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.

Kogi Government calls for help as flood ravages state

 

The Kogi State Government has again called on the Federal Government and international donor agencies to come to the aid of the State as flood sacks over 200 communities. 

Addressing newsmen at Kotonkarfe, Kogi Local Government, Monday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo said a major "humanitarian crisis is brewing in the state as close to two million people are currently homeless". 

He said the "National Emergency Management Agency cannot afford to wait any longer" as the State is already "overwhelmed". 

"We are in a dire emergency situation at the moment and this is sad. The flood disaster here is devastating and over 200 communities have already been submerged and close to two million people displaced. 

"As we speak, nine of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state are affected which is almost 50% of the number of Local Government Areas. We have opened about 68 IDP camps but they can't hold that massive population. Schools, hospitals and other infrastructure have been destroyed completely. 

"Seeing the aged and little children in this kind of distress is a horrible sight. We did not lose any life because we activated the early warning and enlightenment plan. We are expending huge resources daily but it is inadequate. We call on the Federal Government, International Donor Agencies, NGOs and philanthropists to come to our aid," he said. 

Fanwo said the State Government had earlier set up a Flood Disaster Response Team under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the State, assuring the victims of Government's support in the face of the natural disaster. 

Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, Ibaji are some of the affected Local Government Areas.

Kogi Govt hails Nigerian Police for fishing out officers indulge in extortion

Kogi State Government wishes to commend the leadership of the State Command of the Nigerian Police for heeding to the call made by Governor Yahaya Bello to fish out officers who waged riotous attack on an innocent passenger in the state. 

It would be recalled that a viral video went out yesterday, showing how a Police Officer assaulted a passenger and also allegedly extorted him of N25,000 forcefully with the use of his ATM card. 

Governor Yahaya Bello promptly directed the State Command to immediately fish out the riotous Police Officers who clearly infringed on the rights of the passenger as such flagrant abuse of rights is not condoned in the State. 

As a Government,  we are pleased with the swift intervention of the Kogi State Commissioner of Police,  CP Idrisu Dauda Dabban on  the matter. We are aware the unprofessional Officers have been identified, apprehended and would be tried immediately. 

As a Government led by young people,  we believe Police brutality against the youth is a thing we must kick against in view of our recent history as a nation. 

The Government of Kogi State will follow up on this case to ensure justice is served and served adequately to signal a  deterrent for possible future occurrence. 

Our nation will only thrive when the rights of the citizens are respected and protected. This is what the administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello stands for in Kogi State and his wish for Nigeria. 

We owe Nigerians a responsibility of protection  and security as the centre of the nation. 

Kingsley Femi Fanwo 

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications 

17/10/2023