Kogi
OGP: Kogi incorporates Action Plan Into Budget, Allocates N165.1m
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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State has incorporated the Open Government Partnership (OGP) State Action Plan into its budget, allocating a total of N165.1 million, across the five commitments to demonstrate it’s commitment to open government principles.
This was disclosed at a One-day Dissemination Meeting of the Kogi State 2024 Budget Analysis to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) on Thursday in Lokoja.
The meeting was organized by Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in partnership with Initiative For Grassroots Advancement In Nigeria (INGRA), supported by Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Co-chair of OGP State Action Plan Steering Committee, while presenting “A Review of the Kogi State 2024 Approved Revised Budget, OGP- Related Budgetary Allocations”, commended the government for the action taken.
Amb. Muraina said the Kogi 2024 budget aligned with the OGP five commitments across the four thematic areas as he highlighted the importance of fund release and implementation.
While acknowledging the budget allocation for OGP initiatives is currently small (less than 1% of the total budget), the Co-chair expressed satisfaction with this initial baby steps as he emphasized the need growth.
Hamza Aliyu, Executive Director, INGRA said the meeting enabled engagement with the Kogi State House of Assembly regarding accountability and citizens’ participation in public finance and service provision.
The Budget analysis, he said, revealed that the budgetary allocation to OGP commitments was relatively small.
“When we compared the budget allocated to OGP commitments with the total state budget, we found a significant disparity of 0.09 per cent.
“We believe the percentage of resources allocated to OGP commitments should be increased to align with citizens expectations and ensure a balance between OGP objectives and other state expenditures”, he said.
Aliyu revealed that the OGP has four thematic areas including Citizen Engagement, Fiscal Transparency among others adding that the analysis had shown that government spending touches upon these areas and aligns with the five commitment areas within the OGP framework.
He said that one specific commitment highlighted is extractive transparency, with a focus on working with communities in the extractive industry to address environmental pollution concerns.
“Additionally, we are pleased to see a commitment to capacity building. Notably, there is a commitment by the House of Assembly to engage with citizens in the budgetary process”, he said.
Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights And Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) said budget remains an important component of government and urged that citizens must be involved in its processes.
Miliki commended the present administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo adopting the OGP saying, “The current government has taken significant steps towards OGP compared to the previous administration.
The involvement of citizens through civil society organizations and the government’s commitment to OGP are expected to bring significant benefits to Kogi state.
Ms Eunice Abimbola AGBOGUN, Executive Director, Challenged Parenthood Initiative and member of OGP commended INGRA and CSO Situation Room for the initiative to embark on the Budget analysis.
Alhaji Alfa Ndagi, Deputy Clerk, Kogi House of Assembly in his remarks said the present 8th Assembly was poised to promote accountability, Transparency for good governance to evolve as pledged the cooperation of the House with the OGP members
Also speaking, Alhaji Isah Adeboye, Secretary, Jama’atu Nasru Islam (JNI) in Lokoja said the society would be a better place with less challenges if government and the people were more open, accountable and transparent in their dealings. (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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