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Tag: Yahaya Bello

  • “I Accept The Decision”: Yahaya Bello Congratulates Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

    “I Accept The Decision”: Yahaya Bello Congratulates Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

    By Daniel Edu

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, expressed his acceptance of the Appeal Court’s verdict confirming Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the duly elected Senator for Kogi Central, representing the Peoples Democratic Party. He made this statement after the Police Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa.

    Governor Bello congratulated Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and stated, “I accept the decision of the appeal court and I use this opportunity to congratulate my sister, Barrister Natasha as a senator of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.” He further acknowledged the court’s decision that nullified the election of Senator Abubakar Ohere and affirmed Barrister Natasha Akpoti as the senator for Kogi Central.

    Previously, the court had dismissed the appeal filed by Ohere, a member of the All Progressives Congress, on grounds of lacking merit. In September, the state Election Petitions Tribunal had declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial election and invalidated Ohere’s victory. The tribunal’s chairman, Justice K. A. Orjiako, disclosed that Ohere’s results had been inflated in nine polling units in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area.

  • Kogi Guber: Gov Bello inaugurates APC State Campaign Council In Kogi

    Kogi Guber: Gov Bello inaugurates APC State Campaign Council In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress’ governorship campaign council to base their campaign on issues and performance of the current administration.

    Governor Bello gave the charge during the inauguration of the Kogi State APC governorship campaign council on Tuesday at the Government House in Lokoja.

    Governor Bello called on the campaign council not to preach ethnicity or religion but base their campaign on what the government had achieved in the last eight years and the ability of the governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, to build effectively on the current administration’s successes.

    He urged members and supporters of the party not to join issues with others who do not have anything to offer in terms of adding value to the state and its inhabitants.

    “Forget about liars, whose stock in trade is thuggery with nothing to offer. Go out there and preach what we have on ground in terms of infrastructure, not about ethnicity. Kogi State belongs to all of us. I have always said that Kogi State has the potential to be great if only we stop playing politics of ethnicity.”

    “I want all of you to go and work for the success of the party and you will be adequately rewarded.”

    The Director General of the campaign council, and Minister of and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, charged Igala people to shun ethnic agenda that would not bring about development in the state.

    The Director General of the campaign council said his late father and former governor of the state had never believed in ethnic agenda, but had vision for the growth and development of the state.

    He noted that in the last eight years, Governor Yahaya Bello had demonstrated his father’s vision for the state through appointments, distribution and execution of projects across the three senatorial districts of the state without any iota of bias or sentiment.

    “My father had a pan Kogi vision and was never a leader that focused on Kogi East.

    “Any agenda that focuses on a particular senatorial district instead of Kogi State would not bring about justice, equity and development. We know that Igala people are agitating for return of power to the East but it must be discussed and resolved because power can never be taken with force.”

  • Kogi @ 32: Eight years Achievements By Bello Sequel To Probity in Public Fin. Management

    Kogi @ 32: Eight years Achievements By Bello Sequel To Probity in Public Fin. Management

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Sunday in Lokoja said the lofty achievements by his administration was as a result of commitment and determination to display both astuteness and probity in Public Financial Management.

    Governor Bello who disclosed this in his address to mark the 32nd Anniversary of the creation of Kogi State said “throughout my tenure as Governor, my commitment to the New Direction Blueprint has been the major driver of our actions and decisions.”

    He pointed out that “the policy plan of his administration has served us well, being guiding light, leading us towards the accelerated and proportional development we envisaged from inception across all constituencies in our State.”

    He pointed out that his administration embarked on the creation of the Kogi State 32-Year Development Plan earlier in the year adding that the plan will project the developmental aspirations for the next three decades, outlining both the short-term objectives that will derive from it and the longer term aspirations that we must pursue.

    “We have diligently reformed our budgeting, procurement, debt management, revenue generation systems, and more. Our commitment to financial transparency and accountability has earned us the top position among Nigerian states in the World Bank’s States’ Financial Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) index, time and again.”

    Governor Bello stressed the readiness of his administration to provide a Blueprint for future leadership to continue developing Kogi State into Nigeria’s foremost and most secure emerging commercial hub, leveraging the geographical location, natural endowments, and human resources for a sustainable future.

    “In education, health, infrastructure, youth empowerment, civil service reform, security, agriculture, and more, we have taken remarkable strides that are both visible and impactful today. We anticipate improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and agricultural advancements, with enhanced cooperation and integration amongst citizens.”

