By Stephen Adeleye

No fewer than 950 vulnerable households will benefit from the social transfer (DLI 1.1) intervention under the Kogi State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (KG-CARES).

Hajia Falilat Abdulrazaq, Head of Delivery Platform for Social Transfer and Livelihood Support Grant (DLI 1.1 & 1.3) KG-CARES, disclosed this on Saturday in Lokoja, at a sensitisation and orientation training for 63 facilitators and GROs on Social Transfer (DLI 1.1) from the 21 local government areas of the state.

According to her, the Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI 1.1) social transfer is the disbursement of N10, 000 monthly to the aged, critically ill, urban poor and the physically challenged, using the existing platform of the state cash transfer unit for implementation.

She noted that the workshop was to build the capacity of the facilitators to go the field for validation, and enrollment of beneficiaries using the existing state’s social register.

She disclosed that a total of 950 households will be benefiting from the disbursement of the N10,000 monthly across the 21 local areas of the state.

She explained that the program was initiated to cushion the economic hardships as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are training the facilitators from the 21 local government areas of the state on social transfer who are going to be the foot soldiers of the program at the local and community levels,” she said.

Also speaking, Mallam Haruna Mohammed Sanni, the State Coordinator of NG-CARES, Kogi State, said the program was the initiative of the federal government alongside the 36 States’ Governments in collaboration with the World Bank.

According to him in 2020, people could neither go out to source for their daily income, nor go to farm, market due to COVID-19 pandemic which aggravated the level of poverty across the world including Nigeria.

He added that NG-CARES was conceived to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, categorized under three result areas to reduce the economic hardships of the poor and vulnerable citizens.

He highlighted the result areas to include the Social Transfer (DLI 1.1) for the aged, the chronically ill, urban poor and the physically challenged.

”In addition, DLI 1.2, which is Labour Intensive Public Works, aimed at engaging able men to protect and maintain public institutions and facilities, where they get a token to support their livelihood.

”Also, the Livelihood Grant Support (DLI 1.3) is aimed at providing a start-up grant to economically active population to sustain their livelihood due to COVID-19 hardships.

”DLI 1.4 is aimed at providing basic services being implemented by CSDA to build clinics, blocks of classroom, nutrition and sanitation services,” he said.

Sanni stressed that the NG-CARES generally targeted the poor and vulnerable as well as farmers to provide inputs, processing equipment and extension services to them.

This, he said would enable farmers to produce high yield and also provide feeder roads for easy access to markets, provide water and sanitation in markets, to ensuring food security.

He added that the third package, DLI 3.3 is the ICT Enhancement, aimed at boosting the use of ICT at the rural areas so that all rural communities in Kogi can be part of the global communities.

He noted that the NG-CARES is based on ‘performance for results’ (P for R) as the State Government would spend its own resources to deliver results, after which the world bank will review the performance before reimbursement of the state.

In her remarks, the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Buba, commended the State and the Federal Government for the gesture aimed at lifting citizens out of piverty due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Represented by the Ministry’s Ag. Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Allenclay, the commissioner urged the participants to take the assignment very seriously in order to achieve its intended purpose.

One of the participants, Mr Usman Yusuf, said the training had enhanced their learning and built their capacity on the job for effective performance and commended the governments for the initiative.

End

No fewer than 100 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), personnel’s on Friday passed out of the course six arms handling training exercise in Kogi State.

Speaking at the passing out parade, the Commandant General of NSCDC Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi said his mission is to transform the agency for good adding that, continuous training and re-training of officers remains the hallmark of efficiency, and professionalism.

The NSCDC DG who was represented by the Director Legal Service Umar Mohammed charged his men to be civil and professional in the discharged of their duties.

In his address, the Kogi State Commandant of NSCDC Suleiman Mafara while congratulating the graduating officers said the successes in various operations recorded in the state will not have been possible without the support of the Commandant General.

“The Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Phd, mni, approved our request to train this set of gallant officers and gave his full support in every way possible.
This is also in addition to the recruitment of more personnel to beef up the strength of the Corps so as to enhance its capacity to confront diverse security challenges facing the nation, counter terrorism, protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure”.

He restate the loyalty and commitment of Officers and Men of the Command to the CG’s resolve to rid the entire country of insecurity and all forms of criminality.

