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Tag: Kogi State

  • Kogi governorship poll: Tribunal adjourns hearing until April 1

    Kogi governorship poll: Tribunal adjourns hearing until April 1

    The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Saturday, adjourned until April 1 for continuation of hearing.

    The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, fixed the date after six witnesses of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gave their evidence and were cross-examined by the defence counsel.

    Upon resumed hearing, the six witnesses gave testimonies contrary to their depositions on oath and confirmed that they were not polling agents as stipulated by law, but voters.

    In his evidence, Yakubu Dahiru, the 10th prosecution witness, who was confronted with the contradictions between his claims and depositions during cross examination, said he was suffering from eye problem and could not see for about a year.

    However, Dahiru claimed to have written his witness deposition.

    Another witness, Isah AbdulGaniu from Okene Local Government Area, who told the tribunal that he was a fashion designer, said he was neither a member of the SDP nor polling agent.

    He denied knowledge of Form DCE-41, which was part of his deposition.

    While some of the witnesses denied averments in their depositions, some claimed they made mistakes when it was found during cross-examination that what they said in court was different from what they submitted.

    Some of the witnesses said they dictated the statement to their lawyers and later crammed it before coming to the tribunal.

    Inspite of the fact that their petitions showed the names of the petitioners, petition number and lawyers’ names, some of them interestingly claimed that they did not know the petitioners and their lawyers.

    The testimonies of the six witnesses were similar in nature but contradictory.

    After the 6th witness concluded his evidence, the petitioners’ lawyer, Pius Akubo, SAN, sought an adjournment.

    The tribunal consequently adjourned until April 1 for continuation of hearing.

    While Kanu Agabi, SAN, represented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alex Iziyon, SAN, represented Governor Usman Ododo, while Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN, appeared for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The witnesses from Okene Local Government Area, who testified, were: Isa Abdulganiyu, Aliyu Musari Abdul, Ohieku Rebeka, Abdulsalam Baki, Yakubu Dahiru and Ibrahim Majeed.

  • Developmental insights for Okun nation and Kogi State – By Bosun Aiyedun

    Developmental insights for Okun nation and Kogi State – By Bosun Aiyedun

    By Bosun Aiyedun

    Developing the Okun nation and the entirety of Kogi State, Nigeria, requires a comprehensive approach that draws inspiration from the economic development models of China, Russia, Europe, India, and the United States of America. By leveraging the abundant human and natural resources available in the region and integrating the roles of traditional rulers, government at all levels, the private sector, and the general populace, sustainable growth and prosperity can be achieved. Here are the detailed steps:

    1. Infrastructure Development:

    China Model: Emulate China’s investment in massive infrastructure projects like high-speed rail networks, highways, and airports to improve connectivity and foster economic development.

    Russian Model: Adopt Russia’s focus on energy infrastructure, such as pipelines and power plants, to harness the region’s natural resources effectively.

    Europe Model: Implement the European Union’s infrastructure standards and regulations to enhance transportation networks, including roads, railways, and waterways.

    India Model: Introduce smart city initiatives and digital infrastructure projects to promote urban development and connectivity.

    USA Model: Utilize public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund infrastructure projects and upgrade critical infrastructure, such as bridges, dams, and telecommunications networks.

    2. Industrialization and Economic Diversification:

    China Model: Establish special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial clusters to attract foreign investment and stimulate industrial growth. Promote manufacturing and export-oriented industries.

    Russian Model: Develop the region’s natural resource-based industries, including mining, agriculture, and forestry, to drive economic diversification and create employment opportunities.

    Europe Model: Invest in research and innovation to foster knowledge-based industries, including technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

    India Model: Promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups through incentives and support programs to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

    USA Model: Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship by providing access to capital, fostering a supportive business environment, and investing in research and development.

    3. Agricultural Transformation and Food Security:

    China Model: Implementing modern agricultural techniques, such as precision farming and agricultural mechanization, to increase productivity and food security.

    Russia Model: Support large-scale agricultural enterprises and agribusiness development to leverage the region’s vast agricultural potential and promote food self-sufficiency.

