Education: Kogi Governor signs law establishing CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, Okene

 

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed a bill converting the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital, Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.

This was announced in Lokoja on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing.

The move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval of a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, among other medical courses, at CUSTECH. According to Mr. Fanwo, the step ensures the program begins on a solid foundation.

“This achievement is the result of months of coordinated engagement between the university, the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Education. We commend the State House of Assembly for passing the bill, which has now been signed into law by Governor Ododo,” Fanwo said.

He emphasized the administration’s prioritization of healthcare, noting that the former Reference Hospital—now the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital—is equipped with world-class medical facilities, some of which are debuting for the first time in Africa.

“With this development, CUSTECH will have cutting-edge medical technology to train outstanding healthcare professionals for Kogi State and beyond,” he added.

Fanwo further highlighted the administration’s commitment to healthcare and education, describing the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s progress. He also expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their collective effort in creating this historic achievement.

With the bill now law, CUSTECH is poised to effectively commence its MBBS program.

Nigeria @ 64 : Kogi First Lady reaffirms commitment to women empowerment programmes

 

The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Ahmed Ododo, has reaffirmed the commitment of her Office and the Kogi State Government to continue to sustain women empowerment initiatives in the state

Hajiya Ododo gave the assurance on Tuesday at the occasion organised by her Office to commemorate the Nigeria's 64th Independence Day celebration at Government House Lokoja.

Mrs Ododo noted that various empowerment programmes had been initiated by her office to empower women and young girls in last eight months across the state.

She disclosed that her office had offered grants to over 1000 women in small and medium businesses across the state,.

This, she said was targeted at enhancing girl child education and vocational training to safeguard the future of young girls and women in the state.

She urged government at various levels to take necessary steps towards protecting women's right, curb violence against women and support them for nation building.

The Kogi first lady emphasised that women played a pivotal role in shaping the society, and stressed the need to protect them from sexual and gender-based violence.

She reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Ahmed Ododo's administration to tackling poverty, insecurity, access to healthcare and the menace of out of school children in the state.

"As we celebrate our nation's independence day, it is very important to remind ourselves of our freedom from poverty, freedom from illiteracy and violence against women in the state," she said.

Mrs Ododo expressed her gratitude to Nigeria's First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her support and empowerment programme across the country describing her "as a beacon of hope for women in Nigeria.

"I wish to appreciate our mother, the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her passion and total support to empowering our women across the country"..

"We thank Nigeria's first lady for being a beacon of hope and for leading the women's course in the country," She said.

Mrs Ododo assured the commitment of her to continue to protect the right of women through various institutions to eradicating violence against women in the state.

The first lady assured the people that the governor would not disappoint the women and youths in the state.

She added: "I urge you all to continue to support the administration of my husband, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and I assure you that he would not disappoint you".

Mrs Ododo commended the leadership of the party for nominating women into various positions in the upcoming Local government council elections, saying "as women, we will not disappoint you and the good people of Kogi"

She, therefore urged Kogi women to make their voices heard and vote en masse to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the local government election.

She further enjoined the women to continue to support and offer prayers for their families, husbands, children, and leaders in the state and Nigeria at large.

Earlier, the Secretary to Kogi State Government (SSG), Dr Folashade Ayoade, implored the women to continue to pray for the Governor and his wife for the success of the State and Nigeria at large.

Ayoade commended the governor's wife for her humility and passion in empowering women across the states.

Other dignitaries at the occasion include: the State Commissioner for Women Affairs Hajiya Fatima Momoh; the Deputy Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly Comfort Unwuchola; and wives of Commissioners; among others. 

By Stephen Adeleye

Group describes allegations against CUSTECH VC as Fictitious, Malicious, Urges Kogi Govt to Unmask Perpetrators

 

A socio-cultural group "Committee of Friends Ogaminana" in Kogi, has described the allegations of corruption and sexual harassment against the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, Prof. Abdulrahaman Salawu as false and malicious.

This was contained in a statement signed by the group's Chairman, Alh. Isah Suleiman; and Secretary,, Musa Ohiani; and seven others, made available to newsmen on Monday Lokoja.

The group described the accusations of corrupt practices, sexual harassment, and anti-party activities as contained in the circulated documents, as evil work of disgruntled individuals.

According to the association, the sole aim of the purveyors of the document is tarnish the impeccable reputation of the accomplished academic, administrator, and public servant.

"Our independent investigation revealed that some staff members, who were reprimanded for their involvement in unethical practices in the school, were behind the campaign of calumny against the Vice Chancellor.

