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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)

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News From Kogi

Federal University Lokoja Fires 4 Lecturers Over Sexual Harassment, Exam Misconduct

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FUL MAIN GATE

Following investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and examination misconduct, the Governing Council of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, has announced the dismissal of four lecturers.
The decision was made during the university’s second council meeting, which was held recently in Lokoja, under the leadership of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.

In a statement, the council expressed its appreciation for the university’s management for adhering to due process throughout the investigation.
The council made it clear that any form of unethical behavior would not be tolerated at the institution and emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the university.

The dismissed lecturers were found guilty of misconduct related to both sexual harassment and improper examination practices. The council underscored that such behavior is unacceptable in the academic environment and vowed to take further action if necessary.

Additionally, the council called on the university to address other pending misconduct cases swiftly, particularly a high-profile matter in the Faculty of Science that has garnered significant media attention. The council stressed that no allegation of wrongdoing would be ignored or swept under the rug.

The council also issued a strong warning to staff and faculty members to adhere to ethical standards and cautioned students to speak out if they experience any form of harassment or exploitation. The university urged students to report such incidents to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for all.

This move reflects the university’s firm stance on upholding academic integrity and creating a harassment-free atmosphere for students and staff alike.

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Kogi govt reaffirms commitment to Ease of Doing Biz

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Alhaji Taufiq Isa

***Seeks partnership with NUJ to achieve set goals

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) towards encouraging business activities in the state’s regulatory environment for both private and corporate organizations to operate in the State.
Director-General, Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, (KUIMCA) Alhaji Taufiq Isa, disclosed this when he received in audience, the State Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council.
Alhaji Isa, who received the Exco, led by the Council Chairman, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna in Lokoja, said the Agency had been repositioned to perform its duty efficiently, to check non-compliance with state laws and regulations by companies and business bodies operating in the state.
According to him, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has given the agency all that is needed to perform optimally and generate more revenue for the State and as well, encourage investors to see Kogi as a reasonable investment destination.
With this, Kogi State government is poised to provide conducive environment for the starting and operation of businesses especially, local firms.
The DG said that he, in collaboration with the Agency’s Board and management, would not allow individuals or organizations to short-change the State saying that the present administration is building on a solid foundation laid by the immediate past government of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
He appealed to the leadership of the professional body of the journalists, the NUJ, for continued support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration’s quest to achieve its goals and for them to see the State as partners in progress towards achieving set goals.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Council Chairman of NUJ, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna, said that the Council was poised to collaborate with KUIMCA as an Agency saddled with enormous task of managing the state infrastructure for overall progress and development of Kogi State.
The NUJ Chairman commended Governor Ododo for appointing a seasoned technocrat and goal-getter to manage the affairs of the Agency considering the sensitive nature of its assignments and operations.
Alhaji Seidu reiterated the crucial place of collaboration between the NUJ and the Agency and assured the Director-General of the Agency of sustenance of the existing robust synergy.
Board Members of KUIMCA, present during the visit, Hon. Olayinka Emmanuel, Hon. Suleiman Onimisi Abdullahi and Hon. Agada Paul as well as Directors of the Agency all restated their commitment to supporting the DG to achieve the Agency’s mandate. (Ends)

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Group applauds Senator Echocho’s relief efforts in Kogi East

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Jibrin Isah Echocho

The Kogi Democratic Group (KDG) has expressed appreciation for the recent initiatives by Senator Jibril Isah Echocho (APC/Kogi East) in addressing the hardships facing residents of the senatorial district.
In a statement on Wednesday, KDG Protem Secretary Inuwa Lawal highlighted Senator Echocho’s distribution of rice and essential food supplies, which brought immediate relief to the local communities.
The group also praised Senator Echocho’s commitment to long-term infrastructure improvements.
Among his achievements, the installation of boreholes has provided stable access to clean water, and the distribution of fertilizer has offered crucial support to local farmers, helping to strengthen agriculture in the region.

According to Lawal, Kogi East has not witnessed such progress with the past senators, citing Echocho’s active representation in the 9th and 10th Senate as a “leadership with vision and mission.”
He urged the senator to remain focused, despite distraction from his traducers as he acknowledged Echocho’s unique contributions at Senate proceedings, committee work, oversight activities and through motions and bills
The group encouraged Senator Echocho to continue his impactful work, calling on him to sustain the progress that has benefited Kogi East and enriched the lives of its residents.

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