By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has awarded a contract for the construction of an ultra-modern Lokoja International Market, marking a significant step toward enhancing the state’s economic landscape.
The project, awarded to Sazak Acres Bilogue Company (SABC) Limited, will be built on a 25-hectare site along Hassan Katsina Road in Lokoja.

At the site handover ceremony, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Commissioner for Urban Development, Abanika Taiye, emphasized the administration’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment to drive economic growth.
He noted that the project, scheduled for completion within 36 months, aligns with his vision of making Kogi State a commercial hub of international repute.
Governor Ododo assured stakeholders that due diligence was followed in awarding the contract, ensuring value for money.
He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the project’s specifications and Bill of Quantity, stressing that the government would not tolerate substandard work.
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Mukhtar, described the project as a people-centric initiative designed to uplift the state’s economic fortunes.
He commended SABC Limited for emerging as the most responsive bidder among numerous competitors and urged the company to deliver in line with the “GYB Standard” synonymous with quality in the state.
The project consultant, Engr. Kabir Suleiman expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his forward-thinking approach, which enables Kogi State to compete favorably with other states.
He affirmed that the 0government had compensated all land titleholders, removing potential barriers to construction.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill, totaling N698.3 billion, to the State House of Assembly for approval.
The governor, while presenting the proposed budget, emphasized its title: “The Budget of Innovation & Transportation for Greater Jigawa,” aimed at continuing the momentum of development established in the 2024 fiscal year.
He explained that the 2025 budget represents an 82% increase over the total appropriations in the previous year’s budget, reflecting the state’s ongoing commitment to growth and sustainable development.
He highlighted that almost 77% of the proposed budget amounting to N536.75b would be dedicated to capital expenditures, while N149.75 billion (21%) is allocated for recurrent expenditures. A smaller portion, N11.8 billion (1.7%), is set aside for contingency and stabilization funds, as well as public debt charges.
An important highlight of the budget is the substantial allocation for the education sector.
The governor proudly noted that over N184 billion, or 26.4% of the total budget, has been allocated to education slightly exceeding the recommended 26% benchmark set by the Education For All initiative.“The budget has been carefully structured to reflect the priorities of the state, focusing on economic growth, resilience, and the well-being of our people,” Governor Namadi remarked. “With nearly N320 billion allocated to capital projects, we are positioning Jigawa for a prosperous future, with a focus on food security, infrastructure, and inclusive development.”The budget will be financed through a combination of statutory allocations from the Federation Account, internally generated revenues, and loans from international development institutions such as the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank. Notably, the budget includes N80 billion from the state’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other federal transfers.In response, the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, expressed the legislature’s commitment to a productive collaboration with the executive. He assured the governor that the Assembly would expeditiously scrutinize the proposed budget and pass it into law, ensuring the swift implementation of development projects and programs for the benefit of the state.“We are committed to ensuring that this budget is thoroughly reviewed and approved promptly to allow the governor to deliver on his promises to the people of Jigawa,” Speaker Dangyatin said.The 2025 Appropriation Bill is set to pave the way for continued growth and development in Jigawa, with a focus on infrastructural expansion, economic diversification, and social welfare.

****Orders prosecution of violators of the order

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, has banned the use of fireworks popularly known as “Knockout or Banga” in the State.
He gave the order while briefing members of the Command Management Team at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja.
The CP further disclosed that some criminal elements use fireworks to commit heinous crimes, adding that the Command would not allow such acts of criminality to continue in the State.

The Police boss advised parents and guardians to warn their children and Wards to desist from playing knockout in the State adding that security agents has been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the order.

The CP further warned that any shop owner who sells or supply fireworks (Banga) in the State would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

He urgent Law-abiding citizens of the state to volunteer information on any shop selling fireworks to the Law Enforcement Agents nearest to them.

CP Bethrand Onuoha further assured the good people of Kogi State that the Police in synergy with other Security Agencies, are ever determined to ensure the safety of life and property in the State.

He solicited the cooperation and support Law-abiding members of the public in reporting suspicious activities or objects within their community to the nearest Security Agents for prompt response. (Ends)