    Europe Model: Promote sustainable agriculture practices, organic farming, and farm-to-table initiatives to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability.

    India Model: Enhance irrigation infrastructure and promote the adoption of advanced farming technologies to boost crop yields and improve farmer livelihoods.

    USA Model: Invest in agricultural research and extension services to develop high-yielding crop varieties and improve farm productivity and profitability.

    4. Education and Human Capital Development:

    China Model: Invest in education and vocational training to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting economic growth and technological advancement.

    Russia Model: Strengthen higher education institutions and research facilities to foster innovation and human capital development.

    Europe Model: Promote lifelong learning and skills development through apprenticeships, vocational training, and adult education programs to meet the demands of a knowledge-based economy.

    India Model: Expand access to quality education and vocational training to empower the workforce and bridge the skills gap in key sectors.

    USA Model: Support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and vocational training initiatives to prepare the workforce for emerging industries and technological advancements.

    5. Resource Management and Environmental Sustainability:

    China Model: Implement sustainable resource management practices and environmental regulations to mitigate pollution and promote ecological conservation.

    Russia Model: Strengthen environmental protection measures and adopt clean technologies to minimize the environmental impact of resource extraction and industrial activities.

    Europe Model: Implement stringent environmental standards and regulations to protect natural habitats, biodiversity, and air and water quality.

    India Model: Promote renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

    USA Model: Invest in clean energy technologies and support renewable energy development to transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the effects of climate change.

    6. Good Governance and Institutional Reforms:

    China Model: Strengthen governance structures, enhance transparency, and combat corruption to create an enabling environment for investment and economic development.

    Russia Model: Improve the rule of law, enhance judicial independence, and combat bureaucratic inefficiency to promote investor confidence and business growth.

    Europe Model: Foster democratic governance, uphold the rule of law, and promote transparency and accountability in government institutions to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.

    India Model: Enhance administrative efficiency, streamline regulatory processes, and combat corruption to create a conducive business environment and attract investment.

    USA Model: Promote democratic governance, protect human rights, and ensure government accountability to foster trust and confidence in public institutions.

    7. Role of Traditional Rulers and Community Engagement:

    Engage traditional rulers as custodians of culture and heritage to promote community development initiatives and ensure the participation of local communities in decision-making processes.

    8. Private Sector Participation and Investment Promotion:

    Encourage private sector investment through favourable policies, tax incentives, and streamlined regulatory processes. Facilitate public-private partnerships to leverage private sector expertise and resources.

    9. Government Support and Policy Coordination:

    Provide targeted support and incentives for key sectors identified for development. Coordinate policies across various government agencies to ensure coherence and synergy in economic development efforts.

    10. Community Engagement and Social Inclusion:

    Promote inclusive growth by ensuring that marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, have equal access to opportunities and benefits of development initiatives.

    Benefits of Adopting the Hybrid Model:

    1. Enhanced economic growth and development through a diversified and sustainable economy.

    2. Increased job creation and income generation opportunities for the populace.

    3. Improved living standards, access to essential services, and infrastructure.

    4. Strengthened local institutions and governance structures.

    5. Enhanced regional competitiveness and attractiveness for investment.

    Disadvantages:

    1. Potential challenges related to infrastructure financing and debt sustainability.

    2. Risks associated with environmental degradation and resource depletion if not managed sustainably.

    3. Socio-cultural tensions arising from rapid economic transformation and urbanization.

    4. Governance issues, including corruption and lack of accountability, may undermine development efforts if not addressed effectively.

    Asserted by Comrade Olatunbosun, A. Aiyedun, Aiyedun writes from Dublin and can be reached via aiyedunbosun@yahoo.com

  • Kogi govt. lauds security agencies over recovery of 53 stolen transformers

    Kogi govt. lauds security agencies over recovery of 53 stolen transformers

    Kogi Government, on Monday, commended security agencies in the state over the recovery of 53 stolen transformers.

    Gov. Usman Ododo, while lauding the security agencies, in a statement issued in Lokoja by his Media Adviser, Ismaila Isah, said that he would intensify the fight against crime in the state.

