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Tag: Kogi State

  • Kogi govt. allocates N7bn for upgrade of 88 PHCs

    Kogi govt. allocates N7bn for upgrade of 88 PHCs

    The Kogi State Government has committed N7 billion to upgrade 88 additional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.

    Gov. Ahmed Ododo made this announcement on Saturday in Lokoja during the official handing over of sites to contractors for the upgrade of the 88 PHCs.

    Ododo was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adeiza.

    The governor explained that these new PHCs would complement the ongoing upgrade of 70 existing PHCs into functional Level-two facilities.

    He described the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing healthcare delivery and achieving universal health coverage for citizens.

    Ododo said with the invaluable support of the World Bank, the Kogi State Government had committed more than N7 billion to this project, reflecting unwavering commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

    “Today, we hand over these project sites to contractors who have successfully navigated a rigorous procurement process.”

    He urged contractors to maintain high standards of professionalism and complete the projects within the stipulated four-month timeframe.

    He also emphasised the importance of engaging local communities, collaborating with local leaders, and adhering to social and environmental safeguards.

    Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support for healthcare at the grassroots level, noting that the president’s engagement had strengthened the commitment of international partners to Nigeria’s healthcare goals.

    He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a strong foundation in the health sector.

    Dr Musa Muazu, Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), commended the government’s efforts to upgrade PHC facilities, particularly in rural areas, and reiterated the state’s commitment to improving healthcare services.

    Muazu, who was represented by Hadiya Ahmad, the Case Manager for Immunisation at the IMPACT Project, said the scheme was a testament to the state government’s dedication to improving the well-being of its people.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four contractors will handle the upgrade of the 88 PHCs across the state, including INKNUEL Ltd, Multipurpose Erand Ltd, QSA Nig Ltd, and Base-SAN Ventures.

    Responding on behalf of the contractors, Retired Brig.-Gen. Stephen Bawa , Project Manager of INKNUEL Ltd, promised that the projects would be completed according to the standard specifications and within the set timeframe.

    He also assured that local youth would be engaged in the execution of the projects.

    Mr Francis Eleson, Chairman of the Ward Community Development, Oworo, and Mr Mahmud Obewa, the Community Youth Leader, both expressed their appreciation to the governor for prioritising healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

    They pledged to provide adequate protection and create an enabling environment to ensure the contractors could successfully execute the projects for the benefit of the community.

  • Kogi govt makes tax clearance compulsory for admission into schools

    Kogi govt makes tax clearance compulsory for admission into schools

    The Kogi State Government has declared that the presentation of parents’ Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), is a mandatory condition for admission into tertiary institutions.

    Mr Sule Enehe, Chairman, Kogi Board of Internal Revenue Services, announced the condition at a media chat in Lokoja on Wednesday.

    Enehe said that the policy introduced two years ago at the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, and Federal University, Lokoja, is targeted at shoring up the revenue profile of the state.

    The policy has generated some controversy with some public and civil society organisations faulting it. Some activists have threatened to challenge the policy in  court, while describing it as counter productive. But Enehe, while defending the move, said that the policy had good intentions.

    “The decision of the Kogi government to compel students to present parents’ TCC at the point of registration is with good intention and in accordance with the law.

    “Section 24(f), of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that every citizen should declare his or her income and endeavour to pay tax to the government.

    “By the provisions of Section 96 on Personnel income tax, anyone that fails to pay tax shall be face  prosecution,” he pointed out.

    The revenue service chairman expressed surprise that the public only got to know about the policy this year. According to him, the service had issued a memo to the Secretary to the State Government two years earlier.

    “A circular was issued to that effect, followed by jingles and various announcements on both radio and Television stations, to sensitise the public.

    “What people don’t know is the huge financial burden on the state government which runs three universities, asides other tertiary institutions.

    “We hope to do more in sensitising the public on this policy. It is for the good of the people and crucial to the progress of the state,” he said.

  • Kogi Govt sacks illegal occupants of 260 housing units

    Kogi Govt sacks illegal occupants of 260 housing units

    The Kogi Government on Friday sacked all illegal occupants of the National Housing buildings in Phases I, II, and III, located at Crusher, Lokoja.

    Mr Taiye Abanika, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, who announced the sack order in a statement issued in Lokoja, warned against disobeying the order.

