By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has urged Nigerians living abroad to support the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu and invest in Kogi State as part of efforts to promote national development.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with Kogi indigenes and other Nigerians in London, the governor said the country’s progress depends on the collective efforts of citizens at home and in the diaspora.

According to a statement issued by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, Ododo encouraged Nigerians abroad to contribute not only financial investments but also their expertise, innovation and global networks to the state’s development. The governor said Kogi’s growing unity has provided a foundation for development, adding that the state has moved beyond ethnic and religious divisions to pursue shared economic progress.

Ododo also commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms and fiscal policies, saying they have improved the financial capacity of states to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education and agriculture. He highlighted several Federal Government projects in Kogi, including the approved Kogi International Airport, the Kogi Free Trade Zone, the Agricultural Processing Zone, efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reconstruction of key federal roads.

The governor said his administration has expanded investments in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment while working with federal security agencies to improve safety across the state. At the meeting, participants pledged to support Kogi’s development by attracting investment and contributing their professional expertise. They also expressed support for the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms.

By Wilfred Framcis

Lagos, Nigeria – Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi has expressed confidence in China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to deliver the 7th Axial Road project in the Lekki Corridor of Lagos. The project, a key cargo handling route for the Lekki Deepwater Port, is being constructed behind the Dangote Refinery and connects the Lekki Corridor with the Sagamu route.

During his inspection tour, Umahi praised CHEC for its successful delivery of the Lekki Deepwater Port and the high-quality progress on the Makurdi-Enugu road reconstruction and expansion project. He instructed that the roadbed filling work for Project LOT1 be completed by the end of April and directed the project team to accelerate resource input and tangible works to meet the deadline.

The 7th Axial Highway is expected to complement key infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road, Dangote Road, and Lekki Port, creating a comprehensive transportation hub model and boosting Nigeria’s port economy and industrial corridor. Umahi emphasized the need for environmental protection agencies to ensure efficient construction and steady progress while maintaining ecological safety.

A CHEC representative stated that the company would maintain a high level of resource input, implement the Minister’s directives, and coordinate safety, quality, and environmental protection to ensure the project’s timely and high-quality completion.

By Anne Azuka

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for a thorough investigation into the disruption of a political meeting at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre in Effurun, Delta State, warning that rising political violence could affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege condemned the reported attack on an APC Delta Central leaders and stakeholders’ meeting, where suspected thugs allegedly disrupted proceedings and injured the Delta State Government’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Temple Mudi.

The former senator described the incident as a threat to democratic participation and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. He also appealed to political actors to embrace peaceful engagement.

Omo-Agege further referenced an earlier incident involving Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, who he said was allegedly prevented from accessing his community’s town hall in Agholokpe. He urged authorities to investigate both incidents.

He specifically called on the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police to conduct comprehensive investigations. He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, and the international community to monitor political developments in Delta State.

Omo-Agege reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful democratic participation, stating that violence should not be allowed to undermine the electoral process.