By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed Dr. Olufemi Bolarin as the Commissioner for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.
His confirmation followed a request from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which was deliberated and approved during Tuesday’s plenary session.
During the screening, Minority Leader Hon. Ibikunle Idowu (Yagba-West State Constituency) reminded the House that Dr. Bolarin had previously served as Commissioner for Agriculture and had a strong track record in public service. Citing his grassroots political experience and contributions to the state, lawmakers unanimously agreed that he was a perfect fit for the role.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended the screening process and urged Dr. Bolarin to deliver on Governor Ododo’s vision for livestock productivity and development in the state.
Dr. Bolarin’s appointment follows Governor Ododo’s January 10 approval of the Ministry of Livestock Development, aimed at boosting livestock farming, enhancing resilience, and improving food security.
Before his nomination, Dr. Bolarin served as the State Project Coordinator of Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES). Speaking to journalists, he reaffirmed his commitment to attracting investors and partners to the livestock sector while ensuring sustainable productivity and growth.
A respected scholar, Dr. Bolarin is an Associate Professor with a PhD in Agriculture (Animal Production Extension) from the University of Ilorin. He also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Agricultural Communication from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

The Kogi State Government has unveiled a ₦4 billion malaria prevention initiative, signaling a major push to curb the disease and improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced the ambitious program on Tuesday during the official launch at the Government House, Lokoja.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement issued on Wednesday indicated that the initiative, supported by the Islamic Development Bank, will provide free anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over 3 million insecticide-treated nets to healthcare facilities statewide.
The intervention according to the statement is part of the governor’s broader strategy to strengthen public health infrastructure and reduce Kogi State’s malaria prevalence rate, which currently stands at 16%; well above the national target of less than 10%.
Governor Ododo cited data from the 2024 World Malaria Report, which revealed that Africa accounted for 94% of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30% of the 5,970 recorded deaths.
These figures, he stressed, highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent further loss of life.

“Malaria affects us all, and it remains one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria,” the governor stated. “Our goal is to ensure that no family in Kogi State is left without access to the tools and medication needed to prevent and treat malaria.”
To ensure the success of the initiative, Governor Ododo issued a stern warning against diversion and hoarding of the medical supplies, emphasizing that they are not for sale.
He pledged strict enforcement measures to hold any violators accountable.
The intervention included, 10,000+ cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits, Over 1 million doses for children and nearly 2 million doses for adults and Distribution to 536 public health facilities, including primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals

The governor praised healthcare workers as “soldiers in the fight against diseases” and called on traditional rulers, NGOs, religious leaders, and local communities to actively participate in distributing and monitoring the use of the malaria prevention kits.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Kogi State’s health sector, aligning with the federal government’s healthcare agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed confidence that reducing malaria prevalence would significantly improve the quality of life and productivity of residents.

Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, described the initiative as one of the most comprehensive malaria interventions in Kogi’s history. He assured that the campaign is fully community-focused, aiming to ensure widespread access to malaria test kits, drugs, and preventive measures at no cost to residents.

With this bold initiative, Kogi State is setting a precedent for proactive healthcare investment, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its people.

The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reiterated the need for unity and collaboration in advancing development, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.

Speaking at an anniversary dinner held at the Government House in Lokoja, she applauded the resilience and contributions of women across the state, emphasizing their crucial role in societal progress.
A statement from her Media Office quoted her to have highlighted the importance of peace and harmony across ethnic, religious, and social lines, urging citizens to work together for a stronger Kogi State.
She also praised Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for its life-changing impact on millions of women and young girls nationwide.

Acknowledging the unwavering support of her husband, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, she credited him as a pillar of strength behind her initiatives. She reaffirmed her commitment to fostering partnerships that empower women and promote inclusive development.

The event, which brought together women from various walks of life, featured heartfelt tributes, the cutting of an anniversary cake, and a celebration of shared achievements.