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Tag: Bello

  • Yahaya Bello names Ahmed Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebira land

    Yahaya Bello names Ahmed Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebira land

    • Kogi governor deposes three monarchs

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello yesterday appointed Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, who is the Ohi of Okenwe, as the Ohinoyi of Ebira land.

    The governor also deposed three traditional rulers of the state.

    He also appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo-Kabir as the Maigari of Lokoja.

    The governor made the pronouncements in an address on Monday in Government House, Lokoja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tijani-Anaje replaces the late Ohinoyi, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, who died on October 29, last years, at the age of 94 due to protracted illness.

    Gambo-Kabir replaces the late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi III, who died on September 28, 2022, at age of 80.

    Bello also appointed Alhaji Dauda Isah as the Maiyaki of Kupa in Lokoja, Lokoja Local Government Area.

    The governor said his administration came up with the appointments after due intervention to resolve the lingering controversies that characterised the selection process for the three vacant stools in the state.

    He announced the removal of three traditional rulers and suspension of others.

    “Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations, and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions:

    “His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who is also the Chairman of Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, is hereby removed and to be deposed to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo, is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “Similarly, on decision of the title: Obobanyi of Ihima, which reads on the promotion letter, upgrading the stool to first-class status, was done without cognisance to the fact that the title: Obobanyi of Ihima, is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at the possible final decision.

    “As such, the government has, however, received several petitions, calling attention to the need to revert and maintain the status quo until the court of law decides.

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    “To this end, the stool is hereby reverted to Obobanyi of Emani, as the present occupant remains deposed.

    “Also, His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government Area, is to be suspended indefinitely,” Yahaya said.

    The governor appointed Malam Saidu Akawo Salihu as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe and to be turbaned immediately to avoid a vacuum.

    He explained that the appointment followed the selection decision of the Odaki Ruling House, dated: April 27, 2012, and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated: May 14, 2012.

    “Finally, going by the High Court judgment of 1998, which gave full recognition to Ododo as bona fide child of Ita’Azi, the father of Ebira land and Uhuodo as a distinct district in Ebira land with equal rights as others.

    “Therefore, the stool of Ohi of Uhuodo is hereby created and processes for the occupation of the stool to commence with immediate effect,” he said.

  • Kogi Governor Bello dissolves exco

    Kogi Governor Bello dissolves exco

    • Appoints Accountant-General, others

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, yesterday dissolved the State Executive Council. The move serves as a recalibration of the governance trajectory and signifies the initiation of the comprehensive transition process.

    Heads of agencies, parastatals and other appointees are also affected by the announcement.

    Making the announcement at the end of the State Executive Council Meeting yesterday at the EXCO Hall of the governor’s office, Governor Bello commends affected officials for exemplifying unparalleled commitment, diligence, and unwavering patriotism throughout their tenure.

    Acknowledging their contributions, he wished them success in their future endeavors.

    He directed the affected officials affected to ensure a thorough and proper handover process, transferring all pertinent government documents, properties, and materials to the permanent secretary of their ministries or senior government officials stationed in their respective offices.

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    However, the governor retained the following members of the council and aides; the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr Ayoade Arike; State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (RETD); Deputy Chief of Staff Sunday Faleke; Director-General, Government House Administration, Alhaji Oricha Umaru Shaibu; Attorney General and commissioner for Justice Mohammed Sanni Ibrahim, SAN; Commissioner for Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Abubakar Bashir Mohammed; Commissioner for Information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo and Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development among others.

    Similarly, Governor Bello makes new appointment of the following persons to fill the vital vacant positions in the state;

    Habibat Oyiza Tijani, State’s Accountant-General, Abdulrazaq Muhammed, Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Auditor-General for Local Governments, Kadiri Mohammed Okeji, Special Adviser on Finance, Isah Taofeeq, Director-General, Project Monitoring Agency.

    Governor Bello also appointed some persons as Security Advisers from all the Federal Constituencies in the state.

