Author: Stephen Adeleye

Group advocates improved awareness on violence prohibition law in Kogi
Group advocates improved awareness on violence prohibition law in Kogi
Group photograph of participants at the capacity building training for stakeholders on Kogi State VAPP Law 2022, on Wednesday in Lokoja
VAPP
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A group, The Participation For Behavioural Change In Development (PIBCID), has called for improvement in the awareness on the existence of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2022 in Kogi.
The Executive Director of PIBCID, Rachael Akande, made the call at a workshop organised for critical stakeholders on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The workshop was organised by PIBCID and Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) in collaboration with Kogi office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC).
Akande said that the VAPP law was enacted as a result of prevailing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and human right abuse in Kogi.
According to her, the main thrust of the law is to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons such as rape, maiming of spouse, forceful ejection from home, forced isolation, acid bath and killing, amongst others.
She said that the VAPP law was meant to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders and other related matters.
Akande noted that the VAPP law was domesticated in Kogi in June 2022, but decried the low level of awareness by the general public.
She stressed the need to sensitise and train the critical stakeholders to create awareness and its effective implementation to curb GBV in the state.
“The level of awareness of the provisions of VAPP Law 2022 in Kogi is still very low. We want more people to know about the law and take advantage of its provisions.
“This workshop is to create more awareness and involvement of relevant stakeholders that would champion the fight against gender based violence in Kogi,” Akande said.
She urged the participants to step down the training in their various organisations and increase the awareness at the grassroots across the state.
Akande also called for the provision of adequate funding for government’s relevant agencies and critical stakeholders, stressing that the issue of GBV is everybody’s responsibility.
Also speaking, the Director General of PDCRC in Kogi, Mr Musa Idris, said the VAPP law in the state was enacted in June 2022 and domiciled with Commission.
Idris said that the PDCRC had successfully handled several cases including domestic violence and rape, resolved several family issues as well as other cases free of charge.
He noted that offences such as rape that attracted a penalty of 40 years imprisonment under the Penal code, now attracted a life imprisonment under the Kogi VAPP law, 2022.
Idris emphasised that the workshop was part of the commission’s effort to sensitise the populace about the provisions of the Kogi State VAPP law, 2022.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that resource persons at the training spoke on several topics, such as “Appraisal of the Provisions of Kogi State VAPP Law, 2022”, and “Overview of Offences and Punishment”.
Others included: “the Roles of Protection officers in the implementation of the VAPP law”, as well as “Roles of critical stakeholders under the Kogi State VAPP law, 2022”.
The Chief Executive Officer of Challenged Parenthood Network Initiative (CPI), Eunice Agbogun, said that the successful implementation of the VAPP law in Kogi demanded a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
“By working together, these entities can create a system that empowers victims, strengthens the justice system, and ultimately fosters a safer environment for all citizens in Kogi,” Agbogun said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/ISHO/IU
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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/ Isaac Ukpoju
June 26, 2024
ASUU urges FG to remove universities from IPPIS, fulfill other agreements
ASUU urges FG to remove universities from IPPIS, fulfill other agreements
ASUU members, Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in a group photograph after a protest on Tuesday at Feleke campus Lokoja
Protest
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has urged the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to remove its members from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Dr Joshua Silas, the Chairman of ASUU, Federal University, Lokoja (FUL) chapter, made the call on Tuesday during a protest by members of the union at FUL campus in Felele, Lokoja.
Addressing newsmen after the protest, the chairman urged the federal government to implement the re-negotiations of 2009 agreements reached with the national ASUU to prevent resumption of the suspended industrial action.
“We are carrying out these protests nationwide as directed by the national body of ASUU in solidarity to urge the federal government to promptly meet our demands.
“The government has failed to meet with our demands regarding the 2009 re-negotiation agreements with the national body of ASUU as promised.
“A lot has been done and government promised to meet our needs but since 2009 to 2024 till now, nothing has been done because government has failed to honour the agreements.
“We suspended the last strike in October 2022 with the hope that government would resolve all the outstanding issues, but till today June 25, 2024, nothing has been done.
“The protest is to call the attention of the general public to be aware and bear us witness that ASUU has been patient enough with the government.
“Enough is enough; this is totally unacceptable because many of our members have died due to the present economic hardships.
“We urge the government to do the needful because ASUU should not be blamed for any industrial action anytime from now,” Silas said.