"Unethical practices such as insubordination, harassment and threatening of subordinates, extortion from students, demanding sexual favours in exchange for grades, as well as other illegal and immoral acts.

"The authors of the write-ups are either oblivious of the sound moral upbringing and high academic reputation of the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu.

"They are purely on a mission of tainting the enviable records of the vice chancellor, which has made him an asset of inestimable value not just to Ebiraland and Kogi State but the entire country, Nigeria," the group stated..

The association, therefore urged the university authority to unmask such individuals and show them the way out of the services in the institution.

The group added: "From our knowledge of who Engr Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu is, we make bold to say that the allegations of corruption, sexual harassment, and other sundry issues raised in the "ghost" petitions are products of corruption fighting back.

"Since those who have compromised and made huge gains from systems will always feel threatened when the right things are done.

"We know Professor Abdulrahman to be a man of high integrity whose commitment to upholding the values of the university and the Government of Kogi State is unquestionable.

"His exemplary service to the university and the state has earned him the admiration and respect of the government and the academic community.

"His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education and his unwavering loyalty to the government, bestowed upon him the title of Deputy Chief Servant of the State. 

"The Kogi State House of Assembly has openly commended his leadership, with a letter of commendation issued during one of their recent plenary session.

"We, therefore implored the State government to fish out those behind the baseless allegations and deal decisively with the perpetrators..

"The government must stop them before turn the cherished asset, CUSTECH, into a theatre of gossip and rumour mongering with it’s attendant adverse effects on the academic progress that the institution is currently making". 

By Stephen Adeleye

Kogi Assembly calls for EFCC Chairman's removal, alleges assassination attempt on Gov. Ododo, ex-Gov. Bello

 

The Kogi State House of Assembly, has called for the removal of the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over alleged attacks on Kogi State Governor's Lodge in Abuja.

The lawmakers also accused the EFCC of assassination attempt on the former Governor Yahaya Bello and the incumbent Governor Ahmed Ododo, stressing that the persecution of the former governor had gone on for too long and must stop.

The legislators made the call during plenary at the Assembly chamber on Monday in Lokoja, the state capital, 

The assembly members in their various motions, condemned what they described as the EFCC operatives' unprovoked attack on the Kogi State Government Lodge, saying it was an attack on the incumbent Governor and the entirety of the Kogi people.

This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Akus Lawal, representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency; and seconded by Hon Jacob Olawunmi, Mopamuro State Constituency.

Hon. Akus said the EFCC was out to humiliate and possibly kill the present and former governors. His colleagues all supported this. 

Seconding the motion, Hon. Olawumi stressed that the Audited Financial Reports of the State, had always been published by the State Government.

According to Olawunmi, the State House of Assembly can categorically say that no money is missing to warrant EFCC's unwarranted witch-hunting of the former Governor.

Hon. Abu Jibril of Ajaokuta State, said the EFCC boss should be prosecuted for allegedly attempting to kill the governor.

 

"The EFCC's conduct shows that the chairman is incapable of leading a supposed impartial agency like the EFCC

"The Chairman has shown incompetence that warrants his removal.

"We call on President Bola Tinubu to remove the EFCC chairman immediately," Jibrin said .

Also speaking, Hon Bode Ogunmola, Ogori/Magongo State Constituency (PDP), said: "If I am in London and there is a crisis, if I get to the Nigerian House, I will feel safe. 

"If I am in Abuja and there is a crisis, I believe that if I get to the Kogi Lodge, I will be safe. 

"For the EFCC Chairman to order that fire be opened on the official lodge of the Governor, he should be sacked and prosecuted. We should be told why he wants to kill our Governor".

The Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Suleiman AbdulRazak, alleged that officials of the EFCC were begging the former Governor to let them pretend as if he was arrested. 

He said it was an embarrassing act, which showed that the anti-graft agency was acting a script written by some political enemies of the former Governor. 

"The President should be notified of the assassination attempt on the present and former Governors; adding that the whole drama was a show to embarrass the former Governor.

"On the fateful night, a coup attempt was committed at the Kogi State Governor's Lodge and called on the President to immediately remove the EFCC Chairman to save the nation from further embarrassment," Abdulrazak said.

Hon Yahaya Umar, representing Omala State Constituency said, "The unlawful conducts of the EFCC show that the intention of the chairman is not to arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello, but to ridicule the state. 

"The chronology of how the event happened shows that the problem of the chairman is not with the offences being alleged, but that they want to disgrace the defendant and Kogi State in general."

On her part, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, stated, "The EFCC is just trying to give the former Governor a bad name through their media trial. 

