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  • Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Wada, Karimi, Baba Ali rally grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, operating under the Kogi Progressive Stakeholders Forum (KPSF), on Wednesday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, pledging to double the state’s votes for his re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, where party leaders, lawmakers, elders and other key figures resolved to align fully with the ruling party at the centre.

    The forum said its objective is to promote unity and cohesion within the party while addressing internal gaps.

    Chairman of the forum and former Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, said KPSF was established to unite and mobilise grassroots supporters of the APC towards the success of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

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    He urged party members across the state to embrace peace, unity and internal cohesion, stressing that only a united APC could effectively support the president’s reform agenda and secure electoral victory.

    Wada said inclusiveness remains a core principle of the forum, noting that all party members, regardless of status or political leaning, must be carried along in the collective effort to strengthen the party and deepen democratic participation.

    Vice Chairman of the forum and member of the governing board of the North Central Commission, Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure overwhelming support from Kogi voters in 2027.

    He said the president’s leadership had continued to inspire confidence nationwide, adding that ongoing reforms would ultimately reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.

    Ali called on APC members and supporters across the 21 local government areas of the state to remain united and focused on consolidating the party’s gains, stressing that grassroots mobilisation remains critical to electoral success.

    Also speaking, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, representing Kogi West, described the endorsement and the growing alignment of the state with the APC as a positive development.

    He said President Tinubu deserved a second term to complete the economic and security reforms initiated by his administration, citing improvements in foreign exchange stability, security, access to student loans through NELFUND, infrastructure development and economic reforms that previous administrations avoided.

    Karimi acknowledged existing grievances among some party members and assured that their concerns would be addressed.

    “We know there are so many people in this state that are not happy and if we leave them like that, we will not win 2027 elections. We want Mr. President to win and win well.

    “We are not fighting anybody but we not pretenders. We are not liars. We are truthful. We are people that love Mr. President, we love Kogi and want to move the state forward”.

    Also speaking, Former Director General, National Productivity Centre, Dr. Kashim Akor, said the forum has created an avenue for aggrieved members of the party to channel their grievances with expectation that it will be addressed. He urged party leaders to embrace reconciliation and sacrifice. 

    A former local government chairman and lawmaker, Hon. Ganiyu Salawudeen (Erukutu), called on the reconciliation committee recently set up by President Tinubu to visit Kogi state.

    He said current leadership of APC in the state is one sided and political appointments are also lopsided.

    At the end of the meeting, stakeholders issued a communiqué in which they unanimously declared their total and unwavering support for President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. 

    The communiqué rejected what it described as divisive politics, calling for unity of purpose among political leaders of the state.

    The leaders urged the people of Kogi within and outside the state to embrace the APC as the most viable platform for advancing the state’s political and economic interests.

    They further pledged to mobilise human, material and political resources to deliver bloc votes for Tinubu across the 21 LGA’s of the state come 2027. 

    The motion endorsing President Tinubu for a second term was formally moved by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Chairman, Senate Services Committee and Senator Representing Kogi West and seconded by Dr Kashim Akor, Former DG, National Productivity Center who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

    Other prominent figures at the meeting included a Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abutu Yaro, Former House of Representatives Member Representing Lokoja /Kogi Hon Haruna Isah among several stakeholders and party elders from the state. 

    The meeting concluded with a call for sustained unity, equity and fairness, voter mobilisation and strategic engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the forum declared that the state  had “spoken with one voice” in support of President Tinubu and the ruling party the APC.

  • Karimi disburses N300m bursary to students in Kogi for Tinubu Support Group

    Karimi disburses N300m bursary to students in Kogi for Tinubu Support Group

    Disbursement of a N300 million bursary to students across Kogi State has commenced under the Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation (SSKEF), working with the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), marking the expansion of the scheme beyond Kogi West to cover all three senatorial districts.

    The programme, funded by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, is the second edition of the bursary initiative.

    The maiden edition in 2024 covered students largely from Kogi West Senatorial District, with N100 million disbursed among 1,390 beneficiaries across the district’s seven local government areas.

    In June 2025, SSKEF announced that the bursary would be extended to Kogi Central and Kogi East. Applications were subsequently opened to students from the three senatorial districts, targeting 1,390 beneficiaries in Kogi West, 610 in Kogi Central and 1,000 in Kogi East, bringing the total number of beneficiaries statewide to 3,000.

