Kogi
INEC presents Certificates of Return to Kogi Governor-Elect, Ododo, Deputy
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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Governor-Elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Mr Joel Salifu Oyibo were on Friday presented with Certificates of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) following their emergence as winners of the November 11 governorship election.
The Certificates were presented by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet at the Commission’s headquarters in Lokoja amidst tumultuous crowd and heavy security.
Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had won the November 11, Off-Cycle governorship polls in Kogi State with 446,237 votes to defeat his closest rival, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who polled 259,052 votes.
Senator Dino Melaye, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came a distant third position with 46,362 votes.
Ododo who addressed newsmen shortly after receiving the certificate, assured people of the state that he would keep his campaign promise of building on the “sterling” achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Governor-elect expressed appreciation to the people of the State for their overwhelming support and votes at the polls and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him adding that he would at the same time, preserve the unity of the peoples of the state.
Among other promises, Ododo declared, “My administration will be committed to sustaining the youth and women empowerment programmes of the present administration.
“My resolve to provide employment for our teeming youths and ensure that education occupies the front burner of our administration remains unchanged.
“My victory at last Saturday’s election is a victory for all. We will run an all-inclusive administration, where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation, will be carried along.”
The incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello who personally witnessed the presentation of the Certificates of Return urged the people of the State to join hands with the in-coming governor to build a greater Kogi State.
”The election has come and gone and a winner has emerged. I call on the people of the State to work towards the unity and togetherness our administration has achieved,” he said.
The INEC REC, Hale Gabriel Longpet while presenting the Certificate, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate.
Longpet said Ododo was being presented the certificate having met the constitutional requirements. (Ends)
Kogi
Governor Ododo Mourns Former NBC DG, Prof. Tom Adaba
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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.
Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,
“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.
The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.
Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.
May his soul rest in peace.
Kogi
Oluremi Tinubu Empowers 500 Kogi Women for Economic Growth
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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.
Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.
She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.
“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.
The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Kogi
Ododo grieves over demise of Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami
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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep grieve over the passing of the District Head of Adavi, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami, who passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a condolence message, the Governor described the late Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami as a distinguished leader who served his people with honor, dedication, and a deep commitment to peace and unity. He acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the growth and stability of Adavi and the larger Ebira community.
Special Adviser on Media to the
Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted in a statement quoted Ododo to have extended his sympathies to the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohi Otenyiete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, who is the deceased’s younger brother, as well as the late leader’s family and the entire Ebira people.
Governor Ododo prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed and for strength and solace for those left behind to bear the loss.
Born in 1939, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami was appointed District Head of Adavi in 1994. He lived a life of service and integrity until his passing at 86. His remains have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence in Ogaminana.
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