By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Polytechnic has officially admitted 6,549 students into its eight schools and 57 accredited programs for the 2024/2025 academic session, with a strong message discouraging engagement in social vices.
At the 22nd Orientation and Matriculation ceremonies held on Saturday at the Lokoja campus, Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, announced that 2,841 students enrolled in Higher National Diploma (HND) programs (1,318 males and 1,523 females), while 3,708 students (1,928 males and 1,980 females) were admitted for National Diploma (ND) programs.
Prof. Usman proudly stated that all 27 programs offered by the Polytechnic now have full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He emphasized the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards, saying, “We aim to rebrand this Polytechnic to set benchmarks for other institutions in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Rector also commended former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for establishing a stable and predictable academic calendar in the state’s tertiary institutions. He extended his gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for enhancing security at the Polytechnic, including fencing the Itakpe campus and installing CCTV cameras at both campuses.
Highlighting the institution’s growing diversity, Prof. Usman revealed that students from 32 of Nigeria’s 36 states are now enrolled, representing 88.9% of the country.
In a goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, assured continued legislative support to improve the Polytechnic’s quality of education. She urged the matriculating students to remain focused, avoid social vices, and work towards achieving their academic goals.
The ceremony concluded with the Rector and other dignitaries reaffirming the institution’s vision of academic excellence and its zero tolerance for misconduct.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Human rights advocate and Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Mr. Idris Miliki Abdul, has raised an alarm over the dire state of Kogi’s transport sector, urging the government to declare a “State of Emergency” in the sector.
In a statement issued in Lokoja, Miliki criticized the over-reliance on private operators, leaving citizens stranded and the state’s transport infrastructure in shambles.
He lamented the collapse of the once-functional state transport company, which previously managed intra- and inter-city shuttles but has now become defunct.
“Workers, students, and citizens are struggling to commute to workplaces, schools, places of worship, and business centers,” he said.
Miliki highlighted Kogi’s strategic location, bordered by nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, with an average of 10,000 vehicles passing through daily. Yet, he noted, the state has no functional commercial fleet, airport, or investment in water transportation, despite being home to the Rivers Niger and Benue.
“Over 32 years, successive administrations have ignored these God-given resources, even as yearly floods wreak havoc on communities,” he added.
The activist stressed that revitalizing the transport sector could create jobs, boost revenue, and significantly improve the lives of Kogi citizens.
“We urge the current administration to prioritize investment in this critical sector for the benefit of all,” Miliki concluded.

Traditional rulers across Kogi State are stepping up to play a pivotal role in the government’s efforts to transform the primary healthcare system.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced sweeping reforms targeting improved accountability, service delivery, and community engagement in the state’s Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the Governor emphasized the inclusion of traditional institutions in the reform process.
“Our traditional rulers are the custodians of our communities. Their active involvement in monitoring and supervising healthcare delivery is crucial to ensuring that these reforms succeed,” he said.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, echoed this sentiment, describing the healthcare revitalization efforts as a turning point for rural communities.
“The wellbeing of our people begins with accessible and effective healthcare. We, as traditional leaders, are committed to supporting the government’s vision by overseeing the proper functioning of PHCs in our domains,” he remarked.

This partnership is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to strengthen the healthcare value chain.
The government plans to conduct periodic spot checks of PHCs in collaboration with local governments and traditional rulers to ensure consistent service delivery.

Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, the State Commissioner for Health, lauded the commitment of the traditional leaders, revealing that funding has already been provided to operationalize at least one PHC in each of Kogi’s 239 wards.
Plans are underway to increase this number and enhance the quality of services.

The reforms aim to address pressing health challenges, including maternal and infant mortality and low immunization rates.
Governor Ododo assured that these efforts will be anchored on data-driven decision-making and adherence to global best practices in healthcare management.

As the collaboration unfolds, traditional rulers are poised to bridge the gap between the government and the grassroots, ensuring that the vision for a robust healthcare system becomes a reality for all Kogi citizens.