Author: Thompson Yamput

FERMA inaugurates operation desilt water channels in Kogi
FERMA inaugurates operation desilt water channels in Kogi
Inauguration
By Thompson Yamput
Itobe (Kogi) June 13, 2024 (NAN) Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, Managing Director (MD), Federal Emergency Road Management Agency (FERMA), on Thursday inaugurated “Operation Desilt Water Channels” to checkmate erosion in Kogi.
Speaking during the inauguration at Ajegu, along the Itobe-Ayangba road in Ajaokuta Local Government of Kogi, Agbasi cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuge in drainages along the highways.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Agency’s boss was in Kogi for a one-day working visit.
The MD had visited the ongoing project “Reinstatement of critical washout and failed section” along the Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe Road, assessing progress and expressing satisfaction with the work done.
The visit, according to him, was aimed at engaging the state in meaningful discussion with staff, inspect ongoing projects, and inaugurate the new initiative, operation desilt water channels in the state
“We can’t have the drainages blocked with refuge and expect the roads not to be exposed to erosion and potholes.
“It’s the duty of communities to ensure that the drainages are free for water passage and safety of our roads in order to avoid road traffic crashes.
“This is a vital initiative designed to mitigate the impact of flooding on federal roads in Kogi.
“The overall objective is to reduce flood risk and enhance road safety by clearing hydraulic structures and improving drainage systems across critical sections of Federal Roads in Kogi.
“This innovative programme will engage youths from the host community to remove silt and sediment from drainage channels and bridges across federal roads in the state.
“By doing so, it will not only empower them to contribute to the development and safety of their own community but also foster community participation and inclusiveness in the programme’s success,” he said
The FERMA Chief Executive Officer, added: “Also, safety is the top priority when working on site more so that vehicles do pass by on the roads under repairs.”
Agbasi, who disclosed that he planned to digitise and improve the agency’s workflow, assured the workers of his commitment to provide inclusive training to address their needs.
NAN reports that the MD was accompanied in the inauguration and supervision by Director West Operation, Mr Agboade Adewunmi and the Kogi Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, Mr Muktar Abdulrahim amongst other officials. (NAN)(we.nannews.ng)
TYC/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 13, 2024
Ododo: Nigerians must remain steadfast, committed to democratic ideals
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Democracy
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi has urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to the democratic ideals of unity, peace and development.
The governor made the call in his democracy day message to the people of Kogi on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Ododo said that there was need for resilience in Nigeria’s journey to ensure justice for all her citizens as the country marks 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect among the people.
“This is why my administration is committed to building a state where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every community thrives as beneficiaries of the dividends of democracy.
“Luckily, we have made significant strides in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance and ensuring active participation of all in the democratic process.
“Our administration remains committed to transparency, accountability and the continuous improvement of the welfare of our people,” he said.
He said that the Democracy Day was an auspicious opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on the resilience, strength and unwavering spirit of heroes who made sacrifices to install and sustain democracy in the country.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day and 25 years of uninterrupted civil rule in Nigeria, we salute the courage and determination of those who paved the way for the democratic governance we enjoy today.
“We must continue to honour their memory and uphold the principles for which they stood by ensuring that citizens continue to enjoy the freedom of choices and access to justice and rule of law as enshrined in democratic principles.
“Our people must be empowered to have decent lives by making our resources work in their interest and giving them opportunities to participate in economic activities at all levels,” Ododo said.
According to him, democracy is a continuous journey that requires the participation, vigilance and dedication of every citizen.
Ododo promised to continue to sustain his consultation with all stakeholders to ensure an all- inclusive governance in Kogi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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June 13, 2024
FG hasn’t borrowed from pension funds – Ex-NAICOM boss

Funds
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 10, 2924 (NAN) Mr Olorundare Thomas, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), says the Federal Government has not borrowed from the accumulated pension funds.
