Author: Our Reporter

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, is currently participating in the 2025 annual meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as a special guest of the continental development finance institution.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo stated that Governor’s participation in the prestigious forum reflects the commitment of the Kogi State Government to deepen partnerships with global financial institutions in order to attract critical development funding that will unlock the vast economic potential of the state and improve the living conditions of its people.

“Governor Ododo is engaging with AFDB leadership to access targeted funding from a range of the Bank’s specialised financing windows, with a focus on three strategic sectors – agriculture, solid minerals and transportation infrastructure, particularly the development of a proposed airport in Kogi State.”

The governor according to the press statement is seeking support through the Africa Legal Support Facility to enhance governance and investment structuring in the solid minerals sector; the Special Agricultural Processing Zones Facility to develop agro-industrial hubs and value chains; and the Infrastructure Facility Fund to finance key transportation infrastructure needed to connect markets and attract investors.

“These high-level engagements have taken off on a sound footing, with both the Government of Kogi State and the AFDB establishing the initial building blocks for operationalising the state’s proposals.”

Technical teams on both sides are working closely to align project concepts with funding mechanisms to ensure timely implementation.

“Ododo was accompanied to the meeting by a delegation comprising the Chief Economic Adviser to the State, Mr. Nda Aliyu Salami; the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris and the State Auditor General, Yakubu Okala, alongside other top government officials and technical consultants.”

Fanwo said the quality of the delegation underlines the seriousness and readiness of the Kogi State Government to drive a new wave of development through well-coordinated, bankable projects that meet international standards and deliver real impact on the ground.

He said: “The governor’s mission is clear, to leverage international partnerships in advancing the Renewed Hope agenda, by attracting investments that will stimulate inclusive economic growth and transform the development landscape of Kogi State.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Kogi State, we extend our appreciation to the African Development Bank for its warm reception and look forward to a fruitful and enduring partnership.

By Israel Adamu, Jos 

 The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Plateau state branch on Tuesday 27th May 2025 Inaugurated 12 champions who will be advocates for maternal and Child Health in Plateau state. 

Our correspondent reports that the champions were carefully selected based on their level of influence and the value they will add in advocating for maternal and child health in the state. 

The State President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Plateau state branch; Dr Nana Awaya Emeribe who spoke at the occasion said this development was necessitated through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and a consortium of partners with interest in maternal health. 

She said “The specific goal of the project is to reduce maternal mortality through the prevention of Post Partum Haemorrhage (PPH) using evidence based and cost-effective interventions.

 Notable of these is the calibrated drape for estimation of blood loss during childbirth Emeribe added. 

The Commissioner for Health; Dr Nicholas Baamlong who  was the chief host of the event  congratulated the Medical Women on the  laudable venture. 

He assured the state government will support the initiative to improve maternal and child health in Plateau state. 

He proceeded to decorate the 12 selected champions and issue them with certificates. 

The Champions included the Emir of Kanam, The State chairpersons of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) forum, FOMWAN, WOWICAN, JONAPWD, NOA, erudite scholars and professors of Obstetrics/ gynaecologists and Paediatrics. 

He charged all champions to be ambassadors of maternal and Child health in the state using their positions of influence to bring the needed change.

These champions will be trained by Pathfinder International on SMART advocacy to enable them to engage with stakeholder at various levels from the community to policymakers. 

 The state president and project team lead; Dr Nana Awaya Emeribe expressed happiness on this occasion, it is the beginning of an advocacy process in the state. 

She reiterated that the champions were carefully selected and mapped based on their influence and interest.

 She explained that the project is a consortium of associations which include the African Centre for Excellence and Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Pathfinder International and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

 It is a 4-year project that commenced in 2024 with the aim of reducing maternal mortality through cost effective, evidence-based innovations to reduce Post Partum Haemorrhage in addition to others to reduce child mortality and improve child nutrition.

 Goodwill messages were also received from  from Pharm Jerry Kim Bot, the Director General of Plateau state  Drugs and medical commodity management agency .

The NMA Chairman, Dr Kumtap Yilji  who also graced the occasional as the leader of the umbrella body for all medical Doctors and medical associations in the state  commended MWAN on their tireless effort to improve maternal and child health in the state,

 He said the NMA will keep encouraging  the female Doctors to do more. 

He appreciated the Hon Commissioner for health, the champions and all present at the occasion.

By Sagir Sadisu Buhari.

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, Kano State.

