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Author: Thompson Yamput

  • Ododo signs 7 bills into law

    Ododo signs 7 bills into law

    Bills

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo on Thursday signed seven bills into law with a charge to the residents to embrace the new laws and be law abiding to move Kogi forward.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seven bills signed into law include: A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi Local Government Service Commission Law 2014 and for other matters connected therewith, 2024.

    A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Scholarship Board Edict, 1998 and other matters connected therewith, 2024.

    A Law to establish the Kogi Electricity Market and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission to Regulate Electricity Generation, Transmission, System Operation Distribution, Supply and Promote Access to Electricity in the State through increased Private Sector Investments or Public Private Partnership in Grid, Multi-Grid and other Off-grid Electricity Option using Renewable and Non-renewable Fuel Sources in the State and other Purposes Connected Therewith, 2024.

    A Law to Establish the Kogi State Anti Corruption Agency and other matters connected therewith, 2024 and Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency Law, 2024.

    The Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency Law, 2024 and the Kogi State Urban Planning Law, 2024.

    Ododo, who signed the bills in his office at the Government House, Lokoja, described the laws as people’s laws.

    He explained that his assent to the bills were in line with his promise to lead with transparency, accountability and fear of God.

    “I believe that the new set of laws will serve as catalyst for the rapid social and economic development of Kogi State as they deal directly with critical aspects of the lives of the people.

    “These laws combined together can be referred to as the people’s Acts. All the laws have direct bearing in the lives of our people and this is the reason why we are here.

    “Let it be known that under my administration, nobody is above the law.

    “This is in line with my promise to lead with the fear of God and to ensure that our resources work for the people of the state,” Ododo assured.

    He, however, urge the people of the state, especially those in positions of authority to embrace the new laws and be familiar with their provisions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TYC/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Security: Kogi Govt set to recruit 1, 050 hunters

    Security: Kogi Govt set to recruit 1, 050 hunters

    Security
    By Thompson Yamput
    Lokoja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Government is set to recruit 1, 050 hunters to beef up security in the State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Lokoja that this followed the State House Assembly’s approval of the government’s request on Wednesday at plenary for the recruitment of that seizable number of hunters.

    The commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Salami Ozigi-Deedat, had sent a letter to the house for the recruitment of 50 hunters each in the 21 Local Government Area of the state.

    In the letter the state government gave reasons for the proposed recruitment to include shortage of security personnel in the state and the need to curb crime and criminality in the state.

    The assembly speaker, Alhaji Umar Aliyu, read the letter sent out during plenary on Wednesday.

    Aliyu reminded the house of their previous resolve to recruit hunters, given the security challenges in the state

    According to him, there is serious shortage of manpower in the state, and that the government’s request was in the right direction.

    Consequently, in a voice vote, the legislators unanimously approved the recruitment of the 1, 050 hunters.

    The house directed that the payment of salaries of the hunters would be made by the Caretaker Chairmen of the 21 local governments. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TYC/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

  • Ododo hails ex-governor Bello’s exemplary leadership, extraordinary vision

    Ododo hails ex-governor Bello’s  exemplary leadership, extraordinary vision

    Felicitation

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi has commended the former governor Yahaya Bello for his exemplary leadership and extraordinary vision that led to the transformation of the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lokoja by Ododo’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, on Bello a 46th  birthday.

    Ododo also described Bello as quintessential leader of repute as he felicitates with him on the occasion of his 49th Birthday Anniversary.

    According to him, Bello is a quintessential leader of men and women and a pathfinder who lifted children of the less privileged to prominence and led the state to a prosperous pedestal in the eight years of his administration in the

    “On the occasion of the 49th birthday of my leader and mentor,

    ”I am filled with gratitude for the courage you exemplified, the sacrifices you made for us to be where we are today and the legacies you bequeathed on our state and our people.

    “I wish you many more years in good health and prosperity as you will be surrounded by your children and the children of many people whose lives you have transformed as you celebrate the anniversary of your birthday”, he said.