    Ododo also expressed joy that his administration’s renewed efforts at combating crime in the state was already yielding results.

    He described the security agencies operating in the state as steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    “The recent interception of 53 electrical transformers meant for electrification projects in different parts of the state is apt and commendable.

    “More thrilling is the subsequent arrest of members of a criminal gang responsible for the act as an indication of improvement in the fight against crime in the state.

    “The electrical transformers were stolen from the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) facility in the state by the gang of criminals who were arrested in Obajana on their way to Lagos State,” he said.

    Ododo said that the 53 electrical transformers, which had now been recovered and kept at an Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) facility in the state, might have stalled their installation and power supply in different communities early in the year.

    “The beauty of this breakthrough is that the criminals volunteered useful information that led to the arrest of a fleeing member of the gang in Ilorin, Kwara State, and the alleged receiver of the transformers in Lagos state,” he said.

    The governor assured security agencies of his administration’s maximum support to ensure security of the lives and property of residents of the state.

  • President Tinubu told to rename Kogi as Confluence state

    President Tinubu told to rename Kogi as Confluence state

    President Tinubu has been told to rename Kogi as ‘Confluence State.’

    The Centre for Speech Development and Learning Initiative called on the National Assembly for a constitutional review that will give chance for Kogi state to be renamed.

    Alexius Maiyanga, The group’s Executive Director, made this call while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the call became necessary because the present geographical and political area called ‘Kogi’ is the host of Rivers Niger and Benue, Africa’s most important rivers.

    According to him, if countries could have their names changed as in the case of Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, Gold Coast to Ghana, the renaming of Kogi State is not a difficult thing to do by the National Assembly.

    He emphasized the importance of names, saying they have deep personal, cultural and historical connections.

    ‘’Our names are an incredibly important part of our identity. They carry very deep personal, cultural, emotional, familiar and historical connections. Names give us a sense of who we are, the communities in which we belong and our place in the world,’’ he said.

    Maiyanga said that Nigeria recognizes the English language as the official language of communication, stressing that General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), who created the state and the Supreme Military Council, communicated wrongly as far as the nomenclature of Kogi State was concerned.

    He said, ‘’Why did Babangida and his military associates bury one of Nigeria’s gigantic blessings of the two huge rivers; Niger and Benue with an amazing breath-taking confluence at Lokoja, the state capital?

    ‘’In Kogi, all the ethnic groups have a name for a river, why was none selected from amongst them?’’

  • 16 kidnap victims rescued by security operatives in Kogi

    16 kidnap victims rescued by security operatives in Kogi

    Security operatives on Monday rescued 16 kidnap victims from their abductors in Kogi State.

    Speaking on Monday, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, spokesman of Kogi Police Command, described the rescue operation as “very swift and pragmatic.”

    Eleven of the victims, he said, were passengers from Peace Mass Transit Bus, while five from Sienna Bus were reportedly abducted on Sunday, Feb. 25 along Ette Enugu Ezike road and taken to the bush.

    Ovye-Aya, who said no arrest had been made, vowed to apprehend the suspects and bringing them to face justice.

    According to him, security operatives were out there combing the bush to arrest the culprits in order to bring them to book.

    “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that kidnappers are arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others

    ‘”As security operatives, we are out to arrest the menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Kogi and the country as a whole.

    “Already, our Commissioner of Police in Kogi Command, Bethrand Onuoha, is happy with the rescue operation and has commended the Joint security team, ” he said.

    The command’s spokesperson quoted the CP as reiterating his Command’s unwavering determination to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminalities in Kogi.

    Ovye-Aya appealed to the good people of the state for their continue collaboration with the police and other security agencies in ensuring adequate security of lives and property in Kogi.

  • Disaster averted as petrol tanker bursts into flames in Kogi

    Disaster averted as petrol tanker bursts into flames in Kogi

    Station attendants, customers and many persons at the Abiodun Ojo Filling Station, Lokoja, escaped death by whiskers on Thursday, when a tanker caught fire, while discharging petrol.

    It took the concerted intervention of the Kogi State Fire Service and some good samaritans to put out the fire.

