Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Thursday flagged off the Kogi Veterinary Week , 2022, organized by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), in collaboration with Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture.

The ceremony, which was also held in commemoration of the World Rabies Day, took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja.

Speaking through his Deputy, His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Edward Onoja, Governor Bello stated that his government is committed to creating wealth through agricultural activities such as livestock rearing, noting that this has led to efforts to suppress conflicts and diseases.

He explained that the State Government has provided an enabling environment for agriculture by ensuring that farmer-herder conflicts are a thing of the past and organizing various programmes such as veterinary week and mass animal vaccination in past years.

Governor Bello said his administration has invested heavily in disease eradication in livestock, noting that this is important because many of these diseases can be transmitted to humans. He explained that eradicating disease in animals not only benefits the animals but means a healthy life for humans.

The Governor received an Award of Excellence from the NVMA for his support to veterinary medicine in the state while appreciating the effort of the association and the Ministry of Agriculture as well as other stakeholders who organized the event.

He promised continued support for veterinary medicine as well as to give attention to the challenges of veterinary practitioners.

Earlier, in a keynote address, the President, Commonwealth Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Olatunji Nasir, had expounded on the need for collaboration in eradicating rabies and called on the government to take more than passive interest in eradicating the disease.

The event was attended by relevant stakeholders, ministries and agencies.

Promise Emmanuel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State.

September 22, 2022.

The Dike Chukwumerije Made-In-Nigeria (MIN) Show has been scheduled to be staged in Lokoja, the Confluence city on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Reverton hotels.

Speaking to journalist on Thursday in Lokoja, the General Manager, Simply Poetry Limited, Dr Moses Paul, said the Made In Nigeria show was a production of Simply Poetry Limited.

According to Paul, MIN is a Spoken Word Theatre Production by Nigeria’s foremost performance poet, Dike Chukwumerije, put together to examine 108 years of Nigerian history within 120 minutes.

He added that the production was infused with different art forms such as dance, drama, music with Spoken word to bring together a beautiful piece that reminds us of the deep bond we share as Nigerians and the need for unity and good governance in the country.

According to him, the show takes the audience on a breath-taking 120 minutes journey through our 108-year history as a Nation – using Poetry, Dance, Music and Theatre.

”Over the past 6 years, the Made-In-Nigeria Show has been staged more than 30 times across the length and breadth of Nigeria; from Abuja to Lagos, and Maiduguri to Bonny Island,

”Kaduna to Enugu, Jos to Benin City, Makurdi to Ile-Ife, Yola to Umuahia, Ibadan to Kano to Niger to Gombe to Taraba, as well as in six Nigerian Universities!

”It has been well received in every location staged, as it continues to heighten our collective consciousness in our shared history as a Nation.

”It also rekindle a sense of Hope and Faith in our Country.

”Its vivid and socially conscious rendition of the ups and downs of our 108-year National History, is reminiscent of Herbert Ogunde’s travelling troupe of the 50’s, which reflected the political and social realities of that period,” he said.

Paul noted that the MIN show was staged in Ibadan on Jan. 29; Kano on Feb. 26; Owerri on March 26; Minna on April 22; Port-Harcourt on May 28;, Gombe (16-June 16; Jalingo on July 16; and now finally in Lokoja on July 23, 2022.

He, therefore called on all the residents of Kogi State to take advantage of the epog staged event and be sure not to miss out on this one-of-a-kind production.

He added: ”If you are in Lokoja, join us with your friends and family this Saturday, July 23, at Reverton hotel by 4pm for a great experience of a lifetime.

”Tickets for children are available for N1,000 and N2,000 for adults but if you have your PVC we give you a 50 per cent discount, so you pay N1000 too even as adult”.

Reverton Hotels, is located at 1-5 Kunama Crescent, behind Kogi Hotel, by Kogi INEC, GRA, Lokoja, Kogi State

End

A group under the aegis of National Youth Inclusive Governance Organization have unanimously resolved to support any presidential aspirant that would consider and prioritize youth involvement in leadership of the country.

