Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, on Tuesday in Lokoja, announced the establishment of the State’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

He said this significant step aligned with the overarching vision of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, encapsulated in the #RenewedHope agenda, which aims to uplift 50 million Nigerians from poverty annually.

The Governor made the announcement during the official kick-off of the Federal Government’s Grant for Vulnerable program under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Government House, in Lokoja.

He emphasised that the necessary legal framework and legislative authority for the creation of this ministry had already been meticulously addressed.

The Grant for Vulnerable Groups, specifically targeted at the most economically disadvantaged members of the society, will provide beneficiaries with a cash sum of N20,000.

Governor Bello, while commending President Tinubu’s visionary approach and genuine commitment to combating poverty in Nigeria, asserted that the grant would effectively contribute to the administration’s goal of pulling millions of Nigerians out of the poverty bracket.

He highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by his administration to reduce and eliminate poverty in Kogi State. These include free education in primary and secondary schools, quarterly distribution of food palliatives, and free healthcare program for pregnant women and children.

Additionally, the government has undertaken the responsibility of covering examination fees for public school students, releasing funds such as the N497 million disbursed for the 2024 WAEC fees in October.

The Governor attributed these policies to the administration’s Zero-out-School-Children initiative, which has yielded substantial results. He expressed confidence that the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, would build upon these achievements and strengthen ties with the federal and local governments for the overall welfare of the people.

During the ceremony, the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended Kogi women for their unwavering support for the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels.

She noted that, beyond the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, the Federal Government had implemented over 20 social programs targeting poverty alleviation, food security, and human capital development.

The minister revealed that, as part of the inaugural phase in Kogi State, a total of 3,000 individuals benefited from the program.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, lauded the Federal Government’s initiative, and commended Governor Yahaya Bello for rolling out numerous initiatives to combat poverty, socio-economic inequality, and enhance security in the state.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 5, 2023.

The Hon. Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, has disclosed that his ministry has received express approval from the presidency to commence federal roads construction/rehabilitation in Kogi State.

He also outlined the modalities being explored to expedite the works without delay.

Umahi spoke during a visit to him by the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, and Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, at his office in Mabushi, Abuja.

During the visit, Governor Bello expressed gratitude to Senator Umahi for his support and solidarity, contributing to the victory of the Governor-elect in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

Governor Bello expressed confidence that Ododo, upon his inauguration on January 27, 2024, would continue to bring significant infrastructure development to Kogi State, enhancing the pride of the people and the All Progressives Congress.

In response, Senator Umahi congratulated the Governor-elect, emphasizing that his victory reflected the people’s desire in Kogi State for continuity and consolidation. He commended Governor Bello’s achievements in road construction, education, health infrastructure, and other critical areas, expressing confidence that Ododo would build on these successes.

He urged the governor-elect to uphold the trust placed in him by the people and the party, ensuring the fulfillment of his campaign promises.

He also commended Governor Bello for his unwavering support for the ruling party’s growth at both the state and federal levels, describing governor Bello’s commitment to the success of the APC-led Federal Government as unprecedented.

He commended Governor Bello’s efforts in providing the dividends of democracy to the people of his state, noting that his effort would be more appreciated after office.

The minister revealed that ongoing projects, such as the Ganaja road rehabilitation, would be concrete-based, aligning with the Federal Government’s policy to ensure durable roads in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his assurance to Senator Umahi, reiterated his commitment to the trust bestowed upon him by the people. He expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and pledged to strengthen the existing relationship between the state and the federal government through the Ministry of Works.

Ododo assured the minister of his administration’s readiness to actualize the infrastructure master plan for Kogi as laid down by the current administration.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 30, 2023

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, and Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo paid a courtesy visit to the esteemed First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Governor Bello conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her instrumental support in mobilizing women and other crucial stakeholders to vote for Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo during the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State. He expressed confidence that Ododo, after his inauguration on January 27, 2024, would bring pride to Kogi women, the party, and the people of the state.

In response, the First Lady congratulated Ododo, highlighting that his victory showcased the people of Kogi State’s desire for continuity and consolidation. She urged the governor-elect to uphold the trust placed in him by the people and the party, ensuring the fulfillment of his campaign promises.

Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his assurance to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, affirmed his commitment to the trust bestowed upon him by the people. He expressed gratitude for her support, emphasizing the pivotal role that women would play in his administration. Areas of focus include poverty reduction, primary healthcare delivery, and addressing infant and maternal health concerns in the state.

Ododo, who received his certificate of return on November 18 from the Independent National Electoral Commission, embarked on a series of ‘thank you’ visits to stakeholders who significantly contributed to the success of his election.

On November 12, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Ahmed Usman Ododo the winner of the November 11 governorship election, securing the highest number of lawful votes at 446,237, surpassing other candidates.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 28, 2023