Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, warmly received former Commissioner for Environment who was also former Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Arc Mohammed Sule, and former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon Agnes Ojeba Oziweere, at his residence in Abuja on Saturday.

Governor Bello, while welcoming the former PDP members, emphasized that Kogi State, under the APC, is open to accommodating all citizens who are willing to contribute to the state’s development.

He expressed no surprise at their departure from a struggling party and highlighted the need to integrate them into the progressive movement of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor emphasized that the APC in Kogi State would continue to grow in numbers, citing the achievements of his administration and their commitment to providing good governance for the people of Kogi State.

He extended a warm welcome to the former commissioner and assembly member, stating that the doors of the APC were open for anyone willing to contribute to the state’s development.

During the meeting, Arc Mohammed praised the governor for his remarkable achievements across the state, specifically mentioning the construction of the Ganaja flyover and other infrastructure developments as evidence of good governance.

He personally admired Governor Yahaya Bello’s unwavering dedication, patriotism, and selflessness in defending the state by addressing long-standing insecurity issues.

Arc Mohammed also commended the governor for the infrastructure development projects across the three senatorial districts, notably the recent establishment of a state-owned university in Okunland.

The former PDP members expressed their support for the decision of the All Progressives Congress Party in the state to elect Hon Ododo Ahmed Usman as the party’s flag bearer in the upcoming November gubernatorial election, pledging their full support for the APC candidate.

The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Atta Igala and President of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, ONOGWU Muhammed.

Governor Bello acknowledged the immense value that the highly revered foremost First Class Royal Majesty brings to Igalaland, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Kogi State, I am extremely delighted to extend our warmest felicitations to Your Majesty on this momentous occasion of your 59th birthday. I pray that you continue to enjoy good health.”

Bello expressed his gratitude for the Atta’s wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and fatherly guidance, which have greatly assisted him in leading the state during his tenure.

“Your Majesty, your wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and fatherly guidance have greatly helped me in steering the ship of the state throughout my administration.”

The Governor also highlighted the remarkable progress, harmony, and development that Igalaland has witnessed under the royal reign of Alaji Mathew Opaluwa, emphasizing that his ascension to the esteemed throne of Atta Igala signifies prosperity for the Igala nation.

“Undoubtedly, Igalaland has experienced unparalleled peace, unity, and development under your reign since you ascended the throne of your forefathers as the Atta Igala.”

“As you celebrate your 59th birthday today, I pray that the Almighty Allah grants you a long life, abundant wisdom, and good health to continue serving your people and the nation. Please accept, Your Majesty, my sincere congratulations and best wishes on your special day.”

“Once again, happy birthday, Your Majesty.”

Born on May 27, 1964, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa was appointed as the Atta Igala in October 2021 following his nomination by the kingmakers. His coronation took place on March 4, 2022.

The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has congratulated Professor (Emeritus) Seth Sunday Ajayi, an eminent scholar, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

According to a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, ONOGWU Muhammed, Yahaya Bello commended the Professor for his remarkable achievements and the honor he has brought to Kogi State through his illustrious career.

“On behalf of the people and government of Kogi State, I extend our warmest wishes to you on your 80th birthday”.

“We are grateful to the Almighty God for guiding you throughout your journey to reach this significant milestone in life. It is a remarkable occasion that deserves both celebration and felicitations” – The statement read.

Governor Yahaya Bello did not fail to recognize his long and illustrious career which has distinguished him as a scholar, dedicated to academic pursuits, and has brought great honor to Kogi State on a global scale.

As well as his investiture as the first Professor of Wildlife Ecology in Africa, an achievement the governor considers a testament to his outstanding contributions.

Governor Bello expressed prayers for the continued protection of the erudite Professor and highlights the academic and humanitarian accomplishments that have characterized his life.

He emphasized that Professor Ajayi’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of humanity, coupled with his self-discipline, has made a significant impact.

“Your life has been marked by academic and allied accomplishments, driven by self-discipline and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of humanity. Over the years, your pursuit of excellence has immensely contributed to the noble objectives of nation-building and securing a better future for Nigeria.

As you celebrate this special day, I pray that the Almighty God will continue to protect you and grant you many more years of good health and vitality. We are indeed proud of you.

Once again, congratulations, sir!”

Professor Seth Sunday Ajayi began his career at the University of Ibadan as an Assistant Training Fellow in Wildlife and Range Management at the Department of Forestry in 1968.

Through his dedication and hard work, he ascended the academic ladder, ultimately becoming the First African Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Ibadan in 1980.

He also played instrumental roles in the establishment of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management and served as the pioneer Head of the Department from 1981 to 1988.

Furthermore, he held the position of the Pioneer Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Throughout his remarkable career, Professor Ajayi has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the “Global 500 Roll of Honor” award by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) for his outstanding achievements in environmental protection.

In 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan conferred upon him the Nigerian National Order of Merit, a testament to his exceptional contributions.

Born on May 16, 1943, in Mopa, Kogi State, Professor S.S. Ajayi’s 80th birthday will be celebrated by his family, friends, and associates on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 29, 2023, as a work-free day for all workers in the country. 

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shuaib Belgore, said this is to commemorate the inauguration of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu. 

He enjoined Nigerians to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law. 

The statement partly read, “The Minister felicitates with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

Aregbesola urged Nigerians also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.”

The Minister, however, commended all Nigerians for their efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999. 

He urged them to support and cooperate with the coming administration, arguing that the unbounded energy of the people is the nation’s greatest strength and will take the nation to its greatest height when it is positively deployed in its service.

The Minister, however, charged Nigerians to shun any form of violence and other untoward acts, assuring them that with all hands on deck, the future is very bright when the nation will attain greatness in all facets of human development.

The United Nations has commended the Nigerian military for its remarkable contributions to global peace over the past 63 years.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mathias Schmale gave the commendation during the Commemoration of 75years of UN Peacekeeping Operations in Abuja.

Schmale said in Africa, Nigeria has taken on leadership roles, operating as a force for regional stability.

The Nigerian Military has been actively involved in leading the mission in Liberia, Protecting citizens in Mali, monitoring the ceasefire in Mozambique amongst other operations.

Despite the insecurity challenges ravaging the Nation, the Nigerian Military and the police have continued to contribute troops to sustain commitments to the UN.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor stated that Nigeria has significantly contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Ever since over 200,000 Nigerian troops have served in UN Peacekeeping Missions worldwide.

“The Federal Government will continue to provide the necessary support required to discharge our statutory roles professionally” he said

He further appreciated the UN for their humanitarian interventions to victims of conflict across the nation.

Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have served in seventy one missions, helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

But more than four thousand two hundred peacekeepers have lost their life yet more are still committed to the onerous task.