By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, Dr. Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, has sounded the alarm over the critical staff shortage threatening the functionality of his office.
Adabenege disclosed this during the ongoing 2025 Kogi Ministerial Budget Defence session at the State House of Assembly in Lokoja on Wednesday.

He revealed that the office currently operates with only 18 permanent and pensionable staff, a figure he described as grossly inadequate to handle the responsibilities of the office.

“The office is on the brink of extinction if urgent action is not taken to address the acute shortage of personnel,” Adabenege stated, emphasizing the pressing need for the recruitment of new staff. He explained that many staff members had retired, while others were on the verge of retirement.

To mitigate the staffing crisis, the former Auditor-General, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who is now the Executive Governor of Kogi State, previously engaged 45 fresh graduates as temporary staff. Their salaries were paid from the one percent capital receipt allocation.

Adabenege urged the House of Assembly to approve the employment of these temporary staff as permanent employees of the state government.

“We appeal to this Honourable House to consider and approve the employment of these temporary staff to ensure the continuity and efficiency of our operations,” he said.

The Auditor-General further called on the Assembly to intervene in increasing the office’s monthly overhead allocation, stating that the current funding is insufficient to meet the financial demands of the office.

Additionally, Adabenege requested the House’s support in enforcing the independent status of the Auditor-General for Local Governments as stipulated in Section 13 of the 2021 Local Government Audit Law.

“The independence of this office, as provided for in the law, is critical to its effectiveness and credibility,” he added.

The Auditor-General’s plea underscores the urgent need for structural and financial reforms to strengthen the operations of the office and ensure its sustainability.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

In a successful operation, the Kogi State Police, in collaboration with a private security firm hired by the state government, have arrested four alleged kidnappers and rescued 10 victims in the Ajaokuta region of the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed the arrests in a statement released to journalists in Lokoja. He explained that the kidnappers had been causing significant distress in the area, involved in various criminal activities including kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault.

Due to the rising criminal activities, the Kogi State Government enlisted the services of Base SAN Security Nigeria Ltd, a private security outfit, to support the police in tackling the crime wave. The collaborative effort led to the capture of the kidnappers and the safe return of the 10 victims who had been abducted from the Kogi East region.

Fanwo revealed that the suspects were cooperating with investigators, and the victims would soon be reunited with their families. He also emphasized that the joint effort with the private security firm was a success, underscoring the Ododo administration’s commitment to security.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is fully committed to ensuring that Kogi remains a secure state for all. The state government is using every available resource to combat crime and safeguard lives and property,” Fanwo stated.
The Commissioner praised both the Kogi State Police Command and Base SAN Security Nigeria Ltd for their swift and effective action in dismantling the kidnap syndicate. He reiterated the government’s continued support for security agencies in their mission to ensure the safety of the public.

The arrested kidnappers are currently in police custody where further investigations are ongoing, with plans for their prosecution.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

In a bid to boost economic activities and improve livelihoods in his constituency, Senator Mustapha Khabeeb, representing Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District, has distributed 900 goats to 300 beneficiaries.

The empowerment program, held at the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Secretariat in Dutse, is part of the senator’s ongoing initiatives to address economic challenges and create sustainable income opportunities for his constituents.

Speaking through the PDP Zonal Chairman for Jigawa Central, Hon. Idris Ilyasu Danlawan, Senator Khabeeb explained that the initiative is designed to equip beneficiaries with the means to enhance their economic stability. Before the distribution, the beneficiaries underwent training on animal husbandry, including goat care and management, to ensure they maximize the benefits of the program.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to improving the economic well-being of our people, especially women, who are most affected by the current economic challenges. By empowering them, we uplift the majority in our constituency.”
The senator explained that each beneficiary received three goats, two females and one male of a special breed known for producing at least two kids every six months.
He expressed optimism that the investment would multiply significantly within a short period, providing a steady source of income for the recipients.

Hon. Danlawan noted that the distribution was one of many empowerment programs initiated by Senator Khabeeb. He assured constituents that more initiatives would follow, benefitting all regardless of their political affiliations.

PDP State Secretary, Alhaji Isah Gwadayi, commended Senator Khabeeb for his dedication to the welfare of his constituents, describing the empowerment as an example of effective representation.
“The performance of Senator Khabeeb and other PDP representatives in Jigawa is a source of pride for our party. Their efforts enhance the image of the PDP and reflect the party’s commitment to the needs of the people,” he said.
Gwadayi congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to adhere to the training they received to achieve maximum results.
He cautioned against selling the goats and encouraged patience among those yet to benefit, assuring them it would soon be their turn
He further called on the people of Jigawa and Nigerians to support the PDP in the 2027 elections, emphasizing that the party remains the most committed to addressing the needs of the people.