Prince Abubakar University Teaching Hospital Anyigba currently under construction by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. *** Governor Yahaya Bello at work on the age-old erosion ravaged section of the road from Anyigba to the headquarters of Dekina LG and to the neighboring Bassa LG.*** Ultra-modern General Hospital, Under Construction At Isanlu-Yagba East LGA-Kogi State. Similar projects ongoing simultaneously in two (2) other locations in the state, ie, Gegu in Kogi LGA and Eganyi in Ajaokuta LGA*** The World Bank commended Governor Yahaya Bello for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)***  This app, is an Audio/visual excursion into the stewardship of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello*** 

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GYB PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO AKEREDOLU’s FAMILY IN IBADAN

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, pays a condolence visit to the family of the late Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, at his residence in the Jericho area of Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday.

Governor Bello, accompanied by the governor-elect of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, was received by Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, the bereaved wife of the late governor.

Expressing heartfelt condolences, Governor Bello states that Akeredolu’s earthly sojourn, both in private and public spheres, was profoundly impactful, leaving an indelible mark on humanity until his final breath. He counsels the grieving family to embrace the inevitability of death, urging them to cherish the enduring legacy of the departed.

“We were in Lagos for the NGF’s meeting and on a Christmas Homage to President Bola Tinubu when we received the lamentable news of the passing of our elder brother and senior colleague, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Your husband was not merely a senior governor-colleague but also a statesman whose sagacity and benevolent guidance significantly enriched our leadership, notably within the Governors Forum and the democratic institution in Nigeria.

This monumental loss resonates deeply with us, the people of Ondo State, and the entire nation.

I chose to embark on this early journey to extend my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family in this sorrowful moment. May the heavens welcome the soul of my brother with the same generosity and kindness he bestowed upon humanity throughout the years,” he expresses.

Governor Bello lauds Akeredolu’s towering stature as a luminary in Africa’s legal landscape, acknowledging his unwavering dedication to advancing justice, upholding the rule of law, and fortifying democratic institutions in Nigeria.

In gracious response, Her Excellency Betty Akeredolu extended gratitude to the governor for sparing time to offer condolences. She revealed that her husband, aged 67, succumbed to prostate cancer in Germany on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
Signed,

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 29, 2023
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GYB Introduces Successor, Ododo, to Nigerian Governors’ Forum & President Tinubu, as Forum Pays Christmas Homage

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, formally presented the Kogi State Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Lagos. The event preceded a Christmas Homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Forum.

In a poignant ceremony at the Lagos State Government House, Governor Bello introduced his successor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the NGF, to an enthusiastic reception by members. The NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, welcomed Ododo as the ‘new luminary’ of the forum, congratulating him on his victory in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

The governors, accompanied by Ododo, later visited President Tinubu in his Ikoyi residence to pay him their Christmas homage. They exchanged pleasantries with him and held far-reaching discussions on national security and the state of the nation’s economy.

As it stands now, preparations are kicking into high gear for January 27, 2024 when Governor Bello will complete his constitutional two terms in office and hand over to Ododo as the new Kogi State helmsman.

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Christmas: Governor Bello felicitates Christians, preaches love, peace

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, extends warm felicitations to Christians in Kogi State, Nigeria and across the globe as they celebrate Christmas.

He emphasizes that the season symbolizes hope for humanity, encouraging citizens to maintain a positive outlook.

The Governor urges Nigerians to embody God’s love for humanity and extend that love to their neighbors during the festive season. While acknowledging that the holiday is an excellent time to share joy with family and friends, Governor Bello also emphasizes the importance of sober reflections and prayers for peace, unity, and togetherness, especially during a time when the country is navigating a new economic course.

Expressing joy that the people of Kogi State are witnessing another Christmas, Governor Bello acknowledges the boundless mercy and love of God Almighty despite the individual and collective challenges faced. He highlights the administration’s commitment to peace, security, and safety, noting the remarkable progress in socio-economic growth and infrastructural development.

In his final Christmas celebration as governor, Bello outlines his administration’s achievements in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development. He commends the citizens for their support and commitment to the state’s progress since the beginning of his tenure in 2016.

Governor Bello assures that the quarterly distribution of palliatives to cushion the effects of petroleum product subsidy removal, a government policy, will be diligently sustained by the incoming administration.

He lauds the people for their peaceful conduct and support during the recent governorship election, expressing confidence that Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo will uphold and build on the legacy of his administration for inclusive growth.

During the Christmas celebration, Governor Bello encourages Nigerians to promote peace and good neighborliness. He calls for prayers for leaders at all levels of governance and advocates for acts of kindness toward the less privileged, emphasizing that such gestures foster love and peaceful coexistence.