    Karimi’s media team, in a statement, said the 2026 disbursement began on Tuesday, 20 January, with successful applicants receiving N100,000 each.

    “This year’s edition of the bursary awards is an improvement on the maiden edition in 2024 when 1,000 students benefitted, limited to students from Kogi West alone.

    Originally, the Kogi West yearly scheme was designed to last the four-year tenure of the lawmaker in the 10th Senate,” the statement said.

    According to the media team, the bursary application portal opened on 1 August 2025 and closed on 31 August 2025, with eligibility limited to undergraduates in public tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education.

    It said beneficiaries of the 2024 bursary were excluded, along with students of private institutions and final-year students.

    “Any student who failed to upload or complete all required information in the application forms was not considered. Any student who applied before 1st August was automatically disqualified. Only those who applied online through the link provided were considered,” the statement added.

    The foundation said all applicants were subjected to the same screening process.

     “However, those recommended by the local government subcommittee will all receive their payment. We have beneficiaries from the College of Education Technical, Mopa, who do not have JAMB numbers or registration,” it said.

    The statement also quoted Senator Karimi as saying the scheme reflects his commitment to education and transparency.

    “Senator Sunday Steve Karimi remains committed to empowering students through financial assistance, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to the overall development of Kogi State. The seamless disbursement of this year’s bursary fulfils Senator Karimi’s earlier promise of a transparent, fair, efficient, and equitable process for all applicants,” it said.

    During a parley with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja in June 2025, Karimi had disclosed plans to disburse N300 million as bursary across the state.

    “Last year (2024), I gave a bursary of N100m to Kogi West students, but today, with the 96 wards in Kogi East, I have concluded arrangements to give out N100m as bursary to them. In Kogi Central, where we have 57 wards, I will give N61m as bursary, while I will also give N139m to Kogi West students in the names of the Tinubu Support Group and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation. This amounts to a total of N300m. That is what we are going to do, and it has already started,” he said.

    Beneficiary students and parents poured out their appreciation to SSKEF and TSG for the gesture.

    Hassan Abdulbashir, from Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi Central Senatorial District, said the bursary support has made a significant impact on his life.

    Atakolo Onalo, a lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, thanked the foundation for the bursary awarded to his daughter, a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    “This is the first major support from a political cycle in Kogi State, and my family and I do not take this for granted. Thank you, Distinguished Senator Sunday Karimi. We are grateful,” he said.

    Muhammad Munir, a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Kotonkarfe, said the support eased immediate financial pressure.

    “To be honest, my landlord has been on my neck over rent, and I was already losing sleep, not knowing where the next solution would come from.

    This bursary lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders and gave me hope when things were overwhelming,” he said.

    Another beneficiary, James Jibrin Nelson, a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from Olamaboro Local Government Area, said the bursary would support his academic work.

    “My heart is full of gratitude to SSKEF for the generous financial support of N100,000 awarded to me. Thank you for having students at heart,” he said, adding that the funds would help him acquire a laptop for his research.

  • Karimi visits Army Brigade Commander, pledges Infrastructural support to fight banditry in Kogi West

    Karimi visits Army Brigade Commander, pledges Infrastructural support to fight banditry in Kogi West

    Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) has paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 12th Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, at his Chari Maigumeri Barracks office in Lokoja, Kogi State. 

    Karimi commended the Brigade Commander and his team for dedication and  commitment in guaranteeing the safety and security of lives and property in the senatorial district. 

    The Senator applauded the successes of the Nigerian Army in dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing victims and restoring peace in the zone. He applauded the professionalism exhibited by men of the Nigerian Army in the fight against banditry and kidnapping ravaging the senatorial district. 

    “Thank you for your proactive approach and for ensuring the safety of our communities. We recognise the difficult terrain you navigate, and your commitment to securing our forests and populace is invaluable,” he said. 

    He also commiserated with the Army Commander on the loss of some of his troops in line of duty, expressing deep sadness over the tragic loss of soldiers who died in the line of combating insecurity and offered his condolences to the Commander and the families of the deceased soldiers.

    While acknowledging the challenges and the need for continued action, the lawmaker urged the command to do more especially in rescuing victims who are still held hostage by kidnappers. 

    Brig-Gen Sidi thanked Senator Karimi for the visit, assuring him of the army’s commitment in riding the communities of Kogi West from criminals and all forms of criminality. 