The convener and leader of the group Hon. Yusuf Sheriff Banki disclosed this on Monday in Lokoja during the north central caucus roundtable strategic meeting of the organization and the election of the state’s coordinators of the group for north central states.

Banki who lamented that the northern leaders have deliberately refused to mentor the youth politically said time has come for Nigerian youth to take their destiny into their hands , saying the youth can no longer accept being used as political thugs.

“We have come as one voice to give our unalloyed support to any aspiring Nigerian leader that considers youth involvement in leadership a priority not only for National growth and Development but for the good of all in all spheres.

“We are itching for a leader that understands the rudiments and the contemporary demands of leadership, capable of providing vision, mission and direction in order to ensure and secure the unity of our dear nation.

“We crave for a leader that have understating of the fact that no nation, irrespective of her natural resources can move forward or sustain her development by leaving her youth behind while formulating and developing sustainable national policies” he said.

He pointed out that the organization demands a leader with natural desire to lay priority on youth Joblessness, insecurity, weak economic, injustice, marginalization, inequality, poor infrastructural development, power failure, non-chalant attitude towards education, health and agricultural sectors amongst others.

He therefore charged Nigerian youths to desist from queueing behind leaders that will not uplift and support their struggle and aspirations, noting that time has come for the youth of this country to change tactics in the election of who become Governor of a state and president of the country.

No fewer than 104 graded and upgraded traditional rulers have received staff of office in Kogi State.

Amongst those handed their Staff of office includes; thirty one first class, thirty second class and fourty three third class chiefs in Kogi State.

Making the presentation in Lokoja on Saturday at the President Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre Lokoja, Governor Yahaya Bello said the upgrade is in consonance with his administration’s commitment to accord the traditional institution a pride of place.

Gov. Bello described the place of the traditional institution in maintaining peace and security as very vital, urging the traditional rulers to sustain the peace and security in their domain.

Bello assured that his administration will continue to work with the traditional institution in achieving peace and security, just as he described the traditional rulers as God’s representatives on earth.

The Governor described the Traditional Rulers as owners of the land, just as he promised to continue to work with them in making the State the most peaceful in the country.

He said his administration has made fairness, equity and justice in the appointment and upgrade of the traditional rulers, as the governor promised to look into the pending request for appointment and upgrade of pending traditional rulers.

While pointing out that he will continue to advocate for the inclusion of the Traditional institution in politics and governance in Nigeria, Bello said he has made them part and parcel of his New Direction Administration.

Gov. Bello thanked President Mohammadu Buhari for sending a delegation to the occasion, assuring that he will continue to work with the traditional rulers in the state, towards ensuring that the state remains top as the most Peaceful and secured in the country.

The Governor disclosed that on assumption of office he met an in-secured state, which lacks development in all ramification.

The Governor used the occasion to call on other States in the country to come and learn from the state‘s security architecture that has made it peaceful and secured, congratulated all the graded and upgraded Chiefs in the State.

In his remarks at the occasion, President Mohammadu Buhari, represented by Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister for Police Affairs, praised Gov. Yahaya Bello for the pride of place he has given to the traditional institution.

He described the acceptance of the newly graded and upgraded chiefs as an indication of a cordial relationship existing between the government and the traditional institution, urging him to sustained the working relationship towards development.

Earlier in a welcome remarks, Barr. Salami Ozigi, the Honourable Commissioner For Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs, said the efforts to give the desired attention to the traditional institution is because of the important role the play in the maintenance of peace and security.

End

By Stephen Adeleye

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), Lokoja, Prof. Adagiri Yahaya, has commended the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for given the state owned hospital a facelift to improving quality healthcare delivery for the residents of the state.

