The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lokoja

  • Kogi distributes relief items to flood victims at Omala

    The Kogi State Government on Friday donated foodstuffs and other relief materials to victims of the recent flood disaster in Omala Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking with newsmen at the distribution centre in Omala, Mr Sanusi Yahaya, the State Coordinator, Emergency

    1,182 households comprising 7,090 persons were affected by the 2018 flood disaster in Omala LGA.

    The state government had earlier distributed relief items to flood victims in Lokoja, Kotonkarfe, Bassa, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Idah and Igalamela/Odolu LGAs.

    Represented by Mr Godwin Onu, the Director, Account, Kogi Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Yahaya assured the victims of government’s commitment to alleviating their sufferings.

    Yahaya, who doubles as the state Commissioner for Environment said that the second phase of the distribution would come from the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    He therefore advised the victims to remain calm, receive the items in good faith and share them accordingly without fomenting any trouble.

    Read Also: Kogi govt upgrades Ologidi stool

    Earlier, Mr Yakubu Ocholi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency said that the state government through SEMA, had earlier visited the affected riverside communities for needs assessment and documentation.

    He said that six communities in Omala would benefit from the first phase of the distribution of the relief items, with an assurance that the items would get to the victims directly.

    Ocholi added that the federal and state governments were collaborating with other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the re-occurring flood issues in the state.

    Mr Phillip Ocheni, who spoke on behalf of the victims appreciated the state government for the gesture and

    Items donated to the victims include bags of rice, beans, flour, guinea corn, maize, cartons of tomatoes, beverages, salt, red oil, Semovita, soaps/detergent, mattresses and mats.

  • Kogi: 100,000 for Pastor Kumuyi crusade

    About 100,000 participants are expected as the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry Worldwide, Pastor William F. Kumuyi visits Lokoja, the Kogi State capital  next week for a night of crusade.
    The Kogi State Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Raymond Egunjobi who disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing, said necessary arrangements were being made for the success of the crusade tagged: “Divine Connection for Miracles.”
    He said that the programme, billed for the main bowl of the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja would attract participants from across the state and its environs, adding that transportation arrangements were being made for them.

    Read Also: Kumuyi, others extol late PFN chair

    He described the “third visit of Pastor Kumuyi to Kogi as a springboard that would usher in a new lease of life for the state.”
    “I crave your indulgence to go down memory lane to recall that during the 2016 crusade held at the same venue, many participants who got openly testified to the supernatural demonstration of God,” he said.
    He expressed the assurance that the crusade would witness greater blessings of salvation and healing, amongst others.
    He said that the church was working in collaboration with the various security agencies in the state to ensure a hitch free programme.

  • Regatta to change the face of Lokoja

    Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, will wear a new look and attract national attention as the state upgrades its boat feast in the confluence town. JAMES AZANIA reports

    It is always a spectacle to watch. Men decked in eye-catching colours feverishly row their boats in friendly rivalry on their way to the finish line. It is the aquatic feast in Lokoja, one of Nigeria’s iconic cities.

    The Kogi State capital flaunts its history and endowments before all. It was once the seat of colonial government in Nigeria, and the signposts of that are everywhere in the city.

    Lokoja is also where two great rivers, Niger and Benue, meet.

    It is at that confluence that the regatta takes place, with a massive crowd looking on from the shores of the great Niger, or if you like, also of the great Benue.

    The state government knows the boat feast can offer a lot more than sightseeing. At this year’s edition of the regatta, Governor Yahaya Bello said that necessary steps will be taken to raise the annual Lokoja Boat Regatta festival to a national event as from next year.

    Governor Bello who gave the pledge in Lokoja while speaking at the 2018 edition of the festival, said that the government will deploy enough funding, together with the human resources to make this a reality.

    Describing the state as the centre of Nigeria’s culture, he said that the move will create more jobs for the youths and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.

    He commended the event organizers, the Forum of Lokoja Patriots (FLP) for its efforts at preserving the culture and tradition of the people of Lokoja and its environs.