” The subordination of the Corps to civil authority is a cherished tradition that is one of the cornerstones of democratic existence and has, in addition, helped promote our professionalism in all parts of the Country. It is a tradition that must be sustained and strengthened.

“The Command therefore appeals to the government and good people of Kogi State to assist the Corps in whatever way possible to enhance optimal service delivery” he said.

Representative of Governor Bello Alhaji Yakubu Suleiman, permanent secretary, Local Government service commission said the present administration remains committed to fighting insecurity in the state.

On their part, the Commander, NNS Lugard Lokoja, Commodore KJ Odubanjo, Commander Army record Major General O.W Ali who was represented by S.O Nwafor, both lauded the existing synergy between all security agency in the state.

They admonished the graduating officers to be courageous in defending their father land from the enemies of the nation.

Our correspondent reports that
the course six arms handling training exercise for Kogi NSCDC lasted for one month.

End

AGENDA 3: Development And Inculcation Of Entrepreneurial Acumen.

“A rich man in a community of the poor is also poor. Also, a strong man leading a group of weak people is weak.”

On this premise, Hon Segun Olobatoke is set to develop human capital as one of the ways to curb the rising poverty level and underdevelopment in Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

He will bridge the gap between unemployment and societal needs through entrepreneurial literacy, which includes grooming and  the application of technical skills to develop Small And Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

He will also leverage on this to inculcate value and enduring wealth for the constituents and Okun land at large.

Hon. Segun Olobatoke as an aspirant of Kabba/bunu Ijumu Active APC Youth Forum (A.A.Y.F) will champion the course to see that entrepreneurship becomes a lifestyle or culture. His target is to ensure that the constituents embrace the mindset towards self employment and multiple flow of income.

We A.A.Y.F kabba/bunu Ijumu need not to negotiate on Hon Segun Olobatoke ambition to become our next house of representative as his humanitarian service is second to none

Mobilize and canvas for a useful youth Hon Segun Olobatoke ahead of 2023 Kabba/bunu Ijumu federal house of representative Election

Signed:
Coordinator
Kogi state Active APC Youth

Kogi State Government on Thursday reaffirmed that all Public and Private Schools in the state are to resume academic activities on Monday January 18, 2021, and called on all relevant stakeholders to comply.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday in his office in Lokoja.

Jones reiterated that all schools in the state both public private, should resume on Monday January 18, 2021, to continue the first term 2020/2021 academic session.

”It has become imperative for me to address the press this morning to clear the air, so as to prevent confusion on account of school resumption in Kogi State.

”I will like to state unequivocally that resumption date for all schools in Kogi State remains 18th of January, 2021.

”This applies to both public and private primary and secondary, and tertiary institution of learning in the state”, Jones said.

The Commissioner said that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, had done a revised school academic calender to accommodate and cover up for the two weeks’ break extension, due to lockdown prompted by the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.

He noted that schools in Kogi were initially scheduled to resume on January 4, 2021, for continuation of first term, but was extended by two weeks due to the general hardship in the country as a result of the second wave of Covid-19 lockdown, as advised by the Federal Ministry of Education through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19.

He added that His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello, had directed the ministry to comply with the two weeks break extension in the state as advised by the PTF.

”’The governor, thereafter, clearly stated that the state would not jeopardize the education of our children by extending school resumption beyond 18th of January, 2021.

”So, schools must resume in Kogi State across all levels: primary, secondary and tertiary for both private and public schools, on January 18”, Jones said.

The Commissioner, therefore called on all Boards and Agencies under the Kogi State MOEST, and all relevant stakeholders to take note of the development and act accordingly.

Jones stressed that the ministry would monitor school resumption as usual, saying all heads of schools should comply strictly with the directive.

The Commissioner further warned that anything contrary to the directive would attract sanctions from any erring school.

According to the Commissioner, the continuation of the First Term 2020/2021 Academic session would begin on 18th January to end on 5th March, 2021.

He added that the 2nd Term 2020/2021 academic session would commence on 15th March to end on 28th May, 2021 (10 weeks), while the 3rd Term would begin on 7th June to end on 20th August, 2021 (11 weeks).

He further added that the 2021/2022 Academic Calender would commence on 20th September, 2021.

”If we are able to achieve these, our losses in terms of time wasted during the lockdown period would be very negligible.

”This remodified calender has taken care of all national public holidays, and we have taken them into consideration. So, every institution is advised to adhere strictly to it”, he said.