Adagiri, who gave the commendation while speaking to newsmen in his office on Thursday in Lokoja, revealed that the Hospital is experiencing positive transformation and a facelift courtesy of the Executive Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The CMD noted that the hospital which is currently undergoing rigorous rehabilitation and construction, upon transformation would serve as an aesthetic to the state capital.

The CMD said he was appointed and took reigns at the health facility at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown, when the hospital was not operating at a full scale with meagre income, and lauded the timely intervention of the Governor to normalise the hospital activities.

According to Adagiri, the Governor has made the hospital management system easy and hitch free through the implementation of the NHIS and the COMMESS 2014 salary scheme, which has seen to the welfare and prompt payment of staff salaries.

The CMD further revealed that the hospital had recorded several other achievements under his leadership, such as a very reliable water and electricity supply which were not the situation prior to the intervention of the State Governor.

He, therefore commended the state governor for his tremendous contribution towards giving the hospital a total overhaul.

Adagiri further expressed his profound gratitude to the governor for his willingness to revamp the hospital to reflect the true image of a specialist hospital.

The chief medical director prayed God to enable the Governor do more exploits for the state and the nation at large.

End

– Names Hostel Blocks after Identified distinguished personalities

The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, at her emergency meeting held on Thursday 20th May, 2021, considered reports of various committees and consequently approved the expulsion of 42 students for offenses bordering on theft, examination malpractices and forging of results.

Among the expelled students is Mr. Victor Attah of ND II, Business Administration Department, with Matric Nō 2018/ND/BUS/903.

Mr. Victor was involved in the running of an illegal examination syndicate, popularly known as Magic Centre in connivance with one Ibrahim Hayatu who was the ring leader.

The centre was bursted sometimes ago, precisely on 5th November, 2020, at Sarkin Noma in Lokoja.

Similarly, Mr. Akerele Oluwaseun, an ND I student of the Department of Computer Science, with Matric No 2019/ND/CPS/676 was expelled for stealing a bag belonging to one Abdulganiyu Mohammed from the same Department.

Other 40 expelled students from the institution are those that forged National Diploma  (ND) Results to secure  Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions.

The Academic Board presided over by the Rector,  Dr. Salisu O. Usman, resolved that the provisional admission of the detected students should be withdrawn for Gross Misconduct.

Details of the affected students are as follows:

