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Category: Northern Report

  • Abdulrazaq flags off 209.77km roads in Kwara

    Abdulrazaq flags off 209.77km roads in Kwara

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday flagged-off the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads totaling 209.77km, doubling down on his administration’s drive to connect the state’s agrarian hinterlands to the markets in the urban areas and strengthen food security.

    The projects are being prosecuted under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), an initiative for which the administration has committed at least N4bn counterpart funds in the last five years. 

    RAAMP is jointly funded by the World Bank and French Development Agency, with the state government providing counterpart funds.

    AbdulRazaq said the investments have yielded the 209.77km costed at N19,404,220,675.55 for the benefits of the people. 

    The road projects include Alapa-Hoko (0.7km); Madi-Peke (17.5km); Mandala-Yowere-Agbonna (12.485 km); Gerewu-Eiyekorin- Okoolowo Expressway (3.07km); Panada-Oloro ((5.43km); Inaja-Alaro-Inaja Maliki (6.22km); Ijagbo-Aperun-Adeleke- Igbawere (6.85km); Kpandarako-Ginda- Kusomunu- Kachitako- Tsakpata Lealea- Gulufu Bacita (22.89km); and Lafiagi- Effagi – Putata road (9.53km).

    Others are Oko Olowo- SokotoTafatafa -Elere-Owode Oja- Baba Kudu- Akopari- Otte Oja road (23.23km); Odo Ode- Soliu-Arogun-Ikotun-Oke Amin-Rondo- Offa road (22.08km); Babanla-Budo Idowu-Alasoro-Owode- Shagbe (10.53km); Kpada-Gakpan (9.58km); and Yakiru-Tabiru-Kenu rural road (59.69km).

    “This flag-off for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of rural roads spanning 209.77km and connecting 16 local government areas is the fruit of huge investment, strategic planning, our commitment to rural urban development and food security, and our drive for rapid socioeconomic growth and sustainable job opportunities,” the Governor said in Ilorin at the ceremony which attracted national and state parliamentarians, members of judiciary, cabinet members, and royalties.

    AbdulRazaq said the RAAMP project aligns with the government’s commitment to revolutionize rural infrastructure for agricultural development in the state. 

    The Governor commended the World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD) for providing the fund and the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for proper coordination of RAAMP activities in Nigeria.

    AbdulRazaq announced that the government will soon award contracts for the construction of three Agro-logistics Centres, one in each senatorial district (Ajase-Ipo, Alapa and Kaiama) and more rural roads that will spread to other LGAs.

    “On assumption of office in 2019, our administration immediately paid the first tranche of the counterpart fund. Between 2019 and now, our government has paid the sum of Four Billion, Twenty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand Naira (N4,026,891,000) as a counterpart fund. No amount was paid before 2019,” he said. 

    He urged the contractors and consultants to deliver these projects within stipulated time and design specifications, and urged the host communities to support the initiative. 

    “For these roads to stand the test of time through quality maintenance, I have signed the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and State Road Fund (SRF) bills into law. I have also approved the constitution of the Boards of the Agency,” he added. 

    Senator Ashiru, who spoke on behalf of other National Assembly members from the state, said many states of the federation, except Kwara, have long been benefiting from RAAMP intervention because the previous administrations in the state failed to fulfill the required obligations.

    He praised Governor AbdulRazaq for the payment of counterpart funds which is an important requirement for accessing the grant, calling him a lover of the masses. 

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq using demolition to intimidate citizens, alleges Saraki

    Danladi described the project as another laudable initiative of the administration that will go a long way to ease access to farm produce and contribute to socio-economic development of the state.

    Works Commissioner Abdulquawiy Olododo, commended the Governor and other key stakeholders for their contributions and tireless efforts that made the day a reality, noting that the project will enhance connectivity, facilitate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

    “For this year 2024, not less than 170 road projects have been embarked upon across Kwara State with at least 65% of them already completed while others are progressing at an appreciable pace,” Olododo added. 

    The State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr Isaac Kolo, said the government’s investments in rural road infrastructure and agro-logistics facilities showed that the Governor is visionary, goal-oriented and passionate about the people’s well-being.

  • APC sweeps Kaduna LG elections, wins all 23 chairmanship seats

    APC sweeps Kaduna LG elections, wins all 23 chairmanship seats

    • Party also claims 255 councillorship seats

    Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) has declared the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of all the 23 local government chairmanship and 255 councilorship seats in the local government elections held across the state yesterday.

    Announcing the results, KAD-SIECOM Chairman, Hajara Mohammed, said eight political parties participated in the elections, but the APC emerged victorious in all the contested positions.

