New Kogi Media

Bashir Opaluwa Idris Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Youth Mobilization, Hon. Ali Abdulkadir Arome-Keller has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for appointing the twenty one Local Government National Youth Council Coordinators as Local Government Special Assistants. Hon. Ali Keller gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja. The SSA said the move is a testament to the Governor's commitment to empowering young people and recognizing their vital role in shaping the future of our communities.     "The National Youth Council of Nigeria has been doing fantastic work, and this appointment is a well-deserved recognition of their efforts. As Local Government Special Assistants, these coordinators will play a crucial role in championing the interests of the youth and working tirelessly to address the challenges they face." While congratulating the newly appointed Coordinators on their well-deserved recognition, Hon. Keller urged them to use t

A 53-year-old man, Bala Osoro, has narrated how he lured and sexually abused a 12-year-old pupil after threatening her with a knife. Osoro, a livestock dealer and resident of Ungwar-Kura street in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State, admitted he raped the minor. “I saw her in front of my house when I called her to help me fetch water from a well. Having fetched the water, I lured her into my room where I had sex with her. The devil lured me into the act. “I am sorry to have engaged in such an act with a little girl, I promise never to repeat such act again, please forgive me,” Osoro said while being paraded by operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service. In her narration, the victim’s mother said the girl was sent to buy pepper in the morning but did not return home on time. “I became worried when she did not return home early. I called my stepson and we both went round looking for her because we thought she had been kidnapped. It was during the search that we saw her walking to the house. “I

Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah, CEO of Anarock Home Limited, is throwing his weight behind the APC candidate for Ibaji LGA Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ugeh, and his running mate, Hon. Victoria Okolo.  He's urging everyone to sustain the momentum from the successful flag-off of the LGA election campaign and replicate the same enthusiasm during the polls on October 19th, 2024, to ensure the APC emerges triumphant.  Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah has been a strong supporter of the APC in Ibaji, previously donating campaign materials to Hon. Emmanuel Ugeh Onuche to boost his candidacy. He's also commended Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for allocating 50% of the state's fertilizer supply to farmers in Ibaji and Bassa LGAs, demonstrating his commitment to the community's growth.  As the CEO of Anarock Home Limited, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and empowerment initiatives His dedication to the community and the APC's vision for pro

In a heartfelt display of gratitude, a group of newly graduated medical doctors have publicly acknowledged former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his role in supporting their medical education through a full scholarship. The medical professionals, who were part of the pioneer group transferred from Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) to various universities across Nigeria after the loss of accreditation at their initial institution before the emergence of Yahaya Bello, expressed their appreciation for the former governor’s intervention. The graduates, transferred to Ebonyi State University, Kaduna State University, and Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, highlighted the critical support they received from Governor Bello and the Kogi State Government. This included covering all transfer and tuition fees, ensuring they could complete their medical training without financial burden. In a public letter addressed to the former governor, the students stated, “when we faced the

17th September, 2024.  Lokoja, Kogi State.  I commend former Governor Yahaya Bello's trailblazing achievements in education and healthcare. The successful graduation of medical students, who benefited from Governor Bello's scholarship initiative, underscores his commitment. Transferred to esteemed institutions nationwide, these students completed their studies without financial burden, thanks to Governor Bello's foresight. I applaud Governor Bello's transformative leadership, His vision has revitalized Kogi State's healthcare sector. Enhancing infrastructure, constructing hospitals, and delivering quality services demonstrate his unwavering dedication to citizens' well-being. I felicitate with the graduates, encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to Kogi State and beyond. These medical professionals epitomize Governor Bello's vision for a healthier, educated, and prosperous Kogi State, collaborative efforts by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, education

PRESS RELEASE Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has described the death of a Veteran journalist, Comrade Matthias Omala as an unfortunate and great loss to the profession. A statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna and Secretary, Comrade Olusegun Ayindero-Oyenibi noted that Comrade Matthias Omala has contributed in no great measure to the successes achieved in the Union in the State while in active service. According to the statement, the one-time Vice President of Zone D would be missed for his meaningful impact at the National and State Levels fostering unity, peace and love among members. The statement which described death as the end of all mortals, condole with the immediate family and friends of the deceased and prayed God to grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of Comrade Matthias Omala as well as grant his soul rest in eternity.

