Kogi
Kogi Water Supply at Risk as Vandalism Worsens – Commissioner
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The persistent vandalization of water supply equipment in Kogi State has become a severe challenge, jeopardizing public access to potable water, according to the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Danladi Yahaya Farouk.
While presenting the 2025 budget of his ministry at the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja on Tuesday, the commissioner highlighted the increasing frequency of such acts, which he described as a major threat to the ministry’s operations.
“Despite some arrests in isolated cases, vandalism remains rampant. In many instances, it involves the complicity of our staff, members of host communities, and even security personnel,” he disclosed.
Farouk recounted alarming cases, such as the theft of an entire chemical room and a generator meant to power a water plant in Idah. “A similar incident occurred in Ankpa, and we are currently prosecuting vandals apprehended in Ayegunle-Gbede and Lokoja,” he added.
To tackle the menace, the ministry is collaborating with traditional rulers and security agencies to safeguard equipment across the state’s 21 local government areas.
However, the commissioner noted that limited staff and a lack of operational vehicles are also impeding the ministry’s efforts to meet Kogi’s water supply demands.
Addressing the session, Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu-Tijani, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Water Resources, underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges, describing access to clean water as a fundamental human right.
“It is our duty to ensure this right is upheld and promoted for the benefit of all Kogi residents,” he stated.
While commending the ministry for achievements in water supply and sanitation in 2024, Shehu-Tijani identified performance gaps and called for innovative measures to bridge them.
The proposed 2025 budget highlights significant investments in water infrastructure, including upgrades to water treatment systems, the rehabilitation of aging plants, and expansion of distribution networks in Lokoja and other major towns.
He urged the ministry to maintain strong collaboration with the committee and ensure that investments are effectively managed and aligned with the state’s development priorities.
(Ends)
Kogi
APC Strengthens Grassroots Reach with New Mini Secretariat in Adavi LGA
***Party Reaffirms Support for Governor Ododo’s Leadership
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adavi Local Government Area has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo while expanding its grassroots structure with the establishment of a mini-secretariat at Inorere, Ogaminana Central Ward.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held over the weekend, was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Honourable Ismaila Isah, who emphasized that the secretariat will serve as a modern hub for party administration, mobilization, and engagement at the ward level.
Honourable Isah stated that the initiative aligns with Governor Ododo’s vision of strengthening grassroots governance, ensuring that party members have a functional and accessible center for political activities.
He assured attendees that the construction would be completed swiftly, thanks to the support of the Governor and key stakeholders from Ogaminana Central Ward and Adavi LGA.
Honourable Oyibo Barnabas, APC Chairman, Adavi LGA, hailed the project as a strategic move to reinforce the party’s foundation at the grassroots. He praised Governor Ododo for his commitment to inclusivity in governance and party affairs.
Suberu Ahuoiza Khadijat, Councilor representing Ogaminana Central Ward, lauded the initiative as a unifying force for party members, boosting engagement and recruitment efforts.
Community elders and political stakeholders also expressed their support and enthusiasm, emphasizing the project’s significance in expanding APC’s influence across the local government.
The event witnessed a large turnout of APC members and supporters, reflecting the growing momentum of the party in Adavi LGA.
With the groundbreaking successfully conducted, party members remain optimistic about the positive impact of the mini-secretariat in strengthening APC’s grassroots structures ahead of future political engagements.
END
Kogi
Kogi Throne Tussle: Govt Vows Fierce Appeal over Sack of Ohinoyi
The Kogi State Government, handicapped it is not backing down o very the High Court Ruling that sacked the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Mohammed Ahmed Tijani Anaje, following a challenge to his appointment.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muiz Abdullahi has announced plans to challenge the ruling, expressing confidence in a reversal.
“We don’t agree with the judgment because the judge didn’t consider key objections. By God’s grace, we are filing an appeal immediately,” he stated.
In a dramatic legal showdown, the ruling, delivered by Justice Umar Salisu in Lokoja, declared the selection process flawed and ordered a fresh selection by the legitimate kingmakers.
The case, brought by Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu, argued that the former governor, Yahaya Bello, had wrongfully appointed Ahmed-Anaje, bypassing traditional procedures.
The plaintiffs contended that the kingmakers involved in the selection were “non-existent,” making the appointment null and void.
As tensions rise in Ebiraland, residents watch closely, wondering what the next chapter of this royal battle will bring. Will the throne remain vacant, or will the appeal bring a surprising twist?
Kogi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Supports 800 Kogi Market Women with Financial Aid
In a bid to uplift small-scale traders, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has empowered 800 petty traders across Kogi Central with N10,000 each, offering much-needed financial support to boost their businesses.
The senator, who was in Ajaokuta for the groundbreaking of five mini LNG plants, seized the opportunity to visit major markets in the district, including Ihima Central Market Oboroke and Bariki Market in Okene.
Moving through various sections of the markets, she personally engaged with traders, listening to their concerns and distributing financial aid.
Her visit included the livestock, chicken, and blacksmith sections, ensuring a broad range of traders benefited from the initiative.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to empowering local businesses, stating:
“This initiative is aimed at easing the economic burden on our petty traders and supporting their businesses. I will continue to visit more markets and bring the dividends of democracy to Kogi Central.”
The gesture was met with enthusiasm, as traders expressed their appreciation, offering prayers and pledging their continued support for her leadership.
With this intervention, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to position herself as a champion of grassroots development, reinforcing her commitment to economic empowerment and social impact in Kogi Central.
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