    “The electoral officers have submitted their reports, and at the end of the exercise, APC candidates won all 23 chairmanship positions and 255 councillorship seats across the state,” she said.

    Mohammed further confirmed that the results were compiled in accordance with the law, with all local government and ward returning officers declaring the outcomes in their respective constituencies.

    Meanwhile, the state governor, Uba Sani, yesterday commended the conduct of elections.

    Speaking shortly after casting his vote at LEA Kawo polling unit 047, the governor expressed satisfaction with the process, describing the election as generally free, fair, and peaceful.

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    Governor Sani noted that turnout across the 23 local government areas was satisfactory, with only minor issues reported in a few polling units. He emphasised the importance of local government elections in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had extensively campaigned throughout the state.

    The governor urged voters to remain peaceful and reminded them that in every election, there are winners and losers. He expressed confidence that the electoral process would result in credible outcomes.

    Also commending the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (Kad-SIECOM) for the successful conduct of the elections, the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) in a statement signed by its chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, praised the transparent and orderly manner in which the polls were conducted, despite security challenges.

    “We are pleased to note that the voters in Kaduna demonstrated a high level of civic responsibility. The police and other security agencies also ensured a safe and secure environment for voters,” NAN stated.

    The group urged elected officials to serve the people with integrity and work towards the progress of the state, pledging continued support for democratic processes in Northern Nigeria.

    Similarly, the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) described the elections as peaceful, free, and fair. The forum, in a statement by its convener, Comrade Paul Danjuma, commended KADSIECOM for conducting a credible election, noting that areas monitored in Kaduna metropolis showed no hitches.

  • Kogi procures relief materials for flood victims

    Kogi procures relief materials for flood victims

    The Kogi State Government has procured massive relief materials for distribution to flood victims in the State to ameliorate the hardship being experienced by flood victims. 

    This was made known in Lokoja by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, while briefing newsmen on the efforts of the State Government at providing succour for victims of flood in the State. 

    He said: “We are not just crying for help, we have set the ball rolling by expending huge resources on making provisions for the needs of flood victims in the State. 

    “We have taken delivery of the first tranche of the relief materials and many more trucks are on their way. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to the welfare of the Kogi people and he will spare no resources in ensuring that flood victims do not suffer hardship at this trying period. 

    “As a responsible and responsive administration, we won’t wait entirely for help from outside. It is the responsibility of the Government to stand with the victims at a time like this.”

    Fanwo said the materials already delivered were foodstuffs such as rice, semovita, beverages and other food items. He also said that some medical consumables, mosquito nets, mattresses and other household needs had been delivered. 

    Read Also: NEMA deploys team to Kogi as flood affects 1,659 persons, displaces 517

    “The State Government engaged a major service provider to supply the needs of persons displaced by the unfortunate natural disaster. We are satisfied with the services provided as we look forward to more relief materials in line with our agreement with the service provider.

    “The Kogi State Government wishes to assure the victims that they are not alone in this trying time. We are with them and will continue to provide for their needs. 

    “We want to reiterate our call for assistance from the Federal Government, international organizations as well as NGOs and philanthropists to come to our aid. We are doing our best but we cannot do it all,” he said.

  • MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    The Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID Foundation) in collaboration with UNESCO Abuja is set to mark the 2024 Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week in Kano.

    The event is scheduled to hold from October 22-24.

    In a statement, it said: “It will feature a two-day MIL capacity building training for youth and youth-led organisations in northwest Nigeria, culminating with a high-level advocacy gathering on the importance of media and information literacy.

    “The Global MIL Week is an annual event organised by UNESCO worldwide to raise awareness and celebrate the progress achieved towards Media and Information Literacy for all.

    “The week, observed every October, features a series of activities by stakeholders, including a major event by UNESCO’s head office in partnership with a Member State.

    The global theme for this year, “The new digital frontiers of information: Media and Information Literacy for public-interest information,” highlights the importance of MIL for the public good, particularly for young people.

    “Media and Information Literacy is a crucial skill for all consumers of media and information, particularly in countries like Nigeria with a burgeoning youth population that requires critical thinking skills and competencies in their engagement and interaction both online and offline,” said Chiamaka Okafor, Executive Director, MILID Foundation.

    Speaking about the importance of such interventions, Head of Office and Representative, UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo said, “UNESCO understands the vital role youths and youth-led organisations play in the information sharing space. With Media and Information Literacy skills, the youths are strategically placed to engage in youth-led advocacy for a better, peaceful, integrated, prosperous, and more informed world.”

    Representatives of youth and youth-led organisations at this maiden national MIL and youth engagement are expected from Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

    The high-level advocacy gathering will also feature government officials including Kano State commissioners for information and education, academics, media, civil society organisations, and students.