Stakeholders in Ajaokuta Local Government have passed a vote of confidence on Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and the member  representing Ajaokuta Federal constituency Hon Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem. The All Progressive Congress, (APC) executives in the Local Government led  by it Chairman Hon Yakubu Supa, met with Hon Abdulraheem at his Lokoja residence on Monday. The delegation, comprising 14 ward chairmen and ward secretaries, commended Governor Ododo and Hon Egidi for their remarkable impacts and efforts in fulfilling their campaign promises to the people of Kogi State. In his remarks, the Ajaokuta Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, (ALGON)   Hon Yusuf lauded the federal lawmaker and Governor Ododo for their good work in the State. Speaking on behalf of the Secretaries in attendance,  Comrade Abdulhameed Ivavah also applauded Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem for his empowerment schemes and development projects, citing the recent giants empowerment scheme

PRESS STATEMENT  17th September, 2024.  Lokoja, Kogi State.  Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Candidate for Idah Local Government, has warmly commended former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to education, and transformative vision for the state's healthcare sector. The newly graduated medical doctors, who benefited from Governor Bello's full scholarship program, have expressed profound gratitude for his timely intervention. The students, transferred to Ebonyi State University, Kaduna State University, and Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, praised Governor Bello's swift action in covering their transfer and tuition fees, ensuring they completed their medical training without financial burden. Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu stated, "Governor Bello's dedication to education and healthcare is truly commendable. His support for these medical students demonstrates his passion

A Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has lamented over the death of former Defence attaché to Nigeria Embassy in China, Brigadier General B.B. Tete. General Tete was Senator Mark's Adviser on Special Duties during his tenure as President of the Senate of Nigeria. Gen Tete was reported dead after a brief illness at Nigerian Army Hospital in Kaduna last week. Senator Mark in a condolence message to the family of Tete described him as a detribalised ,  dependable and faithful ally who promoted peace and unity  of Nigeria. According to Mark “Gen Tete was not only a brilliant soldier but an accomplished diplomat, teacher and a fine gentleman who was an inspirational mentor to many. “His exceptional commitment and passion for the ideals of nationhood were evident in every assignment he handled within and outside the country. "He left an indelible mark in the minds and hearts of many. “Beyond his military exploits , Gen Tete was known for his kind and gentle nature. H

16th September, 2024.  Lokoja, Kogi State.  Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu alongside his family and political associates, attended the naming ceremony of the newborn baby of Hon. Salisu Ogu Sani's family on September 14th, 2024. The ceremony, which took place in Lokoja, was a joyous celebration of the new addition to the family. Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu's presence added to the festivity and dignity of the event, as he joined other well-wishers to congratulate Hon. Salisu Ogu Sani and his family on the arrival of their newborn baby. This gesture demonstrates Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu's commitment to building strong relationships with his colleagues and the community, as well as his support for family values and traditions. Alhaji Alhaji Media Team

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF It appears the over two decades of suffering by Nigerians to access petroleum products which the country is one of the major producers have just started with Dangote's monopoly of all facets of our national life,w and the pretences of bringing to an end many years of scarcity and energy crisis in the country. Nigeria should not contemplate cutting off importation of the products inspite of the shady deals surrounding the exercise and favouritism prevalent in the system over the decades. The lack of transparency displayed by Dangote Refinery has subsumed the fanfare that came with the commencement of local refining of petroleum products and it's availability aside the ones made available by NNPCL in recent times. The controversies surrounding the inauguration of Dangote Refinery by the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was enough sign that the group may not satisfy the aspirations of Nigerians, except the economic prosperity of the org

16th September, 2024.  Lokoja, Kogi State.  The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Candidate for Idah Local Government Area, Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud celebration to offer prayers for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation. In a statement on Monday, Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu emphasized the importance of spiritual reflection during this period, urging Muslim faithful to pray for Nigeria's overall wellbeing and the continued progress of Idah Local Government. "As we commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), I encourage everyone to reflect on his teachings and pray for our nation's peace, development, and stability," Hon. Alhaji Alfa Halilu said. He also called for tolerance and understanding among all Nigerians, stressing that unity and collective efforts are essential for overcoming the challenges facing the country. "I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and charge them