1. OJOMA ABAH – 2019/HND/BUS/527

2. ABOCHI DORCAS UFEDO – 2019/HND/BUS/1057

3. ALIYU ABDULWAHEED – 2019/HND/BUS/1433

4. ABUBAKAR MUYIDEEN OLUWASEGUN – 2019/HND/BUS/1617

5. SULEIMAN MUSTAPHA – 2019/HND/BUS/1070

6. IBRAHIM JEMILAT ONOZAZI – 2019/HND/BUS/299

7. YAKUBU SHAFATU – 2018/HND/BUS/647

8. JOHN BLESSING – 2018/HND/BUS/644

9. DAN MUSA VICTOR – 2018/HND/PAD/220.

10. JOSHUA SUNDAY – 2018/HND/PAD/580.

11. NASIRU ONEKUTU – 2018/HND/PAD/211.

12. ATULUKU MERCY – 2018/HND/PAD/518.

13. ADAMS GLORY – 2018/HND/PAD/792

14. ARIYO O. BILKIS – 2018/HND/PAD/413.

15. AGIFE JUDITH GODWIN – 2018/HND/PAD/240.

16. ERIN RACHAEL – 2018/HND/PAD/266.

17. BILLAH MAIKUDI – 2018/HND/PAD/441.

18. UGWUANYI O. KINGSLEY – 2018/HND/PAD/385.

19. JONATHAN A. MAKAFAN – 2018/HND/PAD/464.

20. YAHAYA RUFAI ONUSAGBA – 2018/HND/PAD/781.

21. SIMON SUSAN ANICHI – 2018/HND/PAD/676.

22. MUSA LATEEF – 2018/HND/PAD/689.

23. SANI IBRAHIM – 2018/HND/PAD/353.

24. AUDU ZAINAB – 2018/HND/PAD/842.

25. OYELESI ADENIYI SOLA – 2018/HND/PAD/573.

26. ODOMA ABDULKARIMU – 2018/HND/PAD/421.

27. ALABI O. CAROLINE – 2018/HND/PAD/844.

28. ALIYU MANANIYAT ONIZE – 2018/HND/PAD/509.

29. ALIH HAPPNESS – 2018/HND/PAD/780.

30. JOHN JANET – 2018/HND/PAD/700

31. ALFRED O. MARY – 2018/HND/PAD/034.

32. ALISON BLESSING – 2018/HND/PAD/817.

33. ZAINAB OYIBO – 2018/HND/PAD/760.

34. AUDU ZAINAB – 2018/HND/PAD/842.

35. MUHAMMED ABUBAKAR – 2018/HND/PAD/844.

36. OLAJIDE FAITH TITILAYO – 2018/HND/LIS/180

37. SALAMI BLESSING – 2018/HND/LIS/227.

38. YAKUBU MERCY SEFIA – 2018/HND/LIS/228.

39. AJIBOYE ROSE – 2018/HND/LIS/246.

40. SAHEED RUFIAT OYIZA – 2018/HND/LIS/160.

In another development, the Board also constituted investigative committee to take a comprehensive look at the results from the Department of Business Administration in the last three academic sessions and make recommendations that could assist in addressing the complaints  of wrong computation of results from the Department and set the record straight, going forward. 

On the issue of Industrial Training, the Board further reiterated that on no condition should letters for  Industrial Training be issued before approval of results by the Academic Board.

The Board also received the report on the completion of the comprehensive hostel renovation with satisfaction and further approved the proper labelling and official naming of the various hostel blocks after some identified personalities that have distinguished themselves in their own right and respective endeavors.

The gesture in the wisdom of the Board, is to motivate students into seeing such personalities as role models who could spur them into good conduct that could be of immense benefits to them and the society. 

The Rector used the occasion to restate the commitment of the Governing Council, Management and Academic Board to upholding the dignity of the Polytechnic through strict adherence to rules, just as he solicited support from all and sundry so as to achieve more for the institution.

By Godwin Wambebe

Kogi state government’s resolve at giving the Lokoja Confluence Stadium a facelift especially the playing pitch received a huge boost on Tuesday with the inspection of the pitch by the contracting firm, Monimichelle Nigeria Limited headed by Mr Ebi Egbe, a renowned FIFA licensed agent in Nigeria and a Stadium Construction expert.

Recall that the Executive Governor of Kogi State His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has promised to give the stadium prompt attention before the Novelty Match played between the Kogi state executive council and the ex Super Eagles sets of 1994 and 1996 few months ago.

True to his words, the state helmsman directed relevant sports authorities in the state to swing into action and ensure that facilities at the stadium are put in proper shape.

This led to the invitation of Monimichelle, renowned in stadium facility construction to inspect and take stock of the playing pitch, tracks and other affected areas of the Stadium.

This was done aptly without delay in the presence of sports stakeholders in the state. The contractor while interacting with sports personalities present during the inspection said he will deliver a quality job that will stand the test of time and will be ready for use in record time.

The Tennis and Badminton courts at Lokoja Club 1901 were also visited and inspected by Mr Ebi Egbe as part of facilities to receive government’s attention.

Dignitaries present at the facilities inspection include the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Idris Musa, Chairman of Kogi State Sports Council Board and Chairman Kogi United/Confluence Queens, Honourable Abdulmalik Isah Dolly, Chairman Kogi State Football Association, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Sylvanus Akpama, Acting Secretary Kogi state football Association and a host of others.

