DAILYUPDATES

By Bishop Aturu. The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has commenced the distribution of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards to 12,112 adolescent girls enrolled as second-cohort beneficiaries under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) component of the project. The distribution exercise, being implemented across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, is designed to facilitate beneficiaries' access to their designated financial channels and ensure that eligible adolescent girls are adequately reached under the CCT intervention. The CCT component is one of the interventions of the Kogi AGILE Project aimed at supporting adolescent girls to remain in school, transition successfully, and overcome some of the financial barriers that may affect their education. Speaking during the exercise, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Kogi AGILE Project, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, reiterated t...

By Our Correspondent The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Democracy Newsline Newspaper, and Chairman,  Okun Media Professionals, Chief Olugbemi Femi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed Power Rotation Summit in Kogi State, describing the initiative as an important platform for dialogue, political balance and peaceful coexistence among the people of the state. Chief Femi said the name given to the gathering—whether dialogue, summit or workshop—should not be the major issue, stressing that what matters is the opportunity it provides for Kogites to discuss political equity, inclusion and the future of the state. He stated that as long as the process contributes to achieving a balanced political arrangement in Kogi State, he supports the initiative and believes that all stakeholders should participate in the conversation. “Whatever name is called, either dialogue, summit or workshop, in as much as power is balanced in Kogi State, I am in support of the Power Rotation ...

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on South-South Mobilization, Hon. Abu Micheal, has rallied massive support for the second term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as Ijaw Communities resident in Kogi State declared total and unalloyed loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Hon. Abu Micheal, who also doubles as President of South-South States Residents in Kogi State, stated this in Lokoja during a strategic solidarity meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Ijaw Communities drawn from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States resident across the 21 Local Government Areas of the State on Sunday. The meeting, which was attended by the Acting Secretary of Southerners in Kogi, Hon. Kingsley Oshilim, and other grassroots Coordinators, was convened to appreciate the Ijaw Communities for their grassroots mobilization and to consolidate support for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the federal lev...

The Working People United (WoPU), a coalition of workers, professionals, and artisans, has declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the most viable candidate for Nigerians in the 2027 general elections. Speaking to journalists after the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at the Living Faith Church, Asaba, which was attended by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other Delta state government functionaries, WoPU’s Coordinator-General, Comrade (Prince) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, commended the President’s leadership over the past three and a half years, and said that their is Hope for our country Nigeria.  He described Tinubu’s administration as bold and courageous in confronting challenges that previous governments had avoided. Akporeha stressed that among the current contenders, only President Tinubu has demonstrated the vision and capacity to restore Nigeria’s greatness and to build on the foundation of Nigeria founding fathers. He urged Nigerians, espe...

The Plateau Democratic Movement (PDM), has asked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate alleged abuse of office in the removal of Mr Amos Azi as Chairman of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST). The petition, signed by the group’s Chairman, Ishaya Turba and Secretary, Iliya Mangai, was addressed to the ICPC’s chairman and made available to newsmen on Fiday in Lokoja,  Kogi, North CentralNigeria. The PDM questioned the sudden coming in of Mr Aminu Junaidu as IST Chairman shortly after Azi secured a second tenure. The group argued that Azi was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, while junaidu allegedly got the directive to take over the position from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The PDM also copied the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the SGF, the Minister of Finance, Senate Committee on Capital Market, EFCC and Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Publ...

The controversy over the burial arrangements for the former Governor of Kogi State, late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, CON, has taken a new twist as his son, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Idris, has declared himself the legitimate custodian of his father's corpse. It would be recalled that Abdullahi had on Thursday officially announced the passing of the former Governor in a family statement. According to the initial statement, "It is with deep sense of humility and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, that we regret to announce the passing of our father, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, CON, former Governor of Kogi State. He died in a hospital in the United Kingdom on Sunday, 20th September, 2026. The family wishes to announce that his body will arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Friday. Janazah prayer will hold at the Abuja National Mosque, followed by burial at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, according to Islamic rites. We want to use this opportunity to than...

_Janazah Prayer Holds At Abuja National Mosque - Family_ Assalamu Alaikum, Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'un. With deep sense of humility and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we regret to announce the passing of our father, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, CON, former Governor of Kogi State. He died in a hospital in the United Kingdom on Sunday, 20th September, 2026. The family wishes to announce that his body will arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Friday. Janazah prayer will hold at the Abuja National Mosque, followed by burial at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, according to Islamic rites. This is in accordance with his personal wish. We want to use this opportunity to thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, and all Nigerians for their prayers and show of love. Abdullahi Ibrahim Idris Announcer, For the Family

..Drum Support for Tinubu, Ododo Second Term The first edition of the monthly Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo South-South States Draught and Ayo Competition has been held in Lokoja, with participants and residents reaffirming their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo in the 2027 general elections. The competition, organised for residents in and around Baptist, Crowther Memorial College and NEPA polling units of Ward A, Lokoja LGA, brought together lovers of the traditional board games in a colourful atmosphere of unity, culture and political sensitisation. Speaking at the flag-off of the tournament, the Special Adviser to the Governor on South-South Mobilisation and President of the South-South States Community in Kogi State, Abu Michael, said the initiative was designed not only for recreation but also as a platform to sensitise participants to the programmes, policies and accomplishments of the present administrations of Presid...

Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and APC Leader in Lokoja Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam, has described Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's inclusion of Southerners in governance as a further demonstration of his inclusive style of administration that will add immense value to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. Rt. Hon. Imam stated this when he received a delegation of Southerners resident in Lokoja, led by Hon. Abu Micheal, Special Adviser on South-South Mobilization, at his residence in Lokoja. The former Speaker commended Hon. Abu Micheal for his leadership and mobilization efforts, urging Southerners in the state to see the opportunity given to them as a privilege that should be reciprocated with loyalty and massive support for the party. He noted that Lokoja LGA remains a no-go area for opposition political parties, assuring that the APC will continue to dominate the political landscape of the local govern...

The Kogi State First Lady, Her Excellency, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, to offer her heartfelt sympathy and support following the passing of the former governor. During the visit, Hajia Sefinat expressed her condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging the pain and difficulty that came with the loss of a father and patriarch. She encouraged the family to remain steadfast in faith and take solace in Allah, who gives life and determines the appointed time of every soul to depart the world. The First Lady urged the family to draw strength from Allah and the cherished memories of the years shared with the late father, assuring them that although the loss is painful, Allah knows what is best for all His servants. She also encouraged the entire family to remain united in prayer, love and faith, reminding them that prayer is the best thing required for the repose of every ...

The death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has robbed the state of one of its notable political figures, Ustaz Abubakar Zakari Ola has said. Ola, APC senatorial aspirant in the last Kogi West primary election  described Idris’ death as a painful development for the people of the state. According to him, the former governor played a significant role in the political development of Kogi and would be remembered for his years of public service. He expressed condolences to the Idris family, friends and political associates of the deceased, urging them to remain steadfast in the face of the loss. Ola prayed for the repose of Idris’ soul and asked Allah to grant his family the strength to overcome the grief.

Saturday, 19 September 2026 Reports by:  Mr. Moses ADEDEJI  LGA Coordinator  GAMJI Political Network, Ogori Magongo LGA, Kogi State. November 19, 2022, stands as a memorable date in the political history of Kogi Central. On that day, the streets of Okene and surrounding communities became a theatre of political solidarity as thousands of supporters gathered for what was described by its organizers as the historic “One-Million-Man March” for Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The march was more than a procession. For the organizers and participants, it was a public demonstration of grassroots political organization, enthusiasm and commitment to the presidential aspiration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2023 general elections. At the centre of the mobilization was Ambassador Abubakar Sanusi GAMJI, who at the time served as the Kogi State Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG). Under his leadership, supporters converged at Inike Field in Okene Local Government Area, se...

The Executive Director, Administration, Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOSPADEC), Hon. Folorunsho Ajayi, has felicitated with the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, popularly known as “Dollar,” on the occasion of his celebration. Ajayi, in a goodwill message, described Bello as a committed public servant whose dedication to duty and contributions to the development of Kogi State remain worthy of commendation. He congratulated the Commissioner for his service to the people and expressed confidence that his experience, leadership qualities and commitment to good governance would continue to contribute meaningfully to the administration and development of the state. According to him, Bello’s responsibilities at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs place him in a strategic position to contribute to grassroots development, strengthen relations with traditional institutions and pr...

The Middle Belt Coalition Movement (MBCM) on Saturday demanded for recognition and representation in the political affairs of Nigeria for the Growth and development of the region.  The National Coalition Chairman, Engr Kube Dwana, who made the demand at the inauguration of Kogi State Branch of the Coalition in Lokoja, North Central Nigeria,  said "enough is enough of the marginalization of the Middle Belt."  Dwana,  who spoke through the coalition  National Director of Publicity, Dr Adams Momoh, lamented the neglect and under development of the region over the years by political actors of the country.  "Our region has for too long borne the weight of marginalization — in federal appointments, in infrastructure, in security, and in the equitable distribution of the nation's resources. "Our farmers have faced unspeakable hardship. Our communities have known displacement. Our youth have searched for opportunity, too often in vain.  "Yet our id...