The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has felicitated with Muslim ummahs as they join the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 Eid-El-Maulud celebration, which signifies the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Prince Audu, in a message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, on Monday in Abuja, urged Muslim faithfuls and Nigerians to use the opportunity of the holy celebration to reflect on the life, teachings, and principles of Prophet Muhammad. He admonished Nigerians to draw strength from the examples of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and strive to foster a nation of peace, unity, and understanding amongst the diverse folds while continually praying for the President and other leaders in positions of authority. “This significant day, which marks the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the reaffirmation of our shared values of peace, compassion, and unity. “Eid-El-Maulud celebration is

Bashir Opaluwa Idris  Kogi State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi has felicitated with Muslims on the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Hon. Acharu in a statement, explained that the Feast of Eid-el-Maulud is a celebration of love and a time to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings on unity, compassion and peace. She enjoined adherents of Islam in the Kogi State to always strive to be their brother’s keeper, show practical love and ensure peaceful co-existence with others. “As you mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad, it is also a time of reflection on his great ideals and teachings on love, unity, compassion and peace. “I urge adherents of the faith to demonstrate practical love, patriotism and ensure peaceful co-existence with others. The principles of good neighbourliness and being a brother’s keeper are best manifested at a season as this. “May this Eid celebration bring greater prosperity and joy to you all and to our state.”

By: Ernest Zhokwo  The Aguma of Bassa, Chief Williams Keke has assured of his support to Bassa Cultural Development Union, BDCU, in promoting the cultural heritage of the Area. Chief Keke gave the assurance when National Executives of Bassa Cultural Development Union paid him a traditional homage at Oguma. The traditional ruler said there was need to promote the cultural heritage of the area so as to attract tourism and development. The Aguma of Bassa called on the BDCU Executives to promote unity among the Bassa people and other tribes in the Country. Earlier, National President of Bassa Cultural Development Union, Chief Peter Tukura said there were in the Aguma’s palace for royal blessing. In their separate speeches, the Clan Head of Edigeshi, Chief Uye Joshua and the Clan Head of Ozongulo Ward, Chief Jonathan Chabani commended Chief Peter Tukura for the visit and pledged the support of traditional rulers of the area to enable him succeed.         Chairmanship Candidate of All Progre

Bashir Opaluwa Idris Kogi State Government says it has fortified and equipped forty two transit camps as contingencies for flood. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo stated this in a message to the celebration of this year's Lokoja Day. The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, said the decision is in preparation for any impending flood that is currently affecting other states in the country. He advised those residing at the river bank to relocate to higher ground to avoid being submerge by the impending flood. Governor Ododo commended the Maigeri Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Maikerfi the fourth for recognizing and bestowing chieftaincy titles on the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf and six other illustrious sons and daughter of Lokoja. The Governor used the occasion to reiterates his administration's determination to support traditional institution as the closest to the people to fast track peace and unity of the state. Go

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs , with the global template and transmutation from the Millennium Development Goals MDGs will be eight years old, in line with the UNGA 71 declaration held in 2016. The coincidence of the appointment of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire to lead the global body in 2016,  along with her recent reappointment in 2023 had demonstrated the domestication and willingness of the extension of the program across board, sub- national in line with its 17 goals to provide succour in all areas to all vulnerable Nigerians . With its domestication , the provision of quality health care, Education through the launch of "Evaluation Report ", poverty reduction , provision of portable water and light across the country through numerous interventions with the cooperation of international agencies, donor agencies, public and private sector advisory group, PSAG, voluntary groups, CSOs among many others had improved the negative consequences, t