According to him, the agreements include the removal of ASUU from IPPIS, outstanding academic allowances, revitalization fund, payment of promotion arrears balance as well as withheld salaries, among others.
Silas noted that the federal government had paid four months out of about eight months outstanding salaries remaining three and half months.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest was carried out by the union members within all the faculties of institutions and terminated at the university gate with chanting of solidarity songs.
Members of ASUU FUL during a protest on Tuesday at Felele campus Lokoja
They carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “Remove ASUU from IPPIS, “Release our withheld salaries”, Implement ASUU) FG agreements”, We are not Casual Workers”, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
June 25, 2024
CMD tasks outgoing house officers on excellence, medical ethics

L-R: Dr Kenneth Nwafor, FTHL House Officers’ Rep. Dr Nwamaka Onubogu, LOC Chairman, and Dr Ojochide Ebune CMAC FTHL, receiving an award on behalf of the CMD FTHL, Dr Olatunde Alabi, during the HO Forum Week Dinner and Award night on Sunday in Lokoja
Ethics
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Dr Olatunde Alabi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), has urged the outgoing house officers of the hospital to strictly adhere to principles of medical ethics in their future endeavors.
Alabi gave the advice during the FTHL’s House Officers’ Forum dinner and award night, on Sunday in Lokoja.
The CMD, who was represented by the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr Ojochide Ebune, commended the forum for the initiative in putting the week-long activities together through team work.
“We commend your initiative and wishing you the best in your future endeavors. We urge you to focus on excellence, commitment to patient care and the ethics of our profession.
“As young doctors, if you can be disciplined and focused, the opportunities available to you in your future are endless,” he said.
The CMD stressed the need for the young doctors to focus on defining a path for their career, which could only be influenced by their commitment to excellence and dedication to the ethics of the profession.
According to him, medical ethics encompassed the obligations health care professionals have to ensure patients’ overall well-being and to respect their fundamental rights.
He, therefore, urged the house officers to decide early on what they wanted, and be professional in whatever they do, which would serve them in their career path in life.
On his remarks, Dr Kenneth Nwafor, the House Officers’ representative said that the maiden edition of the house officers’ Week was a way of giving back to the society.
“The dinner and award night is to crown the week-long event by appreciating those who have been of tremendous support to the forum, especially the management of FTHL and to the society at large.
“It is a moment of reflection on our activities for one year houseman-ship training at FTHL,” Nwafor said.
Earlier, Dr Nwamaka Onubogu, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), said that the inaugural FTHL house officers’ week began with a collaborative effort to mark the World Blood Donation Day 2024, where volunteers gathered to learn about blood donation.
“This event culminated in the donation of over 30 units of blood, contributing significantly to the healthcare success at our center.
“We officially kick-started the program on June 17 with an outreach to the Adankolo community. We provided education, checked vitals, and dispensed medications to indigent members of the community.
“This was made possible as a result of the support from our generous sponsors. The management supported us every step of the way, emphasising the importance of this initiative.
“Tonight, we gather here looking as radiant as ever to celebrate not only ourselves but also the wonderful institution and remarkable people on whose shoulders we have stood to get to this point,” she said
Onubogu commended the management of the health institution for their unwavering support towards the success of the event.
Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of award, classical music, dance, panel discussion, and launching of House Officers’ forum Year Book, titled: “Trailblazers 2024”.
During the panel discussion, the Panelists had an in-depth deliberations on the topic: “Life after Housemanship: The options”.
The panelists exposed the health officers to diverse opportunities ahead, and advised them to be hardworking and focus on things that soothe their personalities and core values. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/OJI/IU
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka / Isaac Ukpoju
June 24, 2024
CSO lauds anti-corruption law enactment in Kogi, urges enforcement
CSO lauds anti-corruption law enactment in Kogi, urges enforcement
The Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Mr Miliki Idris

Law
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) A civil society organisation, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), has lauded the enactment of Kogi State Anti-corruption Law.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, on Thursday, signed seven bills into law, including Kogi State Anti-corruption Bill.
The bills were passed by Kogi State House of Assembly.
Speaking to NAN on the development on Friday in Lokoja, the Executive Director, CHRCR, Mr Miliki Idris, said the passage and subsequent signing of the anti-corruption bill into law, was highly commendable.
“Corruption is absence of integrity which has eaten deep into fabrics of our society at the national level in general and Kogi State in particular.