He stressed that the school had had enough break, and hence there would be no mid-term holidays during all the sessions.

He added that Secondary schools would close at 4pm and Primary schools 2pm daily from Monday to Thursday, while schools would close on Friday at 1pm so as to consider the Muslim brothers for their Juma’at prayer.

He re-emphasised the need for teachers, students and parents to take note, observe and strictly adhere to all the Covid-19 protocols as stated by the PTF.

”We are very hopeful that we would not suffer any death on account of Covid-19 in our schools; our State has remained Covid-19 free, and we thank God for the proactiveness of the pragmatic Governor that we have.

END

Rising Star Mopa defeated Kabba FC on a 3-1 goals count that left Kabba FC to be placed on the second position of the tournament while Rising Star Mopa went back home in jubilation with the trophy as the winner of the tournament.

The Mopa Rising Star did not just win the trophy, they also went home with other awards such as the Best Goalkeeper, The Highest Goal Scorer and Best Coach of the tournament leaving a player from Kabba FC to win the best player of the tournament Award.

Ere Football Club on the other hand defeated Iyara FC with a lone goal to bag the third place winner of the tournament.

This final tournament had in attendance the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman Okun Traditional Council His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Owoniyi who presented the trophy to Rising Star Mopa as the winner of the tournament while The Obajemu of Owe Land presented the second place trophy to Kabba FC

Also in attendance were some licensed FIFA and NFF agents who came around to note the performances of the players, and registered NFF Officials were also present and responsible for officiating the match which indeed in peace and orderliness.

According to the sponsor of the Tournament Mr Abayomi Bello the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sologics Groups of Companies, he assured that the tournament will take an annual dimension noting that he has obviously seen that the objective of the tournament was indeed achieved and not defeated. He noted that the tournament further strengthen already existing Unity amongst Youths in Okun Land through grassroot Sporting and this he agreed came into fruition.

He also appreciated the Kogi State Sports Council for their overwhelming cooperation and support from the beginning to the end of the tournament while promising to ensure that he will continue to partner with the Council to promote sporting activities in the State.

Mr Abayomi appreciated Comr. Ajagun Opeyemi Samuel and the fifteen Coordinators across the Five Local Government Areas in Okun Land, saying that the success of this program is not far from their commitments.

Signed:
Media Head,
Okun Unity Cup

The newly sworn-in Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye, has assumed office on Thursday.

Omofaiye, a former member of Kogi State House of Assembly, was among the 17 new commissioners sworn-in on Wednesday at Government House, by His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello.

Omofaiye commended the management and staff of the ministry for their efforts and contributions to see to the progress and development of the ministry, assuring that their togetherness would bring in more developments.

He called for more of their support and cooperation while encouraging them to let all hands be on deck and put in their best so that they would collectively achieve the goals of His Excellency’s Blueprint on environment.

He also assured the staff that he would always be opened to any advice or suggestion from any staff which would bring rapid development to the ministry, urging them to feel free and comfortable to approaching him on any issue.

The commissioner stressed that he was banking on the cooperation of the entire staff of the ministry to turn things around for better.

He, however, warned them against lateness to work, absenteeism and other vices, stressing that he was in the ministry strictly for business.

”We have to hit the ground running and I know with your cooperation, we will succeed. I know we will never regret our coming together”, Omofaiye said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Hannah Odiyo, congratulated the new commissioner, saying the governor knew that he had the capacity to move the ministry forward.

She noted that the ministry remained a sensitive organ of government as environment remained the outlook of any state which give an idea of the quality of the state and the people in terms of hygiene, cleanliness, among others

According to her, the MENR is among other sectors of government saddled with the responsibility of ensuring environmental cleanliness and protection in addition to control of ecological problems.

She noted that the ministry had two agencies namely: Kogi State Environmental Protection Board (KOSEPB) and the State Sanitation and Waste Management Board (KSWMB) as well as seven Directorates collaborating for effective service delivery.

She assured the new commissioner of the full support of all the management and staff of the ministry for effective performance and service delivery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the management and staff of the ministry joyfully received the new commissioner on assumption of office, and expressed their high expectations.

Mrs Elizabeth Oloruntoba, the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) of the ministry, promised on behalf of management and staff to work assiduously with the commissioner, praying that God would used him to restore the lost glory of the ministry.

Prior to his appointment as the Commissioner, Omofaiye was a member of Kogi State House Assembly representing Ijumu State Constituency where he served as the Chief Whip to the house.