  • Gov Bello presents ambulances, fire fighting vans to LGAs, SUVs to judges, legislators

    Gov Bello presents ambulances, fire fighting vans to LGAs, SUVs to judges, legislators

    Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has presented 25 ambulances to all the local government areas of the State and some tertiary institutions as well as fire fighting vans to the Fire Service in Lokoja.

    These were part of efforts to further aid the smooth functioning of the state’s health sector adjudged as one of the best in the country currently, in line with the State government’s prioritisation of the sector and to enable quicker handling of emergencies. 

    The Governor also presented 40 SUV cars and four Hilux vans to the lawmakers and judges at a brief ceremony on Friday, in Lokoja, the state capital. 

    Governor Bello stressed that the autonomy granted to the legislature and Local Government was geared towards service delivery, noting that the Judiciary, Legislature and Local Governments had enjoyed their autonomy under his administration.

    He said: “Today we can boost of a reference specialist hospital in Okene, that has been adjudged the best in Sub Saharan Africa. The Ambulances would help attend to emergencies within the shortest possible time towards an efficient health care delivery. 

    “We have made the health need of our people top priority under our administration, reason the 2024 budget is basically aimed at employment generation for health care providers and consolidation of the available infrastructure that has made us reference in north central Nigeria.

    “It is also our avowed determination to ensure that our judicial officers are provided with the needed means to make them deliver justice without fear or favour,” he said.

    “Over the years, we have witnessed some fire incidences that could have been averted but for want of the necessary equipment. It is our determination that henceforth, we will, with the provision of the fire service vehicles, fight fire incidences promptly and efficiently.”

    Bello assured the people of the State that his administration would continue to offer the necessary intervention that would improve the well-being of the people, assuring that his efforts would be witnessed till the last minutes of his administration.

    Kogi Speaker Hon. Umar Aliyu, commended the unwavering commitment of Governor Yahaya Bello to delivering quality services to the people of the State.

    Read Also: Bello presents 40 SUG cars, 25 ambulances to lawmakers, judges, LGAs

    “You have proven to be an advocate of the well-being and welfare of the legislators. The Assembly members have witnessed unprecedented support under your leadership in improving on our productivity,” he noted.

    Kogi Commissioner For Health Dr. Usman Zakari, said, following a baseline and needs assessment carried out in 2018, the present administration of Governor Bello employed over 3000 health workers and improved on the infrastructure in all health institutions.

    He described Governor Bello as a game changer in the state’s health Sector.

    “You have procured ambulances for all the Local Government areas. This gesture has provided the opportunity to prevent maternal death and to be able to transport patients, for emergency, for linkages and referrals,” he stated. 

    The Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Josiah Mejabi, thanked the governor for considering the welfare of judges as paramount towards enhanced judicial service to the people of the state.

  • Bello presents 40 SUG cars, 25 ambulances to lawmakers, judges, LGAs

    Bello presents 40 SUG cars, 25 ambulances to lawmakers, judges, LGAs

    Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello on Friday presented 40 SUG cars and four Hilux vans to the state’s lawmakers and judges.

    He also presented 25 ambulances to local governments.

    The governor also presented three brand new Fire Fighting Vans to the state’s Fire Service in Lokoja.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alhaji Umar Yusuf, got a SUV and two supporting cars while his deputy, majority and other 22 members got one each in different classes and brands.

    Nine of the cars went to the Judiciary for distribution to the judges in the state.

    Presenting the vehicles in a colourful ceremony at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja on Friday, Bello described the gesture as his own way of stimulating performance and rewarding hard work.

    Read Also: Community hails Bello on road project

    Bello tasked the beneficiaries to see the gesture as part of encouragement to them to serve the state better towards its growth and development.

    Of the 25 ambulances, he said each of the 21 LGAs would have one for their Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) while three would go to the three referral hospitals in the three senatorial districts as well as one to Kogi Specialist Hospital.

    The Speaker commended the governor for the show of love and better welfare for the legislators.

    Dr. Usman Zakari, the Health Commissioner, thanked the governor for the ambulances, which he said would go a long way in enhancing the wellbeing of the citizens of the state; while the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Josiah Mejabi, appreciated the governor for considering the welfare of judges.