    Sidi stated that more troops will be deployed to the senatorial district especially in communities like Olle in Kabba – Bunu LGA, Isanlu, Jege and Idofin all in Yagba East LGA, Odo -Ere and Egbe in Yagba West LGA and many other communities. 

    He presented the lawmaker with a plaque in recognition of his dedication,  commitment and support in the fighting against insecurity in Kogi West and the state in general.

    Speaking to journalists after the visit, Karimi announced that he has made arrangements for the accommodation of troops earmarked for fresh deployments in Jege and Idofin in Yagba East Local Government Area.

    Furthermore, Senator Karimi promised to build a bungalow to accommodate troops in the barracks of which works will commence soon.

    Karimi built a 96—bed well equipped Military Forward Operating Base and donated  two brand new hilux vans, located at Egbe, Yagba West LGA, a crucial intersection, serving as a key point to tackle insecurity along the border areas of Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, and even Osun States, which was handed over to the Nigerian Army in October, 2024.

  • Karimi, Tinubu support group announce N300m bursary scheme for 3,000 Kogi students

    Karimi, Tinubu support group announce N300m bursary scheme for 3,000 Kogi students

    The Senator Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation has called for applications from students of Kogi West Senatorial District origin in public tertiary institutions within Nigeria to enable them access the 2025 bursary scheme worth N100m. 

    This amount is expected to be disbursed amongst 1,390 beneficiaries across the seven local government areas in Kogi West zone.

    Karimi under the aegis of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) also announced plans to extend the bursary awards to Kogi Central and East Senatorial Districts. 

    In line with this arrangement, 610 students from Kogi Central and 1000 from Kogi East will also benefit, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 3000.

    Both initiatives will be funded by Senator Karimi, who represents Kogi West.

    This year’s edition of the bursary awards is the second of its kind by the lawmaker. It is also an improvement to the maiden edition in 2024 when 1000 students benefitted, limited to students from Kogi West alone.

    In a statement by his media team, each successful beneficiary will receive N100,000..

    According to Karimi’s Media Team: “The bursary application link will officially open on the 1st of August, 2025, and close on the 31st of August, 2025. 

    “Only undergraduate students in public tertiary institutions (University, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education) are eligible. Beneficiaries from the 2024 bursary are not eligible. 

    “Those who received the bursary last year should not apply. We have all the 2024 beneficiaries in our database. Students in private higher institutions are not eligible. 

    “Students in the final year are not eligible. Any student who fails to upload or fill out all required information in the application form will not be considered.

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    ” Any student who applies before August 1st will be automatically disqualified. Only those who apply online and through the link provided above will be considered”. 

    The statement added: “Senator Sunday Steve Karimi remains committed to empowering students through financial assistance, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to the overall development of Kogi State. We hereby promise a transparent, fair, efficient, and equitable process for all applicants”.

    In June, Karimi, during a paley with Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja, as part of activities marking his second year in the 10th Senate, hinted on arrangements to disburse N300million as scholarship to students across Kogi State.

    He stated during the parley: “Last year, I gave bursary of N100million to Kogi West students but today, with the 96 Wards in Kogi East, I have concluded arrangements to give out N100m as bursary to them.In Kogi Central where we have 57 Wards, I will give Kogi Central N61m as bursary while I will also give N139m to Kogi West students in the names of Tinubu Support Group and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation. This will amount to a total of N300m. That is what we are going to do, and it has started already”.

  • Rise in insecurity, desperation by groups to discredit Tinubu’s good works – Karimi

    Rise in insecurity, desperation by groups to discredit Tinubu’s good works – Karimi

    Chairman of Senate Services, Senator Steve Karimi, on Tuesday, expressed concern over the spiraling insecurity in the country, which has threatened to diminish the “good work” done by the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the last two years.

    Karimi cited the resurgence of killings across the Federation, especially in states like Benue, Plateau, and Kogi; banditry in the North-West; and the renewed attacks by Boko Haram in the North-East, saying they must be investigated immediately.

    “This rise in insecurity is all over the country; on all sides, even in the North-East, there is the resurgence of Boko Haram; at some point, everything became calm, but now they are coming back.

    “Check other parts of the country, there is kidnapping now on the rise again, whether in the South-West, South-South or South-East; it is happening all over the place.

    “Almost on a daily basis, there is one reported incident of banditry or another in the North-West.

    “I consider this resurgence an attempt by desperate groups and individuals to discredit the good work this government of President Bola Tinubu has done in the last two years, especially now that talks about 2027 elections have started”, Sen. Karimi said in a statement in Abuja.