This milestone achievement is a testament to his commitment to advancing education in Nigeria. I also wish to express special commendation to the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, for his tireless efforts in ensuring the realization of this university.

His dedication to the growth and development of our educational sector is truly commendable. I congratulate the staff, management, and governing council of the university.

May this institution flourish and become a hub for academic excellence, innovation, and progress. May Allah SWT bless the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, and guide it towards achieving its noble objectives.

Dr. Sagir S. Buhari FCAI_ Member, Governing Council Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, Kano State.

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has come under fire after publicly declaring that he would boycott Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meetings unless certain party members, including Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, are expelled. Lamido accused these leaders of betraying the party and working against its interests during the 2023 elections.

However, Lamido’s outing has sparked a reaction from the group known as Democracy Vanguard (DeVan). In a statement jointly signed by its President Bulus Iliya and the Secretary Alfred Yakubu, the group took a swipe at the former Jigawa governor, accusing him of being a serial traitor who has betrayed PDP many times in the past on ethnic grounds, particularly in 2015 and 2023 when he took sides with presidential candidates, simply because they hailed from his section of the country.

The statement reads:

“We read a news report in which former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido was quoted as declaring that he will not attend Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meetings unless the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, among others, are expelled from PDP.
Lamido accused Wike and Ortom of betraying the PDP and said they should have been expelled from the party, claiming that the duo worked against PDP interests in the 2023 elections.

“It is both disappointing and disgraceful that a man with a well-documented history of betrayals, hypocrisy, and personal misconduct would seek to lecture others on loyalty and party fidelity.

“Sule Lamido has, time and again, demonstrated that he is a serial betrayer of political trust. His own confessions and actions such as openly working against the PDP’s interests in the 2015 presidential election by campaigning for Muhammadu Buhari, simply because the latter is a fellow Fulani man like him, are telling.

“Lamido teamed up with others to undermine his own party, PDP, and its candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, without an iota of conscience regarding the consequences of such a misconduct. It was a glaring case of his lack of integrity.

“Lamido himself has branded himself as a habitual betrayer. One instance was in 2014 when he confessed, “I betrayed Kwankwaso, Amaechi, others” (see Premium Times, February 24, 2015). He admitted on that occasion that he had betrayed his fellow PDP governors, who later decamped to the All Progressives Congress in November 2013. The five governors were Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko; Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso; and Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako.

“Recently, a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, narrated how he worked with Lamido against the second-term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan. Amaechi was speaking at Lamido’s book launch. That revelation by Amaechi confirmed the true character of Sule Lamido as a fair-weather friend who abandons allies when it suits his political convenience.

“Lamido is a highly tribalistic character who views Nigeria only through sectarian lenses. He is indeed one of those fanning embers of disunity in this country and making its genuine cohesion a mirage. In 2023, the former Jigawa governor displayed his clannish and ethnic tendencies once more when he and a few other elements in PDP, despite knowing fully well that after the eight years of the country’s presidency in the North under Buhari, the seat was to rotate to the South, conspired and insisted that another Fulani man, Atiku Abubakar should take over from Buhari. That was Lamido once again violating the power rotation formula of the PDP to serve his selfish and parochial interest, as he has always done.

“Lamido’s attempt to cast aspersions on current PDP leaders like their Excellencies Wike and Ortom who have been steadfast in their support and contributions to the party, is not only hypocritical but also reckless. These leaders have demonstrated genuine commitment to PDP’s growth and stability, unlike Lamido himself, who has long since abandoned the party and aligned with the ruling APC. His current flirtation with the APC is a clear confirmation of his opportunistic nature, not a principled stand.

“It is also important to highlight that Lamido’s credibility is further eroded by his own record of corruption. He is the only former governor prosecuted on corruption charges involving his family members (two sons), with EFCC investigations revealing the misappropriation of over N1 billion. Such a man, who has faced criminal charges, lacks the moral standing to lecture others on integrity and loyalty.

“Muazu Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger State boastfully said they worked against Jonathan in 2015 because of the interest of the North but Sule Lamido has no issues with him being a Board of Trustees member of the PDP. He however has issues with Nyesom Wike and Samuel Ortom for standing by the truth and for justice that it was the turn of the South to produce the President of the country in 2023.

“Lamido should know that no one needs him in the PDP Board of Trustees. The BOT will continue to exist and perform its very important role in the party without him.

