News From Kogi
CHRCR tasks political parties on policies to upscale youth participation in leadershi
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), a Kogi-based Civil Society Organisation has tasked political parties on the need to develop viable policies that would inspire and prepare Nigerian youths for leadership positions.
Comrade Idris Miliki, Executive Director of CHRCR made the call on Thursday in Lokoja while addressing representatives of Political parties at a one-day “Post Governorship Elections Review Meeting For Political Parties In Kogi”.
Miliki decried the rate at which Nigerian youths have been marginalised in political space, as he urged political parties to develop policies for youth development that targeted thematic areas.
The Human Rights activist noted that the country needed its youth to remain fully engaged in the political processes, saying that peace, security, citizens’ well-being and partnership were key to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“Despite this huge number of young persons and presence of the ‘Not Too Young To Run Act’ of the National Parliament, the number of young persons in political leadership positions both at elective and appointive levels is still very low,” he said.
According to him, this has led to the discouragement and dearth of commitment on the part of youths in promotion of good governance in Nigeria adding that the scenario had adversely affected their effective participation.
Miliki urged opposition parties across the country to take responsibility in holding ruling parties accountable to the people saying that they should ask themselves salient questions like “What is my role and responsibly to the society, my community, local government State and Country?
“They must observe the ruling party and governance after election, make pronouncements and monitor the performance of the government,” Miliki said.
The activist condemned the act of vote buying and selling reportedly perpetrated in the recent Governorship Election in the state saying that the money should have been used to execute projects for the collective benefits of the people.
Miliki also decried the inability of the Kogi State Government to conduct Local Government elections, stressing that the tenure of the present chairmen expired Dec. 14, 2023 and there is no foreseeable plans to conduct elections into the third tier of government.
Representative of political parties at the meeting include: All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Party (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Young Progressive Party (YPP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others.
Representative of the political parties were unanimous in their resolve to develop policies in their various parties to enhance youth participation in leadership at all levels. (Ends)
News From Kogi
Hope for the Elderly: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Empowers 250 Senior Citizens in Kogi State
In a heartwarming initiative aimed at improving the lives of elderly Nigerians, 250 senior citizens from Kogi State have received financial assistance and medical support through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme.
The program, launched by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, benefitted elderly individuals aged 65 and above from all 21 Local Government Areas in the state.
At the event hosted at the Government House in Lokoja, the First Lady was represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, Wife of the Kogi State Governor.
Senator Tinubu disclosed that a total of ₦2 billion would be distributed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to support elderly citizens, with each Kogi beneficiary receiving ₦200,000.
In addition to the cash gifts, the program offer free medical check-ups and other vital support services to help senior citizens manage their health and well-being as they navigate old age and retirement. The First Lady highlighted the importance of regular health check-ups and urged the elderly to take advantage of the free services provided.
“This program is designed to uplift our elderly citizens and ensure they live with dignity and support as they age,” said Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their welfare. The initiative, which will be conducted annually, is set to reach beneficiaries across Nigeria, including veterans from the Defence and Police Officers Wives’ Association (DEPOWA).
The scheme reflects the First Lady’s ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly, particularly those facing financial and health challenges.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has assented to the bill that converts the Reference Hospital in Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.
The move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval for CUSTECH to offer full-time medical programs, including a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, as well as other health-related courses. The development is aimed at providing a solid foundation for the university’s medical programs.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, revealed that the signing was the culmination of months of collaborative efforts between CUSTECH, the State Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education.
“This is a significant step in ensuring that the medical programs approved for CUSTECH start on a solid and well-equipped foundation,” Fanwo stated. He also highlighted the world-class medical facilities now available at the hospital, some of which are making their debut in Africa.
Fanwo praised the Kogi State House of Assembly for passing the bill and reiterated the administration’s dedication to improving healthcare and education in the state.
With the bill now law, CUSTECH is set to commence its MBBS program, further solidifying Kogi State’s commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals for the state and beyond.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Hon. Paul Enema, former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and APC member representing Dekina-Okura Constituency.
In a condolence message signed on behalf of the institution’s management, staff, and students, Prof. Ogbo Usman commiserated with the Assembly, the deceased’s family, and the people of Dekina-Okura constituency.
Describing Hon. Enema as a dear friend and brother, the Rector acknowledged the emotional weight of the loss, saying, “Our hearts go out to the Speaker, members of the 8th Assembly, his immediate family, friends, and associates at this trying time.”
He urged prayers for the deceased’s soul and comfort for his loved ones. “It is our earnest prayer that Rt. Hon. Paul Enema rests in peace and that God grants all those grieving the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Hon. Enema, who was serving his second tenure in the Assembly, passed away on Saturday in Abuja.
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