    Karimi, who represents Kogi-West Senatorial District, commended security agencies for the sacrifices they had made so far in service to their fatherland to guarantee the safety of lives and property across the states.

    However, the lawmaker called on heads of the agencies to confront the new challenge squarely by thoroughly investigating the factors responsible for the “regrettable development” and proffer urgent responses.

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    “This government worked so hard over the last two years to contain the porous security situation it inherited, including the scaling up of defence and security budget.

    “At the National Assembly, there has been collaboration to ensure that the targets of the government are met through the existing Legislative-Executive harmony, which is to guarantee safety for all Nigerians.

    “This was achieved at some point. Unfortunately, there is this sudden resurgence, which is threatening to spoil the President’s records. I suspect sabotage that calls for immediate investigation”, Karimi added.

    The senator’s intervention came amid plans by the Senate to convene a National Security Summit as an expression of further legislative response to the renewed security challenges.

  • Karimi, Zam disagree with Ningi on alleged budget padding

    Karimi, Zam disagree with Ningi on alleged budget padding

    Three senators – Steve Sunday Karimi, Titus Tartenger Zam and Kaka Sheu – yesterday said the allegation of budget padding against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by some senators was unfounded, baseless and a figment of imagination.

    They warned against what they described as the antics of blackmailers bent on creating an atmosphere of crisis in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

    Karimi, Zam and Sheu, speaking on behalf of the Northern Senators’ Forum, also said no room should be allowed for division and acrimony between senators from the North and South by those who may not want to accord priority to national unity and harmony.

    In their statement, Karimi, who is from Kogi State, Zam from Benue State and Sheu from Borno State, on behalf of the Northern Senators’ Forum, said they can not be used to blackmail the budget process, which was done in good faith.

    At a meeting last week,some northern senators accused the Senate President of inserting projects worth N4 trillion in the 2024 budget.

    They alleged that the projects, which had no locations, were inserted into the budget, which they also claimed was lopsided against the North and some parts of the South.

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    The northern senators also accused Akpabio of railroading the senators to hurriedly pass the budget, adding that it favoured Akpabio and his cronies.

    However, sheding light on what transpired at the meeting, Karimi, Zam and Sheu said it was only resolved that the report of the consultant engaged by the Northern Senators Forum be subjected to further scrutiny, as the entire appropriation process was a combination of work, from the executive, actively represented by the minister of budget and national planning and other ministers, the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation and the Senate Committees on Appropriation.

    Dismisssing the allegation of padding as a ruse, they said while the executive brought a budget proposal of 27.5 trillion, the Senate passed a budget of 28.77 trillion.

    They queried: “The difference was N1.27 trillion, coming from all three arms of government. Where is the additional so-called padding of three trillion coming from? It was resolved that the Northern Senators’ consultant report be looked into by essential committees of the Senate and House of Representatives before jumping to a conclusion.”

    Karimi,  Zam and sheu urged the Northern Senators Caucus Leader, Abdul Ningi, to “rein in those who think a crisis-ridden Senate would better profit them.”

    Noting that the North has provided leadership in Nigeria and enjoyed the support of other regions seamlessly, the representatives of the North should not appear to act as instruments of destabilisation now that power has shifted to the South.

    In their view, the North can agitate for a fair share of the national pie, but within the ambits of decency, decorum and diginity.

    They added: “Senator Ningi has not given a correct information. He is yet to even give the Senate President or the Speaker of the House of Representatives a copy of what he claims to have discovered in the 2024 Appropriation Act before  levelling allegations of budget padding against the President, the Senate President and the Senate.

    “President Tinubu presented a budget estimates of over N27 trillion on 28th November to the National Assembly, which passed a budget of over N28 trlllion ; which became an Act of Parliament on 1st January 2024.

    “Where did Sen Ningi get his Appropriation Act of N25 trillion?What about the extra requests that chairmen of appropriation committees of both chambers claimed came from the Executive after submission of the initial over N27 trillion proposals by Mr President?

    “So, how did Sen Ningi’ s budget analyst get the N3trillion budget padding allegations? Must we attempt to give a dog a bad name to hang it? Are APC members of Northern Senators Forum that PDP Senator Ningi claims to lead oblivious of the anti-Tinubu/Akpabio  undertones.  The National Assembly should not be denigrated.”