The Nation Newspaper

Tag: KOGI

  • Kogi: Kidnapping, ritual killing, robbery hampering road projects

    Kidnapping, ritual killing and armed robbery have hampered the progress of some ongoing federal road projects in Kogi, Mr Kajogbola-Jimoh Olatunde, the Federal Controller of Works in the state, has said.

    The news men reports that the controller made this known while briefing the Minister of State II for Power, Works and Housing, Suleiman Zarma, who was on assessment visit on roads, housing and power projects in the state.

    Olatunde said that the challenges had affected the dualisation of Lokoja-Benin Road, including the Obajana Junction-Okene section of the road handled by M/s CGC Nigeria Ltd.

    The news men reports that the contract was awarded at the cost of N30.5 billion on Dec. 3, 2012, but was revised in October 2014.

    The controller disclosed that the serious security challenges were mostly around Lokoja and Okene towns.

    “The contractor is requesting for protection for the staff, plant and equipment. The expatriates staff members are  being kept in Abuja, they occasionally go to site under very tight security.

    “This is affecting the construction of sensitive part of this project like bridges.

    “Another location affected by these challenges was the rehabilitation of Ilorin-Kabba-Obajana Road, especially from Egbe-Kabba handled by CGC Nigeria Ltd.

    The controller told the minister that the contractor had made appreciable progress when the project started in 2014, but had to suspend work in February 2015 due to the security challenges.

    “The contractor was briefly on site in November 2017 to undertake the construction of concrete lined drains threatening lives of Ayietoro Gbede community members.

    “Also she has indicated the company’s preparedness to remobilise fully to site if security situation improves.”

    On the rehabilitation of Okene-Ajeokuta-Itobe Road, the controller said the slow progress was also due to the security challenges and called for more protection for the workers.

    The minister pledged that funding for the projects and security to the contractors would be reinforced at the various project sites.

    Zarma stressed that the Federal Government was committed to completing all infrastructure projects across the country, adding that the Okene Bypass which had gone far would be completed in good time.

    NAN

  • ‘Codeine ban: A breakthrough in fight against drug abuse’

    Northern Governors’ Wives Forum (  NGWF  ) on Tuesday commended Federal Government for banning the production and importation of codeine syrup, saying it is a breakthrough in the fight against drug abuse.

    Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar, Chairperson of the forum and wife of Bauchi State Governor, gave the commendation in a statement signed by her Press Secretary, Rashida Yusuf in Bauchi.

    Yusuf stated that the governor’s wife expressed happiness over the ban, announced by Federal Ministry of Health on May 2, and described drug addiction among youths in the country as canker worm that had eaten deep into the fabric of societies.

    She quoted Abubakar as saying “the NGWF made the fight against drug abuse its priority intervention project.

    “The forum in collaboration with relevant stakeholders took holistic approach to curbing drug abuse in the country, particularly in the North where it was more pronounced.

     Read Also: Codeine: NAFDAC shuts Emzor, two Ilorin firms

    “Following training for northern governor’s wives from the six states of Benue, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi and Bauchi, we are at various stages of implementing a work plan.”

    She said that the forum had set up a drug control committee, a drug community volunteer scheme, skill acquisition centres, as well as a female rehabilitation wing to eradicate the menace.

    She explained that the centres were expected to among other things; rehabilitate victims of drug abuse by counselling and providing moral support that would enable addicts to become useful members of the society.

    She urged stakeholders involved in the fight against drug abuse to ensure all hands were on deck to achieve the target of a drug-free society.

    She also urged parents to monitor their wards with a view to nipping detected untoward behaviours in the bud.

    NAN

     

  • Parallel APC congress holds in Kogi

    The Audu/Faleke faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has declared that majority of its candidates won in the party’s ward  congresses held across the state yesterday.

    The state APC chairman, Alhaji Haddi Ametuo, said he was glad to announce that APC members came out in their numbers to elect the ward executives.

    “Having consulted widely with our people and critical stakeholders of the APC on our initial boycott plans and received assurances, we directed our members to come out in their droves to participate in the congresses today, and I am glad to say that the congresses went well without hitches across the state with our members recording massive victory.

    “May I use this opportunity to thank the congress officials from Abuja, INEC monitoring team and the various security agencies for ensuring a conducive environment for a hitch-free congress.

