The Nation Newspaper

Tag: KOGI

  • Kogi CJ releases 6 inmates in Okene prisons

    Kogi CJ releases 6 inmates in Okene prisons

    Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajanah has unconditionally released six Awaiting Trial inmates at the Federal Prisons, Okene, in his renewed effort to decongest prisons.

    Ajanah released the inmates while reviewing the warrants of 82 awaiting trial inmates during his visit to the 160-capacity Medium Security Prison currently hosting 126 inmates including 41 convicts, three lifers and the awaiting trials.

    Among the inmates freed was  Aminu Mohammed charged with the rape of a  four-year-old girl. He was discovered to have been framed up.

    Another was  Abdulazeez Shehu,  charged with being a member of a robbery  gang .

    Shehu was discovered to have lost his parents to communal crisis in Ihima, lost the only surviving brother “to this case” and lost his limbs to police bullets during investigation.

    Adamu Paul, who was also freed, was a proven mental case.

    Others are Emmanuel Shubi, alleged to have stolen cows; Khadijat Yahaya, incarcerated over inability to pay her debt for rice and Suleiman Zubair, detained for contempt of court without any evidence.

    Ajanah said the rest could not be released because the offences for which they were charged were very serious. He said it would not serve the interest of justice, if they were released.

    He however expressed displeasure over the unprofessionalism  of the prosecution saying, “I must say that I am not quite happy with the attitude of the prosecution in particular, the Police and the Ministry of Justice.

    “Most of the cases are those that I feel they should have rendered advice or they ought to have taken proper steps to ensure that the accused persons face  trial.

    “It should be noted, as it is well known, that persons accused of any offence are presumed innocent until they are convicted.

    “I felt very sad when I noticed that some of those standing trial have spent over one year in detention more than the time allowed by the constitution”, he said.

    The Chief Judge therefore, called on Police and the Justice ministry to hasten the prosecution of the remaining accused persons to ensure justice.

    On the part of the court, Ajanah directed the trial courts not to adjourn criminal cases beyond two weeks adding that they should not keep any case hanging.

    To clear pending criminal cases, he said   there would be another assizes between the months of November and December. (NAN)

  • Monkey Pox cases increase to 74 in 11 states – FG

    Monkey Pox cases increase to 74 in 11 states – FG

    The Monkey pox virus outbreak has spread to 11 states with 74 suspected cases recorded, Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole has said.

    Adewole made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    President Muhammadu Buhari chaired the meeting held at the State House Council Chamber, Abuja.

    The Federal Government, on Oct. 11 confirmed that 33 suspected cases of the virus were recorded in seven states.

    Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although less severe.

    Smallpox was eradicated in 1980. However, monkeypox still occurs sporadically in some parts of Africa.

    The minister, who updated the Council on developments in respect of the outbreak, listed the affected States as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa and Rivers as well as the FCT.

    “The Council also received an update on the state of the public health of the nation. We informed the council about the latest development in respect of the Monkey Pox virus outbreak. So far as of today, there are 74 suspected cases in 11 states of the country.

    “We have confirmed three from Bayelsa and 12 of the suspected cases from Bayelsa tested negative; four suspected cases from Lagos tested negative. We are still expecting the results of the other ones.

    “We are also doing test at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Edeh, to really understand the genomics of this virus.

    “Even when they are negative, the laboratory attendant should be able to tell us what exactly they are,’’ he said.

    The minister dismissed the assertion that the military was spreading Monkey Pox virus through vaccination.

    He said that the military was never involved in any vaccination in the country, adding that any vaccination must involve state governments and the Federal Ministry of Health.

    “It is also important to dispel the rumour circulating in the country that the military is vaccinating people and trying to spread Monkey Pox across the country.

    “The military is not involved in any vaccination exercise.

    “And I must educate Nigerians about how vaccination campaigns are done. The Federal Government will take the lead but we do not conduct campaign without working with states.

    “So, there is no way we will do campaign without working with the states,’’ he said.

    The minister announced that his ministry was conducting vaccination in only three states of the federation, namely Borno, Kwara and Kogi.