    He assured the members of the forum that government’s intention was not to relegate them to the background, but to partner with them and the Lokoja Traditional Council, to reinforce the unique position of Lokoja in the history of Nigeria.

    The governor who was represented at the event by the state commissioner for culture and tourism, Mr. Victor Adoji, praised the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir, for defending and promoting the culture of his people.

    The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Senator Olotunnimbe Mamora  said that the authority will soon embark on the development of the Lokoja waterfront, to further add value to the aesthetical beauty of the town.

    Represented by Director, Special Project, Dr Sheu Gidado, the NIWA boss said that the move will also safeguard security and businesses of the people living along the waterfront.

    The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Hassan Kilani urged the federal and state governments to pay more attention to the development of the country’s tourism potential, to reduce dependence on crude oil.

    He said that tourism, as one of the fastest growing sector globally, if fully tapped, can generate  millions of employment and serve as foreign exchange earner for the country.

    The chairman of the LFP, organizers of the event, Alhaji Idris Baba’ango commended government’s decision to partner with the forum, to raise the status of the festival.

    He appealed to corporate organizations and individuals to rally round the forum in its efforts to prevent the traditional festivals of the people from going into extinction.

    The event also featured cultural display, swimming and boat padding competitions and raffle draws.

  • NEMA warns Kogi residents against early return to homes

    The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ) on Tuesday warned residents displaced by the recent flood disaster in Kogi against returning to their homes.

    The NEMA Head of Operations in charge of Abuja and Kogi, Mr Bitrus Samuel, who gave the warning in Lokoja, said it was too early for residents to return to their homes, although the water had started receding.

    He said that the water level in the River Niger stood at 10.76 centimetres as at Oct. 2, noting that NEMA would advise appropriately on when it would be safe for people to return to their houses.

    Samuel disclosed also that people in Internally Displaced Camps were being provided with foods and drugs regularly, saying that the agency had just taken delivery of new consignment of drugs and medicines.

    Read Also: NEMA clarifies emergency funds; hails Buhari s swift response

    According to him, outbreak of epidemic has not been reported in any of the camps, due to the prevailing high level of hygiene being maintained by state and Federal Governments officials.

  • Kogi: Civil service reforms, hard but necessary – Bello

    The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Monday acknowledged the pains of the administration’s civil service reforms.

    He however pointed out that they were necessary to sanitize and re position the state for effective service delivery.

    Bello during Monday’s Independence Day anniversary broadcast from the Government House, Lokoja said through some of the reforms, the state had been re positioned for good governance.

    He said that his administration had over the over two years in office, worked hard to make Kogi a better place for all.

    According to him: “I do not deny that some of our reforms have been hard, especially in the civil service, but necessary to institutionalize good governance.”

    He said that the state civil service was better off, adding that aside weeding out undeserving beneficiaries from the payroll, “we are better able to pay salaries.

    Read Also: ‘Bello has no challenger in Niger’

    He added, “As at today, we have paid August salaries to our local government employees. We were able to raise the payments from 10 percent in many cases, when we assumed office to 54 percent in August. Our aim is to reach and sustain 100 percent shortly.

    “As further gains from our civil service and pensions reforms, we started paying state civil servants 100 percent of their salaries over the last couple of months.

    “While that is ongoing, we intend to pay off all arrears due to cleared workers soon, maybe as soon as this month.”

    He disclosed that the government concluded the audit of the state pension administration covering a period of five years preceding his government.

    He said that the exercise unveiled an N4.3bn fraud, adding that the findings were made public.

  • Kogi second most peaceful state in Nigeria – Gov. Bello

    Calls for national unity

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has described the state as the second most peaceful state in the country.

    Bello disclosed this during a peaceful rally organised in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) and Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID) to commemorate International Peace Day in Lokoja.

    He said Kogi which was known for armed robbery and communal clashes emerged the second position from 36.