"The EFCC is not sincere in this fight. It has an agenda it is pursuing and the entire people of the state, particularly the women and youths, will not accept this."

The lawmakers unanimously resolved that the EFCC had an agenda different from the fight against corruption, which had been revealed by the way the Commission approached the issue of arrest. 

This, they said, must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Kogi State House of Assembly also passed a resolution, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his economic policies, aimed at building a strong and virile economy that will be the envy of all.

The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, who read out the resolution of the House, stated: 

"The House formally categorizes the April 17 and September 18 incidents as assassination attempts on the former Governor, and by extension, a threat to the life of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. 

"The unprovoked attack on the Governor’s Lodge and the firing of live rounds within a diplomatic residential zone further demonstrate that the EFCC has fully marinated in a sense of its own importance and power.

"The EFCC now considers itself not only above the law but unanswerable to anyone or institution for its actions.

"Since the EFCC Chairman has shown constantly, gross incompetence, the House has resolved that the President should relieve him of his appointment with immediate effect and replace him with a competent officer who will give Mr. President's crusade for rule of law the needed effectiveness," the lawmakers stated. 

By Stephen Adeleye

L-PRES: Gov. Ododo restates commitment to transforming livestock industry in Kogi

 

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming livestock industry to ensure food security and boost the economy of the state.

Ododo gave the assurance during an interactive session with 500 women and youths poultry value chain credit support beneficiaries under the Kogi Livestock Production and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES Kogi L-PRES, a World Bank Project on Tuesday at Government House Lokoja.

The selected beneficiaries were drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.

The governor said the initiative was part the state's 32-Year Development Plan for Crop and Livestock improvement.

According to him, the L-PRES is a giant stride in Nigeria's drive towards food security and economic prosperity.

"It aligns seamlessly with our administration's short, medium and long term plan to make Kogi the epicenter of livestock production in Nigeria.

"We are determined to achieve the Project Development Objectives here in Kogi State," Ododo said.

Ododo congratulated the 500 beneficiaries of the project, stressing that the selection process was rigorous in accordance with the World Bank standards.

He commended the World Bank, and other partners in Nigeria as well as the Kogi L-PRES Project Management Team for their commitment to launch Kogi into the big league of livestock producers.

Ododo added: "A poultry boom in our dear state will mean serving nine other states and the Federal Capital Territory.

"We have the land, favourable climate as well as abundant human and natural resources to drive this project to a desirable success.

"I want to assure the World Bank that we shall continue to inject our projects with great political will and zeal to the benefit of our great people.

"Today, all beneficiaries will get the sum of N100,000 each as logistic support for their various businesses.

"The service providers will be immediately energized to supply all your inputs depending on your selected poultry value chains and capacity building for sustainability.

"As a way for boosting our local economy, we have urged service providers to patronize local vendors of poultry inputs within the state".

He, therefore urged the beneficiaries to make the best of the golden opportunity to transform the livestock industry in Kogi.

Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for his undying commitment to the Nigeria's economic prosperity.

"As a State, we will continue to support his laudable initiatives at making Nigeria great again," Ododo said.

In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Timothy Ojomah; and the State Project Coordinator of L-PRESS, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, commended Ododo for fully supporting the project.

The project coordinator  said the governor was rewriting the narrative of livestock farming in the State, pointing out that the selection process of the beneficiaries was transparent

Bolarin stressed that the vision of the governor and tireless effort as well as the commitment demonstrated for the project.

He said the Empowerment for women and youth in poultry value chain Credit Scheme was in line with the vision of the present administration

Bolarin explained that the beneficiaries comprised three categories such as producers, processors and marketers in the poultry value-chain.

According to him, Broiler producers will get Day Old Chicks (DOCs), feeds, Drugs and Vaccines, while Egg Producers will receive Point of Lay (POL), Feeds and Drugs

He added that Marketers and Processors will get Preservation Equipment such as Deep freezer, Generator set, stabilizer, table size broiler birds and packaging bags.

He pledged the commitment of the L-PRES Project to supporting the beneficiaries towards achieving the dream of enhancing livestock farming in the state.

The project coordinator added that with the scheme, about 500 families have been empowered to make themselves reliant in poultry farming, noting that necessary inputs would be provided for them.

Mr Samuel Mark, a beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the governor for the initiative and for supporting the projects to boost livestock productivity in the state.

Mark, who is a person with disability, commended the governor for considering the PWDs to be part of the L-PRESS beneficiaries. 

By Stephen Adeleye

Kogi NUJ Correspondents' Chapel holds special prayer for Ododo, Ex-Gov. Bello, advocates good governance

 

The Correspondents' Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kogi State council, has urged Nigerians to always pray for leaders to enable them tackle the numerous challenges confronting the nation.