“In light of these facts, we call on all members and supporters of PDP to dismiss Lamido’s mealymouthed and divisive utterances. His actions and words are a distraction from the genuine efforts to rebuild and strengthen PDP,” the group concluded

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa 

Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala, Chairman of Bayelsa Queens FC, has called on the team’s players and officials to stay focused and united as they prepare for their next challenge, following a stellar 2024–25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season.

The Prosperity Girls secured the NWFL championship at the Super Six tournament in Ikenne, Ogun State, earning the right to represent Nigeria in the upcoming WAFU-B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

Pastor Apreala expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, the players, technical crew, and support staff for their dedication and success throughout the season.

“I sincerely thank the management, technical crew, players, and backroom staff for what we’ve achieved together this season. It’s a proud moment for us all, but a greater task lies ahead,” Apreala said.

“As you take this brief break, I urge you to remain focused. Let’s keep our hearts united and our eyes fixed on the glory that awaits. This is only the beginning,” he added.

He also stressed the need for unity, stating, “I appeal to everyone to set aside any differences or misunderstandings. A house divided cannot stand, and we must remain strong together.”

Having last competed continentally in the 2021–22 season, Bayelsa Queens are now ready to shine again on the African stage.

From Abel zwanke, Lafia 

Akwanga Local Government Area has emerged champions of the 3rd edition of the Nasarawa State U-13 Inter-Primary School Football Tournament after defeating defending champions, Lafia, 5-4 on penalties in a thrilling final played on Tuesday at the Rishama College Football Field, Akwanga.

The final ended 1-1 in regulation time, forcing both sides into a penalty shootout. After converting four spot kicks apiece, Akwanga netted the decisive penalty while Lafia’s final kicker blasted his effort over the bar, sending the home crowd into jubilation.

In the third-place playoff, Keffi Local Government Area also secured a 5-4 victory on penalties against Doma after a goalless draw.

Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, presented a giant trophy to the champions alongside cash prizes: One Million Naira to Akwanga, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira to Lafia, and Five Hundred Thousand Naira to Keffi. The Deputy Governor also personally donated Three Hundred Thousand Naira to Doma, the fourth-place finishers.

Speaking during the presentation, Governor Sule lauded all thirteen participating LGAs for their sportsmanship and competitiveness.

“This tournament has shown the depth of young football talents in our state. I commend the sponsor, Hon. Aliyu Bello, for this laudable initiative. We encourage more well-meaning individuals to support youth development through sports,” the Governor stated.

He also directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to collaborate with the sponsor in nurturing identified talents for future engagements.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, described the tournament as aligning with Governor Sule’s vision for talent discovery and sports growth in the state.

“Scouts from the newly-formed Nasarawa United Feeder Team will select outstanding players from this tournament,” the commissioner revealed. “We are committed to an open-door policy to support sports development across the state.”

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation was represented by Abubakar Barde, who praised the tournament’s organization and declared all participants “winners.”

The tournament sponsor and founder of the Aliyu Bello Charity Foundation, Hon. Aliyu Bello (PhD), expressed gratitude to Governor Sule for his unwavering support.

“This tournament has opened doors for young talents to be discovered and mentored. We are committed to continuing this initiative to uplift children through sports,” he said.

Individual honors were awarded during the closing ceremony. Usman Usman of Lafia LGA won the Golden Boot, while his teammate Zubairu Aliyu was named the Most Valuable Player. Yahaya Umar of Akwanga was voted Best Goalkeeper, and Maitala won Best Coach.

Dignitaries at the grand finale included Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau; the Accountant General, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed; Chief Whip and Member representing Akwanga North, Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa; 

Others include, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan; State FA Chairman, Salisu Usman Galadima; local government chairmen including Hon. Safiyanu Isah Andaha of Akwanga; Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, Solomon Babanjah; and NSUBEB Chairman, Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim.

The tournament, which ran from May 21 to May 27, 2025, was organized in commemoration of International Children’s Day and the sixth anniversary of Governor Sule’s administration.

According to the organisers, the 4th edition of the tournament will be hosted by Keffi Local Government Area from May 20 to 27, 2026.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Parents and guardians have been charged to invest in the educational pursuit of their children to enhance future growth of the Nation.

Prof. Ocheni gave the charge in a goodwill message at a program themed “Children: Our Future, Our Responsibility” was  organized today by Nigeria Post Newspaper in conjunction with Margaret Ekpo Biographical Center at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Center, NUJ Lokoja.