Speaking on Monday in Lokoja at a public lecture of the Federal University, Lokoja, (FUL), Thomas expressed concern about insinuations that the Federal Government tampered with the pension funds.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture is: “Insurance Solution In Wealth Creation and Sustainability” as it concerns economic development of the country.
The ex-NAICOM boss explained the economic challenges in the country did not translate to the Federal Government tampering with the pension funds.
“Some situations change and challenges occur that interrupt or prevent the build-up and re-investment of wealth among citizens of a nation.
“In spite of the best laid plans, life incidences and surprises will continue to happen.
“These surprises, called risks, often require the diversion of resources away from created wealth.
“The optimality of resources is the true definition of an economic growth centered on a real growth without creating other significant economic challenges or without negative effect on other sectors of the economy.
“There is no doubt that wealth in minerals and human resources can also partially define the wealth of a nation.
“But the misconception that countries with vast natural resources will translate to automatic economic growth, creation of jobs, increase government revenues.
“This will help to finance poverty alleviation and many other positive reflections of the true dividend of development may be a mirage,” he said.
According to him, statistics have shown that some countries that are without natural resources grow at about four times more rapidly than other resource-rich countries.
“It is simply because the dynamics for determining the wealth of a nation is changing.
“This is why we are inundated with the reality of embarking on adventures that will guarantee, not only creation of wealth but also ensuring its sustainability.
“It is important to note that the insurance industry is one of the few sectors that continues to record growth in spite of the economic recession and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“From a premium of N282 billion in 2015, the Nigerian insurance industry generated gross premium income of N616.1 billion in 2021, N789.7 billion in 2022 and a record breaking N1.003 trillion as at the end of December 2023.
“Also, the asset of the Nigerian insurance industry grew from N827.5 billion in 2015 to N2.5 trillion in 2022 and N2.7 trillion as at December, 2023.
“It is, therefore, comforting that the insurance industry is now more willing to meet the needs of the insuring populace through insurance solutions and products,” he said.
He said that NAICOM was a statutory agency of the Federal Government established by the National Insurance Commission Act 1997 to regulate and supervise the Nigerian insurance sector and so serve as adviser to the government on all insurance related matters.
Earlier, the FUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, described the ex-NAICOM boss as a seasoned insurance expert whose choice for the university’s seventh distinguished public lecture was apt and timely, considering the economic condition of the country.
“Thomas is a seasoned professional whose extensive experience and profound insights have significantly contributed to development of the insurance industry in Nigeria.
“His topic is not only timely but also pivotal to our understanding of how strategic financial planning can drive sustainable economic growth.
“In a world that is increasingly complex and filled with uncertainties, the role of insurance cannot be overstated.
“It serves as a safety net that allows individuals and businesses to take calculated risks, innovate and invest in opportunities that drive wealth creation.
“Moreover, insurance mechanisms are crucial in ensuring sustainability of these ventures by mitigating potential losses and facilitating recovery in the face of adversity, ” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/CHOM/KAY
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Kayode Olaitan
June 10, 2024
Don seeks reintroduction of Geography in schools
Geography
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Salihu Musa, a Lecturer at the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), has called for the reintroduction of Geography in schools to improve the nation’s educational standard.
The don made the call on Thursday during FUL’s 19th Inaugural Lecture.
The lecture, held at the Andankola campus in Lokoja, had the theme: “Geography and Sustainability: Unraveling the Myths, Reality, and Practicability”.
Musa, a professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, blamed policy makers for the removal of Geography as a subject for both the Sciences and Humanities in the nation’s Primary and Secondary Schools.
He said the benefits of Geography for Nigeria were overwhelming.
“Geography plays a pivotal role in building resilience and fostering adaptation towards sustainability by providing essential insights into the spatial dimensions of environmental change, socio-economic vulnerabilities and complex interactions between human societies and natural systems.
“It helps in comprehending the diverse environmental processes and hazards such as climate change, natural disasters and ecosystem degradation, that pose risks to human communities.
