Kogi
PARE enjoins Communities to Consolidate, Sustain CIPP intervention Projects in Kogi
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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Pastoral Resolve (PARE) a Non-profit, Non-Governmental Organization working on restoration of peace in six Nigerian states under the aegis of Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) has called on communities in Kogi State to consolidate and sustain the level of peace so far attained.
Mr Israel Okpe, Senior Programmes Officer of PARE made the call while speaking at the close out ceremony of the CIPP four-year intervention in Kogi State on Saturday in Lokoja.
According to Okpe, the CIPP project through its interventions has been able to address violent conflicts between farmers and herders (pastoralists) by building their capacity for negotiation and advocating for supportive policies from the state government.
He said that the project also offered support and as well, coordinated the activities of various peace structures and registered them with relevant Ministries to address community issues effectively towards nipping the conflicts which hitherto, had dominated public discuss.
Okpe who was addressing community leaders from Bakumba, Gadan-Sagari, Adankolo and Lokongoma communities said that the project had addressed farmer-herder conflicts and other forms of violent extremism.
Members of the communities who spoke with our correspondent expressed satisfaction that the Mercy Corps CIPP Project was a success as they affirmed the return of peace to their various communities.
One of them, Hajia Ummi Meimunat Ali from Adankolo community thanked PARE and Mercy Corps for helping to maintain peace and reduce violence in Adankolo community which hitherto, had been riddled with violent crises resulting from abuse of drugs among youths.
Hajia Ummi, a facilitator of women discussion group said before the intervention, the community faced issues with youth involvement in drugs, trafficking, and violence during elections.
Ayuba Ahmadu, a leader in the Lokongoma community, expressed gratitude to PARE and Mercy Corps for the positive impact of the CIPP programme and for being instrumental to the positive change in the community.
He said that before the Programme, the community experienced political crisis, fighting, and drug abuse adding that however, through CIPP’s training and intervention, the community has achieved a significant reduction in these issues, leading to a 100 per cent peace.
Also speaking, Yusuf Idris, Youth Leader, Bakumba Community, said through the training received by members from the CIPP, he and his community leaders had been able to broker peace between pastoralists and farmers in the Felele adjourning communities and restored peaceful coexistence.
“Because of the training, we now sit together and address issues. You see a situation where the Ardo the pastoralists’ leader and the leader of the farmers sit down together to address issues”, he said.
Imam Tahiru Husseini, Fulani Leader from Gadan-Shagari in Lokoja Local Government said CIPP had taken them out on workshops in Plateau, Kaduna and Kano States building their capacities in resolving Herders-Pastoralists conflicts.
Imam Tahiru said they have been able to resolve a lot of crises and avoided violent conflicts in his area in the last four years and implored PARE and Mercy Corps to continue with the project. (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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