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Tag: Kogi

  • 540 Benefits From NDE Advanced Business Training In Kogi

    540 Benefits From NDE Advanced Business Training In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Kogi State, has commenced a two-day Advanced Business Training for the Extended Special Public Works Participants in the three (3) Senatorial Districts of Kogi State.

    The Director-General of NDE, Mall Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo who was represented by NDE Kogi State Coordinator; Mall Abubakar Zakari at the official flag-off of the ABT in Kabba Bunu LGA (Kogi West Senatorial Districts) said the training is in line with the desire and commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to tackle unemployment in the country,

    “The Advanced Business Training is an exit strategy designed by the Directorate to provide 540 participants in Kogi with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage their businesses successfully and to stimulate the entrepreneurship idea among the participants.

    Speaking earlier at the event, Mrs Bajeh Patience (Small Scale Enterprises Headquarters Staff) who was in the State to facilitate the conduct of the training advised the Participants to avail themselves of the opportunity the training will provide them to be self-employed.

    In his keynote address, the chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA represented by the Director of the Local Government(DLG); Mr Emmanuel Alefemi thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria for the laudable Programme and urged the Participants to key into the business training with a view to eradicate poverty in the country.

    The 2-day Advanced Business Training was conducted in Okene, KabbaBunu and Idah being the ABT centralized centres for Kogi Central, West and East Senatorial Districts.

  • Group Decries Decrease In Agriculture Sector Budgetary Allocation In Kogi

    Group Decries Decrease In Agriculture Sector Budgetary Allocation In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Budget Committee Group of Kogi state in conjunction with ActionAid Nigeria has attributed food insecurity in the state to decrease in agriculture sector budgetary allocation.

    The Group observed that agriculture Policy which is expected to focus and drive development of favourable and sustainable guidelines for the promotion of economic growth is absent in Kogi state.

    This was contained in a communique issued by the Budget Committee Group (BCG) of Kogi state with support from ActionAid Nigeria at a day ‘Public Finance for Agriculture-Budget committee Advocacy (PFA-BCA) Summit’ held at New Age Modern Hall, Lokoja on Wednesday.

    It was observed that the non release of funds to the sector has continued to impede the capacity of state government to drive socio economic development, including food security within the policy thrust of the diversification of the economy towards Agriculture.

    “We cannot solve the insecurity problem in the society without solving the problem of food security and hunger as farms are being abandoned sue to security threats and natural disasters in the society.”

    The communique therefore called on the state Executive and House of Assembly to scale up public investment in Agriculture and early passage of budget as a strategic approach to increase food production towards reduction of hunger and poverty in the state.

    It was also recommended that the existing relationship between the state government and the non – state actors should be strengthened in a bid to promote accountability and transparency in public resource management.

    The communique stressed the need for more gender responsive in the yearly Agriculture budget by providing line items for the implementation of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture that would address specific challenges affecting women farmers in the state.

  • National Assembly Decries Poor Facilities at Kogi

    National Assembly Decries Poor Facilities at Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Leke Abejide has decried the poor facilities at the Kogi state çouncil of NUJ secretariat in Lokoja.

    Abejide who made a brief stop over at the Union’s Secretariat while on his way to the Congress of African Democratic Congress in Lokoja said journalists deserve a better working environment.

    Apparently worried that the units of air conditioners he earlier donated to the Union have not been put to use, the lawmaker promised to donate a 20KVA generator to reduce the power problems at the Secretariat.

    He described the media as the bridge between the government and governed and urged journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession at all times.

    Responding, the Kogi State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Adeiza Momohjimoh appreciated the lawmaker for his numerous assistance to the Union.

    Adeiza said the lawmaker’s intervention in education has brought succour to parents and students whose WAEC and NECO fees he pays annually in his federal constituency.

    “Honourable Abejide has truly distinguished himself as a true emancipator of the common man. His interventions in roads construction, education and other empowerment programmes indeed helped in reducing the pains of the poor people”.

    Adeiza promised the collaboration and support of all working journalists in the state to the programmes and Policies of Hon. Abejide.

  • We’ve Returned Kogi’s Hidden N19.3bn To CBN – EFCC

    We’ve Returned Kogi’s Hidden N19.3bn To CBN – EFCC

    The Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has returned the N19.3 billion bailout funds reportedly hidden by the Kogi State Government to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The commission had earlier announced that the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello stashed the money in a Sterling Bank account.

    Kogi state government had denied hiding the money, accusing EFCC of mischief.

    But in a statement on Friday, Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the commission, said the money had been transferred to the apex bank.

    “The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has acknowledged the receipt of the sum of N19, 333,333,333.36 (Nineteen Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-three Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-three Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-three Naira, Thirty-six Kobo) recovered the EFCC from the Kogi State Salary Bail-out account domiciled in Sterling Bank Plc. This effectively puts to rest the campaign of misinformation and unconscionable denials by the Kogi State Government that no fund was recovered from its bail out account.”