    His words: “Once upon a time, Kogi was the headquarter of kidnapping and highway robbery and this has become history.

    “Today, Kogi is adjudged the second peaceful state in Nigeria from a position of 36. Without doubt, in the next year we shall be number one.

    “In progress is where you see quality and affordable healthcare delivery especially for the vulnerable in the society- women and children. In progress is where you see security and tranquillity.”

    He added that, “It is not just for the good of the governor, cabinet or party but it is for the good of the citizens and indigenes of Kogi state.

    “Highway robbery communal clashes, bank robbery, those were before. They had all gone and the only thing we have in Kogi state is peace, unity and progress which we must all embrace.”

    Bello, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Edward Onoja, applauded the organizers of the rally stressing that peaceful coexistence of the state is for the interest of all.

    He advocated for peace and unity of the country.

    Read Also: Kogi and the end of politics

    Earlier, Dr. Stella Adejo, Board Member of AAN, called for more support from the government in creating an enabling environment for the youths to thrive.

    However, Adejo promised to strengthen collaboration with the Kogi State Government to create lasting peace in the state.

    Member of a Civil Society Organisation, Mrs. Eunice Agbogun, who is also the Vice Chairperson, Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET) called on the youths to remain focused rather than being used wrongly.

    “Peace is a very important component to the development of any state or country and that is why today we are joining the youths to project the message of peace.

    “Peace is very important because without peace you cannot have an enabling environment that will thrive for development, give you space for education, health amenities and so many empowerment.”

    The President, National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Comrade Omeiza Audu commended efforts and supports of the governor towards uniting all the tribes in the state.

    He pledged to support the government of the state by consolidating on the peace already being enjoyed and also build on it.

    AAN Ambassador, Mark Angel, commended the initiative of the government of the state to initiate peace.

    “I have gone through the state to inspect the level of peace and I am impressed with what I saw. Compared to what it used to be.”

  • Flood renders many homeless in Kogi

    Hundreds of people in areas of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital and other parts of the confluence state, have been forced out of their homes as rising water levels continue to encroach on residences.

    The unprecedented rainfall has brought untold hardship as families are driven from their homes.

    The situation, it is predicted, could worsen if water from the Lagdo Dam, in Cameron, is released, a scenario which the people of Kogi pray not to happen.

    In Adankolo, residents whose homes have been overtaken by the flood, continue to move out in droves, while others yet to be affected, are not taking chances.

    Hundreds of residents of Ganaja village, in Ajaokuta Local Government Area are also facing similar situation, haven been rendered homeless by flood.

    Aside living houses, shops and other commercial buildings have been affected by the flood, even as the water level continue to rise.

    The state government has however commenced the distribution of foodstuffs and other relief items to the flood victims in IDPs camps across the state.

    The Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Sanusi Yahaya, told newsmen at the inauguration of the distribution in Lokoja, that the distribution of the foodstuffs was the first stage.

    He noted that the National Emergency Maintenance Agency (NEMA) had also supplied some relief items, including mattresses, blankets and mats, to be distributed to the flood victims.

    In addition, the state government procured food items for the victims to enable them feed in the camps.

    According to the commissioner: “This is just the first batch of the distribution. More are still coming, because His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, has approved the release of fund to get more foodstuffs.”

    He appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and professional bodies to come forward and assist the flood victims, saying that government cannot not do it alone.

  • Automatic ticket divides Kogi PDP

    The proposal for automatic tickets for returning National Assembly members of the PDP ahead of the 2019 general election has ruptured the party in Kogi.

    The development which has resulted in serious intra-party dispute.

    Many of the senatorial aspirants and other stakeholders are kicking against it, with uncertainty and looming mass defection.

    One of the groups kicking against the declaration is the PDP Youths and Masses Advocacy Group, which has declared the decision as impunity.

    Addressing pressmen on Friday in Lokoja, the state coordinator of the group, Mallam Ahmed Suleiman, warned that failure to adhere to a level playing ground in the state primaries will not only lead to mass exodus but will kill the party in Kogi.

