Despite concerted efforts targeted at getting rid of them by health practitioners, debilitating ailments remain a profound problem globally, because a growing number of them are becoming harder to treat and the common approaches to curing them have become less effective.

For the fact that stubborn problems require stubborn solutions, Ayodele Herbals Psychotherapy Centre has introduced a new programme to tackle ailments that defy all known solutions to nip them in the bud. It is the new Disease Reversal Programme.

The Disease Reversal Programme seeks to offer holistic wellness to individuals who have lost confidence in the regular treatment options as it has been discovered that most health issues come from both the mind and the body. Sedentary lifestyles, depression, suicidal thoughts, and bad habits among others are examples of health defects that have rendered many people disabled and vulnerable.

Dr. Isaac Ayodele, chief executive officer of Ayodele Herbals, the organization that drives the psychotherapy centre offers more insight into how the new programme works.

According to him, “Mental health does not connote madness. No one is mad. They only have mental challenge. Society stigmatizes and discriminates against them. This is not fair.”

“So, we go holistic to diagnose and treat the disease of the mind to see that the disease in the body gradually heals.”

Dr. Ayodele, a public health, and herbal psychotherapy expert further revealed that the Disease Reversal Programme would be generally virtual, off line and onsight, but would require for would-be patients to register to get treatment. After the registration, he added, the individual will undergo some diagnosis which adopts evidence-based test and assessment that will be processed in a laboratory before the treatment procedures. No treatment before diagnosis.

Registration to be part of the programme is in three categories: Platinum, Gold and Silver and distance is no barrier since it is predominantly online, offline and onsight.

Ayodele Herbals has been in the business of reversing health problems for close to three decades, and it has put smiles on the faces of myriad of people within this period.

Dr. Usman stated this during the budget defense of the institution before the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology.

The Rector noted that instead of increasing tuition fee, the management has decided to introduce new courses that are unique to Polytechnic education such as Mass Communication, Printing Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering among others.

He said the move was to expand spaces to accommodate more students instead of using tuition fee to cause hardship on the people.

Dr. Usman explained that his administration will introduce more innovations and reforms with unflinching support of the State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The Kogi Government on Friday, threatened heavy sanctions to any school and principal involved in any form of examination malpractices in the state.

The State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, gave the warning at the inauguration of distribution of free Chemistry and Physics textbooks to 95 public school students in Kogi West Senatorial district at Saint Augustine College Kabba.

He noted that 61 secondary schools in Kogi was recently de-recognised by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) on account of malpractices in the 2022 West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

According to him, similar complain was tendered by the examination body in 2019, where 51 secondary schools were involved, noting that things got better in 2020 and 2021 when the numbers of derecognised schools were reduced drastically from 51 to only one.

This, he said was as a result of serious warning by the ministry of education to principals of schools coupled with the commitment and determination of the state government to halt examination malpractices in the state.

The Commissioner lamented that just on Thursday, WAEC officials forwarded a letter to his office intimating the ministry that 61 secondary schools were grossly involved in examination malpractices in the 2022 examination.

“This, I am not going to let it go. We are going to sanction any principal found wanting in this unwholesome behaviour trying to tarnish the good image and reputation we have built in examination conduct in the state.

“The ministry of education will set up a committee that will investigate the involvement of principals in this disgraceful act before we sanction appropriately to serve as deterrent to others.

”The state government can not be investing hugely in education sector then somebody somewhere will be sabotaging our efforts

“We are aware that when WAEC charged registration fees of N23,000, but principals charged over N40,000 ” logistic” involved to indulge in examination malpractices.

”We are not unaware, we will curb the situation by sanctioning whoever found wanting in the act according to the 2020 Kogi State Educational Law.

”We will kill ‘miracles centers’ in Kogi, we will halt all forms of examination malpractices, and some erring schools would be closed down,” the commissioners warned.

He, therefore warned all schools’ principals in the state against involvement in any form of examination malpractices, saying defaulters would face heavy sanctions according to the state’s education law.

Jones also frown on the existing of illegal private tertiary institutions in the state, and assured that very soon the ministry would clampdown on them..

The commissioner enjoined the affected tertiary institutions to put their house in order by doing the heedful.

End

The State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, made the call during the flagg-off distribution of free Chemistry and Physics textbooks to public school students in Kogi West Senatorial district, on Thursday at Saint Augustine College Kabba.

The free science textbooks totaling 11,000 for the entire state, was sponsored and donated by Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi Auditor-General for Local Government, in support of the State Government’s school adoption and mentorship programme.

