The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON was honored with the prestigious Award of Excellence by Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd on Tuesday.

This recognition is in honor of the Governor as the best performing Governor in the North-Central Geopolitical Zone.

The Chief Executive Officer of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd, Ambassador James Momoh, presented the award to the Governor, commending him for his remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Kogi State.

The organization also recognized Governor Bello’s transformative leadership style, which has brought about significant positive changes in various sectors of the state.

During the event, Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd also unveiled the magazine, which highlights the extraordinary achievements and milestones accomplished under Governor Bello’s administration.

The magazine showcases the governor’s innovative policies, infrastructural development projects, socioeconomic reforms, and his relentless efforts to improve the lives of the people of Kogi State.

Governor Yahaya Bello, expressed his appreciation to the team that visited.

While expressing his gratitude for the recognition, he emphasized that this award is a testament to the collective efforts of his administration and the people of Kogi State.

Under Governor Bello’s leadership, Kogi State has experienced significant infrastructural development, particularly in the areas of road construction, healthcare facilities, education, and agriculture.

The administration’s innovative policies and socioeconomic reforms have attracted both local and international investments, fostering economic growth and job creation in the state.

The event was attended by members and staff of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd.

The founder of DAAR Communications plc, has died after being electrocuted while using the gym in Abuja.

His son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.

He wrote:

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) who passed away on May 29th, 2023. High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family.

High Chief Dokpesi was a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community. His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.

The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course.

May his soul rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Raymond Dokpesi (JNR)

Dokpesi had been battling health issues since suffering a stroke shortly after the conclusion of the recent Ramadan fast.

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain died at a hospital in Abuja on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Despite his ongoing health management, tragedy struck during one of his regular gym sessions.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been sworn in today May 29 2023 as Nigeria’s 16th leader since the country’s independence in 1960 and fifth president of the current Fourth Republic which began in 1999.

Kashim Shettima has also been inaugurated as the nation’s new vice president.

Both will be succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo whose second four-year term lapses today.

In his speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vowed to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The inauguration which took place at Eagle Square, Abuja, had in attendance the out going President, Muhammadu Buhari and wife and the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and wife.

Also present were the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Geregu Power PLC, Femi Otedola, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adeshina.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on 1 March, declared Mr Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 25 February presidential election.

He defeated 17 other candidates who took part in the election after polling 8,794,726 votes. He also scored over 25 per cent of the votes in over 25 states.

Mr Tinubu, 71 served as governor of Lagos State, the country’s economic hub, between 1999 and 2007. An accountant by profession, Mr Tinubu had previously served as a senator in the short-lived Third Republic.

Mr Shettima, 57, was governor of Borno State in the nation’s north-east region between 2011 and 2015 when he was elected to represent the state’s central district.

The vice president-elect who is a professional banker served at various times as the state commissioner for finance and economic development, local government and chieftaincy affairs, education, agriculture and health.

Today’s ceremony, the 7th consecutive transition of power, began at 10 a.m., according to the Presidential Transition Committee (PTC) constituted by the outgoing Buhari administration to midwife the transition programme.

Previous presidents’ inaugurations were held in the same facility. The facility has since undergone renovation in preparation for today’s Inauguration.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, is expected to administer the oath of office on Messrs Tinubu and Shettima. The inauguration was preceded by a number of other activities packaged by the 24-member PTC and held in the last eight days.

They included the dinner in honour of the duo and the outgoing administration and the conferment of GCFR and GCON on them.

Foreign heads of state and government and dignitaries, including delegations from the US and the UK, also attended the inauguration.

Several foreign and local media have also been accredited to cover the historic event.

Remarkably, the event is holding despite various moves to abort it through the plethora of court cases as well as protests by some groups.

Messrs Atiku and Obi as well as the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are currently challenging the declaration of Mr Tinubu as the winner of the February poll. The Presidential Election Petition Court has since consolidated the three petitions.

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Alieu Tourey, has emphasized the organization’s commitment to good governance, political stability, and regional integration. 

President Tourey addressed efforts to enhance preventive diplomacy during election cycles and its ongoing support for political transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, falling under the strategic objective of promoting stability.

In a recent statement to mark the 48th anniversary of the organization, President Tourey stated, “We have intensified our preventive diplomacy engagements during election cycles to ensure the smooth transition of power and maintain political stability in our member states. 

“Monitoring and supporting political transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea remain a priority for ECOWAS.” – He said.

Regarding the strategic objective of deepening regional integration, President Tourey highlighted the organization’s determination to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers and enhance trade facilitation. 

The organization is actively promoting initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Schemes (ETLs) to encourage seamless trade among member states. 

President Tourey also emphasized the importance of bilateral engagements at the highest level to further advance regional integration efforts.

Furthermore, he underscored ECOWAS’s focus on addressing critical issues such as food security, the plight of internally displaced persons and refugees, and the development of transport and energy infrastructure. 

These efforts align with ECOWAS’s fourth strategic objective, which aims to achieve inclusive and sustainable development and capable institutions within the region.

As ECOWAS continues its endeavors to overcome challenges and pursue its strategic objectives, President Tourey called for support from the international community. 

He emphasized the importance of fostering peace, security, and stability in the West African region and stressed the need for collaboration and assistance to achieve these goals.

ECOWAS’s commitment to good governance, political stability, regional integration, and sustainable development reflects its dedication to improving the lives of citizens across West Africa. 

With a focus on preventive diplomacy, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development, the organization is actively working towards a prosperous and harmonious region.