Kogi
Kogi Gunmen Attack: community buries 25 corpses of slain members
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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Twentyfive corpses from the Thursday gunmen attack on Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi have been buried.
Chief David Akpa, District Head and Ochala Onu-Ife, Bagaji-Odo, who disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday at his palace in Bagaji-Odo described the attack as barbaric and wicked.
He said that the 25 slain members of the community buried on Saturday included 19 men, two women and four children.
Akpa who revealed that the Thursday attack by the “barbaric and wicked bandits” was the second in the year and condemned the way and manner mayhem was unleashed on his people.
“We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood. We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now.
“As it is now, we are living in fear, more so that we heard that they are coming to Bagaji-Odo, where the survivors are taking refuge.
“We are pleading with the Federal and state governments to come to our aid and protect us from the bandits’’, he pleaded.
A community member had alleged on Thursday that a running battle between militia groups in parts of Benue and some bandits led to the onslaught on the sleepy towns of Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji and environs.
“The community member who preferred anonymity said, “They destroyed farm produce with ease in an attempt to draw the communities into the conflict,’’ he said.
The State Security Adviser, Navy Commodore Jerry Omodara (Retired), on Friday hinted that the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had ordered a thorough investigation of the conflict.
“The killing of innocent and harmless residents of the community by alleged hired militiamen is very callous, unacceptable and condemnable”, he said.
Omodara confirmed that property; especially houses, vehicles and crops were destroyed in the attack.
The Security Adviser however, called on people of Agojeju-Odo and neighbouring communities to remain calm as government and security agencies were on top of the situation.
Speaking in same vein, SP Williams Aya, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Kogi State Command also assured that security operatives had been drafted to the community to forestall possible resurgence of hostilities.
He said, “A tactical response team of the Police, the Military, and members of vigilance groups has been deployed to the area. Normalcy has since returned to the troubled community.” (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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