The commissioner commended the donor for boosting Gov. Yahaya Bello Administration’s effort to revamping education in the state.

Jones noted that the distribution of the textbooks had been inaugurated and distributed at Okene for Central and Idah for the Eastern senatorial districts.

The commissioner noted that the intervention by Ododo remained the biggest so far in the state since the commencement of the programme, saying it was massive across the three senatorial districts.

He, therefore appealed to individuals and organisations to support government’s efforts through the programme by adopting schools and mentoring of students for excellence to bringing back the glory of education in the state.

”You don’t need all the money to adopt a school or to mentor our students; sharing your experience alone with the students is enough motivation for them to boost their morale,” he said.

Jones stressed the commitment of His Excellency to continue to give utmost priority to education sector particularly the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The commissioner warned schools’ principals and teachers against selling the textbooks, saying government had set machinery in motion to apprehend any erring officials.

He advised the students to utilise the textbooks effectively by studying hard, saying examination malpractice is forbidden in the state.

He further warned all schools’ principals in the state against involvement in examination malpractice, saying defaulters would face heavy sanctions according to the state’s education law.

”We will kill ‘miracles centers’ in Kogi, we will halt all forms of examination malpractices, and some erring schools would be closed down,” the commissioners warned.

In their goodwill messages, Mr Robert Awodi, the President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and Mr Ranti Ojo, the state’s Chairman, Academic Staff Union Of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), both thanked the donor for the gesture

The unions commended the governor for given topmost priority to education in the state, and assured the government of their maximum support.

They further commended the education commissioner for the initiative and for his unprecedented achievements in the sector, saying history would forever remember him for the legacy.

On their part, the Authors of the textbooks, Engr. Yusub Ibrahim and Engr. Yusuf Isah, who are both Lecturers at FUTMINNA, said the leading feature about the books was its learner’s friendly, saying it was a good opportunity for the students and the teachers to utilise.

The authors commended the governor and the commissioner for partnering with them and for making the textbooks to see the light of the day.

In her vote of thanks, Hon Nana Raji, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Vocational and Informal Education, appreciated all the relevant stakeholders for making the project a huge success.

She urged the students to make good use of the textbooks for their own benefits as well as fulfilling the donor’s good intentions.

Some students, Hannah Oloruntoba, Goodluck Osarumwenser, from Lokoja and Kabba/Bunu LGAs, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the government and the donor for the gesture, and promised to utilise the books effectively.

End

The National Rice Producers, Processors, Millers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMMAN), has distributed farm inputs to over 1000 farmers in Kogi.

Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday in Lokoja, the National Prisdent of the association, Mr. Mustapha Ahmadu, noted that the inputs was to boost dry season farming activities of farmers affected by the recent flood disaster.

Ahmadu said that the project would mitigate the devastating flood effects in the lives of the farmers, prevent food crisis and ensure food availability in the country.

He added that the gesture would also empower farmers with low economic structures to be able to cope with the impending challenges ahead of the Federal Government’s plan to remove fuel subsidy in 2023.

He said the association had mobilised its members across the 14 States especially those affected by flood to benefit from the 14 hectares’ dry season farming project sponsored by the association and its private partners.

He urge beneficiaries to guard the initiative jealously to achieve the desired goals and for its sustainability.

He further appealed to traditional rulers of each benefited local government to encourage their subjects to adhere to the agreement by paying their equity loans to attract more Agric projects to the communities.

He enjoined the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development not to relent its effort at ensuring that Nigeria attain food sufficiency.

He stressed that food security remained fundamental and panacea to some of the societal problems facing the nation.

Ahmadu sympathised with flood victims and commended Governor Yahaya Bello for working tirelessly in mitigating the flood effects residents.

The NARPPMMAN’s President further praised the governor for creating the enabling environment for agricultural businesses to thrives in the state.

In his remarks, Kogi Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr David Apeh, appreciated the association for the initiative and assured that the state ministry of Agriculture would give necessary support to the programme.

Apeh, who was represented by Mr Enejoh Alih, a Director in the ministry, said over 200 two hundred communities were affected by the recent flooding.

The commissioner appealed to the association to monitor the distribution of the inputs to ensure they get to the targeted farmers in the rural communities..

Apeh advised beneficiaries not to sell the inputs, but make proper use of them to better their lives and contribute their quotas to the development of Agriculture in the state.

On his part, the Vice National Prisdent, North Central Zone, Mr Ishaku Samaila, said the dry season private partnership project of the association was an initiative to ensure that farmers get the necessary inputs at a right time to boost food production in the country.