“It is on this note that we commend the Kogi House of Assembly for the passage and subsequent signing into law of the Anti-Corruption Bill by the Gov. Ahmed Ododo on June 20, 2024.
“The advocacy by civil society organisations for the creation of an anti-corruption agency or institution in Kogi State is bringing positive results.
“We will be glad for the agency to be established with people of proven integrity with diverse backgrounds as soon as possible,” Idris said.
He stressed that corruption had eaten deep into the society, particularly among public service institutions.
The activist emphasised that the signing of the law and the subsequent establishment of the agency would have a strong impact on the fight against corruption in Kogi.
He said that the agency, when established, would complement the efforts of the various federal institutions fighting corruption.
He urged the governor to be diligent in the fight against corruption.
“From our own end, CHRCR as an organisation, has been involved in fighting corruption in Kogi over a decade.
“We shall be willing to partner with the anti-corruption agency when established.
“We implore the citizens and the state’s public service to leverage on this new initiative to minimise and reduce corruption in Kogi.
“We call on the governor to put necessary machineries in place for proper enforcement of this great law in the interest of justice and development of Kogi State,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
June 21, 2024
Ododo disburses N370m community revolving loan to farmers in Kogi
Ododo disburses N370m community revolving loan to farmers in Kogi
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi in a group photograph with CFR beneficiaries on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Loan
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Wednesday disbursed N370 million Community Revolving Fund (CRF), to farmers to boost food production in the North-Central State
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the CRF loan disbursement is in partnership with the World Bank under the ACReSAL project.
A total of 208 farmers spread across 10 clusters in two catchment areas benefited from the CRF loan in the Pilot Phase I.
Each cluster got 25,000 USD (N37m), out of the 250,000 USD (N370m) shared.
The 208 beneficiaries, 70 per cent of whom are women, got N1.77m each.
Ododo, who inaugurated the disbursement at the Government House, Lokoja, said the scheme was a proactive initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of climate change.
It is also to support community agricultural efforts, he added.
The governor disclosed that the second phase of the CRF loan disbursement would come up in August.
He appreciated all stakeholders involved in the project and emphasised his administration’s commitment to agricultural development.
According to him, within his five months in office, his administration had implemented various initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity.
The initiatives, he said, included the provision of agricultural machineries for mechanisation, agricultural inputs, training and capacity building for farmers, among others.
The governor urged the CRF beneficiaries to utilise the loan judiciously, stressing that it was designed to support their agricultural endeavours and improve their livelihoods.
Ododo expressed confidence that the loan would boost agricultural practices in the catchment areas, leading to increased food production and security.
“It is expected that the funds would be utilised for activities under climate smart agriculture and related agricultural value chain, just as you have been trained.
“I implore you to pay back the loans as at when due, to enable others benefit from the fund because it is a revolving loan.
“I assure you all that our administration will continue to collaborate with global partners to provide resources and support that could cushion the attendant effect of climate change and tackle poverty.
“We are not oblivious of the fact that our farmers need security in order to farm effectively. To this end, we have mapped out our security plan to protect our farmers and their farmlands.
“Our administration has developed a template for farmlands security by employing local hunters and vigilante men and women to provide adequate security at all times.
“We have also activated our security rapid response capacity to distress calls from farmers and others
“Adequate security gadgets and patrol vehicles have been provided across the 21 Local Government Areas(LGAs) of the state.
“We have strengthened the capacity of LGAs to ensure community policing. We won’t complain and run to Abuja, we are providing solutions here in Kogi.
“Local Government Chairmen, community leaders, security agencies are all our critical partners in ensuring the success of this all important, poverty-defeating scheme.
“There are pointers to the fact that our efforts in the area of community policing is already yielding fruits,” Ododo said.
Earlier, the Speaker, Kogi House of Assembly, Mr Umar Yusuf, had emphasised the importance of partnership for progress as highlighted in the 17 thematic areas of the SDGs.
The speaker commended the governor for his leadership and commitment to the development of the state.
Also, State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Ladi Jatto, commended the governor for his commitment to the success of the project in the state.
Jatto stressed that the governor had made it easy for the people of Kogi to take advantage of the project.
In their remarks, Messrs Asiwaju Idris and Olusegun Joseph, finance and environment commissioners respectively, thanked the governor for paying due attention to the plight of the rural poor.
The Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, commended the governor for his efforts at supporting the agricultural sector.
They urged the beneficiaries to ensure timely repayment of the loan to ensure the sustainability of the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/TYC/ETS
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Edited by Thompson Yamput and Ephraims Sheyin

June 20, 2024
Forum offers free medical outreach to vulnerable citizens in Kogi
Forum offers free medical outreach to vulnerable citizens in Kogi

A cross section of doctors attending to patients during the medical outreach organised by the House Officers Forum of FTHL on Monday in Andankolo, Lokoja
Outreach
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The House Officers Forum (HO forum), Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), has offered free medical services to no fewer 100 indigent people of Adankolo market in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The forum also enlightened the community on some health conditions, the right use of medications, how to take care of their health, as well as personal hygiene to prevent transmittable diseases.
The Chief Medical Director of FTHL, Dr Olatunde Alabi, during the outreach programme, commended the forum for the initiative to invest their time and resources in helping the less privileged.
Alabi, who was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), FTHL, Dr Ojochide Ebune, expressed the FTHL management’s total support for the HO forum on the initiative.
He stressed that the gesture would go a long way to improve the health of the beneficiaries who could not afford basic healthcare services due to financial constraints amidst the economic pressure.
The CMD encouraged the community to mobilise their people to take advantage of the free healthcare services as well as other subsequent medical outreaches.
He urged the people to pay adequate attention to their health especially regular screening, exercise, watch what they eat, drink, reduce stress and ensure adequate rest.
“A healthy person is a productive, resource and useful person. Prevention is better than cure; health is wealth. If you take care of your health, it is cheaper than cure,” he said.
The CMD further assured the populace of the commitment of management of FTHL to continue to ensure quality delivery of healthcare services to people of the state.
He stressed that the institution remained the most equipped, effective, accessible and affordable tertiary health institution in the state.
Also speaking, Dr Kenneth Nwafor, House Officer’s Representative, FTHL, said the medical outreach was part of activities to mark the HO Forum 2024 Week as a give back project to the society.
Nwafor noted that the HO forum with the support of FTHL management had on Friday, sensitised the public on benefits of blood donation to commemorate the “World Blood Donor Day (WBDD)” 2024, marked every June 14.
He said the medical outreach was to sensitise the people on their health challenges and how to avoid some bad practices.
He added that it was also to raise awareness on chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, among others.
Nwafor said that the people would also be screened and given free drugs such as antihypertensives, antidiabetic, pain reliefs, among others.
He further said that others who needed urgent medical attention would be referred to medical facilities.
Nwafor appreciated the management of FTHL for their approval and full support for the initiative, stressing the need to continually encourage and support such project on regular basis.
“I am really impressed with the turnout of the people for the medical outreach because it actually surpassed our target of 100 beneficiaries.
“We are grateful to the management of FTHL for their support to ensure the success of the programme,” Nwafor said.
Earlier in her sensitisation lecture, Dr Damilola Daniel, FTHL House Officer, advised the people to engage in regular exercise, avoid salty foods, self meditation and herbal concussion.
Also, a 75-year-old community leader, Alhaji Isah Abdullahi, thanked the HO forum and the management of FTHL for bringing the medical outreach to Adankolo rural communities.
“We thank the doctors and the hospital for treating our people and giving us free drugs,” Abdullahi said.
Some of the beneficiaries, Rekiyat Ibrahim, Hasiya Isa, Salman Ismaila and Samuel Ariyo, all expressed their gratitude to the HO forum for the gesture toward improving their health and wellbeing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/FAK/VIV
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Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu
June 17, 2024
Stay away from Kogi or pay the price- Ododo warns criminals
Stay away from Kogi or pay the price- Ododo warns criminals

L-R: The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ahmed Tijani Anaje; Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State; Chief of Staff to the Gov., Ali Bello; Kogi APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello; and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deedat Ozigi, during the Eid-el-Fitr prayer on Sunday at Okene Eid Praying ground.
Sallah
By Stephen Adeleye
Okene (Kogi), June 16, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has told criminal elements to stay away from the state warning that Kogi is not a fertile ground for criminality.
Ododo gave the warning while speaking to newsmen shortly after observing his Eid-el-Kabir prayer on Sunday at Okene Eid Praying ground.
The governor said the perpetrators behind the kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, came to test his administration’s capacity but faced the consequences.