“Geography also plays a crucial role at ensuring sustainability through equity and justice by providing insights into the distribution of resources, environmental vulnerabilities and socio-economic disparities across different regions,” he said.
He regretted that in spite of its benefits, Geography has been removed completely from the Primary school curriculum.
“It has become an optional subject for only a section of our students in Secondary Schools.
“We are now raising geographically ignorant children; citizens lack the basic knowledge of our culture and environment and cannot, therefore, interact sustainably with the environment,” he said.
The don lamented that Civil Engineers lack basic knowledge about topography.
“Town planners cannot read and produce simple maps; politicians won’t have the basic spatial knowledge of their constituencies.
“Geographic considerations contribute to social equity and environmental justice,” he explained.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, had expressed satisfaction with the series of inaugural lectures in the institution.
Akinwumi said that the inaugural lectures serve as platforms for professors to share their research, insights and contributions with the wider academic community and the public.
He said that the theme of the lecture was timely and vital, especially now that the nation navigates the complexities of the modern world, the concepts of sustainability and geography, which are increasingly interwoven.
He described Prof. Musa as a scholar whose dedication to the field of geography and environmental studies was exemplary. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/MAM/ETS
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Ephraims Sheyin
June 6, 2024
Human right organisation calls for religious tolerance
Call
By Thompson Yamput
Kano, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Christian Solidarity World Wide Nigeria, aa human rights organisation, has called for religious tolerance among the faithful for the peace and development of the country.
Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, Chief Executive Officer of the organisation in Nigeria, made the call on Thursday in Kano during a training workshop organised for journalists across the northern part of the country.
Nmadu observed that the effects of religious intolerance, especially in the northern part of the country, had greatly affected the economic and social life of the citizens.
“It’s no longer news that some communities are lacking in basic social amenities due to the religious intolerance existing among residents who are supposed to be united and doing things together for the common good.
“Discrimination and hostility to one another due to religious differences are against section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“This is the more reason why journalists need to rise to the occasion to enlighten people on the Freedom of Religion or Belief contained in the constitution,” he said.
He also said that for 16 years, the organisation had been carrying out advocacy programmes, meeting leaders of various religious bodies, community leaders and political office holders, on the best ways of harmonising better working relationships.
He, however, called on those whose rights are being trampled upon to feel free to contact the organisation for assistance, no matter how serious or little the matter is, for immediate address to give room for peace and progress.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training workshop which began on June 3 will end on June 6.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 6, 2024
Environmental Day: N-HYPPADEC advises Kogi residents on tree planting
Trees
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has enjoined the residents of Kogi to cultivate habit of tree planting to prevent flooding and environmental degradation.
Kogi N-HYPPADEC Coordinator Joan Oguche made the call in Lokoja during inauguration of Tree planting exercise at Federal University Lokoja (FUL) to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day.
Oguche warned against indiscriminate felling of trees without replacement and clogging of the drains with sewage.
“Celebrating the Environment Day brings to our consciousness to appreciate the environment and make it a better place for habitation and better life
“This is why the theme for this year’s celebration — “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience” — is carefully chosen,” she said.
Kogi Commissioner for Environment Joseph Olusegun also applauded the choice of this year’s theme of the observance.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Jibrin Saidu, the commissioner said that planting of trees was one of the ways of curtailing deforestation and drought in a society.
“That is the reason why we came here today with trees to plant so that we can help limit deforestation and drought,” he said.
Dr Thompson Ekele, Kogi Chairman of National Environmental Society, also said that the best way to control drought and desertification “is by planting trees; we have come with the trees to plant to lead by example”.
He urged the students to endeavour to plant trees and to encourage their parents to embrace the culture of planting trees to beautify and protect the environment.
Prof. Yusuf Abdullahi, FUL Dean of Students Affairs, appreciated the partnership between the university and N-HYPPADEC, which he described as beneficial.
“It will interest you to know that planting of trees is one of the cardinal objectives of the university to make the campus to look green and also assist in checking the perennial erosions that threaten the campus on yearly basis.