    His words: “As a group with a firm believes in the ideals and manifestoes of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party, we stand to condemn any act of impunity that will likely give rise to imposition.

    “The idea of an automatic ticket to representatives whose state the party is not having a governor is clearly and totally unacceptable. Any attempt at enforcing such will surely lead to mass exodus and the eventual collapse of the party at all level.

    Read Also: Kogi Central Senate seat and GYB

    “Also, a kangaroo primary in whatever form would be vehemently resisted. Let the people decide; the people own the party and not those leading the party.

    “The stand of the mass of people in the party supersedes all. The founding fathers of the party never contemplated automatic slot, if so, they would not have named it “people’s” party.

    “We are a party trying to bounce back from an electoral defeat at the national level, an appraisal shows that impunity was a major factor that led to our failure, that impunity we would never tolerate any more, we shall resist it with the blood flowing in our veins.

    “We maintain that a level playing ground be enabled, let the popularity of all the aspirants guarantee them victory, equally too, those incumbents seeking for a return ticket, let their scorecard or stewardship endear them to the people and not shifting the goal post in a manner to favour one aspirant or the other.

    “We must pick a lesson from the past and make the necessary adjustments.”

  • NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rains for Wednesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted moisture in the atmosphere with chances of thunderstorms and rainfall over most parts of the country for Wednesday.

    NiMet made this known in its Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Tuesday.

    It envisaged isolated thunderstorms around the northwestern parts of the country, especially over Nguru, Kano, Katsina and Dutse axis in the morning hours.

    The agency predicted that other parts of the northeast cities would experience thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening hours.

    NiMet said that day and night temperature in the northern region would be in the ranges of 29 – 34 degree Celsius and 22 – 23 degree Celsius respectively.

    It predicted moderate rains over the high grounds of the central cities of Mambilla plateau, Yola, and Taraba axis with localised thunderstorms over Abuja, Minna, Ilorin and Bida axis.

    The agency said that, the remaining parts of the central cities would be in cloudy conditions all through the morning hours.

    NiMet said that cloudy conditions would be expected over the central cities with the exception of Bauchi, Jos, Nassarawa Makurdi, Kaduna, Lokoja, Abuja, Jalingo and Yola that would experience thunderstorms and rains in the afternoon and evening hours.

    It said that day and night temperature in the central states would be in the range of 27 – 31degree Celsius and 22– 23 degree Celsius respectively, except for Jos that would be between 24 and 14 degree Celsius.

    The agency predicted light and moderate rains over the southern cities throughout the forecast period.

    It added that, day and night temperature in the southern states would be in the range of 29- 31 degree Celsius and 21– 23 degree Celsius respectively.

  • Kogi advises residents to relocate from flood-prone areas

    The Kogi Government on Monday advised residents of flood-prone communities in the state to relocate to a safer place, to avoid loss of lives and property.

    Mr Sanusi Yahaya, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, made the announcement in a statement in Lokoja.

    “The Kogi Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources wishes to announce to members of the public, especially those in the nine flood-prone local government areas to relocate.

    “In view of the heavy rainfall recorded so far this year due to climate change, as well as the high volume of water from tributaries of Rivers Niger and Benue, which has led to steady rise in water level of the rivers, as confirmed by our monitoring team.

    “This development may likely cause flooding in some flood-prone LGAs: Omala, Bassa, Kogi/Kotonkarfe, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Idah, Ibaji, and Igalamela/Odolu.

    “The Ministry, therefore, strongly appeal and request the people living in these flood-prone LGAs, particularly those living close to river banks, to start moving to safer ground, to avoid loss of lives and property in the event of flood,” Yahaya said.

    He said that the state government had started preparing temporary shelters for flood victims in the event of emergencies.

    Yahaya assured the people that the protection of their lives and property would continue to be given utmost attention by the New Direction Administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello.