Kogi
Ododo Adopts Proactive Measures to Tackle Insecurity in Kogi
The Kogi State Government has vowed to take the battle against criminal activities directly to the hideouts of offenders, signaling a shift from defensive to offensive security strategies.
Speaking during a TrustTV News programme, Daily Politics, on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismaila Isah, emphasized that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to safeguarding lives and property through consistent security operations.
According to Isah, the administration has adopted an aggressive approach to confronting crime, targeting criminals even before they strike.
“We are perhaps the only state in Nigeria taking the fight to the criminals in their hideouts rather than waiting for them to attack,” Isah said.
He revealed that the state government has maintained ongoing clearance operations, particularly around border areas shared with Kwara, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Benue, Ondo, and six other states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The spokesman highlighted the government’s strategy of collaborating with neighboring states to rid border areas of criminal elements. “Criminals often take refuge in forests along these borders, but we have remained consistent in flushing them out,” he added.
Isah outlined the administration’s efforts to strengthen security infrastructure by partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the military, and paramilitary agencies.
He noted that the government had earlier equipped security forces with over 300 vehicles and hundreds of motorcycles while recruiting and reorganizing nearly 3,000 vigilantes and local hunters.
These groups, earning wages above the state’s minimum wage, now form the backbone of community policing efforts.
Building on Past Successes
While acknowledging the contributions of former Governor Yahaya Bello, Isah credited the previous administration for overhauling the security framework, which earned the state recognition for its safety standards.
Governor Ododo’s government, he assured, has consolidated and expanded these efforts to sustain progress.
Addressing concerns about a mining ban, Isah clarified that the government only suspended local licensing to curb illegal mining activities that posed security threats.
“With sanity restored in the sector, we are now open to welcoming investors,” he said.
Isah praised the dedication of security operatives in Kogi, describing them as courageous and patriotic.
“These officers are among the best in the country. They continuously risk their lives to protect our citizens, and we are proud to support them,” he concluded.
With this renewed focus on proactive security measures and inter-state collaboration, the Ododo administration aims to make Kogi a model for combating insecurity in Nigeria.
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.
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.
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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