    “The apex bank in a letter referenced, DFD/DIR/CON/EXT/01/099 and dated 9th November, 2021 informed the Executive Chairman, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa that it has received the money.

    “The letter reads in part: “We refer to your letter dated November 5, 2021 with Ref. No: CR:3000/EFCC/LS/CMU/REC-STE/VOL.4/047 on the above subject and wish to confirm the details of the receipt of the amount as stated below: Bank: Sterling Bank Plc; Amount: N19, 333, 333,333.36; Date of receipt: 04 November, 2021”

    “The return of the money to the apex bank is in compliance with the October 15, 2021 Order of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi Lagos directing the unfreezing of the Kogi State Salary Bail-out account to enable Sterling Bank to remit the balance in the account to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke gave the Order pursuant to an application filed by the EFCC.

    “The Commission had told the court that the management of Sterling Bank Plc, where the account was domiciled had acknowledged the existence of the said account with the staggering sum of N19, 333,333,333.36 in its books.

    “The Commission further brought to the attention of the court that “The sum of N19, 333,333,333.36 is still standing in the credit of the account frozen”, adding that “the management of Sterling Bank PIc, has, pursuant to a letter dated 15 September, 2021, signed by its Managing Director, indicated intention to return the total sum of N19, 333,333,333.36 back to the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

    “The transfer has put paid to any further controversy regarding source and ownership of the funds and most importantly, aborted the funds dissipation.
    On August 31, 2021, Justice Tijani Garba Ringim, a vacation Judge, had ordered the freezing of the account, following an ex-parte application filed by the EFCC.”

  • Alleged #20bn Bailout Frauds: Sterling Bank MD Faces Threats Of Arrest In Kogi

    Alleged #20bn Bailout Frauds: Sterling Bank MD Faces Threats Of Arrest In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Kogi State House of Assembly has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the Managing Director of Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman if he fails to appear before the house on Tuesday next week.

    The House had invited the Managing Director in the last two weeks to clarify the #20bn Bailout Fund the Bank claimed it will send back to the Central Bank of Nigeria but failed to honour the invitation.

    Upon resumption of Plenary on Tuesday, the Regional Manager of Sterling Bank, Enejo Ibrahim and Counsel to the Bank, Olukayode Enitan SAN were at the Assembly but the Speaker, Prince Matthew Kolawole said they will not be allowed to speak except they tender a letter from the Managing Director authorizing them to represent him.

    The Speaker noted that “the House is giving the Bank Chief Executive Officer one week to appear before it and any attempt to dishonour the invitation will make house to use every legal means to make him appears before it.”

    He pointed out that the claim that the State Government fixed the Bailout Fund in an account with the bank was an embarrassment to the Government and people of Kogi State.

    According to him, investigations by the House Committee on Public Accounts revealed that the allegations were baseless and untrue, adding that the Assembly will get to the root of the matter.

  • FUL VC Assures Adequate Security Of Students, Staff, Property In Kogi

    FUL VC Assures Adequate Security Of Students, Staff, Property In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Vic-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Professor Olayemi Akinwumi has assured parents that the institution will ensure adequate security to guarantee lives of students and staff at the main campus of the university.

    Akinwumi gave the assurance on Monday during a press briefing to mark the commencement of the fifth convocation ceremonies of the institution slated from 8th — 14th November, 2021.

    According to him , the management of the institution has engaged the services of over 60 hunters to complement the efforts of the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in providing adequate security of lives and property of the institution at the Felele campus.

    He added that the students will not be moved to the hostels until the management is satisfied with the security architecture of the institution, saying the terrain of the campus calls for concern.

    “The management of this institution will not toy with the security of students and staff of the university. We have seen what happened just recently in some tertiary institutions in the country where Professors and their children were kidnapped in the campuses.”

    “We have engaged over 60 hunters to ensure adequate surveillance and they have mapped out areas where criminals can use as escape route and we will blocked those areas. Until we are satisfied with the security here in the permanent site of the university, we will not move students to the hostels for now” he said

    Speaking on the convocation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that 804 graduands will be conferred with degrees and postgraduate diploma, noting that honorary degrees would also be conferred on eminent personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria.

    The Vice-Chancellor who stated that paucity of funds has been a major challenge of the university, noted that the institution which has attained its ten years since its establishment has witness tremendous and rapid growth in terms of academic programmes , infrastructural development, research and innovation.

    “In our effort to achieve the much needed physical development and programme expansion , the university commenced academic activities at its permanent site (Felele campus) in September 2021 even in the face of challenges and we are calling for the assistance of the federal, state government and other spirited individuals and organizations”. He added.

  • Vandalism: Kogi Sets To Recruit 10,000 Oil Pipeline Surveillance

    Vandalism: Kogi Sets To Recruit 10,000 Oil Pipeline Surveillance

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil & Gas, Northern States, His Eminence (Bishop) Gabriel Simon Ojoka on Monday in Lokoja stressed the preparedness of the state to recruit ten thousand oil pipeline security surveillance to curb vandalization of oil & gas installations.

