As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the Executive Chairman of Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency Hajiya Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman has organized a prayer session to culminate the holy season and offer thanksgiving for a successful Ramadan fast.
The annually organized prayer which held at her residence in Abuja, also served as a prayer session to seek the blessings and protection of God over all Muslim faithfuls, and citizens of Nigeria and Kogi in General, including the Governor, as well as the APC Gubernatorial candidate of Kogi State respectively. In her prayer points, Hajiya Suleiman offered prayers on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, and expressed gratitude for the strength and wisdom bestowed on him throughout his administration.
The chairman stated that it is such wisdom that has led to the emergence of immediate past State Auditor General of Local Government, Alhaji Usman Ododo as the APC Gubernatorial flag bearer of the Governorship elections coming up in November.
Furthermore, she lauded the governorship candidate as a wise choice, and extolled his antecedents as evidence of his competence and capacity when he clinches his win. She prayed God to bless him with the wisdom bestowed on his soon-to-be predecessor to ensure the consolidation of exceptional leadership and good governance which Kogi has enjoyed over the last eight years.Hajiya Suleiman then prayed for the peace and security of Nigeria and blessings upon the land and its people.
The Kogi State Government and the Chinese Construction giant, CCECC have met to finalize arrangements to scale up business relationships in the areas of planning, financing and execution of transport infrastructure in the state.
In a meeting held at the headquarters of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation along Airport Road, Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Officer of the Kogi State Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership Agency, Abdulkareem Siyaka who led the government’s delegation disclosed that the first line of business upscaling and partnership is the construction of Inland Transit Port in Lokoja to link Warri – Burutu/Port Harcourt via Onitsha. This he said will rapidly develop the movement of agricultural produce and solid mineral cargo to and from northern and southern Nigeria.
He said the partnership was in line with the Kogi State’s medium-term economic development goals which within a 5-year time frame will want to rapidly develop her infrastructure outlay, citing transport infrastructure as the bedrock of economic development.
Speaking to journalists at the end of their meeting, Abdulkareem said the upgrade of Adogo Airstrip to a commercial Cargo Airport to facilitate growth in cross-border trade and investment and boost real sector productivity was discussed.
Another infrastructure to be executed under the partnership is the construction of Electrified Rail Project between Jeba and Lokoja
This will reduce haulage costs within Nigeria by freeing excess pressure on road transport infrastructure.
Speaking on the business models, Abdulkareem stated that Kogi State is in the process of building its economy from a conservative civil service state to an Industrial giant in northern Nigeria.
He said the ‘Build -Operate-Transfer’ model or similar model that will be economical for both parties would be ideal while involving the Federal Government to provide sovereign guarantees including counterpart funding in any or all the projects.
On his part, the Deputy Managing Director of CCECC, Guo Wenjun commended the state government for its vision while expressing readiness for the relationship.
He noted that the Kogi State Government has been a friendly business partner of CCECC over the years with mutual understanding and benefits.
Thousands of less privileged, orphans and widows have benefited from the monthly outreach program Tagged: Operation feed the nation by Baba Peculiar the General Overseer of The Peculiar God’s Glory Ministry International. A programme designed to give succour to the poor and needy in the society.
While presenting food items and cash to the beneficiaries, the General Overseer of the Peculiar God’s Glory Ministry International. Amb. Prophet James Kunle-Helphzibah popularly known as Baba Peculiar said that the purpose was to strengthen unity, peace and religious tolerance among the Christian and Muslim faiths.
He said that the gesture was also necessitated particularly at this time many Nigerians are faced with difficulties of life. Amb. Prophet Helphzibah appealed to well meaning individuals in the society, to help the less privileged in order to ease the hardship of vulnerable persons.
He prayed for the recipients and promised that the church will continue to put smiles on the faces of less privileged in the society. He also urged the citizenry to have faith in God and he assured them that Nigeria will blossom and regain it’s position as the giant of Africa.
While receiving the gift items, the beneficiaries thanked the church for the gesture, prayed that God will bless them abundantly. They also called on leaders at all levels and wealthy Nigerians to be generous, kind, God fearing and urged them to emulate baba peculiar for the love he have for humanity
Baba peculiar also paid thousands of house rents, school fees both home and abroad, he also gave cash to less privileged, handicapped and orphans that were present at the monthly poverty alleviation program.
Ahead of the 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello has once again described the All Progressives Congress as a party to beat in Kogi going by its electoral fortunes in the state since 2015.
The governor disclosed this at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja on Saturday during the ratification of the party congress and presentation of the party’s flag bearer for the November Guber polls, Hon Ododod Ahmed Usman.
While commending the peaceful conduct of the primary, Bello said the violence-free primary election across the 239 wards of the state was a clear indication that the state is APC and APC is kogi state.
