounts linked to the Kogi State Government for the payment of contractors and the procurement of OPVEH, as the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, continued. Testifying as Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7), a Keystone Bank official, led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Enitan (SAN), explained transactions contained in Exhibit Z1, the statement of account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company. PW7 confirmed that the statement of account had seven columns, including narrations. Drawing his attention to page two of the document, the witness told the court that on 17 February 2021, there were several credit entries of ₦10 million each. He further confirmed that similar credit entries of ₦10 million each were recorded on 18, 21 and 22 February 2021. Explaining the narrations, PW7 testified that on 17 February 2021, Maigari Murtala transferred ₦10 million in si...

I feel so proud and honoured to celebrate a brother, friend and a mentor, Professor Mohammed Sulaiman Audu, the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Federal University Lokoja, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. Sir, your life has been a quiet testimony of selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering integrity, and you have given so much of yourself, often without recognition, often without complaint.  Yet, you have remained professionally unblemished and profoundly humane in your personal relationships. Your consistency of character is rare, and your strength of conscience even rarer. You carry responsibility with grace, serve with a pure heart, and lead without noise or arrogance. You have lifted others even when it cost you comfort, stood firm when compromise was easier, and chosen honour when shortcuts were available.  Your guidance has shaped decisions, steadied moments of doubt, and inspired confidence in those privileged to walk beside you. T...

A Professor of Political Science and Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Salisu Ogbo Usman, has recommended death penalty for Nigerians found guilty of corrupt practices in all ramifications. The Rector also advocated that corrupt practices should be rated as capital offense in the Nigeria's legal system so as to discourage people from embarking on the negative trend which has caused havoc and devastating effect and setback for the nation's growth. The Rector made the call while delivering the 37th Inaugural Lecture Series of the Federal University, Lokoja, on Thursday, at its Adankolo Campus. The Rector in his lecture titled Corruption Versus Corruption: Unpacking The Wuru-Wuru of the Anti-Corruption Crusade In Nigeria, lamented the menace of corruption in the Nigeria's political and socio-economic landscape. According to Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, time has come for the Nigerian Government to tackle the development which he said has battered the image of ...

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the immediate family and the Nigerian Union of Journalists over the passing of elder statesman and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed.  The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah said the late veteran journalist was not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria, but also a proud son of Kogi State from Dekina local government area whose contributions to nation-building transcended the media space. “As a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed belonged to a rare generation of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism and integrity in Nigerian journalism and a man whose influence shaped public discourse and strengthened accountability in a democracy,” he said. Governor Ododo noted that Mohammed’s role in the establishment of Newswatch in the mid-1980s, alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu a...

Today, Monday 12th January 2026, Dr. Gabriel Osiwomequin AISO, the Winner of the prized GRAND CORPORATE ENTREPRENEUR AND LEADER OF THE YEAR 2025 is presented with the Award Plaque and Certificate having been announced at the IIPCEL President and Fellows' Dinner on Saturday 3rd January 2026. Dr. Aiso who is the President -General of the OGORI DESCENDANTS UNION Worldwide, ODU and Registrar of the Christian Faith Institute, an international NGO, is a grassroot political leader, youth mobilizer and accomplished Administrator and Author. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)  degree in Public Administration and is a FELLOW of the International Institute of Professional Corporate Entrepreneurship and Leadership, IIPCEL. He is also the current Treasurer of the prestigious Plateau Club 1921. The President and Council of IIPCEL are extremely proud to confer on Dr Gabriel O. Aiso this coveted Award in honour of his exemplary Entrepreneurship and Leadership. Congratulations! ...

.Says his life exemplified integrity, discipline Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, CON, joined members of the Obaro family, political leaders, traditional rulers, and residents of Kogi Central at the 40th day prayer ceremony held in honour of the late Senator Isa Abonyi Obaro in Okene. The solemn religious event, observed in accordance with local customs and faith traditions, was organised to pray for the repose of the soul of the departed statesman and to reflect on his life, values, and enduring contributions to public service and community development.  The ceremony drew a large turnout of mourners from within and outside Kogi State, highlighting the wide respect and influence the late senator commanded during his lifetime. Senator Isa Abonyi Obaro was a distinguished political leader, elder statesman, and astute legal practitioner, who belonged to the first set of lawyers from Northern Nigeria, a pioneering achievement that placed him among the early arch...

Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) has welcomed 9,570 new students, marking its 27th Matriculation Ceremony. Vice-Chancellor Professor Marietu O. Tenuche congratulated the students and assured them of the university's commitment to quality education. She disclosed that the University has achieved full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and several professional bodies. Tenuche highlighted PAAU's academic excellence, sporting success, and infrastructure development, urging students to utilize the state-of-the-art facilities. The Vice-Chancellor warned against vices like cultism, rape, and cybercrime, emphasizing zero-tolerance. Parents and guardians were advised to support their children, monitor progress, and encourage hostel stays for safety and affordability.