News
Kogi: Ododo re-appoints Bello’s SSG, 35 others
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the new governor of Kogi State has appointed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the immediate past administration, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayoade as his SSG.
Ododo who is the 5th Executive Governor of the state disclosed this in his inaugural speech to the people shortly after inauguration on Saturday in Lokoja saying that the appointments were with immediate effect.
He said that the move to reappoint the SSG alongside 35 others into political offices was in line with the pledge of his administration to hit the ground running,
It would be recalled that Ayoade who is from the Kogi West Senatorial District has been the SSG in the last eight years of the immediate past administration of Governor Yayaha Bello.
The new Governor said that the appointments were in consonance with his administration’s mantra of continuity and consolidation as a student of Governor Yahaya Bello’s School of Thought.
“Hence, we do not intend to keep the people of Kogi State in doubt about the character of this administration as they are eagerly waiting to key into our policies and programmes.
“Therefore, I will today be presenting the names of the following nominees to the Kogi State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the Kogi State Executive Council under my administration.
The appointments include: Secretary to Kogi State Government, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayode and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Ali Bello.
Others are Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Hilary Ojoma-Egwada; Head of Service, Elijah Egwemi; State Security Advisor, Comdr Jerry Omodara (Retired).
Others are: The Special Advisor on Media to the Governor, Hon. Issa Ismail; Director-General of Protocol, in Hon. Sulemani Ibrahim; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Oladele John Niyi; Director-General, Government House, Alhaji Shaibu Umaru Oricha; State Legal Advisor to the Governor, Hon. Barr Mohammed Sanni (SAN).
Ododo also said he would be presenting the names of the following nominees to the Kogi State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as Commissioners designate and members of Kogi State Executive Council under his administration.
They include Engr Farooq Danlami; Barr Salami Mohamed Deedat Ozigi; Engr Bashir Abubakar; Dr Adams Abdulaziz; Engr Joseph Oluwasegun; Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo; Barr Muiz Yunus Abdullah and Hon. Wemi Jones.
Others are: Hon. Mrs. Rabietu Okute; Hon. Farooq Gizli; Hajiya Fatima Momoh; Engr Mohamed Yusuf; Hon. Timothy Ojoma; Hon. Sunday Faleke; Mr. Abani Kataye; Hon. Asuwaji Idris Ashiru; and Engr Mohamed Ihiezue Abdumutallib;
Governor Ododo appealed to the leadership of Kogi State House of Assembly to accord the Commissioner designates speedy consideration in the usual cooperation between the Legislature and the Executive in the state.
He used the opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President Kashim Shettima; National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullah Umar Ganduje and other leaders for ensuring that Nigeria remains united.
“They have been trying to make sure we remain united because we are made to understand by them that governance is all about the people. I want to sincerely appreciate you”, he said.
News
Power Minister Orders Immediate Action on Grid Collapse Committee’s Recommendations
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and related agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of a committee formed to address frequent grid collapses.
This is happening as TCN acknowledged potential temporary power disruptions as it begins repair work on the national grid.
The directive followed a recent grid disturbance reported at 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, caused by a sudden frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
The TCN reported that recovery efforts were promptly initiated, with power partially restored within minutes in the Abuja region, though work continued in other areas.
Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, noted that the committee’s recommendations aim to offer lasting solutions for both immediate and long-term grid stability.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah confirmed that the agency has begun implementing these recommendations, which involve technical upgrades and strategic repairs across key areas. Ongoing work includes improvements on the 330kV Shiroro–Mando transmission line, significant upgrades at the Jebba Substation, and restoration of the second 330kV Ugwuaji–Apir line.
According to Mbah, while these enhancements are underway, some intermittent power instability may persist.
The TCN has appealed for public understanding during this period, emphasizing that the measures are critical for achieving a stable and reliable power supply across Nigeria.
The TCN reiterated its commitment to minimizing power disruptions and enhancing the grid’s resilience, recognizing the essential role that stable electricity plays in the country’s economic growth.
News
Fuel scarcity imminent as NLC declares support for NUPENG’s nationwide strike threat
A fresh wave of fuel scarcity may soon hit Nigeria as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), after its threat of a nationwide strike.
The strike warning followed an alleged military intervention to forcefully remove oil workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, sparking outrage within labor unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement released Friday condemned the reported involvement of military personnel, which he described as a breach of labor rights and a threat to the principles of industrial relations. According to Ajaero, the NLC is in total solidarity with NUPENG in its stance against the alleged forced eviction warning that NLC would escalate its response if such incidents continue.
The dispute popped up following a longstanding industrial disagreement between NUPENG and the rig’s management, who allegedly failed to honor contractual agreements concerning worker severance benefits.
NUPENG has criticized the actions of the oil companies involved—Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors—for allegedly ignoring legally binding agreements and resorting to what they describe as intimidation tactics.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG filed a petition with the Federal Government to address the conflict, expressing alarm over the deployment of armed forces.
Despite this, it is reported that a special naval unit was flown to the Oritsetimeyin rig on Thursday to eject workers, prompting NUPENG to threaten a nationwide shutdown if the government does not intervene.
In response, Ajaero highlighted the destabilizing effects of military involvement in workplace matters, which he said could damage an already fragile economy and violate workers’ rights.
“We cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces,” he stated, calling on the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold labor statutes and prevent further harassment of union members.
The NLC also stressed the importance of keeping industrial disputes out of the military’s purview, urging authorities to allow peaceful negotiations to run their course.
“This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue,” Ajaero emphasized, urging the government to protect workers’ rights to fair negotiation without coercion.
With fuel scarcity on the horizon, Nigerians may face disruptions if the strike goes forward, impacting businesses, transportation, and day-to-day activities across the nation.
News
Akpabio Mourns Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Laggaja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. Describing Lagbaja as a “fine, committed, and dedicated officer,” Akpabio praised the late military leader for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security and unity, even at great personal risk.
In a statement by his special assistant on Media Jackson Udom, Akpabio shared that he was shocked by the news, having recently spoken with Lagbaja, who had been optimistic about his return to office.
The Senate President remarked on the significant loss Lagbaja’s death represents for Nigeria, particularly in the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military community, and the Lagbaja family on this great loss,” Akpabio said.
He extended prayers for strength and comfort to Lagbaja’s family, friends, and colleagues and wished for the late officer’s soul to find peace in Aljanah Firdaus.
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