End

The new Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), Hon. Wemi Jones, on Thursday assumed office and promised more rapid innovatve and creative transformation in the sector.

Jones, a former banker and a Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2019 House of Representative election for Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, was among the 17 new commissioners sworn-in, by His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday at Government House.

Jones expressed his gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy to be made commissioner in the ministry that was as important as education, science and technology, stressing that education remained the bedrock of any sustainable development.

He noted that he had gone round all the departments in the ministry and also had brief meeting with the management and staff, noting that he could see plenty of potentials which only need to be tapped through capacity building.

He reiterated that nobody would fix the state for them except the people themselves, stressing the need to leave a good legacy behind which the unborn generations would be proud of.

”By the grace of God, we are going to bring in innovative and creative ideas that will make Kogi MOEST the best among other ministries in the state and in Nigeria.

”It is going to be a big task but I believe we have the personnel and the human resources to do that; capacity building is what we are going to focus on to optimise the staff potentials,” Jones said.

He said he was impressed with the kind of equipment and tools he met on ground at the department of Adult and Non Formal Education (ANFE), saying the ministry would be building on that by partnering with more donor agencies both nationally and internationally.

While soliciting for the full support and cooperation of the management and staff, he advised them to be punctual, warning that he would not condone any act of indiscipline from any staff.

”We are here for serious business and we cannot afford to do government work as if it is nobody’s business; it our business, it is our state and we cannot allow it to fail,” he restated.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Eric Aina, on behalf of the staff and management of the ministry, expressed happiness to receive the new commissioner, assuring him of their total support.

He noted that he had made it known to the new commissioner that he was coming to inherit and efficient and hardworking staff and a crop of diligent officers who were prepared to willingly accept official responsibility with the least supervision to deliver.

He promised to give his full support to the present administration in Kogi State to succeed, saying, ”Kogi is our state and nobody elsewhere is coming to fix it for us; we will assist and support the present administration to fix Kogi state,” Aina reiterated.

End.

A statement by NMA Chairman in Kogi, Dr Kabiru Zubair, on Tuesday in Lokoja, congratulated the governor and his deputy for their second term in office.

The association commended the governor’s new direction agenda in improving the welfare of doctors and health care workers in the State as well as the various giant strides made in the health sector.

Zubair enumerated some of the giant strides to include: renovation of several health facilities in the State, employment of doctors and other health care workers, sustainable drug supply system, payment of counterpart funds of some partner-driven healthcare programmes, among others.

”The NMA, Kogi State chapter, wishes to felicitate with His Excellency, Alh.Yahaya Adoza Bello, the executive governor of the State on his swearing in ceremony for the second term in office.

”Your Excellency, we appreciate your new direction agenda in improving the welfare of doctors and health care workers in the state as well as the various giant strides made in the health sector.

”Your new slogan, ‘To Do More’, will be of great benefits to the health sector and the public as we continued to pray for you to succeed.

”Once again,we congratulate our Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the deputy governor, His Excellency, Chief Edward David Onoja, and the Chief of Staff to the governor, Pharm. Jamiu Asuku, for taking the State to the next level,” Zubair said.

End

Lokoja, Jan. 9, 2020 Kogi State Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (KSAPLWD) on Thursday bestowed an Award of recognition as the ”Most Caring Entrepreneur” on the MD/CEO of Treasure Bakery & Confectionary, Chief Dr Femi Akande.

His wife, Chief Mrs Kikelomo Akande, was also appointed as the Matron of KSAPLWD, and a ”Certificate of Matronship” was equally presented to her by the association.

Presenting the award to the recipient at Treasure Bakery, Lokoja, Comrade Ibrahim Daniel Arome, the Chairman of KSAPLWD, eulogised Dr Akande and his wife for their love for the less privileged, saying, it was indisputable that their activities had demonstrated the originality of their love for the community (PLWD).

Arome stressed that the involvement of Persons Living with Disabilities in the last celebrated Christmas Carol, was a proof of inclusiveness which remained a core in their advocacy for the community.

”We have heard several testimonies of your support from many of our members which you did unannounced.

”We appreciate you and will continue to pray for more blessings as you put smiles on the faces of the needy.

”We are here today as a mark of honour and recognition of your good works to humanity, to present an award of the ‘Most Caring Entrepreneur’, and pray for you,.