    “The people have spoken. It is now clear that the much needed repositioning of our party in the state is on course”, Ametuo said.

    It was observed that parallel congresses held across the 239 wards of the state, and the exercise peaceful.

  • Kogi ADP inaugurates ICT, agricultural training centre in Lokoja

    The Kogi Agricultural Development Project ( ADP ) on Thursday inaugurated an Information Communication Technology ( ICT ) and Agricultural Training Centre at its headquarters in Lokoja.

    The Managing Director of ADP, Mr Oyisi Okatahi, said at the inauguration that the centre would begin a three-day training of youths in the general use of information technology on May 30.

    He said that more than 50 people, in addition to 50 ADP workers, had been enrolled for the training at the centre.

    He said that the participants would be trained in subjects such as database management, software applications and Microsoft Office applications, among others.

    Besides, Okatahi said that the centre would train the participants in livestock, crop production, fishery, agricultural extension services and agricultural best practices.

    He said that the knowledge which the participants would acquire during the training would equip them with the wherewithal that would enable them to contribute the state’s agricultural production.

    He stressed that the acquisition of a combination of information technology and agricultural skills would boost efforts to enhance youth empowerment.

    Read Also: Kogi and the end of politics

    “The training is more practical than theoretical. Due to the difficult economic situation, the training will be free for early comers but it will subsequently attract a fee to enable it to be sustainable,’’ he said.

    Okatahi, therefore, urged those who were interested in enrolling for the training to contact the ADP headquarters in person or online for further details.

    He commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for putting in place new innovations which would transform the agricultural sector of the state.

    The managing director advised the youth to key into the federal and state governments’ agricultural programmes to enable them to become employers of labour.

    The newsmen recall that Kogi ADP inaugurated an online agricultural marketplace in February.

    The programme was aimed at enabling farmers in the state to sell their produce at good prices without the undue interference of middlemen.

    NAN

  • Kebbi pays N9bn pension, gratuities to 3,500 retirees

    The Kebbi Government said it has paid over N9 billion as pension and gratuities to over 3, 500 retirees in the state. The state governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the May Day 2018 celebration organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) in Birnin Kebbi.

    “From our inception to date, we have made payment to over 3,500 retirees whose entitlements ranged from N500, 000 downwards,’’ he said.

    Bagudu assured the organised labour that the government would strive to do more to improve the standard of living of workers in the state.

    “The government and labour unions will work closely together to ensure that petty traders and commodity sellers were carried along for proper and holistic integration and engagement,’’ he said.

    The governor commended the organised labour in the state for their unflinching support to the government.

    Earlier, the State Chairman of the NLC, Alhaji Umar Halidu, appealed to the state government to review pensioners’ entitlement to reflect increment of regular workers’ salaries that had taken place in the past, especially for 2012 and 2013 retirees.

    “We also urge the government to restore the payment of annual increment, which was not being enjoyed for the last eight years by all categories of workers,’’ he said.

    Halidu also called for the provision of staff quarters for primary school teachers, especially in the rural areas, to boost the morale of teachers posted to such areas.

    “This will encourage teaching as a profession,’’ he said.

    The theme of this year’s celebration is “Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win.’’

    In Kogi, workers have appealed to the state government to improve on the welfare of workers, in addition to ensuring prompt payment of salaries owed them.

    Read Also: Kebbi releases N51m for rehabilitation of VVF centre

    The workers made the call in separate interviews with the newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday.

    Mr Jubril Mohammed said the salary of civil servants in the state was poor and could not take them anywhere, especially with the economic situation.

    He implored the government to accord top priority to workers’ welfare because most of them don’t have any other source of income all they depend on is the salary.

    Dr Yinka Adebola, a medical doctor, said the way doctors are being treated is like they are doing them favour because government doesn’t pay their salaries on time and also other allowances.

    “Our salary is very low compare to the risk we face every day at the hospital because some of us get infected and some lost their life in the process of saving patient.

    Adebola pleaded with the government to pay more attention to workers’ welfare by increasing the minimum wage and also ensuring prompt payment of salary and allowances.

    NAN

  • Kogi varsity students protest death of colleague

    Kogi State University students on Monday protested the death of a fellow student, Comrade Offor Israel, a fresh graduate from the faculty of Agriculture.