  • 140 women to receive life-changing fistula surgeries in Nigeria

    140 women to receive life-changing fistula surgeries in Nigeria

    The Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Women’s Health (BFFWH) has announced a collaborative initiative with the Fistula Foundation to provide critical medical interventions for women living with obstetric fistula across Nigeria.

    Director of Media and Technology, for the Foundation, Ibukun Ogundare, in a statement on Friday said the partnership aims to transform the lives of 140 women through free fistula repair surgeries and comprehensive care on a first come first serve basis.

    Obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour, often leads to social isolation and emotional trauma for affected women.

    BFFWH’s comprehensive approach includes surgical repairs, rehabilitation programs, community mobilization and awareness campaigns, training healthcare workers, and broader women’s health programs.

    Ogundare added the project, scheduled to run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, targets 140 fistula repair surgeries through routine care and dedicated surgical camps in Kaduna, Abuja, and Zamfara.

    According to him, the partners have identified Gwarinpa General Hospital in Abuja, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Center in Gusau, Zamfara, as the strategic locations for these surgeries.

    The statement read in part: “As a non-profit organization, BFFWH is dedicated to improving reproductive health and well-being for women, with a primary focus on treating, preventing, and rehabilitating obstetric fistula patients.

    Read Also: Hospital conducts free surgeries on 200 VVF patients in Sokoto

    “Since its inception, BFFWH has provided hundreds of women with free fistula surgeries and empowerment programs to rebuild their lives.

    “Through partnerships with government agencies, international donors, and community stakeholders, BFFWH remains committed to promoting maternal health and eliminating fistula in Nigeria. This collaboration with the Fistula Foundation will enable BFFWH to expand its reach and impact.

    “Beyond surgery, the project will provide post-surgery support, including psychological counselling and skills training, to help patients reintegrate into society. BFFWH aims to transform lives and foster economic independence among fistula survivors.

    “We believe eliminating fistula requires collective action and invites government agencies, healthcare providers, and community leaders to join hands in ensuring no woman is left behind”.

  • You’ve no contract to fix Kwara Hotel, Court tells MM’s Crystal Group 

    You’ve no contract to fix Kwara Hotel, Court tells MM’s Crystal Group 

    An Ilorin High Court has struck out a case instituted against the Kwara State Government by the Hon. Moshood Mustapha-owned Crystal Group of Companies Limited over the remodelling of the legacy Kwara Hotel. 

    Hon. Justice E. B. Mohammed struck out the case after upholding the preliminary objections of the state government on the matter. 

    The judge said no document was before the court to show that the Crystal Group had any valid contract with the state government to remodel the iconic hotel, shutting down the much-parroted claim that the government had reneged on its commitment with the firm. 

    The court held that a draft agreement or an unsigned agreement by either of the parties is worthless and cannot cloth Crystal Group of Companies Limited with the legal right to pursue any action against the government regarding Kwara Hotel. 

    “The claimant’s suit against Kwara State Government on Kwara Hotels is hereby struck out,” the court held, potentially turning the page on the topic.

    The government had repeatedly explained that it signed no agreement with the Crystal Group and whatever talks between them had not reached the level of a legal agreement binding on either party.

  • Senator vows to unravel barriers to transparency in petroleum sector

    Senator vows to unravel barriers to transparency in petroleum sector

    The newly appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Kawu Sumaila, on Wednesday, October 16, vowed to tackle the persistent lack of transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, which he likened to a “cabal.”

    Sumaila was appointed as chairman of the Committee following the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Uba who represented Anambra South.

    Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday at the National Assembly Sumaila detailed his plans to shed light on the sector’s operations and engage the public in meaningful dialogue.

    With rising fuel prices impacting Nigerians daily, Sumaila emphasised the urgent need for clarity and accountability within the industry.

    He said: “Our first step will be to study the current situation and gather information from relevant agencies.”

    He highlighted the importance of holding public hearings, to allow citizens to voice their concerns and experiences directly.

    Sumaila’s committee will focus specifically on reviewing contracts awarded by previous administrations and overseeing the current contracts for refinery repairs.

    By scrutinising the agreements, Sumaila targets to expose any irregularities and ensure that funds are being used effectively.

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    He said: “We need to ask the hard questions and hold a public hearing to allow Nigerians to express their views.”

    In his commitment to transparency, Sumaila detailed his plans to engage with stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and refinery operators, to understand the barriers to efficient production and accountability.

    According to him, the recent visits to the refineries have given course for concerns about unmet production timelines, prompting a call for a more rigorous evaluation of the situation.