“Therefore, these trees donated to us will go a long way in helping us at checkmating erosions and provision of shades for our students to take some rest after lectures”, Abdullahi said.(NAN(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 6, 2024
Natasha inaugurates construction, rehabilitation of schools in Kogi

Schools
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 3, 2024 (NAN)
Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) on Monday, flagged off construction of new schools in Osara for the Hausa/Fulani communities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that new schools projects comprised of administrative buildings, libraries and laboratories, staff quarters, a clinic, sports facilities, and boreholes.

She also inaugurated that the reconstruction and remodeling of Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene (AAAMCO), with new facilities such as Biology, Agronomy and Mechatronics laboratories.
Others include a Computer Base Test (CBT) centre, an amphitheatre, music studio, art and craft studio, staff quarters, a sport centre as well as furniture and equipment for all the new facilities.
Also to be provided are road network within the school premises, perimeter fencing, streetlights, water supply and total rehabilitation of the hostels.
The senator promised to upgrade the school to a smart school with digital learning devices for students.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, explained that the reconstruction and remodeling of AAAMCO was aimed at transforming the school to become one of most advanced secondary schools in Nigeria.
She said that the school was established in 1927 as Central School Okene, then changed to Provincial Secondary School Okene, became Government Secondary School Okene and later AAAMCO.
“This institution was attended by former Head of State, Retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Prof. Jerry Gana, Prof. Lai Mohammed, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe amongst many notable alumni.
“This is just the beginning because similar attention will be given to other schools in the senatorial district in a bid to turn them into smart schools.
“Education is extremely important. I wouldn’t have been here if there was no school for my father to acquire an education and give me the best education I have,” she said.
According to her, the building of primary and secondary schools in Osara for Hausa/Fulani community is a fulfilment of her campaign promises to them.
Speaking on behalf of Hausa/Fulani community, Dr Nuhu Abubakar-Jalido, the Youth leader, Miyetti Allah, Kogi Chapter, thanked the senator for the gesture.
“This is an opportunity for Hausa/Fulani children in this community to have access to quality education at their doorstep.
“This is the first time a senator in Kogi is building primary and secondary schools with the necessary facilities in an Hausa/Fulani camp.
“This will change our people’s ideology and enable them to acquire quality education and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/CHOM/IU
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma / Isaac Ukpoju

June 3, 2024
Bicycle Day: Keep yourself fit by riding, FRSC advises citizens
Bicycle
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Kogi Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander Samuel Oyedeji has called on the public to engage in cycling to keep fit and deal with minor ailments.
Oyedeji made the remarks while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the celebration of the World Bicycle Day in Kogi.
The sector commander, who led a team of officers and men of the corp and members of the cycling association to a ride on some streets of Lokoja metropolis, described the experience as “very good encouraging.”
He also described the topic of the year — “Promoting Health, Equity and Sustainability through cycling — as apt.
Oyedeji noted that cyclists were one of the unprotected road users that must be adequately cared for while on the road.
“For centuries, bicycle has been a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, environmentally fit and sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health.
“What some people don’t know is that through bicycle usage many health challenges could be avoided.
“Today, we the staff members of FRSC Kogi Sector Command and the cyclist association in the state are riding round the town.
“It is to showcase the usefulness and advantages derived from riding bicycle to commemorate the world Bicycle Day in Kogi, ” he said
On safety, the sector commander said that as much as cycling should be encouraged, safety must be paramount to all citizens..
He recommended safety measures such as wearing helmets, strict compliance with road traffic rules, regulations and observing lane discipline while cycling.
According to him, there is need for government at all levels to construct roads designed with bicycle lanes to enhance the safety of cyclists given the recklessness of some motorists on the roads.
He, however, warned that every cyclists must be careful while on the road to avoid any attitude that could lead to road traffic crash.
Oyedeji, however, warned all participants and drivers travelling through the state to obey traffic rules and regulations, be patient and safety conscious on highways.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 3, 2024