    “The kogi state government, on this day, Jan. 3, 2025, directed all the illegal occupants of the national housing buildings at Crusher, Lokoja to vacate with immediate effect,” he declared.

    Abanika said that the illegal occupation of the housing units had compromised the National Housing Programme (NHP), designed to provide affordable housing solutions for Nigerians.

    He explained that Phase I with 76 units, comprised of  four  one-bedroom semi detached bungalows, 48 two-bedroom semi detached bungalows, and 24 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

    “Phase II has 92 units, comprised of 20 one-bedroom semi detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi detached bungalows, and 44 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

    “Phase III has 92 units, comprised  of 16 one-bedroom semi detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi detached bungalows, and 48 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

    “Unfortunately, over 85 per cent of the houses in the various estates are currently being occupied illegally, with some individuals even selling the houses to unsuspecting buyers,” he said.

    The Commissioner said that the decision of the government was aimed at getting rid of the illegal occupants to enable rightful allottees, who had duly paid for the units to take possession of their homes.

    He added: “This urgent call to action is meant to safeguard the interests of legitimate homeowners and maintain the integrity of the National Housing Programme.

    “We will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to restore order and also ensure that the national housing programme is implemented as intended.”

  • Man slits friend’s throat in Kogi after collecting his N200,000

    Man slits friend’s throat in Kogi after collecting his N200,000

    A 200- level undergraduate of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara in Kogi, Usman Tijani, has been attacked and brutally injured by his friend, Abdulmuqeet Musari, Police has said.

    The Kogi Command’s Spokesman, SP Williams Aya, confirmed the incident and detention of the suspect by the command in Lokoja on Thursday. Aya said: “The suspect has been in our custody, and investigation is ongoing. He will be arraigned on completion of the investigation.”

    Narrating the incident in a statement, the Chairman, Adavi Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Bashiru Okatenwu, stated that the incident occurred at about 8 pm on December 23, around Adavi Burial Ground, New Zango in Adavi.

    According to the statement issued by Okatenwu’s Media Aide, Suleiman Acheneje, in Adavi, the victim is a 200-level student of the Department of Cyber Security in CUSTECH.

    “In the late hours of December 23, between 7 pm and 8 pm precisely, an unforseen circumstance happened around Adavi Burial Ground, where a young boy, named Usman Tijani, got attacked by one of the bad eggs we still have in our society.

    “Usman was brutally injured by Abdulmuqeet Musari, whose intent was, no doubt, to kill him.

    “The victim was found nearly dead and rescued around 2 am in
    New Zango, Adavi LGA, where he was immediately rushed to Lokoja and has since been receiving treatment in a hospital there.

    “The culprit was already in the run but Kudos to the people’s Governor, the Chairman Of Adavi, and their Security intel, as they were able to apprehend the culprit in Ekiti,” Okatenwu said.

    He assured the good people of Adavi of his administration’s commitment toward ensuring adequate security for their lives and property.

    Meanwhile, a relation of the victim, Zainab Avosuahu, who commented on the issue through her Meta (Facebook) page post on Tuesday, said the suspect allegedly lured her nephew into the bush, collected N200,000 from him and slit his throat.

    Avosuahu stated: “the 19-year-old victim, who runs a POS business, is currently undergoing surgery in a Lokoja hospital.

    “This is a call for justice for my nephew, whom his friend dragged to the bush, collected 200k from and still have his throat butchered (slit).

  • Hon Teejay Yusuf embarks on massive medical outreach in Kogi State (Photos)

    Hon Teejay Yusuf embarks on massive medical outreach in Kogi State (Photos)

    Hon Teejay Yusuf, a former member of the House of Representatives has embarked on a massive medical outreach in Kogi State.

    Yusuf who represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency from 2011-2023 before now had embarked on such people oriented programs while in office.

    The vibrant lawmaker while in the HoR has a knack for championing programs that cut across, training laced around ICT, skills acquisition, sponsorship of indigent students, he carried out this outreach despite being out of office in the last 18months.

    In this year’s outreach, outside Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, it was extended to accommodate LGAs in Kogi West Senatorial District.

    See photos below:

  • VIDEO: Jubilation as ex-Gov Bello returns home from prison

    VIDEO: Jubilation as ex-Gov Bello returns home from prison

    Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has returned home after fulfilling his bail conditions and being released from the Kuje Minimum Custodial Centre in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports ex-Governor Bello was received and welcomed by the incumbent Governor of Kogi State Ahmed Usman Ododo and his jubilant supporters.