  • Community hails Bello on road project

    Community hails Bello on road project

    The residents of Ogane-Inugwu community in Dekina Local Government area of Kogi State have expressed their gratitude to Governor Yahaya Bello for the inclusion of their road in the  approved 2024 budget.

    The road, titled: “170000010266 Construction of Iyale Odolu Ogane-Inugwu Agbada Etutekpe Roads,” holds significant importance for the community, which has long grappled with the challenges posed by its dilapidated state.

    Speaking to reporters in Lokoja on Wednesday, shortly after the budget was signed into law, the community leader of Odolu-Efu, Oganenigwu, Mal Seidu Alhassan, representing the community, conveyed heartfelt thanks to Governor Bello for addressing the longstanding issue.

    He emphasized that the construction of this 25KM road would not only enhance the quality of life for the residents but also stimulate economic activities across Kogi East by connecting numerous communities.

    Governor Bello, on Wednesday, signed the 2024 budget amounting to N258,278,501,339.00 into law.

    The 2024 budget, named ‘Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth,’ earlier passed by the State House of Assembly.

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    The passage followed the adoption of the report of the House Standing Committee on Appropriation, Budget Monitoring, and Economic Planning.

    At the clause-by-clause consideration by the committee of supply, the Speaker, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said the bill had in it an authorised recurrent expenditure of over N145.7 billion naira, while the authorised capital expenditure stood at over N112.5 billion naira.

    He said the bill, which showed the allocation of funds to each ministry, department, and agency, would take effect on January 1, 2024, and end on December 30, 2024.

  • Ohinoyi’s demise: emir of Kano condoles with Bello

    Ohinoyi’s demise: emir of Kano condoles with Bello

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello,  yesterday received the Emir of Kano,  Aminu Ado Bayero, who visited him to offer condolence on the demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Dr. Ado Ibrahim.

    During the visit, Alhaji Ado Bayero extended his sympathies to the government  and the people of Kogi State following the passing of the monarch.

    Bello expressed his deep appreciation to the Emir and the Emirates Council for their heartfelt condolences and journey to offer their support. He lauded the late Ohinoyi for his influential and exemplary life, saying: “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for deeming it fit to condole with us and for embarking on such a significant journey from Kano to Kogi State. We truly value this expression of love.

    ‘’The late Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Sa’aki, lived an honorable life and left an indelible impact on the lives of his people during his time.”

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    Governor Bello  discussed his administration’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of traditional rulers in the state.

    He said that this commitment would be upheld by his successor.

      Bello emphasised the cordial relationship and cooperation between the government and the traditional rulers in Kogi State, with a focus on the greater welfare of the people.

    He noted the harmonious relationship established by the late Ohinoyi with the Kano Emirates and traditional rulers across Nigeria.

    Dr. Ado Bayero conveyed the heartfelt condolences and commiserations of the Kano Emirates to the governor, the government, and the people of Kogi State. He also praised Governor Bello for fostering and maintaining strong relationships with traditional rulers within the state.

  • Kogi Gov Bello releases N497m 2023 WAEC exam fees

    Kogi Gov Bello releases N497m 2023 WAEC exam fees

    Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has approved the immediate disbursement of N497 million for the payment of the 2023 WAEC examination fees for students enrolled in the state’s public schools. 

    The disbursement is also in realisation of the administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school level within Kogi State’s public schools, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the “Zero Out-of-School Policy” in the state. 

    A statement on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, said: “This resolute step reflects the administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It aims to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.

    Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has approved the immediate disbursement of N497 million for the payment of the 2023 WAEC examination fees for students enrolled in the state’s public schools. 

    Read Also: Why APC will win Kogi, by Bello

    The disbursement is also in realisation of the administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school level within Kogi State’s public schools, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the “Zero Out-of-School Policy” in the state. 

    A statement on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, said: “This resolute step reflects the administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It aims to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians. 

    “Furthermore, the Governor recently emphasised that his administration would penalise parents who fail to enroll their children in school under his leadership. This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment to not only increasing access to education but also ensuring active participation.” 