    He was optimistic that Kogi State transitions into the hands of a successor that is committed to Continuity and Consolidation of the far-reaching legacies of this Administration and is able to keep providing the people with the empathetic, practical and transformational leadership that is so crucial the next stage of development.

    “Today, I look to that future with an urgent imperative to ensure that we do not fall into the hands of a leadership in our State after me that will ignore the needs of our people or of our State for good governance and proportional cum accelerated development that respects our great diversity.”

    “Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman is the candidate that we have selected and presented to Kogi State as the candidate for the 2023 Gubernatorial Elections and our preferred successor to the GYB years.”

    He described the APC Candidate in Kogi state as humane, underlined by professionalism and strong leadership skills adding “I am confident in his ability to continue the upward trend in our growth graph established by our New Direction Administration and I solicit your support for him in the November 11 Kogi State Governorship Elections.”

    He further disclosed that Kogi State Government is putting finishing touches to your own basket of palliatives and will soon deliver them to your doorsteps.

  • Gov Bello Receives Audu’s Family, Reiterates Commitment to Equity, Fairness In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello over the weekend received family members of the late political icon and former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, on a ‘thank you visit in Abuja.

    In a press statement issued to Journalists in Lokoja by the chief press secretary to the governor, Muhammed Onogu stressed how Bello recounted the process that led to the choice of Prince Shaibu, and emphasised that equity, fairness, and justice always come first in his decision-making.

    He stressed the importance of unity and tolerance among the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, stating that tribal sentiment has no place in modern politics.

    Governor Bello assured the minister-designate, Prince Shaibu, of his unwavering support, believing he will go far and make the nation proud by building on his father’s legacy.

    “This is an opportunity for you to build on your father’s legacy. The joy that accompanied your nomination worldwide must be sustained through how you conduct yourself and lead the people. I have no doubt you will make the nation proud,” Bello stated.

    Governor Bello thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity, assuring him of the state’s unwavering support for his administration.

    Barrister Eke Maimunat Audu, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Bello for submitting Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu’s name for the ministerial appointment.

    He said they were confident that the minister-designate would deliver with excellence, making both the state and Nigeria proud.

    Prince Kabir Arome Audu remarked that their late father’s wish was for his legacy of good governance and a united Kogi State to continue.

    He praised Governor Bello for providing a platform for the continuous existence of Audu’s legacy in Nigerian politics by nominating Prince Shaibu, among thousands of qualified candidates from Kogi State.

    The family commended the governor for personally attending Shaibu’s screening at the National Assembly on Friday.

    Prince Abubakar Shuaib Audu, the minister-designate from Kogi State, has an impressive background as an executive director with Stanbic IBTC, holding an MBA from the University of Oxford, and an MSC in international securities and investment banking from the ICMA ncenter of Henley Business School, University of Reading.

  • Gov. Bello Inaugurates New Administrative Block at FTH In Kogi


    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Friday, inaugurated the newly constructed two-storey Administrative block of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja.

    Governor Bello who commended the federal government, the management and staff of the hospital for their commitment in moving the health institution forward said the FTH Lokoja would serve as the teaching hospital for the College of Health Sciences and Federal University Lokoja (FUL).

    Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Ayoade, noted that the Kogi health sector had undergone incredible renaissance in the last seven and half years under his New Direction Administration.

    “We have done comprehensive upgrades of infrastructures, equipment and human resources at all our state-owned primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.”

    The governor pointed out that his administration is working hard to meet the objectives and complement the institution’s efforts in a very strong way adding “in most cases we totally reconstructed existing structures or built new ones from the scratch.”

    In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Zakari Usman, commended the FTH Lokoja’s management for the consistent progress made over the years, and for always complementing the efforts of the state government in quality healthcare services to the people of Kogi.

    He assured the management of the state government’s continued support for FTH Lokoja, adding that the governor had made giant strides in the health sector, especially in infrastructural development.

    Also Speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi who thanked former President Buhari for upgrading the FMC Lokoja to FTH status also commended Yahaya Bello for his landmark achievements in the state health sector, assuring that the institution would do its best to consolidate them.

    Akinwunmi noted that most Kogi students seeking admission to study Medicine in other Universities in catchment area were being denied admission.

    The VC assured that the institution would raise a massive corps of health practitioners by deliberately giving qualified Kogi students preferential consideration in all admission processes.