    Although no life was lost, the incident caused serious gridlock on the ever busy road, particularly around Logongoma Market, Phase 1.

    It was learnt that the incident happened around 3.30p.m.

    The station manager declined comment but eyewitness account attributed the fire to a spark from the tanker.

    An eyewitness, one Fatima Ali, disclosed that the tanker arrived at the station and was about to start discharging product when a spark occurred.

    “The spark immediately triggered off the fire,” Ali said.

    She said that when the tanker caught fire, the driver summoned courage and drove it out of the station to the road, where fire service men came and put out the flame.

    According to her, workers at the nearby EEgoja Gas Station rushed to the filing station with fire extinguishers and also helped to fight the fire.

    Motorists and other road users diverted to one lane of the road as frantic efforts were made to bring the situation under control.

    The Acting Director, Kogi Fire Service, Mr Salahu Ozigi-Umar, expressed gratitude to God for the timely intervention by people from the neighbourhood.

    “We thank God that the workers of EEgoja Gas station rushed out with their fire extinguishers and saved the station from going up in flames.

    “Again, thanks to my personnel who responded quickly to the distress call made to us.

    “Their ability to put out the fire was expected.

    “Of course, there was some little damage to the station and the tanker.

    “The joy is that no life was lost and no attendant suffered any injuries as a result of the unfortunate incident.

    “The only challenge we had in the process of extinguishing the fire was the undue interference from sympathisers.

    “The major cause of the fire would possibly be as a result of the long journey by the tanker, coupled with the present harsh weather condition,” Ozigi-Umar said.

    He advised motorists to always obey all cautionary signs and ensure other safety measures, including installing necessary equipment in their vehicles.

    He further urged the public to always alert the fire service on time, any time there was fire outbreak.

    The Spokesman for the state Police Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, expressed happiness over the timely intervention of the state fire service, which helped to bring the situation under control.

  • TRAGEDY: Herbal medication leaves 2 dead in Kogi, others land in hospital

    TRAGEDY: Herbal medication leaves 2 dead in Kogi, others land in hospital

    No fewer than two persons have been reported dead and two others hospitalised after drinking excess self-made herb in Kogi.

    The sad incident occurred in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of the state.

    The victims, including a 62-year-old man, reportedly drank in excess combination of Gegemu and Roots, all in the guise to get high but only landed themselves in trouble.

    While the 62-year-old man, fondly known as Okiribo, and a 45year-old Samuel Omo-Folorunsho died, one Shola Pempe and another youth were hospitalised at ECWA hospital, Makutu.

    Some of the youths in the community went ahead to dig the said roots and turn them into concoction (agbo) by themselves and consume them to be high.

    The traditional ruler, Oba Moses Etombi, Agbana of Isanlu, who confirmed the incident described the it as “tragic” and “very unfortunate”.

    The traditional ruler said the incident threw the community in to mourning as “it is unbelievable that the herbs that we have been using for treatment of pile could send our beloved ones to their early graves.

    “From what I learnt, they drank more than two litres of the concoction, which badly affected their health.

    “We only use those herbs for treatment of pile and only a little of its quantity is supposed to be taken. Taking it in excess is not advised at all.

    “Thank God the other two survived or else it would have been so disastrous for us in the community,” he told newsmen.

    Etonbi, however, advised his subject residents, especially youths, to desist from taking anything that would affect their health.

    According to him, hard drugs destroy and should be hated and kept at bay so as to enjoy a good and healthy life.

    The Kogi Police Command’s Public Relation Officer, SP Williams Ovye-Aya,  also confirmed the incident and advised youths against drugs.

  • Gov Ododo retains 9 of Bello’s 16 commissioners

    Gov Ododo retains 9 of Bello’s 16 commissioners

    Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi is retaining nine of the 16 commissioners who served in the cabinet of his immediate predecessor, Gov. Yahaya Bello.

    He made his decision known shortly after he was sworn in as the fifth Executive Governor of Kogi on Saturday in Lokoja.

    Ododo is also retaining the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade and the State Security Adviser, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara.