The Correspondent Chapel's Chairman, Mr Segun Salami, made the call during a special prayer session at NUJ press centre Lokoja, organised by the chapel for Gov. Ahmed Ododo and former Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, 

Salami, who doubles as the Channels Television Correspondent in Kogi, said the programme was put together to pray for the success of the present administration of Gov. Ododo and a special prayer for former Gov. Bello.

He stressed that Bello had governed the state for eight years and did his best in moving Kogi forward especially in the areas of education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, among others.

The chapel's chairman stressed the need for constant prayer and support for leaders at all levels of governance to enable them deliver the dividends of democracy to Kogi citizens.

Salami urged the people to join hands with the present Ododo's administration to succeed in actualizing all his laudable plans and programmes for the state.

"Ododo has started well especially in the area of payment of salary to Kogi workers both at State and Local government level. 

"His recent signing of seven executive bills into law shows that the governor has good intentions for the state.

"The catalyst needed by the government now is fervent prayers and that I am urging Kogi people irrespective of religious to do every day. 

"If the State is better in terms of security and availability of food at cheaper rate, the benefits will touch all citizens in the state" Salami said.

Earlier, Mallam Muhammad Bashir of the New Telegraph who offered prayer in Islamic faith, described prayer as a weapon to deal with every evil and to destroy every obstacle to development.

Bashir noted that the prayer was organized to ensure that the present administration succeed in achieving the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Bashir prayed to God Almighty for the progress of the state and God's divine intervention in the Court case against the former governor Alh. Yahaya Bello.

Also, Mr Friday Idachaba of the Nigerian Pilot who offered prayer in Christian way, said prayer remained the foundation and ingredients needed for progress and peaceful coexistence of the people.

Idachaba prayed God to give Gov. Ododo good health, patience and wisdom to pilot the affairs of Kogi State more than his predecessors.

Idachaba also prayed to Almighty God to assist former Governor Yahaya Bello to triumph over all his challenges.

By Stephen Adeleye 

Mrs Tinubu donates 50,000 notebooks to pupils in Kogi

 

The Wife of Nigeria's President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 50,000 notebooks to public Primary schools in Kogi State under her "Renewed Hope Initiative" project.

The distribution of the note books was flagged off by the wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, on Thursday at Glass House, Government House Lokoja.

In her remarks, Hajia Ododo appreciated the President's wife for her commitment to education development and empowerment of children in public schools across the country.

She commended Mrs Tinubu for her visionary leadership and passion to ensuring quality education for all, stressing that the initiative remained an inspiration worthy of emulation.

The Kogi governor's wife promised to continue to emulate and support the Nigeria's first lady for a better output, noting that the notebooks were being distributed across the 36 States of the federation.

Mrs Ododo urged the people of Kogi to continue to support her husband to take Kogi to greater heights.

She reaffirmed the governor's commitment to continue to bridging the gaps in ensuring quality education in the state.

She advised the pupils to take their studies seriously while urging the stakeholders to ensure equitable distribution of the notebooks across public primary schools in the state.

Also speaking, the state's Commissioner for Education, Mr Wemi Jones, commended the wife of the President for the gesture towards the development of education in Kogi State.

Jones emphasised that education palliative remained the most sustainable assistance to the people, stressing that Gov. Ododo's administration would not compromise the educational needs of Kogi children.

"We are indeed very grateful to the wife of the President for the gesture because palliative in education is the most sustainable palliative that you can give because education is the bedrock of any development," he said

Jones stressed that the former Governor, Alh Yahaya Bello, handed over to Ododo who had been trained and groomed to take education to another higher level in Kogi State. 

The Commissioner assured that the necessary structure had been put in place to ensure that the notebooks get to the targeted beneficiaries.

Jones reaffirmed the commitment of Ododo's administration to ensure that education remained free at basic and secondary levels in public schools across the state.

"Education is free in Kogi. We are paying for all exams; both internal and external examinations at basic and secondary school levels in the state.

"As a ministry, we are irreversibly committed to taking education to higher level in Kogi because we have a governor that is fully ready and committed to education development," Jones said.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Momoh appreciated the Mrs Tinubu's efforts in improving education standards in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Secretaeies in the state, the Chairman Forum of Education Secretaries, Mall. Salihu Usman, appreciated the initiative and promised to ensure the distribution with fairness.

The highlight of the occasion was the flagg off of the notebooks' distribution by Kogi first lady, who subsequently handed them over to the commissioner for education for onward distribution to pupils across the state.

By Stephen Adeleye