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has charged the offshore scholarship beneficiaries of the programme to be deliberate about excellence in their studies. Otuaro said that those selected for the programme have no option than to appreciate the President Bola Tinubu administration’s goodwill by excelling academically to justify the sacrifice made for them by the government. Otuaro spoke as another group of 31 offshore post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries of the PAP, on Friday, departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom for studies in various universities. The scholars, who took off from Abuja and arrived in London, were among the 150 beneficiaries who participated in a pre-departure briefing organised in August following their deployment by Dr Otuaro. They were preceded by a batch of 54 who left the country last week. They will pursue programmes in forensic audit, construction engineering management, data science analytics, law, s...

By Admin  The Deputy Corridor Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Abraham Daniel, has blamed construction companies handling federal highway projects for failing to consider the motoring public during construction, leading to persistent gridlock on the Lokoja-Abuja corridor. Daniel spoke during a stakeholders meeting organised by the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Ododo on Road Safety Matters, Dr. Suberu Yusuf-John, where he gave a Federal Highway Situation Report. He said contractors often close long stretches of road without providing alternative passage for motorists, a practice that triggers gridlock. "People always talk about the construction companies but what was discovered is that the construction companies do not sometimes put into cognizance the motoring public when they are doing their construction," Daniel said. The FRSC commander also appealed to VIPs to cooperate with traffic officers on the road. "If there is any se...

   A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, has commended the Delta South leadership of the party for initiating what he described as a timely effort to unite its members and reposition the party for victory in the 2027 general elections. Tidi, reacting to Thursday’s Mega Meeting of APC Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders in Delta South, held at the Brownhill Coliseum, Warri, particularly hailed the district chairman, Chief Emman Amgbaduba JP, for placing reconciliation and inclusiveness at the heart of the party’s post-primary strategy. The meeting reaffirmed the district’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other APC candidates, while urging members to return to their wards, units and communities to mobilise for the 2027 elections. Tidi said the meeting underscored the need for the party to move beyond the divisions that may have accompanied th...

OGORI, KOGI STATE — The Ogori Muslim Community is set to officially launch its proposed Central Mosque Project as part of efforts to provide a befitting place of worship and promote religious harmony, community development and peaceful coexistence in Ogori and its environs. The launching ceremony is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Open University Study Centre, Ogori, Kogi State. The project, according to the organisers, is conceived as a landmark initiative aimed at addressing the need for a central place of worship for the Muslim faithful in Ogori, while also providing a platform for strengthening unity, brotherhood and peaceful relationships among members of the community. The Ogori Muslim Community is therefore inviting traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, business personalities, philanthropists, friends of Ogori and the general public to grace the occasion and ...

Residents of South origin living in Kogi State have declared their resolve to "overwhelmingly" vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo in the coming elections, citing recognition, respect and empowerment by the present administration. The declaration was made on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Southerners Resident in Kogi State, Abu Michael, during a courtesy visit to the Director General of Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Hajia Princess Nana Hawa Yusuf, in Lokoja. Mr. Abu said the Ododo administration has, for the first time since the creation of Kogi State, given Southerners a true sense of belonging and inclusiveness in governance.  "We have never been treated like this before. Since the creation of Kogi State, Governor Ododo has made history by giving us recognition. Today, we are not only part of his administration, he has given us that sense of belonging," he stated. He described the Governor's...

By Rotimi Odofin The story is no longer about what Governor Ododo promised. It is about what Kogites can now see, touch, and experience in the health sector. And at the center of that unfolding transformation is Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza. For years, healthcare in Nigeria has been trapped in the familiar cycle of promises, budget speeches, foundation-laying ceremonies, and abandoned expectations. Kogi State is beginning to tell a different story. Under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, healthcare has emerged as one of the administration’s most visible areas of intervention, with the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, driving a reform agenda increasingly defined by grassroots access, primary healthcare revitalisation, preventive medicine, emergency response, institutional planning, and measurable performance. This is no longer governance by announcement. It is governance being tested at the point where the government meets the ordinary citizen. Tha...

“A UNITED OKUN CAN NEGOTIATE FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH” — OLUSOJI ABUJA — Asiwaju Prince Dr. Olatunji Olusoji has called on the people of Okunland to rise above personal interests, political differences and internal divisions, stressing that the collective destiny and development of the region must remain paramount. Olusoji made the call while addressing stakeholders at the Okun Unity Dialogue, organised by the Okun Development Initiative in Abuja, where political leaders, traditional stakeholders, professionals, community advocates and other sons and daughters of Okunland converged to deliberate on the future of the region. In a strongly worded appeal for unity, Olusoji urged Okun people to close ranks and support leadership capable of advancing development, strengthening political influence and securing greater opportunities for the people within the political architecture of Kogi State. He maintained that unity remains the most potent political capital available to Oku...