    Recall that a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday, had admitted Bello to bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.

    Justice Maryann Anenih had, on Dec. 10, refused the ex-governor’s bail application, saying it was filed prematurely.

    Delivering the initial ruling, she said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the application was incompetent.

    There was, however room for the governor’s lawyers to file a fresh application for bail and apply for hearing date.

    The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N110bn, along with two others.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    At the resumed hearing on Thursday , Counsel for the former governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that the defence counsel had filed a further affidavit in response to the counter affidavit filed and served by the prosecution counsel.

    He applied to withdraw the further affidavit, saying, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.”

    There was no objection from the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN. The court, therefore, granted the application for withdrawal, striking out the further affidavit.

    Daudu, also informed the court that discussions had taken place with the leader of the prosecution counsels, resulting in an agreement to ensure a speedy trial.

    In light of this understanding, Daudu urged the court to grant the bail application.

    He further requested that if the court would graciously grant the Defendant bail, the court should kindly review the bail conditions for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.

    He urged the court to broaden the scope of properties to be used as bail sureties to include locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than limiting the location solely to Maitama.

    The prosecution counsel, Enitan SAN, acknowledged that Daudu SAN had been in talks with the prosecution team.

    In accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), the EFCC Counsel gave assurance of their cooperation in expediting the trial.

    He said, “I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar that is leading the Defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.

    “It is legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice.

    ”We have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, your lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application.

    “We are therefore leaving this to your lordship’s discretion.”

    Delivering her ruling, Justice Anenih acknowledged that the offence Bello was charged with was a bailable one and granted the ex-governor bail in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties in like sum.

    The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki and Asokoro.

    Bello was also asked to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

    He is to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

    Daudu also prayed for the variation of the 2nd defendant ‘ bail condition.

    Z.E Abbas, counsel for the third defendant filed a motion on Dec. 17 for variation of bail conditions and urged the court to grant the application.

    This variation is based on landed property which earlier restricted them to only Maitama.

    The prosecution did not object.

    The judge granted their prayers and granted the property location as Yahaya Bello ‘s.

    The second and the third defendants were earlier admitted to bail in the sum of N300m each with two surgeries in.like sum with property at Maitama.

    The case was adjourned until Jan. 29.

  • SAD: Two students die in Kogi road accident

    SAD: Two students die in Kogi road accident

    The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), has confirmed the death of two students in a ghastly accident involving two trucks and two tricycles along Felele road, Lokoja, Kogi.

    Mr Samuel Oyedeji, the FRSC Sector Commander in Komi, who confirmed the incident on Friday in Lokoja, said that eight persons were involved in the accident while two students died and four injured while two escaped unhurt.

    He said that the injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention while the corpses of the two passengers, one of whom was a student of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and the other Kogi Polytechnic student.

    Oyedeji told NAN that one of the two trucks’ break failed and lost control thereby rammed into the two tricycles. Oyedeji advised motorists to always ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on a journey.

    An eye witness, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said the accident occurred about 10 am. He said it included a female student of FUL, and another female student of Kogi Poly by name Abu Taiwo Abimbola of the Department of Science Laboratory and Technology.

    “A heavily loaded articulated vehicle heading for Abuja axis along Felele, in Lokoja lost control and rammed into a Keke tricycle that was carrying passengers heading to town.

    “A female student of the Federal University of Lokoja and another female of Kogi Poly, Lokoja died while other passengers were seriously injured.

    “An identification card of the late female student of Komi Poly by name Covenant Omolola Isaac of Department of Geology was recovered from the accident scene.

    “The bodies of the two female students were deposited at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, by some Officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission,”.

    Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Science Laboratory and Technology Student, Kogi Poly chapter, Mr Caleb Kelvin, has issued a press statement over the demise of the female student.

    “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our cherished member, Abu Taiwo Abimbola, who tragically lost her life earlier today in a road accident along Felele road, Lokoja.

    “This devastating loss has left all of us in shock and deep sorrow. Abimbola, was more than just a member of our association; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone around her.

    “Her kindness, dedication, and passion for education made her an exceptional part of our community. leaving behind a legacy of love and excellence.