He explained that farmers would provide the equity contribution of the cost, and advised them to make judicious use of the inputs.

This, he said would enable them to pay the loans to enable the association do more for them in subsequent farming seasons.

The state’s Chairman of the Association, Mr Ikani Davidson, expressed the commitment of the association in Kogi to partner with the state government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the association achieved the set objectives in food productions.

Two beneficiaries, Ebiloma Ogbogbo and Memunat Suleiman, appreciated the association for the initiative and promised to use the inputs judiciously according to expectations.

The inputs distributed include: Rice seed, fertilizers, herbicides among others.

End

The Kogi State Government, on Tuesday extended the distribution of free science textbooks to Senior Secondary Secondary (SSS 2) students in public schools in the Eastern Senatorial district of the state.

The free 11,000 Chemistry and Physics textbooks, was sponsored and donated by Alhaji Usman Ododo, the Kogi Auditor-General for Local Government, in support of the State Government’s School Adoption and Mentorship Programme.

Speaking at Our Lady of Schools (OLS), Anyigba, Gov. Yahaya Bello, commended the donor for boosting his Administration’s effort to revamping education and for extending the gesture across all the three senatorial district.

Bello, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, said that the distribution of the 11,000 science textbooks was inaugurated on November 12, at Okene, in Kogi Central.

Bello reaffirmed his commitment to continue to give utmost priority to education sector particularly the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The governor stressed that education remained the most expensive venture that any government could fund, and expressed his full support for the school adoption and mentorship programme.

The governor enjoined individuals and organisations to support government’s efforts through its School Adoption and Mentorship Programme to bringing back the glory of education in the state.

The governor advised the schools’ principals against selling the textbooks, saying government had put machinery in motion to ensure the books were effectively utilised as intended.

Bello noted that the education ministry was already working with another individual who has volunteered to sponsor the production of Mathematics textbooks.

He further said that the state government during the recent State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, approved the elongation of service years for teachers from 35 to 40 years in service as well as 60 to 65 years’ retirement age.

The governor stressed that Kogi remained the first State to domesticate such education policy of the federal government on the elongation of teachers’ service years.

He disclosed that the government would round up the ongoing teachers’ recruitment processes in the next two weeks.

”We need adequate and competent human resources that will teach in our schools, and that is why we have ensured a transparent recruitment processes from the aptitude test to the final employment.

”You can not achieve anything meaningful in life without education. We are bringing back the glory of education to Kogi State,” he said.

He, therefore urged the students to utilise the textbooks effectively by studying hard, saying there was no more room for examination malpractice in the state.

The governor warned that any erring student, teacher as well as parent involved in examination malpractice would be prosecuted in line with the newly enacted education law of the state.

In their goodwill messages, Mr David Apeh, Kogi Commissioner for Agriculture; Dr Gabriel Ottah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information & Communication; and Prof. Daniel Atidoga, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), all commended the donor for the gesture.

They praised the governor for given topmost priority to education and his determination and commitment to revamping the sector in the state.

They commended the education commissioner for the initiative and for his unprecedented achievements in the sector, saying history would not forget him.

On their part, Mr Robert Awodi, the President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and Mr Ojo Ranti, the state’s Chairman, Academic Staff Union Of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), both thanked the donor for extending the distribution of the textbooks across the state.

The unions commended the governor for given approval for elongation service years and retirement age for teachers in the state.

Some of the students, Fatima Yusuf from Holy Rosery College, Idah; Umar Farouk, and Goodness Egbunu from Community Secondary, Abocho, all expressed their excitement over the free textbooks, saying it would help them to pass their exams.

End

The attention of the Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, has been drawn to an online publication by the name “PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY STUDENT’S NEWSLINE” which is not registered with the University, and whose main administrator goes by the name, Saeed Jibrin, a 300 Level student of the Faculty of Law.

The widely circulated publication misinformed the public and our law abiding students that the University under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, has increased school fees without confirmation of the said increase from the University Management.