    Bishop Ojoka gave the hint on Monday when he led some of his members on an advocacy visit to the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda Dabban

    He stated that the recruitment of the security surveillance has become necessary in order to tackle the activities of pipeline vandals in parts of the state which according to him is in line with the federal government directive to all the oil producing states as many host producing communities have since complied.

    “It is long overdue for the recruitment exercise and in no distance time we shall do the needful. We are here also to solicit security collaboration with the police as we want to do everything in line with security guidance. We are therefore, ready to equip the police with the progress of all our activities in the state” Bishop Ojoka said.

    He commended the federal government for the declaration of Kogi as Oil Producing State which according to him will enhance the growth of the state and living standard of the citizens saying that it is a dream come true.

    The Chairman further disclosed that within the week, the Kogi Chapter of Host Communities of Nigeria Oil Producing States will hold peace meeting between Ibaji Oil Community in Kogi and it’s Anambra counterparts on the way forward to embrace peace and shun violence means of seeking redress.

    Responding, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda Dabban assured the body that the Police Command will synergy with it on security matter.

    He urged them to be peaceful in carrying out their activities in the state as there cannot be any positive development in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.

    The Police Commissioner also harped on the need for them to be guided by law in whatever they do.

  • 3 Suspected Kidnappers Nabbed, Arms, Ammunition, POS Machine, Charms Recovered In Kogi

    3 Suspected Kidnappers Nabbed, Arms, Ammunition, POS Machine, Charms Recovered In Kogi

     From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    People plying the eastern flank of Kogi state will now have a lease of life as three suspected kidnappers terrorizing Itobe-Anyigba highway have been arrested by the Kogi state Police Command.

    “The Police operatives attached to Itobe Division under Ajaokuta Area Command arrested the duo of Danlami Shauibu and Kabiru Amodu both of Adumu village who were suspected to be responsible for series of kidnapping activities around the area.”

    The suspects were said to have been arrested by the Police team following intelligence led operations to contain the activities of criminal elements in the area adding that the suspects have made confessional statement belonging to a gang responsible for terrorizing road users along Itobe-Anyigba highway.

    “During preliminary investigation, one of the suspects gave a useful information that led to the arrest of another suspect, Adejoh Tijani of the same address on 22/10/2021, after the searched of their houses”.

    It was gathered that the following items were recovered; One cut to size single barrel gun, One locally made Pistol,  One POS Machine,  One battle axe, One face mask,  Five live cartridges, and some assorted charms, while efforts is ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.

    The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Idrisu Dauda Dabban psc (+), fdc, while commending the Officers for the breakthrough, assured members of the public of the Command’s determination in synergy with other security agencies in the State to ensure adequate safety of life and property.

    According to him, all the suspects would be charged to Court on conclusion of investigations.

  • Ukomu Igala Applauds The Emergence Of New Attah Igala In Kogi

    Ukomu Igala Applauds The Emergence Of New Attah Igala In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The National leader, of Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO), the Apex Voice of Igala Kingdom, Mr. David Abutu has applauded the emergence of Prince Alaji Matthew M. Opaluwa Oguche as Attah Igala designate.

    The organisation also congratulate the beneficiary, Prince Opaluwa on his well-deserved selection, adding that Igala kingdom needs a person of his comportment, exposure, clout and experience on the royal throne of his ancestors, at this point in time.

    In a press release issued by the UIO National leader, Mr. David Abutu assured the Attah Igala designate of full and undiluted support, at all times, in the interest of the progress of Igala land.

    He commended the state government for listening to the voice of Kingmakers to the throne of Attah Igala and all those involved in the selection process.

    The organisation urged the Attah Igala-designate to ensure that all contending forces to the throne are reconciled in the interest of peace and progress of Igala kingdom.

    The release, however, urged the aggrieved parties of the royal bloodline to sheath their swords and work towards a successful coronation of the new Attah Igala.

    The organisation also called on Igala sons and daughters all over the world to be prayerful towards an eventful coronation and peaceful reign of the new royal father.

    The Apex Voice of Igala Kingdom urged the state government and all those responsible for the coronation to start the process without delay.

  • Gov. Bello Appoints Mathew Alhaji Opaluwa as Attah Igala In Kogi

    Gov. Bello Appoints Mathew Alhaji Opaluwa as Attah Igala In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Prince Mathew Alhaji Opaluwa as the new Attah Elect of Igala Kingdom.

    The Kogi State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Salami Ozigi, disclosed this shortly after the State Executive Council Meeting presided over by the State Governor, on Monday.

    The Governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello and his cabinet members made the approval during the 6th Executive Council meeting held on 18th October 2021 at Council Hall of the Govt House Lokoja.

    Chief Matthew Alhaji Opaluwa as the new Attah Igala, Opaluwa will succeed Dr. Michael Ameh Oboni II who is currently on an ancestral journey since 2020.