By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

TWO female students of the Federal University, Lokoja and Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja on Friday morning lost their lives in a ghastly auto crash at Felele area of Lokoja on the Lokoja-Abuja highway.

The students, Covenant Omolola Isaac, a 200-level Geology student of the Federal University, Lokoja and Abu Taiwo Abimbola, ND II student of Science Laboratory and Technology student of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja lost their lives at about 10 am.

An eye witness told newsmen that the accident occured when a heavily loaded articulated vehicle (truck) from Okene axis heading toward Abuja axis had a break failure, lost control and ran over a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) in which the deceased were moving to Lokoja town.

The passenger-carrying tricycle heading same direction with the rushing out-of-control truck was said to have been fatally crushed, killing Omolola and Abimbola who were among passengers in the Keke.

According to the source, the two female students died instantly while other passengers sustained various degrees of injury.

An identification card of the late female student of Federal University Lokoja by name Covenant Omolola Isaac of Department of Geology was recovered from the accident scene.

According to the source the bodies of the two female students were deposited at Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The National Association of Science Laboratory and Technology Students, Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter, Lokoja confirmed the death of Abu Taiwo Abimbola in a statement signed by the President of the association, Comrade Akor Caleb Kelvin

The statement read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our cherished member, [Abu Taiwo Abimbola, 2023/HSLT/MCB/087], who tragically lost her life earlier today in a road accident along Felele Road, Lokoja.

“This devastating loss has left all of us in shock and deep sorrow. Abimbola, was more than just a member of our association; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone around her.

“Her kindness, dedication, and passion for education made her an exceptional part of our community. leaving behind a legacy of love and excellence.

“As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this incredibly difficult time.

“In honor of her memory, the association will be organizing a tribute and memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life. Details of the event will be shared in due course, and we encourage everyone to join us in paying our final respects.

“Taiwo Abimbola will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace Amen.”(Ends)

In his effort to improve infrastructure and connectivity within the region, the Senator representing Kogi East in the National Assembly Isah Jibrin (Echocho) has officially commenced the grading of the Ajakagwu/Okete road in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State.
Special Adviser on Media to the senator, Mikail Ibrahim, in a statement indicated that the project is expected to ease transportation for residents, enhance local trade, and promote economic activities in Kogi East.

Speaking at the inauguration, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Usman Obaje, praised Senator Echocho for prioritizing development projects aimed at uplifting the area.
He emphasized that the road improvement would play a crucial role in restoring the region’s economic vibrancy and improving the quality of life for its people.

Residents of Ajakagwu and Okete turned out in large numbers to show their appreciation over the Senator’s intervention.
They noted that the project would significantly alleviate their transportation burdens and reduce the associated financial strain.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, Dr. Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, has sounded the alarm over the critical staff shortage threatening the functionality of his office.
Adabenege disclosed this during the ongoing 2025 Kogi Ministerial Budget Defence session at the State House of Assembly in Lokoja on Wednesday.

He revealed that the office currently operates with only 18 permanent and pensionable staff, a figure he described as grossly inadequate to handle the responsibilities of the office.

“The office is on the brink of extinction if urgent action is not taken to address the acute shortage of personnel,” Adabenege stated, emphasizing the pressing need for the recruitment of new staff. He explained that many staff members had retired, while others were on the verge of retirement.

To mitigate the staffing crisis, the former Auditor-General, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who is now the Executive Governor of Kogi State, previously engaged 45 fresh graduates as temporary staff. Their salaries were paid from the one percent capital receipt allocation.

Adabenege urged the House of Assembly to approve the employment of these temporary staff as permanent employees of the state government.

“We appeal to this Honourable House to consider and approve the employment of these temporary staff to ensure the continuity and efficiency of our operations,” he said.

The Auditor-General further called on the Assembly to intervene in increasing the office’s monthly overhead allocation, stating that the current funding is insufficient to meet the financial demands of the office.

Additionally, Adabenege requested the House’s support in enforcing the independent status of the Auditor-General for Local Governments as stipulated in Section 13 of the 2021 Local Government Audit Law.

“The independence of this office, as provided for in the law, is critical to its effectiveness and credibility,” he added.

The Auditor-General’s plea underscores the urgent need for structural and financial reforms to strengthen the operations of the office and ensure its sustainability.