Monimichelle, a well known and respected Sports Facility Construction firm with vast experience in Stadium Construction and renovation has constructed and carried out repair works on some notable stadia in Nigeria and on the African Continent like the Enyimba International Stadium Aba, Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa, Aper Aku Stadium Markudi, Karkanda Stadium Katsina State and the TP Mazembe Stadium in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Monimichelle Sport Facility Construction Ltd is a one stop sports facility developer with reknown FIFA licensed football agent Mr Ebi Egbe as its president.

To ensure standard and professionalism in its activities, the firm has a network of highly trained installers readily available to deliver quality and standard in record time.

Monimichelle is expected to move to site to commence work as soon as all necessary arrangements are concluded.

The security operatives of  Kogi State Polytechnic have  arrested one Shehu Tenimu Mohammed, an ND II student of the Department of Public Administration of the institution for being in possession of a locally fabricated revolver pistol while making his way into the campus.

The student with Matriculation Number 2018/ND/PAD/170 was, in addition to the illegal possession of the pistol, also carrying five rounds of live ammunition while making his way through the main entrance of the Polytechnic on Friday, 9th April, 2021.

The arrest of the student was made possible by the strong security network put in place to halt any attempt to breach the ban on End-of- Examination Celebration.

It should be recalled that the ban itself came into force in view of intelligence report that some suspected cultists would be coming to the campus with ammunitions to avenge their colleague who was killed after the end of examination in 2019.

Management under the the proactive leadership of Dr S.O. Usman therefore beefed up security on campus, including daily routine check at the Polytechnic entrance and the premises.

Ever at alert, the security operatives of the institution had on Thursday, 8th April, 2021, impounded a Tricycle, (Keke NAPEP) which apparently was intended as a decoy for hiding and  releasing gun shots outside the school gate.

In the same vain, the gallant security operatives also arrested a non student suspected to be a hired merchainary with a cham made “African – bullet”  proof on the campus on 7th April, 2021. The suspect who have since been handed over to the law enforcement agency claimed that, he came to the campus to celebrate end of the examination with his sister.

It was the continuation of the security check at the gate that led to the arrest of Shehu Tenimu Mohammed who was coming to the campus purportedly to write his ND II final examination on Friday, 9th April, 2021.

Mohammed was stopped by the ‘stop and search’ officer and was asked to hand over his belongings.

He took to his heels when he realised he would be caught with live ammunition, but it was too late for him.

He has since been handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further interrogation and investigation.

Meanwhile, the Rector, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured members of staff, students and the general public that no stone would be left unturned in the efforts to ensure that sanity is restored on the campus to make the  atmosphere conducive for teaching and learning.

The Rector who commended the security unit of the institution for a yeoman’s job however appealed to members of the Polytechnic community to always be on the side of the law.

Compiled By:
Uredo Omale
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Logo State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

No fewer than 3000 Women in Kogi State will be benefitting from the N20,00 cash grant initiated by the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government.

The minister for Humanitarian Affairs Hon. Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk disclosed this on Tuesday at the Flag-Off of the Grant for Rural Women Project and Symbolic Disbursement held at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja.

The Minister said the grant is expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries.

Represented by the ministry permanent secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, the minister expressed optimism that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the grant to generally contribute towards improving their living standard by using the fund as seed to boost their trade and business for greater income and not to see it as their own share of the so-called National Cake.

According to the minister, “We believe with the complementary effort of the State Government, the target beneficiaries will all be adequately covered within the next few days. I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of Your Excellency and other stakeholders present here, we will remain on track to improving the livelihood of the ordinary Nigerians.

” To the beneficiaries, Let me however reiterate that this money belongs to you and you alone. It is meant for you to use in any small business venture you deem fit and that will improve your lives. Please ensure that you use it for this purpose”

She said since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration in 2015, the Federal Government has paid more attention to addressing the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the country despite the economic slump and glaring revenue challenges.

The minister maintained that this is because poverty reduction has become a major objective of governments all over the world and it is a key goal every country is working towards in order to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Goals.