    The commissioner nominees are Mr Wemi Jones, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Mr Bashir Abubakar and Messrs Abdulsalami Ozigi, Idris Asiwaju, Mohammed Abdulmutalib, and Barr. Yunus Abdullahi

    Others include Mr Sunday Faleke, Mr Segun Joseph, Mr Timothy Ojoma, Mrs Rabiat Momoh, and Dr Adams Abdulaziz.

    Ododo also appointed Alhaji Ali Bello as his Chief of Staff; Mrs Hillary Ojoma as Deputy Chief of Staff and Mr Elijah Jelele as Head of Service.

    The governor also appointed a Chief Press Secretary, a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, a Director-General of Protocols, a Director-General of Government House and a Legal Adviser as some of his aides.

    Ododo appealed to the leadership of Kogi State House of Assembly to give all the nominees expeditious consideration to ensure unhindered operations in the Executive arm of government.

    The new governor served as Auditor-General (Local Governments) in Yahaya Bello’s cabinet.

  • Lokoja agog as Ahmed Ododo takes over from Yahaya Bello as Kogi Governor

    Lokoja agog as Ahmed Ododo takes over from Yahaya Bello as Kogi Governor

    The Lokoja Metropolis went agog on Saturday as Alhaji Usman Ododo took over the mantle of leadership from Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi.

    Ododo and Joel Salifu were sworn in as Kogi Governor and Deputy Governor by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Majebi.

    The Muhammadu Buhari Square Lokoja, was full to capacity as early as 8:00 a.m. as  thousands of party supporters, families, friends, and well-wishers who were mobilised from the 21 LGAs of the state thronged the square to witness the inauguration of Ododo of the All Progressive Congress (APC)

    Ododo and Salifu were elected on the platform of APC on Nov. 11, 2023 during the Kogi Off-Cycle governorship election.

    Ododo was declared winner after scoring 446,237 votes to defeat his closest rival Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who polled 259,052 votes.

    Ododo succeeded the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, after completing his two-terms in office from Jan. 27, 2016 to Jan. 27, 2024.

    Present at the ceremony were Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima; the Kwara Governor and Chairman of Governor’s Forum, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman and deputy governor of Benue State.

    Government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Some NASS members and Kogi Assembly members led by the Speaker, Umar Yusuf also witnessed the event.

    But the  SDP candidate, Ajaka, in reaction to the event, urged the people of Kogi not to be disillusioned by Saturday’s swearing in of Ododo as Governor.

    Ajaka, in a statement by the the party’s Campaign Director of Communications, Faruk Adejoh-Audu, said the enthronement of Ododo was just a temporary distraction as the case challenging his victory was before the Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

  • Bello inaugurates 110-Bed Hospital, highlights healthcare successes in Kogi

    Bello inaugurates 110-Bed Hospital, highlights healthcare successes in Kogi

    Gov. Yahaya Bello, on Friday inaugurated Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child 110-Bed Hospital in Iruvichonomi community in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi..

    At the inauguration, Bello said that his administration’s persistent investment in the health sector had yielded positive outcomes, evident in the enhanced quality of lives and well-being of the citizens.

    The governor underscored the continued attention given to the health sector, and assured its improvement under the incoming administration of the Governor-Elect, Usman Ododo.

    He told the citizens that the hospital was well equipped with cutting-edge medical tools and state-of-the-art facilities and could extend its services beyond maternal and child care.

    “This hospital has the capacity to address a wide range of health issues, therefore, I urge you to maximise the facility for maintaining good health.

    “I wish to commend the community for generously donating the land for the hospital’s construction. As a government we acknowledge and appreciate this kind gesture.

    “We hope to give adequate compensation for the landowners, “he pledged.

    Bello said additional efforts were made by the administration, such as extending a 33kVA electricity line, ensuring 24-hour operations at the hospital, and providing water and improved access roads to complement Federal Government initiatives.

    Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, applauded Gov. Bello for his remarkable achievements in Kogi particularly in the health sector.

    Orelope-Adefulire encouraged the community members to fully utilise the facility to enhance their well-being.

    Also, former Special Adviser to the governor on SDGs, Mr Nasir Ahiani, affirmed the commitment of both the state and federal governments to strengthen their collaboration in achieving the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.