He added that it was a general indication that the party flag bearer was widely accepted across the length and breadth of the state.
He said during the contest, there were 18 eminently qualified citizens of the state but along the line only 7 of them successfully made it to the polls as some of them withdrew or stepped down before the contest for the interest, cohesion and unity of the party and worked with the party to produce Hon Ododo Usman as the flag bearer.
While speaking on the success of the party in the 2023 general elections, Bello said APC in Kogi delivered overwhelmingly for the president-elect, three out of the three senators, six out of the nine House of Representatives slots and 22 out of the 25 House of Assembly seats in the state. He said the party’s doors are opened to everyone to join for the interest and progress of the state while asserting that the general elections slated for November will be a walkover for the APC.
He urged the people of the state to move away from ethnic, religious and class sentiments, stating that the decision to settle with Hon Ododo Ahmed Usman was based on his character and integrity to serve the people of kogi state irrespective of the fault lines. He expressed confidence that Ododo will not disappoint the people and reassured them that he will get the maximum support from the people.
While thanking the delegates, Governor Bello charge them to go all out, door to door to canvass support for the party’s candidate and urged members to preach peace, talk about issues and enlighten the public to see reasons to join the party. He advised them not to abuse, insult and to also shun fake news which always causes division and heats the politics
On his side, the APC gubernatorial candidate for the November polls, Hon Ododo Usman has called all the stakeholders to join hands with him for collective victory in the forthcoming election.
“I call on all of you my brothers and sisters and all our teeming supporters to let us unite solidly behind the ticket and work for the victory of the Party (APC) come November 2023. We must now put behind us the brotherly exchanges before the primary election which were only a means for us to test the system which has now truly proven to be alive, well, and working in the interest of the party and indeed the good people of Kogi State
“With your support, our great party (APC) will be victorious in the next governorship election and we shall consolidate on the gains of the New Direction agenda in the state. May I at this juncture most respectfully express my profound appreciation to our leader and architect of the new Kogi State, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, AlhajiYahaya Bello for believing in me and for effectively leading us through a smooth and rancour-free process that has today culminated in this victory for all our party men and women in the state”. He said
He commended the election committee headed by Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle and the leadership of the party at both federal and state levels for the conduct of the rancour-free primary elections. Ododo lauded the National Chairman of APC and members of the National Working Committee and Excos of the Party for providing a level playing field.
While thanking the delegates who participated in the election, Hon Ododo Usman promised to consolidate the gains of the present administration of Governor Yahaya Bello for the growth and development Of Kogi State.
” I promise to consolidate on the gains of the present administration of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello by deepening security architecture, investing in human capital development, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and critical infrastructure that will kickstart the industrialization of Kogi as a frontline state in Northern Nigeria”, he said.
The Kogi State APC Primary Election Committee earlier announced Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as the winner of the Kogi APC Governorship Primary Election held yesterday haven polled 78,704 votes to defeat other contestants in the race.
ONOGWU Muhammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor 15/04/2023
Today is the start of a new era for Nigeria. It marks a significant milestone in NADDC’s commitment to creating a world class automotive sector in the country.
This is testimony to the government’s commitment to the adoption and promotion of advanced technology for safer, cleaner and cheaper transportation solutions.
I wish to thank the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, for all the support so far, especially the donation of land, and we look forward to an exciting Research and Development collaboration with the university.
What has been just been commissioned today is the nation’s first 100% Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station.
100% renewable energy, 100% clean energy to power 100% Electric Vehicles. Absolutely zero emissions, zero waste: from energy generation to energy utilization.
This Charging station is an important component of our national Vehicle Electrification Program. We are collaborating with 3 universities. Usmanu Danfodio, Sokoto, University of Lagos and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Why is the NADDC collaborating with academia? This strategy is important because it is not just a charging station but a platform and a spring board for advanced research and development: to study, monitor and evaluate the entire system: the solar cells, storage units and electric vehicles in various climatic and usage conditions and hopefully develop even more effective solutions for Nigerian and African applications.
The monitoring and evaluation team shall consist of experts from NADDC, Usmanu Danfodio University, Hyundai and relavant Stakeholders.
I urge the students to see this as an unparalleled opportunity to fully understand Vehicle Electrification and all related renewable energy technologies so as to develop better and better solutions for the betterment of Nigeria.
In this regard the electric vehicles will charged accordingly based on the charging system adopted. There are two types of the charging systems as far as this configuration/system is concern.
The high level charging system which is referred to as the fast charging system which charges a vehicle within 22 hours period and also which gives a total coverage after full charging of 482 Kilometers.
The second Level of the charging system takes 9 hours to fully charged.
A protective device is also installed on the system to give a total protection to both the equipment and the cars to be charged. There is a provision of highly flexible software that gives room for locking and unlocking the charging system with an advantage of having charging schedules for each vehicle.