” It is a fact your Excellency, that no single approach can be relied upon to achieve poverty reduction goals. It will require a combination of strategies, each targeting specific sectors among the population.

” This informed the decision by Mr. President to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy for reducing poverty and enhancing social inclusion. The NSIP is adjudged as the largest social protection programme in Africa with over $1billion earmarked annually to cause positive changes in the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable in the country” she added.

The Grant for Rural Women programme according to Farouk
was introduced in 2020 to sustain the social inclusion agenda of President Buhari’s Administration.

Giving an over view why the scheme was set up last year, the minister noted that “It is consistent with the President’s national vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and peri-urban areas of the country.

” A cash grant of N20,000.00 will be disbursed to about 125,000 poor women across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory”.

In his address, the Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy Chief Edward David Onoja thanked the president to initiative adding that his administration has continued to key into program that will ameliorate suffering from the masses.

Our Correspondent reports that goodwill messages were delivered by the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba and the State Focal Person National Social Investment Program Suleiman Oyekeyi.

End

The latest among the organizations who paid the Rector a visit were the Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter of Kogi Central Senatorial Forum and the Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA.

The two bodies promised their continued support to the leadership of the institution so as to make it the envy of its peers within and outside the State.

Alhaji L.O. Musa who led the delegation of Kogi Central Senatorial Forum to the Rector’s office on Monday, 22nd February, 2021, said Dr Usman’s leadership style has brought great turnaround and blessings to Kogi State Polytechnic, just as he expressed confidence that the Rector would do more.

He explained that the various physical structures springing up on campuses are valid testimonies of Dr Ogbo Usman’s exceptional leadership quality.

He added that the Rector has practically demonstrated his belief in fairness, equity and justice through his pragmatic approach to leadership.

This he stressed, has evidently proven the Rector as a proud promoter of EBIGO, a driving force of Governor Yahaya Bello led administration in the State.

Alhaji Musa expressed the forum’s continued readiness to support the new Rector’s vision and mission of transforming and repositioning the institution to become the envy of all.

On his part, the National President of ICDA, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Amodu, said Dr Usman has made Igala people proud within the few months of piloting of the affairs of the Polytechnic.

He noted that the unprecedented landmarks recorded by the Rector so far was a clear manifestation of his integrity and commitment to duty which have been the core values of the Igala race.

While thanking His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for considering Dr Usman worthy to serve as Rector of the Polytechnic, the Association prayed for God’s guidance and direction as he strives to pilot the affairs of the institution positively.

In his response to the visiting bodies, the Rector expressed delight to the Association for the visits.

He stressed that the Kogi Central Forum was the first Polytechnic Chapter of the socio-cultural Forums from among the three zones to pay him such visit, adding that the gesture has further proven the support he has received from the zone.

The Rector who commended the Principal Officers, Deans and Directors and other members from Kogi Central for their commitment and support so far, also promised to make Kogi State Polytechnic more attractive through quality assurance in teaching, welfare of staff and security of lives and properties on campuses.

Dr Usman also commended the leadership of ICDA for raising the association qualities just as he expressed delight for having young elements from Igala in positions of authority.

He added that commitment to duties, upholding fairness and promotion of justice are parts of the values Igalas are known for, adding that he would be ready to hold those values dearly in his conduct in and out of office.

This he said is the only way he could make the ICDA and the Igala Kingdom proud.

On the delegation Kogi Central Senatorial Forum were the Acting Registrar, Mrs. I.O.Z Raji, Acting Librarian, Mrs O. O. M. Audu, Deputy Bursar, Mr Sadiq Ibrahim Azimazi, among others.

The ICDA President was accompanied on the visit by Provost Marshal, Mr. John Tokula, the Liaison Officer, Elder Ilai Sanni, the Secretary General, Ustaz Umaru .U. Ogbo amongst others.

Compiled By:
Uredo Omale (Mrs.)
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.