    He said his focus on transparency was not only about identifying issues but fostering a culture of openness within the sector.

    He promised to use the committee to dismantle the “cabal-like” operations that have characterized the industry, ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and understandable to the public.

    He expressed his determination to implement measures that will stabilize the petroleum sector and address the legitimate concerns of Nigerians.

    By prioritising transparency and public engagement, he expressed the hope of restoring confidence in the management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.

  • NUJ names Gov Yusuf grand patron

    NUJ names Gov Yusuf grand patron

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has named Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf its grand patron in recognition of his development strides in the education and health sectors.

    NUJ National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, conferred the title on the Governor during a visit of the union’s leadership to Kano on Sunday. 

    Yusuf pledged support for the media in fulfilling its social responsibilities.

    Speaking to the visiting delegation, he said: “We hold the media in very high regard, and our relationship with journalists in Kano and beyond is excellent,” Governor Yusuf declared.

    “I am honoured to accept the role of Grand Patron of the NUJ in Kano, and I pledge to provide all necessary supporting to the union.”

    According to a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Isiguzo and his deputy, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, presented the newly elected leadership of the NUJ Kano chapter to the state governor.

    The NUJ is the second professional body to award Governor Yusuf for his commitment to education in recent weeks. 

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    The Nigeria Union of Teachers also named Governor Yusuf, the “Most Teacher-Friendly Governor of the Year,” a fact noted by the NUJ president 

    Isiguzo also pointed to the governor’s Fellowship from the United States Institute of Management and Leadership as clear evidence of his commitment to good governance.

    He said  “Your Excellency, if the teachers say you are the best, we should all take that as a true reflection of your performance.

    Usually, teachers take to the streets with placards to demand their rights, but in your case, they have commended your efforts in reforming the education sector.” 

    While congratulating the Governor on the awards, the NUJ president offered words of encouragement for the continuation of the excellent work started the Governor Yusuf, particularly in the areas of health and education.

    According to the statement, the NUJ President also requested the Governor’s support in hosting the first National Council of Women Journalists in Kano this November and called for the renovation of the Kano Press Centre to meet modern standards.

    He also urged the Governor to prioritise foreign training opportunities for Kano-based journalists to enable them to compete on a global scale and take their rightful position as trail blazers.

  • Old Boys pay SSCE fees of 41 Alma mata final-year students

    Old Boys pay SSCE fees of 41 Alma mata final-year students

    Parents and students at Government Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State, rejoiced as the 1984 set of the school paid the 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for 41 exceptional students.

    According to the providers, the award initiative marks the 40th anniversary of the alumni’s graduation and is designed to promote hard work and foster a culture of academic excellence.

    This is as the 1984 Set of the Government Secondary School Ilorin Old Boys’ Association also urged individuals and corporate entities to invest in brilliant secondary school students, emphasizing that the nation’s future depends on its talented youth, capable of competing globally.

    Muhammad Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the 1984 Set, explained that covering the SSCE fees for the students was a key part of their 40th-anniversary celebration.

    Speaking at the event held at the school, Baba Okanla, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), highlighted that the empowerment project was a collective decision by over 300 members of the Set, both locally and abroad.

    He further noted that the Set had a tradition of supporting the school through various infrastructure projects, such as renovating the Physics and Chemistry laboratories, Gambari House, and the School Mosque; providing furniture for the library, mattresses for boarders, and boreholes for water supply.

    According to him, for their 40th anniversary, the Set chose to prioritize empowering students in their academic pursuits, considering it the most impactful way to support the school and its community.

    He said: “It was a unanimous decision of our entire members that the empowerment intervention should be carried out and institutionalized, which was responsible for the overwhelming contributions of our men based at home and abroad.

    “We are also not unmindful of the fact that the maintenance culture in our society is poor considering that we had previously and consistently donated construction and rehabilitation projects in the school and we are always not too happy seeing how they have turned out after some years later.

    “It is on this basis that we felt that we should invest in our brilliant young ones, who have shown the capacity to be competitive anywhere they found themselves.

    “This gesture was a result of selfless effort and commitment of our members both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

    “To mark this 40 Anniversary, the 1984 Set has resolved to pay the WASSCE registration fees for 41 students of the School based on merit.

    “Our Set is also considering the establishment of an endowment fund, for the sustainability of the WASSCE registration fees payment scheme”.

    The State Commissioner of Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu, in her remarks commended the Old Boys for not abandoning their Alma Mata, saying, “As we gather today, we honour the pioneers who laid the foundation of this Association.

    “You remember the struggles, the triumphs and the countless contributions you have made to the community.