    He disclosed that the first set of BSc. Nursing in the College of Health Sciences, FUL, would be admitted this year while Faculty of Pharmacy would commence in first quarter of 2024.

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FTH Lokoja, Dr Olatunde Alabi, said the construction of the new Administrative block was borne out of his desire to create more space for their staff for optimal performance.

    Alabi commended the state government for its consistent support and collaboration with the institution in terms of training its personnel, logistics, provision of consumables, among others.

    He noted that the FTH Lokoja had over the years been strengthened in terms of human resources and infrastructures in delivering quality healthcare services to the people of Kogi and Nigeria at large.

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Gov Bello Tasks People on Security, Respect For Constituted Authority In Kogi

    Eid-El-Kabir: Gov Bello Tasks People on Security, Respect For Constituted Authority In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Wednesday charged the people of the state to be law abiding and be security conscious in order to make the state a new haven.

    The governor gave the charge shortly after observing eid prayer at Okene eid praying ground, the country home of Governor Yahaya Bello.

    He charged the people of the state to respect constituted authority and promised to fulfil his promises of developing the state far better than he met it in 2016.

    “I thank God almighty who has brought us thus far. This is my last time of praying on this ground as a governor. I thank God for his protection, guidance and the good health we have enjoyed through out my tenure till date.

    Governor Bello called on the citizens of the state to be patient with the current government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that with perseverance there are better days ahead under the current administration.

    He noted that in the last seven years, his government had committed a lot in ensuring that the state remain peaceful and urged the citizens of the state to co-operate and support him to complete his tenure that would end January next year.

    The governor appealed to the chief imam of Ebiraland Sheik Salihu Abere to use his position as a religion leader to unite the people irrespective of belief, urging him not to allow any body to derail him from performing his functions as chief imam.

    Ohinoyi of Ebiraland His Royal Highness Ado Ibrahim commended Governor Yahaya Bello for developmental efforts across the state.

    The Chief imam Sheik Salihu Abere in his sermon reminded Muslims to go closer to God through intensive prayer to enable them enjoy God’s favour.

  • Gov. Bello Flags off 13km Road in Kogi

    Gov. Bello Flags off 13km Road in Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Tuesday flagged off the reconstruction of the 13.71 kilometers Itakpe – Kabba Junction – Total road in Okene, Central Senatorial District of the state.

    The Governor who performed the flag off reassured the people of Kogi Central and the entire Kogi state at large that he will stop at nothing to ensure that he delivers quality infrastructure to all parts of the state.

    Bello explained that although the road is a federal road but due to the economic importance of the road to the people of the state as well as Commuters who travel through the state.

    He said “From this point to Kabba Junction to Total spanning 13.7 kilometers, it is a federal road and over the years we have made a lot of requests to the previous administration and it all fell into deaf ears. We deem it necessary that even though the road fell in between our land but all Nigerians are using it and each time they pass through it, it gives us a bad image, so we deem it fit to rehabilitate it and give it a befitting and standard quality.”

    Gov. Bello Assures residents and road users that the road will be completed before the end of the year.

    While delivering his welcome address, the state commissioner for works and housing, Hon. Samson Bako explained that the road has inflicted so much pains on the people adding that the deplorable state of the road has left users with no other option than to desert the road and look for alternative route.

    Bako pledged his support to the realization of this project and all other ongoing projects across the state.

  • GYB Essay Competition for Kogi Journalists: NUJ Applauds Gov Bello

    GYB Essay Competition for Kogi Journalists: NUJ Applauds Gov Bello

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The chairman of Kogi state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Adeiza Momohjimoh, has appreciated the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for domesticating the GYB essay competition for Journalists in the state.

    In a press release signed by the chairman and secretary of the Union, Comrade Adeiza and Seidu Ademu said the domestication of the programme has given ample opportunities to Journalists in Kogi state to sharpen their writing skills and thereby promoting professionalism .

    “The programme which first and second editions held in Abuja in 2021 and 2022 has the endorsement of the National Secretariat of our great Union (NUJ)”

    Comrade Momohjimoh thanked the governor for changing the stories
    of those that won prizes running into millions of naira for the better.

    “We equally sieze the opportunity to appeal to the organizers that the next edition slated for September, 2023 should accommodate journalists from broadcast media houses and state owned media outfits.”