Consequently, the University Management wishes to categorically state as follows:

1. That there is no increase in school fees payable by the returning students;
2. That the fees payable by the returning students still remains as itemised below:
   i. Tuition = N21, 900
   ii. Third Party Fees = 23,000
   iii. Students Levies and Dues (charged by various students’ associations) = N1, 650
   This brings the total charges to N46, 550
3. That only recently, after a successful resource verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC), a set of new programmes were approved for the University to commence in the 2022/2023 academic session.
4. That these new programmes include B. NSc. Nursing Science, B.Sc. Pharmacology and BMLS. Medical Laboratory Science;
5. That these new programmes are highly capital intensive which attract higher fees across all Nigerian universities for their peculiarities;
6. That to guarantee the sustainability of these new programmes, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, cannot be different; that is why there is need to charge appropriate fees;
7. That, also, for the sustainability of some programmes currently on offer in the University, predominantly those that have two cycles of accreditation, it has become unrealistic to continue to charge a fee of N46,550 to run these programmes.
   Conclusion
   In line with a circular recently issued out on mode of communication in the University, the University Management wishes to reiterate that students strictly abide by the content of the circular. We therefore wish to inform the public that the position was not as presented in the said publication. The presenter embarked on a frolic of his own without sufficient information. As stated earlier, the returning students are not to pay more than the school fees known to them.

Signed:
Management, PAAU, Anyigba

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Friday, inaugurated the distribution of 11, 000 free textbooks to to all Senior Secondary Secondary (SSS 2) students in public schools across the three senatorial districts state.

The donation of the Chemistry and Physics textbooks was sponsored by Alh. Ahmad Usman Ododo, the Kogi Auditor General of Local Government in support of the State Government’s School Adoption and Mentorship Programme.

Speaking at the flagg-off ceremony at Abdulaziz Atta Memorial College, Okene, the governor commended the donor for the gesture in supporting education in the state.

Bello, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, said his Administration had given topmost priority to education especially Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The governor emphasised that his commitment to revamping education sector in the state necessitated the 30 per cent allocation to education in the 2022 budget beyond the UNESCO benchmark of 26 per cent.

This, he said had reflected in the execution of massive education infrastructure projects as well as the ongoing recruitment of qualified secondary school teachers across the state.

Bello said that aside building school infrastructures, the government was committed to equipping the schools with well qualified teachers.

He explained that the teachers’ recruitment had reached the final stage after the aptitude tests and the oral interviews were concluded, saying the final list was waiting for final approvals.

He added that the state had enacted education law which empowered the ministry to sanction any person or group who tried to jeopardise government’s efforts in revamping education in the state.

He emphasised that the state government had shown sufficient commitment, hence the need for individuals and organisations to support government’s efforts through its School Adoption and Mentorship Programme.

He, therefore commended the donor, Ahmad Ododo for providing 11,000 Physics and Chemistry textbooks to public schools in the state, describing it ”as the biggest intervention by individual in the sector so far”.

He said after the distribution at Kogi Central, the textbooks would subsequently be distributed to schools in Kogi West and East senatorial districts.

He further disclosed that another Kogi citizen has promised to make provision for mathematics textbooks for the students.

He urged all the political appointees, well meaning individuals and organisations to embrace the state’s school adoption and mentorship programme.

He, however cautioned schools’ principals and teachers against commercialising the textbooks, saying it was not for sale but to be given to students free of charge.

He assured that the ministry had put mechanisms in place to monitor the distribution of the textbooks, warning that erring individuals would be sanctioned.

The governor advised the students to justify the donor’s effort by making judicious use of the textbooks.

Earlier, Dr Elizabeth Animoku, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), commended the commissioner for his achievement in education sector since he assumed office.

She said the textbooks had been thoroughly reviewed by the ministry through the Quality Assurance department, and were certified suitable for students’ use.

NAN reports that many dignitaries, royal fathers, school alumni and relevant education stakeholders were in attendance at the occasion.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Okene Local Government, Mr Abdulrasak Mohammad; the Ohi of Adavi, HRH Alh. Muhammad Bello, commended the donor for the gesture and the state for the initiative.

End

Billed as the most seismic battle of wits in modern literature, staged in the 21st century’s grandest and most compelling literary theatre, the ANSA World Cup offers young writers from across the globe the opportunity to showcase their writing skills and get rewarded for doing what they know how to do best.

A statement by Dr. Kennedy O. Obohwemu, Founder, Emeritus President, Life Patron & Board Chair of ANSA, NAYA and GAYA), said participants’ entries for the ANSA World Cup competition have been opened from November 7 to December 7, 2022.

Obohwemu described the 2022 ANSA World Cup as ‘A Battle Like No Other’ with over N250,000 (Two hundred and Fifty thousand naira) up for grabs!

“It is the unique nature of ANSA to help us see in ourselves our latent gifts and abilities, our talents just beneath the surface of our consciousness, hovering about among our hopes and dreams, our aspirations and our heartfelt wishes.

”We want young aspiring writers to cherish these moments, for they are real and pure.” Dr. Obohwemu said.

