Kogi
Kogi Govt embarks on quarterly palliative programme to tackle hunger, inflation
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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Government in a deliberate effort to stem the tide of heightened inflation, hunger and deprivation in the state, has concluded plans to flag-off the first Quarterly Palliative Programme in the next two weeks.
Mallam Ismail Isah, Special Adviser (Media) to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo disclosed this at a “One-day Media Training on Human Rights and Social Inclusion” for practising journalists on Saturday in Lokoja.
The training was organized by Stallion Times in the Collaborative Media Project (Collaborating for media Independence and Government Accountability) with support from the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, funded by the MacArthur Foundation.
Isah said that the governor was quite aware of the hardships being faced by citizens of the state saying, “We’re all aware of the heightened inflation, hunger, and deprivation that has really eaten deep into Nigerian families. A lot of us are feeling the heat everywhere.”
Isah said the state government would also embark on deliberate profiling of communities and demarcation of boundaries and areas of influence of all community leaders in the state in furtherance of its engagement with communities.
He said that the government had prioritized the role of traditional rulers over the years adding that the profiling would help to address issues of insecurity and involvement of community leaders in interventions by government.
He said that government would be more coordinated in its efforts and interventions in communities in terms of monetary and other packages to ameliorate the hardships.
The Special Adviser said, “Beyond appointments and inclusivity in governance, there will be deliberate efforts to reach out to women and youths with emphasis on their participation and inclusivity in governance.
“The Kogi State government, under His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is very committed to inclusion taking off from where the immediate past administration left.
“The past administration, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, had females as vice-chairmen of the Local Government Councils and Council Leaders at that level of government.
“I think that trajectory will not change. It’s going to continue, and the new government is going to build on that. In the past administration, we had one female Commissioner but this time around, we already have two.
“The Commissioner for Women Affairs and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs. Two Very important ministries. So, we hope that there will be more participation of youths or younger people in the government, which is also an element of inclusion”, he said.
He promised Stallion Times to be part of its planned Dialogue Mechanism to further the level of community participation and inclusivity in governance.
“I’m particularly glad about the creation of the dialogue mechanism that you have promised to put up and I want to assure you that being a practising journalist still, despite my new role, I will want to be involved in this dialogue mechanism.
“I also promise that I will be involved all the way. Whatever support we can give in this regard, I will be ready to see that it comes to fruition”, added.
The Special Adviser emphasized the need for teamwork and feedback from journalists to shape the narrative of the new government as a servant of the people. (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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