Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of veteran journalist and National Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria), Hajia Rafatu Salami, who died early Friday in Abuja.

In a condolence message, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt sympathies to her family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), and the Voice of Nigeria (VON), where she served as Assistant Director, Digital Media until her death.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted the Governor to have jndicated,
“We mourn the loss of Hajia Rafatu Salami, an exceptional journalist, a woman of integrity, and a devoted public servant. Her legacy of courage, professionalism, and compassion will remain a source of inspiration,”
Governor Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant her family strength and comfort in this time of grief.

Hajia Rafatu Salami, who hailed from Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, died at the age of 55 and was buried at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, popularly known as Radio Kogi (FM 94.1), is set to commence 24-hour uninterrupted broadcasting, thanks to the financial support and commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The Director-General of the corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yusuff, made the announcement during the 2025 Budget Defense session of the Ministry of Information and Communication at the Kogi State House of Assembly.

She disclosed that Governor Ododo had approved and released funds for the acquisition and installation of a Studio Transmission Link (STL), a key component necessary for continuous transmission. She added that the installation was currently underway.
“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of Governor Ododo, whose interventions have been instrumental in revitalizing the state’s broadcasting services,” Princess Yusuff stated.
While commending the governor’s efforts, the Director-General appealed for the renovation of the corporation’s headquarters in Lokoja, which she described as overdue after years of operation without significant upgrades.

She further urged the state government to exempt the corporation from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enable management to respond promptly to operational challenges and improve service delivery.

Princess Yusuff highlighted that Governor Ododo’s initiatives had not only enhanced the infrastructure of Radio Kogi but also motivated staff to perform better, positioning the station to serve the information and entertainment needs of the people of Kogi State effectively.

The planned 24-hour transmission is expected to expand the station’s reach and impact, solidifying its role as a reliable platform for communication within the state.

Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has accused the Nigerian Army of leaking sensitive information to illegal oil bunkering networks following his undercover investigation into the illicit trade.
Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, made the allegations during an interview on Arise TV after his release from a three-day detention by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The journalist revealed that his arrest occurred while investigating the security networks protecting illegal bunkers, a complex operation involving multiple security formations.
He accused the Army of compromising his safety by prematurely linking him to the investigation, which alerted the oil bunkers.
Soyombo disclosed that the oil bunkers repeated details of the sensitive information he had shared with the Army.
“Everything I told the Army was confirmed by the bunkers,” he said. “They even echoed my statements word-for-word before I was released. How could they have known if the Army hadn’t leaked it?”

Soyombo explained that he voluntarily approached the soldiers during the raid, knowing he had nothing to hide, while others fled into the bush.
“I wasn’t arrested in the traditional sense. I stayed behind because I knew I wasn’t guilty of anything,” he said.

During his detention, he was well-treated but remained concerned about the Army’s intentions.
“They told me they could hold me for two months if necessary, but the media attention forced my release,” Soyombo revealed.
Soyombo criticized the Nigerian Army for failing to protect whistleblowers and journalists. He emphasized that illegal oil bunkering thrives due to the complicity of security agencies.
“This incident proves how deeply compromised the system is. Illegal bunkering won’t stop because of collaborators within security agencies,” he asserted.

Despite the ordeal, Soyombo said he remains committed to investigative journalism but hinted at stepping back after a few more undercover investigations.
“I may have one, two, or three more undercover stories left before I stop. I would rather stop than compromise my integrity,” he concluded.
Soyombo urged the Nigerian Army to explain why the information he provided was leaked, endangering his life and the integrity of the investigation. He called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security structures to effectively combat illegal oil bunkering and protect investigative journalists.