    He stated that the cholera vaccination was being conducted in Borno while that of Yellow Fever vaccination was being carried out in Kwara and Kogi.

    He stated that the ministry would soon start vaccination against measles while a nationwide vaccination against Yellow Fever would commence before the end of the year.

    Also addressing the correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, the Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, revealed that the Council approved N236 million for the completion of Sabke Irrigation Dam in Katsina State.

    He said the contract for the dam was initially awarded in 1997, re-awarded in 2009 after it was abandoned, but would now be completed by the current administration.

    NAN

  • Dangote partners Kogi on rice farming

    Dangote Rice Limited has launched a youth farming initiative in Kogi State.

    The Dangote Youth Rice Farm project, mainly an out-grower scheme for youths was flagged off at the Lower Niger River Basin Authority, Kampe, Ejiba in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state where youth have embarked on rice cultivation on over 100 hectares of land.

    The rice farm project, which was preceded by a special training for the youth farmers on the dynamics of the rice farming, will see the youths cultivating the rice paddy on a 100 hectares of land, which will then be bought over by the company for processing.

    Under the scheme, the Dangote Rice company provides the seedling, anti-pest-chemicals, and fertilizers while the Basing Authority provided the land for the young farmers.

    The management of Dangote Rice led by the Group Executive Director, Mr. Devakumar Edwin flagged off the project while taking delivery of some rice paddy bags produced from the pilot project.

  • Kogi refutes monkey pox infection vaccination rumour

    Kogi refutes monkey pox infection vaccination rumour

    The Kogi Government has described as false, rumours that some unidentified men are infecting children with monkey pox virus in schools in the guise of vaccination.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, in a statement by his media aide, Mr Audu Haruna, on Tuesday in Lokoja, said that government had investigated the claim and found that it was untrue.

    According to him, “the rumour is baseless and unfounded, as it is similar to the rumour that gripped Abia, Enugu and Imo a few days back.’’

    “The only parts of Kogi where we have an ongoing vaccination exercise is in Yagba West, which will soon be extended to two contiguous wards in Yagba East Local Government Area.

    “This vaccination, which will last for 10 days, started on Oct. 14.

    “Recalled that two cases of yellow fever were detected in Yagba West Local Government which prompted this reactive vaccination.

    “So far, no case of reaction to the vaccines has been reported as the residents of Yagba West are cooperating with designated officers.

    “Vaccines are meant to prevent child killer diseases and as such we will continue to carry out routine immunisation and immunisation plus days.

    “This is the only known way to prevent vaccine sensitive diseases and as such we seek the cooperation of Kogi indigenes to help in refuting this rumour and ensure that immunisations continue to record the usual success,” he said.

    The commissioner noted that a lot of resources had already been committed to the vaccination and as such people should endeavour not to waste the opportunity.

    He restated that the administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello would continue to do everything possible to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of the people.

  • Yemi Alade, Kiss Daniel, others stormed Kogi for GLO music fest

    Yemi Alade, Kiss Daniel, others stormed Kogi for GLO music fest

    NIGERIA’S Confluence State, Kogi recently hosted traveling music concert, Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour at the University town of Anyigba.

    Anchored by Juliet Ibrahim and Mercy Johnson-Okojie, the show was held in the sporting complex of the Kogi State University (KSU), drawing a mammoth crowd of fun-seekers from within and outside the university complex.

    DJ Tops set the ball rolling when he dished out melodious tunes to the excitement of the audience. Opportunity was later opened for members of the audience with rapping and dancing talent to engage in a competition. Winners went home with goody bags containing Glo branded items.

    Dancehall artiste, Runtown, formally opened the show with a superlative performance. The songs he performed include Kolabo, Fijo Gbowo, Emergency, Baby Answer, Superwoman and Bend Down Pause.

    Runtown was followed by the sonorous singer, Omawumi who gave a very good account of herself, rendering her tracks; Kokoma Bonsue, Somori and As I dey. She was followed by another high-flying female musician, Yemi Alade, who hit the concert with her full band.

    It was then the turn of Kiss Daniel to serenade the audience. He performed some of his major hit tracks, including No Be You track and Mama.

