Ododo Seeks NASRDA’s Support to Transform Kogi Security, Agriculture, Land Reforms

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to partner with his administration in tackling insecurity, boosting agriculture, accelerating land reforms, and advancing other key sectors through innovative space technology.

Speaking during a meeting with NASRDA’s Director General, Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju, on Monday, Governor Ododo highlighted the critical role of technology in achieving his administration’s developmental goals.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted him to have stressed the importance of enhancing Kogi’s Geographic Information System (GIS) to drive land reforms, promote food security, and protect lives and property across the state.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fully implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with NASRDA last year in Lokoja, calling for actionable collaboration to achieve the objectives outlined in the agreement.

Dr. Adepoju, in his response, praised Governor Ododo for his impactful achievements in infrastructure and governance within a year in office.
He assured the Governor of NASRDA’s unwavering support, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to leveraging space technology for the benefit of Kogi State and the nation.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Polytechnic has officially admitted 6,549 students into its eight schools and 57 accredited programs for the 2024/2025 academic session, with a strong message discouraging engagement in social vices.
At the 22nd Orientation and Matriculation ceremonies held on Saturday at the Lokoja campus, Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, announced that 2,841 students enrolled in Higher National Diploma (HND) programs (1,318 males and 1,523 females), while 3,708 students (1,928 males and 1,980 females) were admitted for National Diploma (ND) programs.
Prof. Usman proudly stated that all 27 programs offered by the Polytechnic now have full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He emphasized the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards, saying, “We aim to rebrand this Polytechnic to set benchmarks for other institutions in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Rector also commended former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for establishing a stable and predictable academic calendar in the state’s tertiary institutions. He extended his gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for enhancing security at the Polytechnic, including fencing the Itakpe campus and installing CCTV cameras at both campuses.
Highlighting the institution’s growing diversity, Prof. Usman revealed that students from 32 of Nigeria’s 36 states are now enrolled, representing 88.9% of the country.
In a goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, assured continued legislative support to improve the Polytechnic’s quality of education. She urged the matriculating students to remain focused, avoid social vices, and work towards achieving their academic goals.
The ceremony concluded with the Rector and other dignitaries reaffirming the institution’s vision of academic excellence and its zero tolerance for misconduct.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Human rights advocate and Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Mr. Idris Miliki Abdul, has raised an alarm over the dire state of Kogi’s transport sector, urging the government to declare a “State of Emergency” in the sector.
In a statement issued in Lokoja, Miliki criticized the over-reliance on private operators, leaving citizens stranded and the state’s transport infrastructure in shambles.
He lamented the collapse of the once-functional state transport company, which previously managed intra- and inter-city shuttles but has now become defunct.
“Workers, students, and citizens are struggling to commute to workplaces, schools, places of worship, and business centers,” he said.
Miliki highlighted Kogi’s strategic location, bordered by nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, with an average of 10,000 vehicles passing through daily. Yet, he noted, the state has no functional commercial fleet, airport, or investment in water transportation, despite being home to the Rivers Niger and Benue.
“Over 32 years, successive administrations have ignored these God-given resources, even as yearly floods wreak havoc on communities,” he added.
The activist stressed that revitalizing the transport sector could create jobs, boost revenue, and significantly improve the lives of Kogi citizens.
“We urge the current administration to prioritize investment in this critical sector for the benefit of all,” Miliki concluded.