The Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on women across Nigeria to take advantage of every available opportunity to better their lives. Mrs. Ododo made this statement during the distribution of sewing and grinding machines to over 100 beneficiaries through the Ododo Cares Empowerment Programme, held at the Government House in Lokoja. The initiative was organized by the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The First Lady explained that the programme aims to support small and medium-scale businesses throughout the state. She encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items to enhance their livelihoods and support their families, while also warning them against selling the equipment.

Hajia Sefinat reiterated Governor Usman Ododo’s dedication to creating an environment that fosters wealth creation for all citizens. She emphasized the state government’s continuous efforts to empower women and the general population, aiming to alleviate poverty across Kogi State.

Mrs. Ododo also expressed her gratitude to the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Fatima Momoh, for her initiatives and unwavering support for women’s empowerment through the ministry.

END

***Lauds Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi’s devt strides

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

KOGI State Elders Forum has decried the persistent neglect of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) by the state government leaving developmental initiatives in the institution to the Federal Government and private individuals.

Chairman of the Forum, Chief (Dr) Julius Elukpo disclosed this when he led some members of the forum on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi at the Felele Campus of the institution.

Elukpo regretted that while other Federal universities created same time with the FUL were developing fast with the support of the Federal and host State Governments, the Lokoja Federal varsity was lagging behind.

He said, “We observed that the University in our domain in Kogi State, compared to the universities it was created together with at the same time, is lagging behind.”

Chief Elukpo said the state might not be aware of its responsibilities to the Federal University saying, “The VC has said that they’ve not felt the impact of the Kogi State Government on this campus of the Federal University, Lokoja.

“They may not be aware of their responsibilities towards it. We are going to have interaction with the State Government and to discuss the areas both the state government and some individuals would come to assist the university.

The Forum Chairman however applauded the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akinwumi for changing the narratives of lack of development saying that his era has witnessed dramatic turn around.

“Sometimes in the past, we were not satisfied with the performance of the Federal University in our domain in Kogi State as we discovered that it was lagging behind compared to the universities it was created together with.

“And we saw this as an issue of performance of the leadership. So, the Elders Forum craved for the appointment of an Indigene as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University. Fortunately, an Indigene was appointed. Now we are proud of the university”, the Elders Forum Chairman declared.

Other members of Kogi Elders Forum on the visit Amb. Usman Bello, Alhaji Isa Adeboye, Chief (Dr) Femi Ajisafe and Aderemi Seyi Ayodele.

Speaking earlier, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, lamented over the utter neglect of the University by subsequent administrations in Kogi State.

The Professor of History said that despite being a Federal institution, it was imperative for the state to show interest in the its development as he noted that the Federal government alone can not provide all the needs of the University.

The Vice Chancellor said that the institution was facing difficulties in which the state could intervene adding that the students’ population had grown from 6,000 to 17,000 with 10 faculties from four aside the new College of Health Sciences.

He said that the University was facing difficulties in obtaining a Certificate of Occupation (C of O) for the permanent aside security concerns, hindering the use of the gigantic students’ hostels adding that Kogi State presently has no
representation in the University’s Governing Council.

Prof. Akinwumi urged the Kogi Elders Forum to become ambassadors for the university, attracting development and support from the state government and private entities. (Ends)

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reiterated his administration’s determination to sustain and intensify ongoing clearance operations aimed at eradicating criminal activities across the state.
The governor made the declaration during the launch of the second batch of 100 operational vehicles distributed to security agencies at Government House, Lokoja.
Special Adviser on Media Ismaila Isah quoted Ododo to have stressed that his government will continue to strengthen the security architecture of Kogi State, ensuring that it becomes increasingly difficult for criminals to operate.
He emphasized that the distribution of operational vehicles will bolster the capacity and efficiency of security forces in tackling crime.

Kogi Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, commended the governor for his commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring that the vehicles will be crucial in confronting crime.
He affirmed the dedication of his administration towards improving the security architecture of the state which he noted has resulted in the distribution of hundreds of operational vehicles to security agencies to enhance their capacity and operational efficiency against criminal elements in the state.

He explained that his administration would strive to make Kogi state unbearable and unsafe for criminals to operate.

In his opening remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Retired) said the distribution of vehicles to security agencies is aimed at providing support to security officers in the ongoing clearance operations across the state, stressing that the gesture is consistent with the determination of the state government to ensure security of lives and property in every part of the state.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, reiterated the state’s resolve to take decisive action against criminals, ensuring the safety and security of Kogi citizens remain top priority.