The installation of the solar arrays (panels), that have a capacity of 86.4 kilowatts per hour, the online-offline 3 numbers 5KVA Hybrid inverters that are synchronize together to give 15 KVA/48 WATTS and a 36 units of deep circle, gel batteries with an output of 48 volts/1980 ampires.
In this regard the electric vehicles will charged accordingly based on the charging system adopted. There are two types of the charging systems as far as this configuration/system is concern.
The high level charging system which is referred to as the fast charging system which charges a vehicle within 22 hours period and also which gives a total coverage after full charging of 482 Kilometers.
The second Level of the charging system takes 9 hours to fully charged.
A protective device is also installed on the system to give a total protection to both the equipment and the cars to be charged. There is a provision of highly flexible software that gives room for locking and unlocking the charging system with an advantage of having charging schedules for each vehicle.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has commended members of the All Progressives Congress in the state for their large turnout and orderly conduct in the ongoing party gubernatorial Primary elections across the 239 wards of the state.
Bello gave the commendation at his Agasa Ward in the Okene Local Government Area of the State where he spoke to journalists during the exercise.
He also commended the voters for their peaceful conduct, attributing the large turnout of voters to the peaceful environment created by his administration while urging them to vote for a candidate that believes in the New Direction administration for continuity and sustainable development for the overall good of the state.
While commending security agents for maintaining law and order, the governor, however, charged them to be civil in their approach.
“You can see the massive turnout of party members in this ward. These are financial members with an up-to-date financial commitment to our party in line with Article 9.3 (i) and (ii) of the APC Constitution.
“From the reports I received so far, the turnout is good all over the 239 wards in the 21 local government areas of the state.
With the results coming in so far, Hon Usman Ahmed Ododo, the immediate past Auditor-General for Local Government is cruising ahead.
ONOGWU Muhammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor 14/04/2023
Every society yearns for effective leadership characterised by programs and policies that are people-centric. For the people of Kogi state, the stakes have never been higher, as the lead up to a brand new administration draws near millions of Kogites are pondering.
The quest to see the emergence of a competent leader cuts across the three Senatorial districts in the state as these ponderings are not restricted to one region Citizens want to know: To whose hand should the Destiny of the Confluence land lie? Who will serve us BEST as Executive Steward and Governor of Kogi State?
All over the Internet and beyond, myriad questions are being asked. Kogites want to know who will be faithful and competent enough to be entrusted with their collective future? Kogites are eager to know who among the aspirants will be truthful to his own policy documents and administrative blueprint as captured in their manifestos? Kogites are asking: who among this plethora of aspirants stands a leader who is clothed with qualities of integrity, empathy and love for humanity?
Now more than ever, the people’s passion to be part of the electoral process is at an all time high. The good people of Kogi are resolved to vote in an individual who would be accountable, just, and fair.
While we continue to ponder and ruminate on these pertinent questions, Allow this writer to suggest for our collective scrutiny and acceptance, a spirited, albeit level-headed man, untainted by the avarice of politics, idealistic about the future, and filled to the brim with ideas to turn things around for Kogi as a whole.
I present to the good people of Kogi state, 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝗝𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗵, popularly known as AG to most, and JB to some. He is a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress, the immediate past Accountant General of the state and the Frontline Governorship aspirant. He is calm, amiable and relatable.
His tenacity belies his reserved demeanour, as he is an active mobilizer of youths and women, and a grassroot community developer to the core.His impact as a humanitarian and his penchant for development transcend his own native land of Okene as he has continued to embark on various schemes, and empowerment initiatives across local government areas in the state; he has undertaken renovations of schools in his immediate community and beyond, as well as spearheaded the drilling of boreholes to bring potable water to many communities.
Moreso, he has contributed to Youth development by undertaking to cover exam fees as well as scholarships with numerous beneficiaries.
Most recently, Alhaji Jibrin Momoh donated food items across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State in a bid to ameliorate hardships during the holy month of Ramadan, and did the same for Christian less fortunate counterparts over the Easter holidays as well.
Easter visit to orphanage on behalf of Alh. Jibrin Momoh Donation of food items during Ramadan, courtesy of Alh. Jibrin Momoh
These are but many other outreach schemes his philanthropic hands have provided. 𝗝𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 – as his campaign has cleverly been coined, continues to create opportunities for young people, women, and the elderly to get empowered, and to build capacity in order to be independent and provide for themselves.
All these, he has done on his own dime and benevolence.
Imagine such innovation, such care and concern for poor and vulnerable people, backed by Government resources and the political will to establish policy and programmes that will galvanize the citizens of Kogi State to greatness?
Just imagine the endless possibilities of having an individual like Alhaji Jibrin Momoh at Lugard House, acting for the people and establishing projects that will better our lives. Imagine a leader who is a go-getter, one who is youth-oriented, who is gender sensitive and women inclusive, who gives equal opportunity to all that deserve it, who is accountable, and who will as a matter of fact, deliver on every mandate he proclaims.
