Kogi
Bill for Kogi Anti-graft Agency Establishment gets 2nd Reading
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI House of Assembly on Tuesday read for the second time, a Bill for a Law to provide for the establishment of “Kogi State Anti-corruption Agency” to assist government in combating corruption in the State.
Leading the Debate on the Bill at plenary on the floor of the House on Tuesday in Lokoja, Hon. Suleiman Abdulrazak (APC-Okene Town) noted that the bill when passed into law would address issues of corruption bedeviling the state.
Before delving into the merits of the Bill, the Lead Debater quickly pointed out that the intent behind the establishment of the proposed Kogi Anti-corruption Agency was not to compete with Federal Anti-graft agencies.
Hon. Abdulrazak who is also the Majority Leader of Kogi State House of Assembly averred that the state agency would rather compliment efforts of the Federal agencies in fighting corruption in the Country.
In his contribution Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani (APC-Lokoja I) noted that the Bill was coming at the right time saying that there was need to have a state Anti-graft Agency in place as the absence of such could create a legal or constitutional lacuna.
He said, “In the year 2015 our leader who was at the verge of winning the election died during the process. That situation in Kogi State put the whole nation into confusion since such incident was never envisaged or captured in our Constitution.
“The scenario, when it happened, led to a review of our constitution and that is the more reason I said this is coming at the right time. Before an outsider will come to look at our books, Let us out our house in order.”
Hon. Enefola Major (APC-Igalamela/Odolu) in his contribution opined that corruption had remained the bane of development in Nigeria affecting every fabric of the society hence the need to give the bill an express passage.
“Corruption is endemic in our society. Sadly, many Nigerians are corrupt. It is high time we all hold the bull by the horn. I am appealing to our colleagues to join hands to support this bill”.
The Speaker Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf in his ruling, described the bill as very important saying that it would even assist the House in carrying out its oversight functions, stressing that it would not antagonize Federal anti graft agencies.
He enjoined those in positions of authority, with nomenclatures for approval of expenditures, to be very careful as the agency would collaborate with Federal Anti-graft agencies to make our society corruption-free and a better place.
The Speaker said that the Agency could be of use to the Federal agencies in providing adequate evidence to help prosecute corruption cases as he noted that the Federal Government was losing some cases as a result of inadequate investigation.
Rt Hon. Yusuf then committed to the Bill to the House Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters to prepare it for Public Hearing and other legislative processes preparatory to its third Reading and final passage.
Also at Tuesday plenary sitting, a bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission and a bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Scholarship Board edict, 1998, had their second reading.
A bill for a law to establish the Kogi State Electricity Market and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission also had its second reading on the floor of the House. (Ends)
The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reiterated the need for greater societal support for widows and the elderly, emphasizing that they must not be left to struggle alone.
Speaking at the Government House in Lokoja during an empowerment program, Mrs. Ododo distributed rice, clothing, and cash gifts to 500 widows drawn from all 21 local government areas of the state.
“Widows and the elderly are valuable members of our society, and we must not neglect them. Their economic stability is crucial not just for their survival but for the overall growth of our nation,” she stated.
Mrs. Ododo urged political leaders, organizations, and well-meaning individuals to join efforts in supporting widows, emphasizing that government alone cannot bear the responsibility.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring widows are empowered through job opportunities and business support. With the right assistance, they can become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to society,” she added.
Reaffirming her dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups, the First Lady assured that her office remains committed to providing sustained support and opportunities for widows across the state.
“My doors remain open at all times to provide assistance. We will keep working to alleviate their burdens and create opportunities for a better future,” she pledged.
The initiative is another milestone in the Ododo administration’s commitment to social welfare and economic empowerment, ensuring that widows are not just supported but also given a chance to thrive.
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.
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.
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