Governor Bello reassures citizens of their safety during the celebrations, emphasizing the state’s preparedness to handle any security challenges. He cautions against any criminal activities, affirming that Kogi State is not conducive for such actions.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 24, 2023
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First Year Appraisals: Kogi ACReSAL Shines in Environmental Safeguards, Monitoring and Transparency in World Bank Assessment

Abuja, Nigeria – December 23, 2023: The Kogi State office of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) received stellar recognition from the World Bank, achieving top marks in environmental safeguards and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) oversight, and placing second in transparency and integrity for the project’s first year.

Top Performer:

The World Bank/Federal Ministry of Environment lauded Kogi ACReSAL’s commitment to environmental protection, awarding them the ‘Best on Environmental Safeguards’ title. They further commended their exemplary performance in M&E oversight, deeming them the ‘Best in Monitoring and Evaluation.’ Additionally, Kogi ACReSAL secured the ‘Runner-up’ position for demonstrating exceptional transparency and integrity in project execution.

Recognition at Stakeholder Forum:

These accolades were announced at the World Bank’s one-day Stakeholder Engagement Forum held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abuja. The event drew representatives from the 19 participating states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the authorizing environment.

Kogi Delegation Leads by Example:

The Kogi State team, led by Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Kogi ACReSAL State Steering Committee (SSC) Chairman, Hon. (Chief) OMOFAIYE Victor Adewale, actively participated in the forum. Joining him were co-chairmen from the Ministries of Water Resources and Agriculture, along with the State Project Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto OON.

Kogi’s strong representation also included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Jibrin (Chairman, Kogi ACReSAL State Technical Committee), Permanent Secretaries from other relevant ministries, and the Head of the Project Financial Monitoring Unit (HPFMU).

Platform for Progress:

The forum served as a vital platform for fostering communication and understanding between the World Bank and implementing partners. It offered the participating states a clear view of the ACReSAL Project’s development objectives, promoting seamless implementation at the state level.

Furthermore, the event facilitated performance evaluation and provided valuable support to participating states.

Kogi’s Commitment to Sustainability:

Speaking at the forum, Hon. OMOFAIYE attributed Kogi’s success to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection. He emphasized the state’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in project execution.

Echoing this sentiment, Barr. Jatto reaffirmed their commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability. She expressed gratitude to Governor Bello for his unwavering support, which has empowered Kogi ACReSAL to achieve their set objectives.

Kogi ACReSAL’s exceptional performance in environmental safeguards, M&E oversight, and transparency serves as a commendable example for other participating states. Their dedication to project sustainability ensures a bright future for the ACReSAL program.

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GYB Inaugurates Operational Vehicles for the State Assembly Members

Kogi Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, Inaugurates Operational Vehicles comprises of 30 State-of-the-Art referral Ambulances, Modern Firefighting Trucks, official vehicles for the State Assembly members and principal officers, Heads of the Judiciary, Heads of Institutions and others.

The inauguration of the vehicles is done at the Muhammadu Buhari Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State on Friday.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 22, 2023
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NBTE commends Gov. Bello over interest, support for vocational, technical education

…urge for more collaboration, attention to NKFI

The Nigerian Board of Technical Education has commended the KogI State governor, Yahaya Bello for his continued show of interest in vocational and Technical education as reflected in his efforts and support towards the Nigeria-Korea friendship Institute in Lokoja.

The board however urged for more collaboration and attention to the institute by relevant stakeholders noting that NKFI have a critical role to play in empowering young people towards self reliance.

Speaking during their address on Thursday at the commencement of the accreditation exercise by the board, they noted that governor Bello’s efforts towards giving the vocational and technical institute the nod for accreditation exercise.

The team lead, Engineer Jafar Garuba stated vocational and Technical education is the way to go in the country and young people must ensure they lay their hands on a skill which is the only way by which they can become highly employable.

He said “we appreciate the state government for showing concern towards the progress of this citadel of learning. Kogi state ranks high amongst other states in this area and such bold steps are commendable”.

He added that the time for white collar jobs have gone, saying skills and not paper qualifications is the way out of unemployment logjam and dependence on government jobs that are not readily available.

He disclosed that Nigeria Korea friendship Institute of advanced Technology possesses the same status with Polytechnics and collages of Technology as they both awards National Diploma.

He commended the kogi state Government to have secured collaboration with the Korean Government for the establishment of the institute- the first of its kinds in the subsaharan African and urge for mass advocacy and mobilisation to motivate the interest of the school leavers to get placement into the institute.

2024 Draft Budget

2024 Kogi State Appropriation Law. His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State assented to the Kogi State Appropriation Law, 2024 yesterday, 20th December, 2023 which made the 2024 Draft Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth a functional statute in the Confluence State.

It will be recalled that the Governor had presented the draft Budget to the Kogi State House of Assembly on Monday, 11th December, 2024
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Governor Bello Signs N258.3bn 2024 Budget Into Law With a Vision of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth

In a significant milestone, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has officially signed the N258,278,501,339 Appropriation Bill for the year 2024 into law. The governor, expressing the uniqueness of this budget signing, remarked that it marks the final one under his tenure as the state’s governor.

