Kogi
Kogi Assembly decries indiscriminate use of illicit drugs by youths
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***calls for immediate establishment of rehabilitation Centre in Lokoja
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to establish a Drug Rehabilitation Centre for rehabilitation of addicts and other victims of illicit drugs use in the state.
The House at plenary in Lokoja, raised alarm over wanton use of illicit hard drugs by Youths in the state in a resolution following a Motion Of Urgent Public Importance raised by Hon. Bin Ebaiya Shehu-Tijani (APC-Lokoja I).
Shehu-Tijani while soliciting the support of his colleagues for the motion regretted that intake of hard drugs by some Youths in the State had caused a lot of trauma and led to the death of many Youths in the State.
The lawmaker reiterated the need restoration of mental health of abusers for a saner society.
He said that the centre would also cater for victims of abuse, rape and other mental and psychological conditions arising from illicit use of the drugs and psychotropic substances noting that they had led to the death of many Youths.
While lamenting that drug abuse and other social vices were on the increase in Lokoja, the state capital and other parts of the State, the lawmaker said cases of rape and gender based violence were prevalent leaving on its trail, traumatized victims .
The Legislator lamented that the lack of a rehabilitation Center in Kogi State to cater for such victims had made many to resort to self help and unprofessional care givers.
The lawmaker pointed out that a Non Governmental Organization, MOHAB, has championed the cause of the victims through provision of care but was being overwhelmed due to lack of assistance from the state government and concerned citizens.
“It is imperative for the State Government to establish a Rehabilitation Center in Kogi State in view of the increasing cases of abuse and the resultant mental injury or traumas and abuse.
“When the rehabilitation center is established, it shall provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitative treatments for physical or mental agony”, he stated.
Shehu-Tijani added that besides treating addictions, the centre would provide operational support for relevant laws on gender based violence and Child Rights Law and also reduce crimes in Kogi State.
In her ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwochiola Egwaba who presided over the sitting also stressed that the motion was timely and was subsequently passed having majority voice votes.
The Speaker pro-tempore directed the Clerk to convey the resolution of the House to the State Government. (Ends)
Kogi
Governor Ododo Mourns Former NBC DG, Prof. Tom Adaba
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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.
Kogi
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.
Kogi
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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