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF. The clamour for more funding to Basic Education and by extension Education subsector from both the public and by extension the private sector in the country has began to yield positive results. This was occasioned by the recent upward review and impressive assessment of the matching grants by the sub national to improve Basic Education, Infrastructure, manpower development among many others towards the progress and development of Basic Education in Nigeria. The yearly counterpart funding arrangements between the federal and state government got a 100% increment in 2024 appropriation , from the previous 1.5 Billion in 2023 to the new allocation of impressive 3.5 Billion as the new matching grants to states and FCT. With the new development, states are expected to provide a counterpart funding to the matching grants to the tune of 3.5 Billion to access the whole amount on a yearly basis of over 6 Billion, a very encouraging amount that will support the dearth of improv

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF The location of the Gc Export Industrial Park is strategic, both in the acquisition of raw materials for the company and creation of job opportunities for many kogites and outside the shores of the state. Established more than a decade ago in Jamata , Kogi state as a raw processing company of cassava and exportation based on the profile of ( Free Trade Zone) , the company had transformed to major export based organization and revenue generating organ both for Kogi state and the country at large. Aside direct buying and processing of cassava and it's products to ethanol, as the only surviving and leading company in Kogi and north central region, against the backdrop of the existence of many conglomerates in the Okun speaking area now moribund. Navigating in the negative government policies in the last few years, the company has consolidated in the improvement of the economy of Kogi state, Nigeria and even the local economy of its location. With robust export based

The official presentation of Medals at the ongoing eight National Youth Games in Asaba Delta State have commenced.  Kogi State mixed doubles  in table tennis of Joseph Victor and Ize Sezuo received the gold medal award while Ize Sezuo and Samuel Dada got bronze medals in the female and male singles respectfully. Receiving the award in Asaba, the players appreciated God and their coaches for the privilege and promised to do better when given another opportunity. Speaking, coach Friday Abah and Jibril Shaku expressed joy at the feat saying their outing was not in vain. Competitions in relay and other sports is expected to commence fully tomorrow.

The Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, has provided a borehole for the Post Flood Housing Estate, Lokoja. Flagging off the drilling of the borehole, the State Pastor of the Church,  Israel Akinsonyade said the provision of the borehole was part of the corporate social responsibility of the Church and to mark the seventy birthday of the General Overseer of the Church, Bishop David Oyedepo. Pastor Israel stated that the Estate was considered in view of its hospitality and the need to reduce the water scarcity facing the people. The State Pastor explained that life was not all about consumption, but contribution, stressing that the people should acknowledge God in all their endeavors. "Let me make it clear that life is not all about consumption, but contribution, therefore, I appeal to all meaning people, individuals and corporate bodies to identify the needs of the people, individuals and communities in order to assist. When you make the life of people better, then,

Bashir Opaluwa Idris Kogi State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi has felicitated with the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf on his successful Turbaning as the Badakoshi of Lokoja. Hon. Acharu in felicitation message in Lokoja, said the prestigious traditional title is a well-deserved recognition of the Speaker's leadership and contributions to the community.  "The Speaker, as Badakoshi, I am confident that he will continue to serve with wisdom, integrity, and dedication to the people. She said." "I join the people of Kogi State and beyond in celebrating this significant achievement. May this honor bring joy, peace, and prosperity to the Honorable Speaker and the people of Lokoja."

James Sani Kogi State today Friday 13th September, 2024 clinched her first gold medals in the mixed doubles of the table tennis event at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. The mixed doubles of Joseph Victor and Sezuo Ize defeated their Delta state mixed doubles counterpart by three two to clinch the gold medal. Speaking in a separate interview after the match, Joseph Victor and Sezuo Ize thank the ministry and coaches for their support. On their part, coach, Usman Jibril Shaku and Friday Abah expressed joy over the victory and urged the players to keep on and not to give up. While Congratulating the players, the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Monday A Anyebe described the feat as a welcome development. The commissioner who was represented by the Director Sports Development in the Ministry, Mr. David Ogazuma assured of more medals for Team Kogi and called for continuous support.

Bashir Opaluwa Idris  The Federal Government has declared Monday, 16th September, 2024 as Public Holiday to mark the celebration of the Eid-ul-Mawlid, birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulates Muslims both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion. Tunji-Ojo urges them to imbibe the virtues of patience, sacrifice, and resilience in the spirit of the season and seize the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation.

