The Kogi State Government has stepped up collaboration with federal agencies and international investors to reposition agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy, drive food security, and expand agricultural exports. This renewed push followed a working visit to Geregu in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, where government officials, agriculture experts, and investors inspected farms and met with stakeholders on opportunities for mechanised farming, value addition, and market expansion. Leading the delegation, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, said the initiative reflects Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision of leveraging agriculture to create jobs, empower farmers, and boost…
Author: National Update
The trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), took another twist on Thursday as the Federal Government pressed for fresh evidence — including the inspection of a vehicle seized from his home a decade ago. Dasuki, who served under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is facing a refiled seven-count charge of money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms. Prosecutors say DSS operatives uncovered large sums during July 2015 raids on Dasuki’s homes — $40,000, ₦5 million and $20,000 in Abuja, and another $150,000 plus ₦37.6 million in Sokoto. They argue these findings breach the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act,…
Africa’s biggest private refinery has been thrown into turmoil. On Thursday, September 25, the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals fired an undisclosed number of workers in what insiders say is the most sweeping shake-up since its inauguration. Management described the move as “a total reorganization” after uncovering what it called repeated acts of sabotage inside key refinery units — breaches that raised red flags over worker safety and facility integrity. In an internal memo obtained by our correspondent, Femi Adekunle, Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management at Dangote Group, said the refinery had “no choice but to…
The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Presidency of orchestrating a smear campaign through fake press statements circulated in his name. In a statement signed by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the office dismissed as “pure fabrication” recent releases credited to one Kola Johnson, described as a “self-styled media consultant.” According to Ibe, the falsehoods— including a claim that an Atiku administration would be dominated by a single ethnic group — are part of a “calculated propaganda project” designed to ridicule the opposition leader. “Atiku Abubakar has never engaged one Kola Johnson as a media…
Nigeria has called on the international community to move beyond rhetoric and take urgent steps to halt the production of fissile material — the core ingredient for nuclear weapons — warning that the world cannot afford another nuclear arms race. Speaking at the first Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT), held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, described the FMCT as “both a legal necessity and a moral duty.” “Closing the fissile material gap is the most realistic way to…
By Umar Muhammed, Lafia Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan-Liman, has called on governments and economies across the globe to embrace entrepreneurship models that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. She warned that the world faces urgent challenges—ranging from climate change and food insecurity to disruptions in technology and labour markets—that require innovative and inclusive approaches to development. Prof. Liman made the call during the maiden three-day International Conference organised by NSUK’s Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, themed “Innovative Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development: Charting Global Economic Future.” “Our vision is to equip students and staff…
The Movement for the Emancipation of Kogi State (MEKSTA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Kogi, warning that the state is on the brink of anarchy. In an open letter released on Thursday, MEKSTA said governance in the North-Central state had broken down under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, alleging that power was being controlled remotely by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, and an “illegal governorship tripod” involving the current Accountant-General of the state, Habibat Oyiza Tijani Onumoko. The group, which had earlier raised alarm in August, claimed that Ododo himself publicly admitted Bello’s word…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja Kogi State Government on Thursday said it has taken a significant step in developing its solid minerals sector, with the acquisition of 30 minerals titles across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. Engr. Bashiru Gegu, the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, disclosed this while speaking at the Grand Finale of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) KOGI State Council, 2025 Press Week. Gegu, who was Chairman of the Press Week themed “Kogi State Solid Minerals: How Journalists Can Drive Development.”, said the move was part of the government’s efforts to boost…
***Says it’s ready to lead Africa’s $1.5bn smart city boom Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has made a bold pitch to U.S. partners to invest in Abuja’s transformation into a leading hub for smart cities, housing, and ICT innovation. Speaking at the 8th U.S.–Africa Business Week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Mahmoud spotlighted Abuja’s potential as Africa’s smart city nerve centre, citing its prime location, modern infrastructure, abundant resources, and highly educated youth population. Special Adviser on Media, Austine Elemue in a statement on Thursday quoted her to have pointed…
The Bola Tinubu administration is under fresh pressure to act as former APC chieftain, Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday demanded the immediate suspension and investigation of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over an alleged multi-million-dollar property scandal in the United States. Frank, now Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East, accused the Presidency of “dangerous silence” despite what he called overwhelming evidence linking Wike to luxury homes in Florida allegedly registered under the names of his wife and children. “When Betta Edu faced lighter allegations, she was dropped in hours. Why…