On his part, Maymunah Kadiri, the ANSA National President, emphasised the need to equip oneself with the habit of learning, consistent writing, editing and rewriting; if one must write brilliantly

“Learning the magic of writing takes discipline, alongside the exploration of your muse. In order to write brilliantly, you have to equip yourself with the habit of learning, consistent writing, editing and rewriting.

”This is a habit that ANSA harnesses cleverly, making sure to probe into innate talents, and in the process producing equisite young writers,” Kadiri said.

He said that the ANSA World Cup is proudly sponsored by PENKUP FOUNDATION.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE AND WIN EVEN MORE PRIZES

1. Register as a member of ANSA at www.ansa.com.ng (registration is absolutely free)
2. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://YouTube.com/c/penkup
3. Follow our other social media channels: Twitter: @ansa_nigeria @penkup_stores
   Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ansa.com.ng https://facebook.com/penkup.stores*
   Instagram: @ansa_nigeria, @penkup.stores
4. Make a short video introducing yourself to us. Tell us why you want to participate in this contest and how far you think you can go. You don’t need to be tech savvy… Just use your phone camera and talk to us!
   Video should be less than 30 seconds, ending with the words, “ANSA… for the love of writing”.
5. Send us this video and we’ll post it on our YouTube channel.

Take steps 1-5 above and you’ll automatically qualify for the competition.

Registration period,:
NOVEMBER 7TH TO DECEMBER 7TH, 2022

He advised interested participants to join the group chat to get started on:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JQBhaY5RIj14c7R1ai91Xp

To win extra prizes even before the competition begins, follow the steps below:

1. Share your video (YouTube link will be provided) with friends, family, and everyone you know.
2. Participants with the most engaging videos (likes, comments, shares, etc) will win a cash prize of N10,000 guaranteed.
   We’re all winners at ANSA. Let’s help you discover the fun in writing!

ANSA… for the love of writing.

End

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has constructed a block of four classrooms with toilets and donated it to College of Arabic and Islamic Studies (CAISO) Idoji, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The COAS also built principal’s office as well as renovations of a block of Assembly hall and staff rooms.

Speaking at the projects’ commissioning on Friday in Okene, the COAS said the gesture was part of the Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Intervention projects executed by the Nigerian Army across the country.

The COAS, who was represented by the Commander, Headquarters Command Army Records (CAR), Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, said Nigerian Army had enjoyed high level of cooperation and goodwill from host communities and the Nigeria citizens.

According to him, the Nigerian Army has over the years taken deliberate steps towards ensuring that it gives back to the society the cooperation it enjoys from them by observing some corporate social responsibilities.

He said it was very much in line with his vision of “a professional Nigerian Army, ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria.

”The project being commissioned today is one of the several Civil-Military Cooperation related activities and quick impact projects executed in various parts of the country by the Nigenan Army towards contributing to national development.

”Thus, I believe this project will serve the collective needs of the members of this community and its immediate environs.

”I, therefore want to appeal to you to see this project as a symbol of friendship between the Nigerian Army and your community.

”Let it foster the desired peace, progress and indeed bring prosperity to the community as well,” Yahaya said.

The COAS thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army and for providing the conducive environment necessary to carry out their constitutional mandate.

He further thanked the Minister of Defence Maj. Gen Salihi Magashi (rtd) and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Lucky Irabor for providing direction and support to the Nigerian Army always.

He commended Governor Yahaya Bello, the traditional fathers and all the good people of the community for their unrelenting support particularly to the Nigerian Army.

He urged the people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be tolerant of one another, stressing that the Exercise Enduring Peace ll, recently launched in the state was to ensure peace.

Speaking in his own capacity, Igbinomwanhia appreciated the COAS for sponsoring several of those projects in Kogi under his area of responsibility.

On his part, Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Director of Administration and Logistics Defence Research and Development Bureau, who executed the projects, thanked the COAS for his passion for education and financial commitment to the reality of the projects.

Dahiru said the project was a way of reaching out to his community noting that his father had so much passion for the school during his lifetime.

In his remarks, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, HRM Alh. Ado Ibrahim, thanked the COAS for the gesture towards his people, and for ensuring adequate security in the state.

Ohinoyi, who was represented by the Asema Ezuka, HRH Dr Muhammed Isah, said the projects would go a long way in helping the community and the student for effective learning.

The School Principal, Mr Zakarriyau Ahmad, said he was overwhelmed by the executed projects, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the COAS as well as Maj. Gen. Dahiru.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries at the occasion as well as COAS who was the special guest of honour.

End.