    “Over the years, your association has achieved remarkable feats like mentorship programmes and infrastructural development in your Alma mater.

    “As you look to the future, I charge you to continue being great ambassadors of the school as you continue to inspire and mentor the next generation”.

    In his goodwill message, Hon. Justice Zubayr Saliu of the Kogi State High Court urged the students not to disappoint those who provided the intervention, as well as their parents and society.

    He also encouraged others to follow the example of the 1984 alumni by giving back to their alma mater.

    Represented by Taye Matthew Odedeji, the UNESCO Desk Officer and Deputy Director of School Services at the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the Commissioner assured the audience of the State government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

    She emphasized that the Executive Governor of the State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and remains dedicated to improving the quality of education through infrastructural support and empowering alumni associations.

    “I therefore urge you to renew your commitment to your association through increased involvement in its activities support its initiatives and inspire others to join your noble cause” she added.

    In his remarks, the school’s principal, Ahmed Kuranga Yero, himself an alumnus, praised the Class of 1984 for their remarkable initiative, noting that it was the first of its kind in the school’s history, adding that the Old Boys might not fully realize the profound impact of their gesture.

    Yero, however, assured that the initiative would inspire all final-year students to strive for excellence, with hopes of being future award recipients.

    Read Also: 2024 SSCE: 60.55% of 1,367,736 c candidates pass English, Mathematics, three other subjects

    He urged other alumni to follow the example set by the Class of 1984, noting that their gesture would leave a lasting impression on both the students and their parents.

    The State’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Victor Olaiya, the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in the State, Umar Muhammed; and the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Hajia Fatima Abiola-Popoola, among others, delivered goodwill messages, offering congratulations and words of encouragement to the students and the celebrants.

    In his anniversary lecture, titled ‘Education Yesterday, today and Tomorrow: Challenges and Prospects’, Prof. Raheem Lawal from the Department of Arts Education, University of Ilorin, emphasized the vital role education plays in both individual lives and society.

    He urged alumni not to neglect their alma mater or the friendships forged during their school years.

    The event, which also featured a prayer session and gala night, culminated in the presentation of awards to the 41 outstanding students, witnessed by their proud parents and members of the public.

  • Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity

    Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity

    Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi has completed the construction of a military base in the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    According to him, the base would help to improve security in Kogi and Kwara states.

    During the inauguration of the base yesterday, the lawmaker  said: “I conceived the idea of the military base in January, this year to assist the Nigerian military and security agencies to ensure quick response in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals whose activities in recent times around the border of Kogi and Kwara (where there is a great expanse of forest that is fast becoming a fortress for criminals) is becoming an issue of national concern.

    “It is also hoped that the presence of a standard military base will serve as a deterrence to these criminals and restore peace and security in the communities in Kogi and Kwara states.’’

    Read Also: Counter-terrorism: FG to acquire 24 M-346 jets, 10 Trekker helicopters

    “The urge to construct, furnish, and hand over this edifice to the Nigerian Army is borne out of my commitment to assisting the military in protecting the lives of the citizenry and warding off criminals from our rural communities.”

    He noted that the new base contains two hostels containing 85-bed space for soldiers, fully furnished with beds, beddings, and fittings; Armory; office apartments for the Commander of the Military Base, among others.

    Governor Usman Ododo, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Commander Jerry Omadara (rtd), said the base would enable the Army to have the insecurity of the area under its control.’’

    “I therefore thank Senator Sunday Karimi for this wonderful initiative in the fulfillment of his constituent’s responsibility

    Therefore, the establishment of this Forward Operating Base will serve to form a chain of influx into Kogi State, provide the needed safety for our people, and also allow the Nigerian Army to take firm control of the security of this area, including Yagba east and beyond.”

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the GOC 2 Division, Maj.-Gen Obinna Onubogu, commended the lawmaker for the gesture.

    “Let me publicly extend my heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished Senator for his tenacity and commitment in spearheading the construction and completion of this strategic facility. As the Chief of Army Staff, I am able to say that it is through this kind of partnership and shared vision that the Nigerian Army is reassured that members of the civil populace appreciate our efforts in covering insecurity across the nation,”

    He said the base would help the Army to adequately secure the 10 other states.

    “Kogi State is integral to that effort because it is the most central state in Nigeria. The fact that Kodi State is dominated by the most significant river in Nigeria and is surrounded by states from the north-central to southwest, southeast, and south-south, namely Niger, Anambra, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara states means that Kogi State bears the most impact of any wave of insecurity emanating from River Niger or from any of these 10 surrounding states.

    “Thus, forward-operating bases like this are critical because it helps us project our operations to not only the host states but to neighbouring states as well.