“They came to test the waters, to find out what our reactions will be, and truly they faced the consequences of their actions.
“Kogi is not a fertile land for anybody to come and trade free in terms of crimes and criminality.
“They have come and they have seen the results; if they dire come in their numbers they will go back in their zeros.
“I can’t tell you what awaits them, but I hope they will never try it again,” Ododo said.
He said the government was able to rescue 29 out of the 31 kidnapped CUSTECH students, adding that unfortunately two were killed by the abductors.
Ododo prayed God to rest their souls and comfort their family members.
“Security is one of our top priorities and responsibilities in Kogi, that is why we are doing everything possible with the support of Mr President to make sure that every soul in this state is protected and secured”, he said.
He appreciated heads of all security agencies as well as the vigilantes and hunters for working in synergy to protect the lives and property of the citizenry.
On the prompt payment of workers salaries, Ododo said government was carrying out responsibilities to the citizens and not doing them a favour.
“We are doing what we are supposed to do as a government for the people of Kogi state, especially the civil servants
“When your people are happy they will be so excited to engage in their duties and do their job diligently thereby increasing productivity.
“So, it is part of our responsibilities.to take care of our people, and we are doing it with the help of God and with the support of Mr President,” he said.
Ododo commended President Tinubu for all his efforts in the nation and urged Nigerians to continue to support him by keying into all his programmes and policies.
“I urge the people of Kogi and the entire Nigerians to continue to pray for our leaders especially Mr President so that we can jointly pull ourselves out of this inherited economic crisis”, he said.
The governor admonished the people to use the Sallah celebration to remember the less privileged among them by extending their hands of kindness and support to them.
“It is period that encompasses sacrifice and submission to the will of God Almighty.
“I urge everyone of us to continue to be a good ambassador of our dear state and the country at large,” Ododo said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/TYC/KUA
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Edited by Thompson Yamput/Uche Anunne
June 16, 2024
First Lady donates 50,000 notebooks to pupils in Kogi

R-L: Wife of Kogi Gov. Hajia Sefinat Ododo, presenting the notebooks to Kogi Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, for onward distribution to pupils, donated by Mrs Oluremi Tinubu
Donation
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has donated 50,000 notebooks to pupils in public primary schools in Kogi State, under her “Renewed Hope Initiative” project.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the inauguration of the notebooks was done on Thursday at the Government House, Lokoja by the wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo.
Speaking in her capacity after unveiling the notebooks, Hajia Ododo appreciated the President’s wife for her commitment to educational development and empowerment of children in public schools across the country.
She commended Mrs Tinubu for her visionary leadership and passion to ensuring quality education for all, stressing that the initiative remained an inspiration worthy of emulation.
The Kogi governor’s wife promised to continue to emulate and support the Nigeria’s first lady for a better output, noting that the notebooks were being distributed across the 36 States of the federation.
Mrs Ododo urged the people of Kogi to continue to support her husband to take Kogi to greater heights.
She reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to continue to bridging the gaps in ensuring quality education in the state.
She advised the pupils to take their studies seriously, while urging stakeholders to ensure equitable distribution of the notebooks across public primary schools in the state.
Also speaking, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, commended the wife of the President for the gesture towards the development of education in Kogi State.
Jones emphasised that education palliative remained the most sustainable assistance to the people, stressing that Gov. Ododo’s administration would not compromise the educational needs of Kogi children.
Jones stressed that the former Governor, Alh Yahaya Bello, handed over to Ododo who had been trained and groomed to take education to another higher level in Kogi.
The commissioner assured that the necessary structure had been put in place to ensure that the notebooks get to the targeted beneficiaries.
Jones reaffirmed the commitment of Ododo’s administration to ensure that education remained free at basic and secondary levels in public schools across the state.
“Education is free in Kogi. We are paying for all exams; both internal and external examinations at basic and secondary school levels in the state.
“As a ministry, we are irreversibly committed to taking education to higher level in Kogi because we have a governor that is fully ready and committed to education development,” Jones said.
NAN reports the highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the notebooks for distribution by Hajia Ododo.
She subsequently handed them over to the commissioner for education for onward distribution to pupils across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/ROT
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
June 13, 2024
NYSC urges outgoing corps members to effectively utilise acquired skills
NYSC urges outgoing corps members to effectively utilise acquired skills
2nd Left- Kogi NYSC Coordinator Mr Femi Osungbohun, in a group photograph with 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members who received letter of Commendation for distinguishing themselves in their assignments
PoP
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Femi Osungbohun, has urged outgoing corps members to effectively utilise the acquired skills during their one year mandatory national service.
Osungbohun gave the advice at the Passing-Out-Parade (POP) ceremony for 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members on Thursday in Lokoja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that POP marks the end of a year-long journey of serving the nation, which is a mandatory requirement for Nigerian graduates.
A cross section of 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members during their POP On Wednesday in Lokoja
According to Osungbohun, a total of 825 deserving corps members of 2023 Batch B Stream l, have successfully completed and met the necessary requirements for the one year national service to their fatherland.
Osungbohun urged the corps members to effectively utilised all the acquired skills under the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED), to be self-reliant and employers of labour.
“I am sure with the kind of positive impacts the NYSC has made on you during your service year, don’t just sit back and expect government to do everything for you.
“Opportunities abound everywhere with your education and the various skills you have acquired.
“The hour has come when the advantages of all the NYSC SAED programmes, should live with you, because there is no white collar job anywhere.
“The skills should be able to empower you to be self employed and be employers of labour,” he said.
Osungbohun stressed that the NYSC operatives were always very happy that yet again they had been able to tutor and mentored a very critical segment of the society for nation building.
He added: “The 825 corps members that are leaving service today, we are proud to say that individually and collectively they are going out into the society to make positive impacts”.
NAN reports that three worthy corps members who distinguished themselves in their various assignments during their service year, received Letters of Commendation from NYSC.
They were: Serah Ogundeji – Oyo; Dr Adeniyi Ayomide – Ondo; and Hamza Babatunde from Ogun State. They all expressed their gratitude to NYSC for the opportunity to serve the nation in that capacity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/IAA
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
June 13, 2024
NYSC offers free medical services to indigent rural dwellers in Kogi

Corps members attending to health needs of indigent rural dwellers at Maigari Place Lokoja, on Wednesday
Outreach
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi on Wednesday provided free medical services to indigent residents of Lokoja, Kogi.
Speaking at the flag-off at Maigari place, Lokoja, the Kogi State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Femi Osungbohun, said the medical outreach was being conducted under the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme.
Osungbohun noted that the NYSC-HIRD was launched in 2014 as part of NYSC’s determination to deepen the impact of its healthcare services.
According to him, the medical outreach is conducted on a quarterly basis with a view to increasing access for the benefiting communities.
“The NYSC-HIRD is a platform for contributing towards promoting the wellbeing of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them access to free and qualitative healthcare.
“The programme is largely implemented through medical outreaches in communities across the country, during which the Corps Medical Volunteers carry out diagnosis and treatment.
“This includes minor medical procedures and referrals of patients, while drugs, eye glasses and other medical consumables are also given to patients free of charge.
“I am pleased to report that, so far, over two million persons have been attended to by the NYSC medical teams under the HIRD platforms.
“To treatment of patients, the medical outreaches also feature sensitisation of community members on disease prevention and care,” Osungbohun said.
He, therefore, urged the people to avail themselves of the free medical services, while commending the Maigari of Lokoja for his moral and financial support for the programme.
Osungbohun thanked the government and good people of Kogi for being part of the NYSC-HIRD, and commended the corps members for their tireless efforts toward the programme’s success.
In his remarks, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alh Ibrahim Kabiru Gambo, commended the NYSC for the gesture towards his people especially the indigent in Lokoja.
Maigari, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar, noted that the NYSC had recently organised an environment sanitation exercise at Kabawa communities towards ensuring a clean environment.
“We are grateful to NYSC because we have never witnessed this kind of gesture in our communities before. This will go a long way to impact on the health of our people,” the royal father said.
The highlight of the occasion was the Health talk by the President of NYSC Medical CDS, Dr Adeniyi Ayomide, as well as enlightenment on mental health.
The beneficiaries were screened of high blood pressure, diabetes, eye, malaria as well as other health challenges, and gave free drugs.
One of the beneficiaries, Hajia Kenchi Nasidi, commended the NYSC for the gesture, and prayed Allah to continue to bless the scheme.
“May Allah continue to bless the NYSC for giving us free drugs and treatment,” Nasidi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/NCI/VIV
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Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Vivian Ihecchu
June 12, 2024