    “As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this incredibly difficult time.

    “In honor of her memory, the association will be organizing a tribute and memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life. Details of the event will be shared in due course, and we encourage everyone to join us in paying our final respects.

    “Taiwo Abimbola will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace Amen,” Caleb said.

  • JUST IN: Kogi Governor fires PHC agency boss

    JUST IN: Kogi Governor fires PHC agency boss

    Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has terminated the appointment of the Executive Director of Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Abubakar Yakubu.

    This is contained in a statement released by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Mrs  Folashade Ayoade on Wednesday in Lokoja.

    Mrs Ayoade disclosed in the statement that Governor Ododo has subsequently approved the appointment of Dr Musa Omeiza Muazu as the new Executive Director of the agency.

    Ayoade, who did not give details on why Dr Yakubu was sacked, said the appointment Dr Muazu is with immediate effect.

  • SAD: Armed men abduct GIGM passengers in Kogi

    SAD: Armed men abduct GIGM passengers in Kogi

    Unidentified armed men have kidnapped scores of God is Good (GIG) Mobility bus passengers at the weekend in the Obajana axis of Kogi State.

    It was gathered that the GIGMobility bus was moving from Lagos State to Abuja on Saturday, when it was attacked by gunmen around Obajana heading to Lokoja.

    The kidnappers took all of the passengers away, but only the driver managed to escape.

    An X user claimed that her friend was among the abductees and the gunmen had demanded the sum of N100million as ransom to release her.

    Please guys I need your help my friend who went for her convocation in Benin Republic (Cotonou) on our way back from Lagos to Abuja which was yesterday, she was kidnapped at Lokoja, Kogi State, and the kidnappers are demanding N100million for her release due to this incident the driver left the crime scene (GIG LOGISTICS TRANSPORT). I beg you all in the name of God; she needs our help. Help a sister help a friend; help me get my friend back. No amount is too small,” the X user said.

    A source privy to the situation added: “She (referring to her friend) was kidnapped in Kogi State and the kidnappers are demanding for 100m. She was travelling with “God is good” motors They kidnapped all the passengers on the bus.”

    Another X user said he witnessed the kidnapping incident and narrated how he escaped.

    I drove past the incident yesterday and it was only the driver left. This happened just after Dangote refinery at Obajana heading to Lokoja. All the windscreens were destroyed. The vehicle passed us at Kabba, I was almost a victim just that car overheated at Kabba; so we had to stop.”

    Reacting, the company, in a post shared on Sunday evening confirmed the incident.

    The company wrote: “Hello Morris, thank you for reaching out and for your concern during this difficult time. We understand the urgency and emotions surrounding this situation.

    “Please know that we are also deeply affected by this incident, as well as other similar incidences.

  • WAEC bans 13 schools in Kogi

    WAEC bans 13 schools in Kogi

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has banned 13 schools in Kogi for various degrees of examination malpractices in the 2023/2024 examinations.

    The State’s Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, made the disclosure during a meeting with some principals and supervisors who were indicted by WAEC for the examination malpractices.

    The commissioner also disclosed that the council had blacklisted 14 supervisors for various degrees of malpractices in the 2023/2024 West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in the state.

    According to him, Government has vowed to sanction school principals, teachers and supervisors who engaged or aided examination malpractices in the state.

    Jones emphasised that examination malpractices remained a criminal offence and would be treated in accordance with the Law.

    He said that henceforth exam malpractice offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with Kogi State Education Law and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2020.

    He stated that a committee would be set up to be headed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary to investigate personalities indicted by WAEC.

    The commissioner warned that whosoever was found wanting would be prosecuted in the Law Court.

    “Kogi State has invested so much in Education and will no longer tolerate the attitude of the ‘bad eggs’ drawing back the gains already made in education sector,” Jones said.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Dr. Seidu Jibrin, admonished the principals and the supervisors to desist from any act of examination malpractice.

    According to him, such actions are not just robbing the state but destroying the future of the students.

    “I urge you to have a sober reflection of your actions as posterity will judge everyone according to his/her deeds.

    “While some teachers are being called out for awards, it will be wrong for you to be called out for condemnations.

    “It is unfortunate that this is happening when Kogi State is investing so much in Education, whosoever is found culpable will be severely sanctioned,”Jibrin said.