    The Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Timaya, and the African Queen creator, Innocent Idibia, a.k.a. Tuface, were the last acts of the evening of unrivaled fun. They brought the show to a befitting end, giving the audience beautiful memories to cherish for a long time to come.

    Organisers have said that the mega concert will return to Port Harcourt for a second edition of the show in the Garden City. This time, the show is billed to hold at Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt.

  • Workers’ strike: NGO urges Kogi.Govt/labour dialogue

    Workers’ strike: NGO urges Kogi.Govt/labour dialogue

    Kogi Non-Governmental Organisations Network ( KONGONET ), has appealed to the state government to take urgent steps to end industrial dispute with the organised labour in the interest of the people and the state.

    Mr Victor Adejoh, state Chairman of the network, made the appeal in an interview on Thursday in Lokoja.

    Adejoh said there was also the need to end the “grand-standing” posture of both government and labour over the three-week old strike by the state workforce to ensure peace and industrial harmony in the state.

    “As it stands, the economy of the state is in jeopardy and the worst hit is the ordinary people who both sides claim to be fighting for and defending their interest,” he said.

    Adejoh,who said Gov. Yahaya Bello’s government was pragmatic enough to have set out a New Direction policy for the state, however, urged government to take quick steps, through social decision-making process, to make it work.

    “There is need to invite all aggrieved actors and institutions back to the dialogue table to resolve the impasse amicably. Both sides must make some sacrifices for the state to move forward.

    “It is the traditional role of NGOs and Civil Society Organisations to voice out at times like this.’’

    ”This is because they know the negative impact lack of public service has on the citizens and the burden of underdevelopment and poverty that arise from such situation.

    “We call on government and all stakeholders in all striking institutions in Kogi to stop grand-standing and return to the dialogue table.
    “There must be a way out of the current challenges; we must give room for transformation. End the grand-standing now and let Kogi move forward.”

    Labour claimed that over 30 per cent of the state workforce was being owed 21 months salary arrears; 20 per cent of which owed between 11 and 18 months.
    It also claimed that about 45 per cent of the workers took salaries up till July.

    NAN

  • Bello promises promotion, empowerment of girl-child

    Bello promises promotion, empowerment of girl-child

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Wednesday said his government would collaborate with relevant agencies toward the promotion and empowerment of girl-child in the state.

    Bello made the pledge in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Petra Onyegbule, in Lokoja to mark the 2017 International Day of the Girl-Child”.

    International Day of the Girl-Child is celebrated annually on Oct. 11 to highlight issues concerning the gender inequality facing young girls.

    This year’s theme is: “The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030.”

    The governor said that he was not unaware of the myriad of issues facing girl-child in today’s society during the time of conflicts and peace.

    “As a father and a governor, I am aware of the need for the girl-child to be empowered for life, especially during conflicts through information and education.

    “My administration will continually seek ways to ensure that this objective is achieved in collaboration with relevant agencies within and outside the country,” he said.

    Bello assured that girls in the state would continue to be adequately taken care of under the present administration in the state.

    He said that his administration would also continue to explore policies, opportunities and partnerships which would empower girl-child since they suffer most in times of crisis.

    The governor said that the 2017 commemoration of the girl-child was to reflect on the plights of girls in IDP Camps in the North-East and the psychological trauma they had suffered over the years.

    Bello said that while the Nigerian Military was winning the war against terrorism, all hands should be on deck to empower the survivor girls to live purposeful lives that would impact the society.

    He appreciated the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in securing the release of the Chibok Girls, assuring that others would soon reunite with their families.

    The governor said that the Federal Government was doing its best to ensure that everyone in captivity was freed.

    He urged the three tiers of government, domestic and international partners, non-governmental organisations, religious leaders and the society to intensify efforts in the pursuit of a better life for girls during peace.

    Bello appealed to parents and caregivers to pay closer attention to the needs of the girl-child.

    According to him, instilling values of strength, self awareness, self confidence are the most effective ways of empowering the girl-child to adequately prepare for the vagaries and cruelty of life.

