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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)

News From Kogi

Federal University Lokoja Fires 4 Lecturers Over Sexual Harassment, Exam Misconduct

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FUL MAIN GATE

Following investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and examination misconduct, the Governing Council of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, has announced the dismissal of four lecturers.
The decision was made during the university’s second council meeting, which was held recently in Lokoja, under the leadership of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.

In a statement, the council expressed its appreciation for the university’s management for adhering to due process throughout the investigation.
The council made it clear that any form of unethical behavior would not be tolerated at the institution and emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the university.

The dismissed lecturers were found guilty of misconduct related to both sexual harassment and improper examination practices. The council underscored that such behavior is unacceptable in the academic environment and vowed to take further action if necessary.

Additionally, the council called on the university to address other pending misconduct cases swiftly, particularly a high-profile matter in the Faculty of Science that has garnered significant media attention. The council stressed that no allegation of wrongdoing would be ignored or swept under the rug.

The council also issued a strong warning to staff and faculty members to adhere to ethical standards and cautioned students to speak out if they experience any form of harassment or exploitation. The university urged students to report such incidents to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for all.

This move reflects the university’s firm stance on upholding academic integrity and creating a harassment-free atmosphere for students and staff alike.

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News From Kogi

Kogi govt reaffirms commitment to Ease of Doing Biz

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Alhaji Taufiq Isa

***Seeks partnership with NUJ to achieve set goals

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) towards encouraging business activities in the state’s regulatory environment for both private and corporate organizations to operate in the State.
Director-General, Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, (KUIMCA) Alhaji Taufiq Isa, disclosed this when he received in audience, the State Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council.
Alhaji Isa, who received the Exco, led by the Council Chairman, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna in Lokoja, said the Agency had been repositioned to perform its duty efficiently, to check non-compliance with state laws and regulations by companies and business bodies operating in the state.
According to him, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has given the agency all that is needed to perform optimally and generate more revenue for the State and as well, encourage investors to see Kogi as a reasonable investment destination.
With this, Kogi State government is poised to provide conducive environment for the starting and operation of businesses especially, local firms.
The DG said that he, in collaboration with the Agency’s Board and management, would not allow individuals or organizations to short-change the State saying that the present administration is building on a solid foundation laid by the immediate past government of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
He appealed to the leadership of the professional body of the journalists, the NUJ, for continued support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration’s quest to achieve its goals and for them to see the State as partners in progress towards achieving set goals.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Council Chairman of NUJ, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna, said that the Council was poised to collaborate with KUIMCA as an Agency saddled with enormous task of managing the state infrastructure for overall progress and development of Kogi State.
The NUJ Chairman commended Governor Ododo for appointing a seasoned technocrat and goal-getter to manage the affairs of the Agency considering the sensitive nature of its assignments and operations.
Alhaji Seidu reiterated the crucial place of collaboration between the NUJ and the Agency and assured the Director-General of the Agency of sustenance of the existing robust synergy.
Board Members of KUIMCA, present during the visit, Hon. Olayinka Emmanuel, Hon. Suleiman Onimisi Abdullahi and Hon. Agada Paul as well as Directors of the Agency all restated their commitment to supporting the DG to achieve the Agency’s mandate. (Ends)

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News From Kogi

Group applauds Senator Echocho’s relief efforts in Kogi East

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Jibrin Isah Echocho

The Kogi Democratic Group (KDG) has expressed appreciation for the recent initiatives by Senator Jibril Isah Echocho (APC/Kogi East) in addressing the hardships facing residents of the senatorial district.
In a statement on Wednesday, KDG Protem Secretary Inuwa Lawal highlighted Senator Echocho’s distribution of rice and essential food supplies, which brought immediate relief to the local communities.
The group also praised Senator Echocho’s commitment to long-term infrastructure improvements.
Among his achievements, the installation of boreholes has provided stable access to clean water, and the distribution of fertilizer has offered crucial support to local farmers, helping to strengthen agriculture in the region.

According to Lawal, Kogi East has not witnessed such progress with the past senators, citing Echocho’s active representation in the 9th and 10th Senate as a “leadership with vision and mission.”
He urged the senator to remain focused, despite distraction from his traducers as he acknowledged Echocho’s unique contributions at Senate proceedings, committee work, oversight activities and through motions and bills
The group encouraged Senator Echocho to continue his impactful work, calling on him to sustain the progress that has benefited Kogi East and enriched the lives of its residents.

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