Kogi
CSO Situation Room Urges Kogi Assembly to promote OGP through Legislation
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
NIGERIA Civil Society Situation Room (SR) has enjoined Kogi State House of Assembly to make necessary laws to promote the principles of Open Government Partnership (OGP) and incorporate the concept into oversight functions for effective implementation.
SR made the call at a One-day Capacity Building On Open Government Partnership (OGP) for Kogi State House of Assembly Members on Thursday in Lokoja.
The capacity building was organised by the Situation Room (SR) in partnership with Initiative For Grassroot Advancement In Nigeria (INGRA) with support from Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
One of the Resource Persons, Mr Miliki Idris Abdul presented a paper titled: “Understanding The Processes, Challenges and Dynamics Of Legislators In The Realisation Of OGP At Sub-national level In Kogi State.”
In his presentation, Miliki described OGP as a global initiative, to encourage Accountability and Transparency in Governance through citizens’ participation.
He said that the Legislature as an arm of Government that makes laws for the good of the society and the people, had special role to play in the OGP principle.
The Legislators, he said, must therefore, be conversant with the rudiments and importance of the OGP by availing themselves of necessary information on the principle.
Miliki also urged the House to set up specific committee on OGP, build a broad-based partnership, particularly with the Media and CSOs to achieve the objectives and goals of partnership as a global concept.
Speaking earlier, Mr Hamza Aliyu, Executive Director, INGRA in his opening remarks, described OGP as a novel concept in terms of accountability and partnership between the government and the people.
He said that the emphasis is on appropriation of funds through budgeting and oversight functions of the House.
“And so, that is why we feel that we should begin the engagement process with the Legislators as elected representatives in the House of Assembly to state exactly what the OGP is to them in terms of their roles and responsibilities.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, member representing Ogori-Magongo State Constituency at the House Assembly PDP said the OGP concept was self explanatory as it emphasis openness in government spending.
Ogunmola said if appropriated monies are spent the way they ought to, in accordance with the approved laws, nobody will run into any crisis adding that emphasis would now be placed on adherence to stipulated rules.
Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina Co-chair of the State Action Plan Steering Committee of the OGP, thanked the state for taking the bold step of incorporating the OGP commitments into the 2024 budget.
He also reiterated the need for the legislators to play active role in the implementation of the OGP five commitments across the four thematic areas through their legislative and oversight functions.
Mr Alfa Ndagi, Deputy Clerk of Kogi Assembly, Yabagi Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker and other stakeholders in their goodwill messages commended INGRA for initiating the capacity building. (Ends)
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.
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.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu