Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged the people of the state to embrace unity for its progress and development.
He made this appeal during a condolence visit to Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala, the State Auditor General, over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Amina Yusuf Okala, in Ajiolo, Dekina Local Government Area.
Governor Ododo, accompanied by top government officials to the 8th Day Fidau prayer, described the gathering as more than just a moment of mourning but also an opportunity to reconnect with associates from Dekina and beyond.
Special adviser to the Governor on media in a statement quoted him to have emphasized that the late Hajiya Amina had already been immortalized through the impact of her children on society.
Speaking at the event, the governor encouraged parents to prioritize the education and proper upbringing of their children, stressing that a well-raised child leaves an enduring legacy of service and impact.
He praised the late matriarch for her commitment to family, community, and the unity of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo urged the Okala family to take solace in the fact that their mother lived a life of peace and left behind a strong legacy. He prayed for the repose of her soul and strength for the bereaved family.
In response, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Onu Anyigba, speaking on behalf of the Okala family, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support and kind words.
He also commended Governor Ododo’s administration for its positive impact on Kogi State within its first year in office.
The visit further reinforced Governor Ododo’s commitment to fostering unity and development across the state.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that the establishment of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta will redefine Kogi’s role in Nigeria’s energy sector, positioning the state as a key player in the country’s industrial and economic transformation.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Governor Ododo emphasized that the multi-billion naira project, spearheaded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in partnership with private investors, would drive job creation, industrial growth, and energy security, both for Kogi and the nation at large.
His Special Adviser on Media Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted him thus;
“This is more than just an LNG project; it is a catalyst for economic transformation,” Ododo stated. “With an initial combined production capacity of over 80 million cubic feet per day, these plants will not only boost domestic gas supply but also open new frontiers for investment and industrialization in Kogi State.”

He noted that his administration is fully committed to fostering a business-friendly environment for energy investors while ensuring that local communities benefit from job opportunities and economic activities generated by the project.

Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing Nigeria’s energy transition and fast-tracking the project through strategic partnerships with Prime LNG, NGML/GASNEXUS LNG, LNG Arete, Highland LNG, and BUA LNG.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule, stressing that all necessary equipment is in place for immediate deployment.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpo Ekpo, highlighted the project’s alignment with President Tinubu’s executive order on maximizing Nigeria’s gas potential, while Minister for Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, emphasized its role in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Governor Ododo also underscored the project’s potential in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
He assured that his administration would sustain peace, security, and infrastructure development to attract more energy investments into Kogi State.

The groundbreaking event, attended by top government officials, industry leaders, and investors, marks the beginning of a new energy revolution in Kogi—one that will cement its position as an industrial and energy powerhouse in Nigeria.

***As new provost of COE Ankpa visits

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has called on the National Examinations Council (NECO) to develop a standardized template to prevent students from registering with abbreviated names, which often leads to complications in official records.
Prof. Usman made the appeal on Thursday when he received Kogi State NECO Coordinator, Mr. Thaddeus Ajabu, who was on a courtesy visit as part of a sensitization campaign against name abbreviations in examination registrations.
The Rector emphasized that Kogi Polytechnic already enforces a strict no-abbreviation policy, except in cases where an affidavit clarifies the full name. He urged NECO to adopt similar measures, ensuring uniformity across educational institutions and preventing future identity-related issues.
“We have seen cases where students face challenges during NYSC mobilization and job applications because of discrepancies in their names. A well-structured system from NECO will go a long way in solving this problem,” he stated.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Thaddeus Ajabu of NECO reaffirmed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) now rejects candidates with abbreviated names, making it urgent for students and schools to adhere to proper registration guidelines.
“We are engaging key stakeholders to ensure that students use their full names during registration. This will save them from unnecessary difficulties in the future,” Ajabu added.
Ajabu also used the opportunity to call for financial support for underprivileged students, urging institutions and well-meaning individuals to sponsor students who cannot afford NECO registration fees.
In a related development, the newly appointed Provost of Kogi State College of Education (COE), Ankpa, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, also visited Prof. Usman, accompanied by the Commissioners for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Helen Adeniyi, and Special Duties, Hon. Sunday Faleke.
The visit aimed to introduce Dr. Fashagba to the Rector and seek his mentorship in academic administration.
Dr. Adeniyi noted that Prof. Usman, being an indigene of Ankpa, holds a key leadership role in the academic sector and can offer valuable guidance to the new Provost.
Prof. Usman congratulated Dr. Fashagba on his appointment and urged him to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Dr. M.K. Ibrahim, while improving on existing policies to advance the College.
“Leadership is about continuity and progress. The best way to succeed is to take what works, improve it, and introduce innovations that benefit students and staff,” he advised.
The visit further strengthened inter-institutional collaboration in Kogi State, fostering knowledge-sharing and mutual growth in the education sector.