***Calls for short, long-term measures to tackle ecological challenges

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

KOGI House of Assembly has tasked the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to immediately undertake on-the-spot assessment of Local Government Areas affected by ecological disasters across the state, with a view to proffering solutions.

The directive was contained in a resolution of the House issued at plenary in Lokoja following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance moved by Hon. Eneve Yusuf Zakari (APC-Okene II, Hon. Eneve Yusuf Zakari.

The motion had urged the State Government to address the serious ecological challenges visited on communities in Abuga Ozuga ward of Okene LGA by Okuhua Obanyi River.

Zakari disclosed that the Okuhua Obanyi River in Okene Local Government Area has become a source of severe ecological challenges, significant degradation and devastation to the communities on its course.

He added that it was a known fact that the river which originates from Onchiehe causes wide spread damages through the neighbouring communities to Adavi-Eba in Adavi Local Government Area.

The legislator pointed out that the river had already brought down houses and infrastructures such as the fence of Selfudeen LSMB Primary School, Egeze, just as it has eroded more than a quarter of the landmass of the school.

The Legislator expressed fears that if urgent interventions were not carried out before the next raining season, the river would cause more destructions, deaths and loss of properties.

Hon. Zakari therefore prayed the House to call on the state government to urgently deploy resources and expertise to address the ecological challenges posed by Okuhua Obanyi River in the Abuga/Ozuja Ward of Okene Local Government Area .

He also prayed government to provide relief and support for the affected communities and as well, encourage collaboration between the State and Federal Governments and the Ecological Fund Office to mobilize resources to address the challenge.

Hon. Zakariaya Otokiti (APC-Okehi) seconded the motion while the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba in contribution thanked the mover of the motion and called for an amendment to one if the prayers.

She held that other LGAs suffering same fate should be aggregated and subsumed under the prayer to read “All the LGAs that have ecological challenges”, pointing out that an injury to one is an injury to all.

Ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf adopted the amendment to one of the prayers and subjected the motion to voice votes which got a unanimous “Ayes” approval.

Speaker Yusuf thereafter directed Clerk of the House, Alhaji Ahmed Chogudo to convey the House Resolution to the appropriate quarters for implementation. (Ends)

Residents of Olubo-Ojo in Kogi East Senatorial District have rejoinced following Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho’s commissioning of a solar-powered borehole, to address the community’s long-standing water challenges and improving access to clean water.
The Olubo-Ojo community in Kogi East Senatorial District erupted in celebration recently following commissioning of a motorized solar-powered borehole by Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho which had provided a lasting solution to their prolonged water scarcity.

The project, one of several boreholes facilitated by the senator across the nine local government areas of the senatorial district, marked a significant milestone in efforts to improve access to clean water in the region.
Residents expressed their joy and appreciation for the initiative, describing the borehole as a transformative development that will enhance sanitation, reduce waterborne diseases, and ease the daily struggle of fetching water from distant sources.

Community leader, Chief Adejo Onuh, thanked Senator Echocho for his dedication to addressing the pressing needs of the people, adding, “This project will significantly improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.”

Senator Echocho, while addressing the gathering, reaffirmed his commitment to delivering essential services to his constituents. “Access to clean water is a basic necessity, and I am determined to ensure that every community in Kogi East benefits from initiatives that promote health and development,” he stated.

The borehole commissioning is part of the senator’s broader agenda to tackle critical infrastructure deficits in the senatorial district, including healthcare, education, and rural electrification projects.

Residents have pledged to maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability and lasting impact on the community.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Comrade Onuh Edoka, Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters and former chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, has named Kogi as one of the few states in the Country to implement the new minimum wage of N72,500.

Edoka disclosed this while receiving Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi state Council who were in his office on a courtesy call.

The Special Adviser on Labour Matters said that the NLC recently rated Kogi state very high for meeting all laid down requirements by the NLC Minimum Wage Committee.

He said that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which gave the rating at a meeting in Port Harcourt recently applauded the state Executive Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for paying more than the specified amount to workers in the state.

According to the former Chief Labour Officer, the positive development follows the Governor’s unfettered commitment to workers’ welfare which he noted, remains second to none.

Edoka appreciated the NUJ and its leadership for appreciating the Governor’s modest achievements within a short period in office, as he pledged that he would continue to partner with the Media in the state for positive collaborations.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna said the visit was to formally congratulate the Special Adviser on his appointment and to thank the government for its positive impact in the lives of workers and pensioners in the state.

The NUJ Council Chairman assured that the media would continue to collaborate with the Special Adviser’s office and Kogi state government to discharge their duties effectively.

He also pledged the Media professionals’ resolve to always portray the present administration in good light in appreciation of its impressive performance.

Alhaji Ademu Seidu appealed to the Special Adviser to sustain his good works, adding that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has started well to the admiration of the people. (Ends)