Governor Bello extended commendations to the Speaker and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly for their exceptional collaboration and prompt attention to his request, leading to the swift passage of the appropriation bill into law.

The 2024 budget, titled “Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth,” stands at N258.3bn, representing a notable increase from the N197.5bn revised approved budget for 2023—a 30.71% increment of N60.6bn.

Governor Bello outlined key areas of emphasis within the 2024 budget, spanning good governance, infrastructural development, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, peace-building, women empowerment, gender equality, environment, sustainable development, industry, commerce, information technology, innovation, youth empowerment, sports development, entertainment, culture, tourism, housing, enhanced internally generated revenue, water, and sanitation.

As the governor approaches the conclusion of his administration on January 27, 2024, he expressed a heartfelt desire for continued cooperation with the incoming administration of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo. He anticipates that the transition will be embraced with excitement and optimism, paving the way for the state to achieve new horizons.
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Expressing gratitude to God and the people of Kogi State for their unwavering support during his nearly eight-year tenure, Governor Bello expressed confidence in the State Assembly’s ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with the incoming administration.

Speaking optimistically about the budget’s implementation under the leadership of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor Bello foresees the incoming administration building on the foundation laid during his tenure. He commended the commissioner, management and staff of the ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning for painstakingly put the budget together.

Earlier in his address, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that the 2024 budget is a reflection of the resolve of the people of the state to address their critical needs and pledged the assembly’s cooperation and collaboration with the incoming administration for the overall interest of the state.

In addition to signing the 2024 budget, Governor Bello enacted laws to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Law, 2000; law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State College of Nursing Sciences; and law establish the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, among other crucial matters.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 20, 2023
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Gov Bello Eulogizes Gen Chris Ali’s Exemplary Patriotism, Unrivaled Commitment To National Defense

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, pays glowing tribute to the late General Chris Ali, extolling his unparalleled patriotism and unwavering commitment while offering his final respects to the deceased general in Abuja on Wednesday.

Attending the burial ceremony at the military Cemetery in Abuja, Governor Yahaya Bello who was accompanied by the Kogi State governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo extends heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, the Nigerian Army, friends, and colleagues of the former Chief of Army Staff, who peacefully passed away at the age of 78.

Governor Bello characterizes the late General Ali as an extraordinary Nigerian patriot who fearlessly risked his life in the defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He acknowledges Ali as a quintessential Army General, whose impeccable passion for peace, development, and progress in Nigeria is truly unmatched.

Governor Bello urged the family to take solace in the distinguished and exemplary life the late Army officer lived.

Born on December 1, 1944, in Koto-Karfe, Kogi State, Major-General Ali held esteemed positions, serving as a former Chief of Army Staff and military administrator of Plateau State.

Ali’s distinguished career includes his role as the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) before his well-deserved elevation to Chief of Army Staff, earning him respect as a dedicated officer.

The late Army General also demonstrated his leadership during a critical period, serving as an interim administrator of Plateau State in 2004.

Also present to pay their last respects to the late distinguished Army General were former military head of states, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Former Minister of defense, General Abdulrahman Danbazau, and numerous other dignitaries from various spheres of life.
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Kogi Govt Arrest 10 Illegal Miners, Impounds Over 50 Coal Laden Trucks In Ankpa

Kogi state government has arrested 10 miners operating illegally in Ankpa local government area of the state.

The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Hon. Bashiru Gegu disclosed this on Monday evening in Ankpa when his ministry in collaboration with the Kogi State Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms and Other Related Crimes began the enforcement of Governor Yahaya Bello’s directive to illegal mining across the state.

Gegu, who noted that operation stop illegal mining in Kogi State is on course, said government has confiscated over 50 trucks carrying coal illegally with support of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes.

Gegu said “We must implement the Federal Government policy and help in revenue generation. Over the years we have asked miners in the State approved by the Federal Government to register with the Ministry of solid Minerals and natural resources. This has however, fell on deaf ears with people brazenly destroying our communities. Illegal mining is totally prohibited in Kogi State”.

The Commissioner warned all illegal mining companies and individuals to stop forthwith as the long hands of the law is set to catch up with them.

He reassured that any one found wanting would be prosecuted.

Also speaking, the Director General Kogi State Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms and Other Related Crimes, Elder Friday Sani Makama, said it will no longer be business as usual, adding that the present administration will leave no stone unturned in arresting and prosecuting any individual caught engaging in illegal mining in Kogi State.

“Some set of individuals are milking the State of its natural resources. That is why Governor Yahaya Bello who wants the best for the people of Kogi state said it was time to put a stop to illegal mining in Kogi.

” Our operation here is very simple. All miners in Kogi State must operate within the ambit of the law. And my duty here is to ensure the enforcement of the directive given by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state,” he added.

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