    The governor prayed to God to  protect the life of the former governor, wishing him a fulfilled life out of office. ,(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Kogi govt. bans traditional procession in Koton Kafe

    Kogi govt. bans traditional procession in Koton Kafe

    Ban

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Government  has banned  Traditional procession in Koton Kafe in Kogi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state for security reasons.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, announced the ban in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lokoja.

    Fanwo said  that security reports indicated that all was not well in Koton Kafe community, following alleged plans by  some people to forment trouble in the area.

    He said that the ban was aimed at maintaining   peace in Koton karfe and its environs in Kogi Local Government  Area (LGA)

    “The proactive ban is aimed at curbing plans by some elements in the area to disturb the peace of the ancient town.

    “Gov. Usman Ododo has reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful co-existence among all Koton karfe people.

    “He will always leave his doors open to listen to complaints and grievances rather than resort to violence, ” he said .

    The commissioner  urged all concerned to strictly abide by the ban, warning that violators would be treated as enemies of peace and the state.

    He said that the decision by the government was aimed at protecting the rights of the Koton karfe people and all citizens.

    Fanwo urged law enforcement agents to enforce the ban in accordance with the laws of the land.

    According to him, Koton karfe people should  be committed to peace and harmony as  government was prepared to protect them from violence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that for mer Gov. Yahaya Bello on Jan. 8, removed Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe.

    Isah-Koto  was also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Governement Area  traditional council.

    NAN  reports that Isah-Koto, who was removed and deposed to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger, was replaced with Alhaji Saidu Akawu-Salihu. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

     

  • Sallah: Intensify prayers against drugs, criminality – NDLEA tells Nigerians

    Drug

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called on Nigerians to use the Eid el-Kabir to intensify prayers against drugs and criminality in the country.

    Kogi NDLEA Commander Umar Yahuza made the call in his message issued to journalists on Sunday in Lokoja.

    Yahuza said: “The way and manner youths are engaged into drugs and criminality calls for concern of all and sundry.

    “It’s based on this that I wish to use this occasion to enjoin Kogi residents and Nigerians as a whole to shun drug abuse and trafficking as well as other forms of criminality.

    “The destinies of many youths are being truncated by the effect of drugs, which must be fought against for the good of families and the nation.

    “As we celebrate Eid el-Kabir, let us reflect on the values of compassion, unity and gratitude for the growth and development of the country.”

    The NDLEA commander said that on behalf of the agency’s officers and men of the agency, he wished all muslim faithful a peaceful celebration.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TYC//KAY

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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Excitement in Kogi as Ododo pays June salaries

     

    Salaries

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Palpable excitement enveloped Kogi at the weekend as Gov. Usman Ododo surprised the state workers by paying their June salaries in the middle of the month.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that most of the workers were pleasantly surprised as it was the first time they were getting such gesture.

    A top government official told NAN that the gesture was to enable the people celebrate the Eid-el Kabir festival with joy.

    NAN reports that the governor also distributed food items and other palliatives to the workers and other residents of the North-Central state.

    Some of the civil servants, who spoke to NAN, expressed appreciation to the governor for the gesture which, they said, would help them to enjoy the Muslim festival.

    “The governor’s early payment of June salaries, alongside the distribution of food palliatives to workers, is a huge blessing to us,” Hajiya Fatima Baba, a civil servant, told NAN.

    Alhaji Bala Adejoh, another civil servant, who was full of praises for the governor, said that the arrival of the June salary was a “huge relief”.

    “It’s a great relief getting June salary to celebrate this Sallah.

    “My prayer for the governor is for him to enjoy God’s grace, guidance and blessings as he rules Kogi in this trying  time,” Adejoh said.

    Ododo had, in a statement by Mr Onogwu Muhammed, his
    Special Adviser on Public Relations, said that the peoples’ vote for ‘consolidation and continuity’ in Kogi, was not a mistake.