    “On behalf of the entire working journalists we pledged our unalloyed support to the programmes and policies of the government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello and wish well in all endeavours.”

  • Bello Inaugurates Committee For The Establishment Of University In Kogi West

    Bello Inaugurates Committee For The Establishment Of University In Kogi West

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, on Wednesday, inaugurated a committee for the establishment of another state-owned university in Kogi West.

    The committee has Professor Olu Obafemi Nnom, as chairman. He is an esteemed academician and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, the committee has 17 distinguished professors as members.

    The lineup, as announced by the governor, comprises renowned professors who bring diverse expertise and experience to the table in the administration’s efforts at enhancing quality education within the state.

    Notable members include Professor Abayomi Oloruntoba, Professor Kehinde Imisi Eniola, Professor Sunmola Afolabi, Professor Godwin Tunde Arosayin, Professor Gabriel Kolade Olorunleke, Professor Joseph Olorunju Omolehin, Professor Kingsley Ologe.

    Others are Professor Sumaila Abdulganiyu, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, Professor Rotimi Ajayi, Professor Yomi Monday Ayesimi, Professor Suleiman Omeiza Eku Sadiku, Professor Adams Oyuoze Umoru Onuka, Professor Igonoh Joshua A., Professor Mohammed Bello Yunusa, and Professor Hadiza Aguye, who will serve as the committee’s Secretary.

    To ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach, the committee includes several key government officials.

    The officials are: the Kogi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, SAN; Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Folashade Arike Ayoade, PhD.

    Other officials are the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones; Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris Asiru; Commissioner for Works and Urban Development, Hon. Bako Samson; and Auditor-General, Hon. Yusuf Okala.

    Members of the committee have been assigned a clear set of terms of reference, which includes determining the nature of the university to be established, be it specialised or conventional, and proposing an appropriate name for the institution.

    According to him, members are responsible for preparing the necessary academic brief, university law, and university master plan to be presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for recognition and approval.

    The committee will also identify an ideal location and a suitable site to ensure the immediate commencement of academic activities. In terms of sustainability, the committee will explore realistic and sustainable funding sources.

    He indicated that the committee might have the authority to co-opt other individuals, both Kogites and non-Kogites, to provide their expertise in establishing the university.

    The committee has been given a timeframe of six weeks from the date of inauguration to submit its reports, underscoring Governor Bello’s commitment to a swift and efficient process in establishing the state-owned university.

    It highlights his dedication to expanding educational opportunities and providing quality higher education to the people of Kogi State.

    In his remarks, Professor Olu Obafemi Nnom, the chairman of the committee, expressed the committee’s commitment to diligently fulfilling the dreams of the governor and the people of Okunland.

    He commended Governor Bello for his dedication to equality, fairness, and inclusive governance, while highlighting the long-standing desire of the Okun people for a university, spanning several decades.

  • Yahaya Bello Pledge Level Playground In Kogi APC Gov Primary

    Yahaya Bello Pledge Level Playground In Kogi APC Gov Primary

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has promised that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will ensure a fair playing ground for the best candidate to emerge in the primary election ahead of the governorship election coming up in the state in November.

    Governor Bello said this in a statement on Saturday, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications in the state, Kingsley Fanwo.

    He urged governorship aspirants on the platform of the APC in the state to focus on their strengths in wooing party members ahead of the primary election scheduled to hold in April.

    He warned against divisive tendencies that could jeopardise the interest of the party and undermine the peace and unity that the ruling party had been known for in the state under his leadership.

    The Governor was specifically reacting to the seeming back and forth on the suspension of a member of the APC National Working Committee from the state, Hon. Murtala Yakubu.

    While wishing all the governorship aspirants a successful screening exercise, he expressed the confidence that APC would win the governorship election with a wide margin in November.

    The statement reads, “The attention of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been drawn to series of publications on the suspension or not of a member of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, Hon. Murtala Yakubu.

    “The Governor, as the leader of our great party in Kogi State, warns against bickerings that can undermine the peace and unity that the APC has been known for under his leadership. He has therefore directed all aspirants in the forthcoming governorship primaries in the state to focus on their strengths in wooing party members and refrain from divisive tendencies in the interest of the party.

    “Our party will ensure a fair playing ground for the best candidate to emerge in the primary election and together we shall win the governorship election, with a wide margin, in November.

    “Governor Yahaya Bello wishes all aspirants successful screening.”