    The student was reportedly killed in a motor accident that occurred on the Ankpa-Lokoja road, Anyigba.

    Offor Israel

    He was said to have been hit by an upcoming vehicle when he was trying to cross the road leading to the school.

    On hearing his death, students of the institution were reported to have  staged a protest at the school gate.

    Ameh Nissi, a student of Mass Communication who witnessed the accident, told The Nation that the student was hit by an upcoming vehicle when he tried crossing.

    In his reaction, Onuh Destiny, a fellow lodge mate of the deceased says, ” I am still filled with disbelief… someone we had breakfast together this morning. Lumio lodge is down!”

    According to Jeff Friday, the CEO of KSU Newsline told the students on his facebook page to stay calm over the issue.

    “All students are advised to stay calm and not to put law into their hands. Return to your hostels and lodge.

    “As any further misconduct can lead to total shut down of this current academic section which in turn can risk your own admission as well,” he warned.

    Attah Amos, one of the SUG aspirants described the death as a painful exit and ceases the opportunity to call  the students’ attention to a Student Union Government that will bring about a positive change.

    “The above incidence I must say, is another pain we feel for not having a well defined Student Union Government. If only we had a functional SUG, our deceased comrade would have received a well deserved parade.

    “I would like to solicit to all concerned persons to arise and listen to our plea and give the students a chance to have a body that can stand tall to defend and speak for them in the face of crises.

    “May the Almighty accept your gentle soul Uncle Israel and grant your family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

  • Ghosts behind Melaye’s recall – APC

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Kogi, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, says  “some ghosts “ initiated the  recall process against Sen. Dino Melaye.

    Ametuo,  who stated this in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday on the botched recall process,  expressed delight that the efforts had come to a premature end through the collective will of the people of Kogi West Senatorial District.

    “Melaye , the only senator our party has in Kogi State,  won with 94.66 per cent  leaving the remaining 5.34 per cent to the petitioners.

    “The messages are very clear; that Sen. Melaye is the most popular senator ever produced by Kogi West,” the statement said.

    According to the chairman, this is a sign of what to expect in the 2019 general elections.

    “No amount of financial inducement and coercion will change the will of the people of Kogi State in future elections,” he said.

    The APC Chairman commended the high level of neutrality and transparency displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) and other stakeholders throughout the exercise.

    “It gives us high optimism that future elections will be very free and fair. INEC therefore deserves commendations for the job well done,” he said.

    Ametuo called on the petitioners and Melaye as well as his followers  to embrace peace and heed the voice of God “ because the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

    He insisted that the APC still remains the most viable alternative for good governance in the state.

    “I call on all members of our party to conduct themselves in a manner  that will boost the image of our great party and not things that will further cause disrepute in our party,” he said.

    NAN

  • Melaye recall: Security, Card Readers effective

    Against apprehensions that Card Readers might malfunction and mar the recall process of Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West), verification officers have confirmed their effectiveness in the exercise.

    Our correspondents who monitored the verification exercise in Lokoja and Kogi Local Government Areas on Saturday also confirmed adequate security and peaceful conduct of the exercise.

    The polling Officer at Ukwo-Okoriko Compound, Ward A, Unit 003, Koton-Karfe, Musa Iliasu and Sen. Dino Melaye verification agent at the unit, Imam Sani said the cards readers did not malfunction throughout the exercise.

    At Banda, Oworo Ward 8, Unit 012, Johnson Salifu also confirmed the functionality of the card reader.

    However, he regretted that only 40 petitioners were verified out of the 512 that appended their signatures for the recall of Sen. Melaye at about 12:09 pm.

    Patricia Aifakokhan, the NYSC Polling Officer at Lokoja Ward B sharing the views of her contemporaries in other units confirmed that the card readers functioned perfectly.

    Aifakokhan said only 42 out of the 850 petitioners from the unit came out to verify their signatures.

    We reports that the verification exercise generally witnessed low turnout as only nine signatures were verified at Lokoja Ward A, unit 015, Amole compound with 1461 registered voters and 450 petitioners.

    At Crowther Memorial College, Lokoja, Ward A, unit 012 with 1507 registered voters and 805 petitioners, only eight came out to verify their signatures.

    At Agbaja, Lokoja local government  some voters protested their  inclusion  on the petitioners’ list. They claimed it was done  without their consent and that their signatures were forged.

    Administrator of Kogi LGA, Mohammed Tanko Musa, said he was impressed with the orderly conduct of the exercise adding that though the township witnessed low turnout, reports from the hinterlands would be different.

  • Electorate shun INEC recall process

    Voters in Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in Kogi have shunned the ongoing verification exercise organised by INEC to authenticate the signatures of voters seeking to recall Sen. Dino Melaye ( APC/Kogi West ).

    Correspondents of the newsmen, monitoring the exercise in Melaye’s Kogi West Senatorial District, observed that the polling units were empty, with many people claiming that they were not aware of it.

    At some areas, youths protested against the move to recall the senator who they described as “an excellent representative”.

    An NYSC member, Miss Opemipo Solomon, the INEC officer at Akafe Lane polling unit, said that no one had shown up since they arrived the voting venue at 6.45 a.m.

    “No one has come to sign the recall papers; what we have had so far are threats from people asking us leave this place.

    “The people do not appear interested in what we are doing. Some youths have come to warn us against staying here,” she said.

    Another corps member, David Adah, INEC presiding officer at the Odo Akete polling unit also in kabba, said that many youths were angry over the recall process.

    “So many youths from the community are angry; they have alleged that their signatures were forged to endorse the recall process.

    “Most of the youths, who saw their names among those that signed for the recall of Melaye, have disowned the signatures and insisted that they are happy with the Senator,” he said.

    At the embattled senator’s polling unit in Ayetoro Gbede, a traditional ruler, Chief Ojo Adekunle, who led some youths to protest against the recall process, said that they were not aware of Melaye’s offence.

    “Melaye has done so well and we are happy with him; we have no reason to want to recall him,” he said.

    Read Also: INEC unveils timetable for Osun poll

    Adekunle told the newsmen that Melaye was the best Senator Kogi West had ever produced, and urged his people not to betray their representative at this trying period.

    Mrs. Vicoria Ajewole, APC Woman Leader in Kabba Local Government, expressed surprise at the recall process, and declared that “it won”t work”.

    “Melaye is our son; there is no way anyone can recall him,” she said.

    At the central area of Kabba town, youths were seen chanting songs in praise of Sen. Dino Melaye. They vowed to resist attempt to disgrace him.

    Efforts to speak with INEC officials at the commission’s office in Kabba proved abortive as they refused to comment on the exercise

    Stern-looking Policemen keeping vigil at the polling points also refused to comment on the exercise.

    NAN

  • Melaye: Verification peaceful, low turnout in Lokoja, Koton-Karfe

    The verification exercise as part of processes for the recall of Sen. Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District began peacefully on Saturday, but with low turnout.

    The newsmen correspondent, who monitored the exercise, which started at 8.00 a.m. in the two local governments reports that less than 20 per cent of petitioners had come out as at mid-day.

    At Ukwo-Okoriko Compound in Koton-Karfe, Ward A, unit 003 with 440 petitioners, only 18 had their signatures verified at about 11.00 a.m.

    The electoral officer, Musa Iliasu, said only 18 had been verified but added that it was only INEC that would say which signature was genuine or otherwise.

    At the Ohogabi polling unit near the public tap, 500 petitioners out of the 991 registered voters, only 43 petitioners had their signatures verified by 11:37 a.m.

    Similarly, in Banda, Lokoja Local Government, Oworo Ward 8, Unit 012 with 512 petitioners out of 1005 registered voters, only 40 were verified at about 12:09 p.m.

    At Oworo Ward 8, unit 004 with over 3,340 registered voters and 815 petitioners, none of the petitioners had shown up for the exercise at the time of filing this report.

    Read Also: Dino Melaye: Senate orders IGP to appear on Wednesday

    At Lokoja Club polling unit, Ward A, unit 016, with 875 petitioners only two had registered their presence at the unit and both complained that their signatures were forged as they were never part of the petitioners.

    One of the petitioners at Lokoja Club polling unit Ward A, unit 016, Samuel Olukotun, threatened to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) for allegedly listing him and his wife as petitioners in the recall bid.

    Doris Ndakwo, a member representing Lokoja II at the State House of Assembly, said the process was new and people did not quite understand.

    She added that some people came out but could not find their names. Ndakwo, however, commended the peaceful disposition of the people.

    NAN