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Kogi Elders Forum decries State Govt’s neglect of Fed. Varsity, Lokoja

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***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)

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Kogi

Governor Ododo Mourns Former NBC DG, Prof. Tom Adaba

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Late Tom Adaba

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.

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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.

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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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