    NAN

  • Customs seizes 3, 278 bags of rice, 55 vehicles

    Customs seizes 3, 278 bags of rice, 55 vehicles

    The Niger Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, says it generated N1.9 billion from January to September.

    The Area Controller, Mr Benjamin Binga, on Tuesday in Minna said that the command also seized 3, 278 bags of rice and 55 vehicles with Duty Paid Value of N52.6 million and 51.6 million respectively during the period.

    According to him, the command, made up of Niger, Kogi and Kwara states, will meet its 2017 revenue target of N2.8 billion by the end of the year.

    The controller stressed that customs personnel would continue to mount surveillance and adopt measures to make smuggling impossible in the area.

    “The command has deployed competent officers to manage all identified illegal routes used by smugglers to bring in unwholesome goods into the country,” Binga said.

    He solicited for the support of community leaders in the three states to assist customs field officers with vital information on the movement of smugglers.

    NAN

  • Kogi solicits media support on environmental law

    Kogi solicits media support on environmental law

    Kogi Government has solicited the co-operation of media organisations in the state to help in sensitising the people on the need to obey environmental sanitation laws.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lokoja.

    According to Osikoya, the call is necessary because the media remains a critical stakeholder to the society and the ministry, adding that it also touches the life of everybody and affects people in several ways.

    “We want the media to help educate and sensitise the people to know that all laws are to be respected and obeyed, and that environmental laws are important.

    “If human activities are the reasons we are facing a lot of challenges, then we need to talk to human beings and not ghosts on the need to change their attitudes to life.

    “One major way to achieve this is through the support of the media. That is why the media is very critical to us as a ministry,” she said

    She said while the state government had of responsibility to provide facilities for the well being of the people, the people must obey the law.

    The commissioner expressed the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the people through various environmental health programmes.

    “Gov. Yahaya Bello inaugurated the monthly sanitation in May 2016, and it has been consistent.

    “The location of Kogi is strategic, so by keeping Kogi clean, we are actually protecting the entire Nigeria. We thank everybody who has been cooperating with us.”

    According to her, the campaign and sensitisation have increased the consciousness of the people to the responsibility of keeping their environment clean for healthy living.

  • Three killed, eight injured in Kogi accident

    Three killed, eight injured in Kogi accident

    Three people on Wednesday lost their lives when the driver of a cement-laden articulated truck lost control, ramming into a taxi cab and a commercial tricycle (Keke NAPEP), at the Nataco junction, on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

    Among those that lost their lives were two school-aged children, while eight others sustained varying degree of injury in the accident which occurred around 9:00 am in Lokoja, Kogi State.

    The Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Olusegun Martins attributed the incident to brake failure.

    He explained that the trailer was coming from Obajana when the driver lost control due to brake failure and rammed into the commercial tricycle (Keke NAPEP) and one Nissan taxi, at the Nataco junction.

    He added that a female student of the Kogi State Polytechnic and two others were killed on the spot, while eight others who sustained injuries were evacuated to the state Specialist Hospital Lokoja for treatment.

    While appealing to the Federal Government to construct a flyover bridge at the Nataco junction, to reduce the incidence of accidents around the area, he charged drivers to maintain and ensure the good condition of their vehicles, to prevent brake failure and other unforeseeable vehicular faults.

    An eyewitness account had it that the driver of the truck which was heading northwards lost control around the polytechnic gate.

    Students of the school subsequently went on the rampage on confirmation of the death of their colleague, barricading the highway and making bonfires, leading to a gridlock along the corridor.

    An eyewitness, Mr Emmanuel Adams called on the state government to intensify effort in sending away people who sell by the road side of the highway, saying the casualties could have been more if it was a market day.

    Also speaking the head of the emergency unit of Specialist Hospital, Lokoja Mr Okpanachi Stephen, confirmed that at about 10:00 am on Wednesday, eight people were brought to the hospital from NATACO junction where the accident occurred.

    He noted that some of the victims have head injuries while others were bleeding from the cut they sustained on their bodies.

    Stephen added that Doctors and Nurses on duties have attended to them and they were responding to treatment while the corpses of the deceased are deposited in the morgue.