The former minister, Professor Stephen Ocheni emphasized that the nation’s future depends on investments made in children today and urged collaboration to create an environment that fosters their growth and protects their rights.

The former Minister who was represented by Comrade Ali Atabor ,advised children to prioritize their academic activities and give quality time to their endeavors to build a strong foundation for future challenges.

He also commended the Publisher of Nigeria Post Newspaper, Comrade Mike Abu, for his contributions to the media space and encouraged him to continue working towards building a prosperous Kogi State.

The program provided a platform for participants to share ideas and strategies on promoting children’s welfare and development, contributing to a brighter national future.

The event brought together stakeholders to discuss the importance of investing in children’s welfare and development. 

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, on Tuesday in Lokoja said the comprehensive reforms being implemented in the state are not only improving healthcare access across communities but also setting new standards for public health delivery in Nigeria.

“We are currently remodeling over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state,” Fanwo said. “Over 95% of the funding is directly from the State Government, with support from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund accounting for just about 4%. These centres are strategically located to reach virtually every community and political ward.”

He explained that the facilities are equipped with solar-powered water systems and, in many cases, staff quarters. “About half of the projects have reached structural completion and are awaiting equipment and drugs, while others are progressing steadily,” he said. “Beyond the obvious health benefits, these projects are also stimulating rural economies by creating jobs and supporting local enterprises.”

Fanwo also highlighted the success of the state’s health insurance initiatives. “Kogi is one of the few states in Nigeria that has rolled out the Formal Sector Health Insurance Plan effectively. All state civil servants have been enrolled and are actively using the insurance. Local government workers have also been captured, and once the necessary MoUs are signed, they too will begin accessing care,” he noted.

He further stated, “Pensioners are also part of the scheme, and those earning below ₦50,000 monthly don’t pay a dime. The State Government funds their coverage under the BelloCare initiative, which also caters for pregnant women, children under five, and the poorest of the poor.”

According to him, “While Kogi ranks 14th in the country in terms of total enrolment, we are doing even better when you consider enrolment as a percentage of population. We’re pushing aggressively to ensure no one is left behind.”

Fanwo disclosed that students in tertiary institutions now enjoy healthcare access under the Tertiary Schools Health Insurance Plan for just ₦2,000 annually, paid alongside tuition. “We’ve also enrolled members of the informal sector , from okada riders to artisans  and we’re just getting started,” he said. “The foundation laid by the previous administration has made it possible for the Ododo administration to expand rapidly and inclusively.”

On secondary healthcare, Fanwo said, “The Federal Government is supporting the revitalization of one General Hospital per Local Government Area. Assessments have been completed and the BoQ is ready. We expect the projects to commence soon. This will significantly boost our secondary health infrastructure.”

For tertiary healthcare, he announced, “The Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, has commenced its MBBS program. We’ve converted the Reference Hospital in Okene into a teaching hospital for the university. Construction is ongoing to provide the needed clinical infrastructure.”

Fanwo also noted progress at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. “Though we lost accreditation a few years ago, we’ve now resumed Basic Sciences and awarded contracts to build all the facilities needed to restart full medical training.”

At the State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, the government has separated administrative and clinical operations by constructing a new administrative block. “We’ve started building House Officers’ Quarters, and talks are ongoing with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, to commence our first-ever housemanship program,” Fanwo revealed.

“Before now, Kogi had no institution producing doctors,” he said. “Now we have two , CUSTECH and the Federal University, Lokoja  and PAAU will soon join. It’s a strategic move to bridge the widening gap in medical manpower.”

Fanwo commended Governor Ododo for his “unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the people,” and praised the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Omeiza, for his “creativity, capacity, managerial skills, and patriotic zeal in executing the Governor’s vision.”

He called on residents to “make the most of these world-class facilities and protect them from vandalism.”

“With Governor Ododo, we are not just building hospitals,” Fanwo concluded. “We are delivering hope, equity, and a healthier future for every Kogite.” 

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

A large group of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in Sokoto State, led by Alhaji Chika Sarkin Gishiri, Chairman of the Sokoto State Traders Associations, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection ceremony took place at the residence of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, APC leader in the state.

The defectors cited their desire to advance Sokoto State’s development as the main reason for their move to the APC.

This development represents a major blow to the PDP in Sokoto, with key members of the business community now aligning with the ruling party.

The defectors pledged their full support and commitment to contributing to the progress of Sokoto State under the APC leadership.