”We have quite number of wealthy people in Kogi State, but it will take a heart of love to be kind to the less privileged and the vulnerable,” Arome said.

He stressed that Akande was neither the richest man in the State nor in Nigeria, but he had been making life better for the poor people of Kogi State, out of the little he has.

Arome, therefore, implored other wealthy people to emulate the gesture of the Akandes, so as to make life more meaningful to the persons living with disabilities.

He prayed God Almighty to continue to bless their family with good health, prosperity and long life.

In his response, Dr Femi Akande, thanked God for making today a reality, while appreciating the association for the honour bestowed on him, saying it would only spur him to do more for the less privileged and the vulnerable.

”An award of this nature comes with more responsibilities to do more, and with God helping me and my wife, we will surely do more,” Akande said.

He explained that the secret of his wealth was imbedded in his ability to always giving tirelessly to the poor without getting weary, saying ”the more I give to the less privilege the more God blesses me.

He thanked the association for appointing his wife as their matron, and assured them that they would not let them down.

He stressed that it was always a good thing to be humbled saying in humility lied greatness and elevation; ”the more you humble yourself, the higher God would elevate you”.

He thanked Mrs Roseline Alabi, who facilitating the meeting and for always providing the link and platform for him to reachout and assisting the less privileged, and prayed God to bless her abundantly.

Earlier, in her short acceptance speech as the Matron of KSAPLWD, Chief Mrs Kikelomo Akande, thanked the association for counting her worthy to be their matron, while assuring them of her unflinching support.

Also Speaking, Pastor Roseline Alabi, the Executive Director, Dual Care and HIV Prevention Initiative (DCI), who facilitated the meeting, commended Dr Akande and his wife for always being there to give assistance to the less privileged, vulnerable, widows and people living with HIV.

She prayed that God would continue to bless and protect their family and businesses to enable them to do more for larger society.

Some of the PLWD, took their turn at the occasion to eulogised Dr Akande and his wife for always being their for them.

Hon. Solomon Yahaya, said what Akande’s family had done was beyond their widest imagination, and prayed that God who saw in secret would reward them openly.

Other members of the association, Engr Kabiru Husseini and Mallam Umar Mohammed (a.k.a, the Great), said they might not have any money or material things to offer, but they have prayers to offer to God to bless the Akandes’ family on their behalf.

The Treasure Bakery and Confectionary at the end of the program, offered free food pack to all the people at the occasion, after which a group photograph was taken.

Mr Eric Aina, the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, made the call after he led a team from the ministry to randomly monitor schools for resumption on Monday in Lokoja.

Aina also commended teachers in the state for their impressive attendance in schools and for immediately commencing teachings in their various classes.

“So far, we have randomly visited reasonable number of schools and we are satisfied with the turnout of teachers, but there were very low turnout of students.

”We are impressed with the attendance of teachers and we appreciate their efforts, we also implore them to intensify such efforts,” he said.

He expressed his disappointment over the low turnout of students and pupils in schools, and appealed to parents and guardians to release their wards to resume school as teaching has commenced.

The permanent secretary, however, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of students and staff at the Crowder Memorial College, saying some of the students were seen writing test on the day of resumption.

He urged other schools to emulate such initiative as a way of persuading students and pupils to always resume school on resumption date.

Speaking on the ongoing registration of students for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Aina said the ministry had received reports that some principals were overcharging parents for WEAC registration above the ministry benchmark fee.

Aina warned that any principal or school caught to have engaged in such act would have to come forward to explain to the ministry the motive behind such act, and be made to face disciplinary measures .

At the Muslim Community Secondary School where the team held a meeting with the principal and members of staff, the Director of Quality Assurangce of the ministry, Hajia Liman Mustapha, commended the the principal, Mr Yakubu Danladi, for his good leadership and the teachers for resuming school on time.

Mustapha stressed that the ministry had prioritised the issue of timely resumption to school, and delivery of quality standard education, as very critical.

She enjoined the teachers to make sacrifice and give their best to the students assuring them that they would surely be rewarded in due time.

Other schools inspected were:, Harmony Secondary School Lokoja, Saint Luke Primary School and Alhikmat Science Secondary School, Lokoja .

Earlier at the ministry, the permanent secretary addressed students who were proceeeding on Exchange Program with other States such as Kwara, Niger, Benue and Nasarawa, to be of good behavior and make Kogi proud at their various host schools.