    Among the schools that will directly benefit from this WAEC fees initiative, Dekina has the highest number of students, with 1,867 beneficiaries, followed by Lokoja Local Government Area, which has 1,569 students and Okene, 1,345 students. 

    In total, this noble initiative will benefit a substantial 15,033 students, fostering a brighter educational future for the youth of Kogi State.

  • Why APC will win Kogi, by Bello

    Why APC will win Kogi, by Bello

    Kogi State’s Governor Yahaya Bello has assured supporters that the All Progressives Congress (APC) the ruling party will win the forthcoming governorship election in the North Central state with a wide margin.

    He said the party will win because of the unprecedented achievements of his administration.

    The governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to cooperate with the Armed Forces in ensuring a peaceful election and a level-playing field for all contenders.

    Bello gave the assurances in Lokoja, yesterday when he received the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Mustapha, who was on a collaboration visit to the Kogi State Governor towards a peaceful election in the state.

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    The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, stressed that he would work within the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in achieving a violence-free election, noting that his administration had made security a topmost priority since his assumption of office.

    Governor Bello’s words: “Having done well in all sectors of the economy of the State, particularly in security, we’re very optimistic that it will encourage our people to turn out en masse and exercise their civic duty.”

    them for doing well. We will continue to give them the needed support to enable them to serve the State and people better,” he said.

  • NANS defends Bello’s record in education

    NANS defends Bello’s record in education

    The National Association of Nigerian Students has commended Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello for his administration’s achievement in the education sector.

    The students body said Kogi state institutions have being producing “excellent and bright students before and within the administration of Governor Bello.”

    The association said with what Bello has done in the education sector, the state “will in future produce more excellent and sound graduates as it has been one of our trademarks as a state.”

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    President of National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, said this in response to comments made by the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, who flayed the performance of Bello in the sector.

    The students urged Melaye to invest his energy in “providing educational scholarship to the teeming youths in his constituency and or Kogi at large rather than investing on exotic cars.

    Adekanbi, who addressed reporters in Abuja, said: “We are using this opportunity to encourage Governor Bello never to be distracted by those mischief makers that his giant strides on the educational sector in Kogi is seen and felt overwhelmingly.”

  • APC’ll win Nov 11 Gov poll with wide margin, Bello assures

    APC’ll win Nov 11 Gov poll with wide margin, Bello assures

    Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has assured supporters that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the November 11 governorship election with a wide margin on the back of achievements of his administration.

    Bello gave the assurances in Lokoja, on Thursday, when he received the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Mustapha, who was on a collaboration visit to the Kogi State Governor towards a peaceful election in the state.

    The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, stressed that he would work within the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in achieving a violence-free election, noting that his administration had made security topmost priority since assumption of office.

    “Having done well in all sectors of the economy of the State, particularly in security, we’re very optimistic that it will encourage our people to turn out en masse and exercise their civic duty.

    “Our outstanding achievements, which are visible, will speak and work for us, with the greatest of assurances that we will win overwhelmingly. We will cooperate with the Armed Forces in ensuring a peaceful election and also provide a level playing field for all contenders and for the people to turn out en masse to vote.

    “Kogi people are peaceful. We have, since the coming of our administration, made security of lives and properties a priority. We want to assure our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of stability, peace before, during and after the Governorship election.

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    “We also want to applaud the CDS for measures he has put in place for a peaceful election in the State,” the Governor stated.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu and Chief of Defence Staff for the significant reduction in crimes in the North West and South East since the coming of the present administration.

     Mustapha assured that the Armed Forces would be fully on ground towards ensuring a peaceful, violence free and credible election in Kogi State.

    He described the State as very strategic and important to the country, saying this was the reason the President was very particular about a peaceful election in the state and assured of maximum security to enable people to exercise their civic responsibilities.

    “The Armed Forces are here for the people of the State. I urge the people to turn out en masse to vote. The Armed Forces are concerned about ensuring a free and fair election for citizens to enjoy democracy. I therefore want to encourage eligible voters to come out and vote,” he said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, however, warned that men of the Armed Forces who display unprofessional Conduct will be punished, while calling on members of the public to report any case of misconduct to the Military.