    According to him, before 2016, Kogi was burdened with a bogus and ineffective civil service system with salaries always irregular.

    “Unfortunately, efforts to sanitise the system and ensure timely wage payments for genuine workers were hindered by lack of political will and various obstacles.

    “It was the bold initiative of ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello’s administration that tackled this cumbersome system.

    “The civil service reform initiated by Bello’s administration was arduous and demanding for both the civil servants and the government.

    “Since 2017, the government policy has ensured that workers’ salaries are paid between the 25th and 27th of every month, a policy that the current administration is sustaining.

    “The civil service reform was one of the five key thematic areas of the ‘New Direction Administration’ of the previous government, focusing on education, jealth, agriculture and infrastructure.

    “Part of the fulfillment of the promise of sustainable welfare is  paying the June salaries and pensions of workers and retirees in Kogi ahead of the Sallah celebration,” the statement said.

    The statement quoted the governor as saying that prompt payment of salaries and the distribution of the second quarterly food palliative to vulnerable populations was part of efforts to ensure people enjoyed the festivities with their families.

    He was also quoted as reassuring the people that his administration would continue to prioritise welfare of workers, pensioners and all residents.

    The statement said that the reforms in the public and civil service sectors had made Kogi one of the most attractive public employers in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/CHOM/ETS

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  • Eid el-Kabir: Police enjoin officers, residents to ensure peace

    Police

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Kogi Police Commissioner Bethrand Onuoha has enjoined police officers and residents of the state to ensure a hitch-free Eid el-Kabir in the state.

    He said on Saturday in Lokoja that the police would not tolerate any breach of peace in the state.

    Onuoha directed the area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to put in place security measures for a crime-free celebration.

    He also directed the deployment of police personnel across the 21 local government areas of the state to ensure a hitch-free celebration.

    “This deployment is to ensure robust synergy and collaboration with sister security agencies in the state, guaranteeing a peaceful and secure celebration.

    “I reiterate the command’s unwavering commitment in sustaining the robust synergy, collaboration and cooperation existing among us and sister security agencies in the state.

    “Therefore , I urge the public to cooperate with the police and other security agencies in the state to ensure a crime free celebration,” he said.

    He, however, appealed to law-abiding citizens to volunteer timely and credible information on criminal activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/ESI/KAY

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    Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Kayode Olaitan

  • Sallah: Sen. Natasha distributes rams to constituents

    Sallah: Sen. Natasha distributes rams to constituents

    Distribution

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), on Saturday distributed rams to some of her constituents ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration commencing on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, distributed the rams to the beneficiaries at the central mosques in each of the five local government areas of the district.

    In a remark to commence the exercise, the lawmaker urged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion to promote love, tolerance and pray for sustained peace in the country.

    “On this auspicious occasion of Eid-el Kabir, I extend warm greetings to all Muslims in Kogi, Nigeria and across the world.

    “Eid-el Kabir, a sacred holiday commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, is a powerful reminder to us all of the values of faith, obedience and selflessness.

    “As we celebrate this joyous day, we honour the unwavering dedication of Prophet Ibrahim.

    “On this blessed moment, I join all Muslim faithful to rejoice in the spirit of unity, compassion and gratitude. Let’s imbibe the principles of peace, love, and service to humanity,” she said.

    She wished all Muslims a joyous Eid-el Kabir celebration “filled with happiness, peace and harmony”.

    Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to NAN, were full of praises and prayers for Natasha for the show of love and kindness.

    “I’m short of words. I don’t know how to thank our lawmaker for distributing rams to us at this hard economic time,” Ibrahim Adeiza, a civil servant, said.

    Hajiya Nafisa Abubakar, a housewife, said that the lawmaker’s gesture had shown that she was a woman with human feelings.

    “Do you know how a ram cost in the market at this period? But, here I am with one, offered free, for my family to celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.