It is easy to imagine, because he has already begun to do them, long before he will ever grace Lugard House with his integrity, brilliance and innovation.
Indeed, his popularity among the grassroots and his hardwork has caught the attention of interested stakeholders, who are actively calling on Alhaji Jibrin Momoh to come forth, and take the baton, to run, and win the race at the upcoming Primary elections. Indeed, the call has been made for us to select the BEST leader for our collective good.
Alh. Jibrin Momoh – A man of the people.
We must not let doubt and fear hold us back from selecting the Best hand to create and sustain prosperity in Kogi State.
Like a mother who returns back to the labour room despite the pain of previous childbirth, we must not relent to take a leap of faith once more; we must trudge on to the polls, come November, to 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩 a new era, as it were. We will toil and 𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳 with nothing but hope and pray fervently, that this vote, this ballot, this election will be the one to herald even bigger transformative government for Kogi and her citizens.
We will argue, we will take sides, But we will do so together, hitching our wagons filled with dreams to a candidate, hoping for THE BEST who will champion transparency, efficiency, accountability, and drive to build and sustain the Kogi of our dreams.
And really, in these trying times… Don’t we all deserve THE BEST? Indeed all Kogites Deserve the Best.
Vote Alhaji Jibrin Momoh!
Vote The Best, Vote JBest!
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*𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘩 𝘡𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘪𝘳 is a multimedia journalist, and writer whose essays skew towards social commentary and community development. A PR and Communications specialist, She writes from Abuja and Kogi and can be reached via zubairmaymunah@gmail.com
Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello has rejoiced with the Christian faithful on the occasion of the 2023 Easter celebration.
Bello who spoke in a special message on Friday through a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed congratulated the Christian faithful for the successful completion of the lent season which he noted was much-needed self-denial to pray for the peace of the country and wisdom for the leaders.
“I wish to rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world on the auspicious occasion of the 2023 Easter celebrations. As we all know, Easter is marked by Christians as a joyous holiday because it represents the gratification of the prophecies and the revelation of God’s redemptive plan for the followers of Christ”.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the nation’s progress, Bello said Easter also signifies the celebration of the defeat of death and the hope for salvation.
“In immortalizing the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also means the celebration of the defeat of death and the hope of salvation therefore, I urge all citizens to keep faith in our leaders with prayers for a greater Nigeria”, he said
The governor added that just as the death, and resurrection of Christ signified hope for mankind, there must be a renewal of hope for our nation in this season of great challenges.
He urged Christians to reflect on critical issues affecting the nation and to continue seeking the face of God Almighty for the country so that security, unity and peace will prevail in the overall national interest.
Governor Bello who noted that the 2023 general elections, which will usher in new breeds of leaders across the country by May 29 represent a watershed for Nigeria insisted that all citizens who participated effectively in the process of electing leaders into the various offices must also commit themselves to pray for the smooth transmission of government, growth and prosperity of the country.
While assuring the Christian faithful in Kogi state of the state’s commitment to a joyous celebration free of all hitches, he added that security operatives and other collaborating agencies are working together round-the-clock to checkmate crime and secure the lives and properties of citizens.
Governor Bello urged all Christians who observe the season to find strength and solace in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
ONOGWU Muhammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor 07/04/2023
Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello has commiserated with the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu over the death of his wife, Mrs Ifeoma Adah Kalu whose sad event occurred earlier on Monday.
The governor, in his condolence letter expressed shock over the passing of Mrs Ifeoma Kalu whom he described as an excellent woman, affectionate wife and dutiful mother.
“I am deeply shocked to hear the news of the passing of your dear wife, Mrs Ifeoma Adah Kalu whose sad event occurred earlier on Monday. my dear friend, I am aware of how close you both were as husband and wife and I can imagine how greaving you are at the moment.
I know it hurts so bad to lose a loving wife and dependable partner of many years. I wish I could find enough words to comfort you at this moment.
I understand late Mrs Ifeoma Adah Kalu was an excellent woman, affectionate wife and dutiful mother of your children who was loved by all those who came in contact with her”, the governor said.
Governor Bello urged senator Kalu, his children and other members of his family to take solace in the time his wife spent while stating that she lived well, and served the will of God.
“You must, however, take solace in the time your wife spent with us and the testimonies of her fear of God and charity should provide strength for the family, knowing that she lived well, and served the will of the Almighty”, Bello said
Rest assured that my thoughts are with you and my prayers are that you, the children and all those she left behind will find the strength to continue where she stopped. May her soul find eternal rest”.
Mrs Ifeoma Adah Kalu died Monday, 3rd April, 2023 at the age of 61.