Harps on continuous synergy between NASC and NASS. The Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, Sani Magaji Tambawal has said the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and the National Assembly NASS shared a common vision as engine room of the legislature that beared enormous responsibility of providing seamless  administrative and legislative support to the National Assembly. Tambuwal who stated this at the opening ceremony of a four day retreat for top management staff of National Assembly Service Commission NASC and National Assembly NASS held at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the nation's city between Thursday 12th September- Sunday 15th September, 2024. According to the Clerk to the National Assembly in his address maintained that the shared goal among NASC and NASS is capable of reinforcing the synergy between the institutions to enhance the effectiveness of the nation's legislative process. The retreat with the theme , "Promoting Inter-Institutional Synergy for Enhanced

BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF The  Igala, paramount ruler, His Royalty Majesty Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, CFR, Ata-Igala and President Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers renews call for concerted efforts to secure lives and property in his Kingdom.  The Attah renewed the call at his palace when he recently flagged off the distribution of fertilizers to farmers in Kogi state by the government.  The Attah reiterated his call to the Chief of Army staff and other security agencies to join hands with the traditional council and the state government to put an end to the banditry and the wanton destruction of farms and villages .  He condemned  the rampant killing of law abiding Igala citizens especially in Omala LGA and other parts of the kingdom. While appreciating timely interventions and the efforts of the state government, he reiterated his call for the citing of a military brigade in Kogi East to compliment already existing units.  The Attah lamented the continued inability of his

The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf will be turbanned with the traditional title of the Badakoshi of Lokoja tomorrow by the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi IV.  This is contained in a press statement signed and made available to the media by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Yabagi Mohammed.  The statement said the turbanning ceremony which will take place in the morning beginning from 10 o'clock in the morning would be followed by a reception at the Speaker's Lodge along Mount Patti Road.  According to the statement, the occasion is to be chaired by the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and other dignitaries t that would grace the occasion include speakers of State Houses of Assembly from across the country.  Government officials, leaders of thought, business moguls and others within and outside Kogi State are also expected at the ceremony.  The statement which extends invitation to all well meaning indi

Ernest Zhokwo The Chief Imam of Felele Central Mosque, Alhaji Shehu Muhammed Abdulkadir has described his victory at the Magistrate Court Lokoja over land dispute as the will of God. Alhaji Abdulkadir made this known during the celebration of the court ruling at his residence in Felele, Lokoja The Chief Imam while addressing the mammoth crowd, said the victory has again proven the judiciary to be the last hope of common man. He commended the Magistrate, Muhammed Tanko and other legel practitioner who stood on the path of truth in delivering the judgment. In a remark, the Shabaa of Felele Community, Alhaji Musa Abdulkadir attributed the victory to God. Alhaji Musa noted that the people of the community will always stand for the truth and sincerity of purpose. He called on the people of the community to shun violence and promote activities that will ensure Development of the community.

James Sani Contingents from the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT, at the ongoing 8th National Youth Games defiled the heavy rain to participate in the match past for the opening ceremony at the Stephen Keshi International stadium in Asaba. Declaring the games open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, said the programme was designed to hunt, discover and nurture  young  talents for sporting activities. He said the country must continue to do these games as it helps the nation to unite the people and attract Young men and women for sporting activities. According to him, the present administration is poised to repositioning the sports sector for national unity and economy prosperity. He called on all stakeholders to invest in grassroots sports development for the overall interest of youth engagement and advancement. Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, said it was the joy of the state to host the games last y

Bashir Opaluwa Idris  The Kogi State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to intervene in extenuating the loss incurred as a result of the fire outbreak at the GSM village around Kpata market in Lokoja which destroyed goods worth millions of naira. In a matter of urgent public importance moved by the Lawmaker representing LoKoja One Constituency, Bin-Ebaiya Shehu-Tijjani and read on the floor of the House by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Suleiman Abdulrazak, explained that the GSM Village is likened to Information Technology parks where activities concerning Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strives and where private individuals invest in procuring electronic equipment as well as a park where creative services in repairs and maintenance of ICT facilities take place. According to the lawmaker, so much has been invested by the young men and women in developing the State and in bolstering information and technological knowledge. "The Rt. Hon. Speaker,