    “We’re indeed proud of Natasha for this show of love toward some of us that are finding things difficult in today’s Nigeria,” Abubakar said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/ETS

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  • FRSC deploys 500 personnel, 17 patrol vehicles in Kogi

    Deployment
    By Thompson Yamput
    Lokoja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 500 personnel, 17 vehicles and three ambulance vehicles to check accidents on the highways during Eid el-Kabir.

    Mr Samuel Oyedeji, Kogi FRSC Sector Commander, announced this while briefing newsmen at the command’s premises in Lokoja on Friday.

    He explained that the deployment follows the order of Corp Marshall Shehu Mohammed, who he said was worried over the level of road  accidents in the country.

    “This is in line with the Operational order for 2024 Eid- el- Kabir Special Patrol operations from June 14 to June 21, hence the deployment of 500 personnel throughout the state with special marshals.

    “Also 17 patrol vehicles, one heavy tow truck, three ambulances and one  motorbike to help guarantee safety of motorists  and those transiting through the state during the period.

    “The enforcement shall focus on speeding and dangerous driving/overtaking, lane indiscipline/route violation, road obstructions, use of phone while driving, overloading, seatbelt/child restraint use violations and loading of articulated vehicles with goods and passengers, among others,” he said.

    Oyedeji said that to achieve this milestone, the state command and all its component unit commands had put in place measures to  engage the motoring public through purposeful and impactful public education programmes.

    He added that the command would ensure an effective patrol operations, as well as adequate monitoring on the highways.

    Oyedeji advised road users to guide their conducts and maintain good behaviours on the highways.

    He cautioned the drivers of commercial vehicles, trucks and articulated vehicles to avoid  night travel and overloading.

    “This is why FRSC is in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association and state judiciaries for timely prosecution of drivers and vehicle owners caught in the act of contravening established traffic regulations.

    “These unacceptable acts led to the flag-off of the Inter-Agency Joint Task Force (JTF) to enforce compliance against use of trailers conveying passengers as well as mitigate road traffic accidents, fatalities and injuries emanating from the lawlessness of articulated vehicle drivers,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/EOB
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    Edited Edited by Edith Bolokor/Kayode Olaitan

  • Federal University, Lokoja inaugurates Zoo

     

    Zoo

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Federal University, Lokoja on Thursday inaugurated its zoo to ease students’ practical learning in biodiversity, wildlife and recreation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the zoo and conservatory situated at the Field Main Campus of the institution, was inaugurated by the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni.

    Some of the animals in the zoo include donkeys, snakes, Ostriches, Horses, monkey, among others.

    NAN reports that the Zoo has a children amusement and recreational facilities to serve as a recreational and educational facility for the people of Lokoja and its environs.

    It is also expected to provide a space where families, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts could learn about Nigeria’s rich natural heritage.

    Goni, while inaugurating the facility, described it as a centre with the potential to contribute to global conservation efforts that would benefit humanity.

    He said: “Nigeria, as a nation, is rich in natural and cultural diversity, so the protection of its natural resources will always be of utmost importance.

    “The role of zoos and conservatories in the preservation and protection of biodiversity cannot be overstated as they serve as living laboratories, fostering deep understanding and appreciation for the natural world.”

    He disclosed that about 180 million people visit Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos and aquariums each year, and contribute about $24 Billion to the U. S Economy.

    According to him, in Nigeria, travel and tourism contribute about 3.6 per cent to the country’s GDP annually.

    Goni expressed the belief that through effective collaboration among the academia, conservationists and the government, the objectives of the centre would be achieved.

    The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akinwumi, described zoos as educational resources, providing a living laboratory for students and researchers in the fields of biology, environmental science and wildlife management.

    “For creating a safe haven for various animal species, we are not only contributing to global conservation efforts, but also raising awareness about the importance of protecting our natural world.”

    Earlier, the Director of the centre, Prof. Jacqueline Badaki, had lamented the ever-changing wild landscape being ripped apart by climate change and habitat loss across the globe.

    Badaki opined that captive breeding programmes were needed more than ever before to “assure the survival of some species that cannot survive on their own”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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