Kogi State

Kogi State governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has officially initiated the distribution of another round of state government palliatives, set to be provided to the citizens and residents of Kogi State.

The unveiling of these palliatives took place on Tuesday at the Government House in Lokoja. Governor Bello articulated the purpose of these palliatives, emphasizing that they are aimed at mitigating the impact of the removal of the fuel subsidy. He underscored that this initiative is intended to extend the government’s support to all citizens and residents of the state.
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Governor Bello made it clear that the distribution of these palliatives is intended to reach the rural areas, ensuring that the relief reaches everybody irrespective of their location within the state. He stressed the importance of conducting the distribution without any political or other biases, emphasizing that this initiative is an ongoing effort of the state government to alleviate the hardships faced by our people.
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He declared that every individual residing in the state is entitled to benefit from these palliatives. The governor also urged the local government chairmen and other stakeholders to oversee the equitable and transparent distribution of these essential items.
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This commitment underscores the state’s dedication to providing essential support to its citizens during challenging times.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
17/10/2023
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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES 500,000 JOBS AS AJAOKUTA STEEL NEARS COMPLETION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Sunday that with the hitherto abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex now nearing completion, the project will have the capacity to employ 500,000 Nigerians once designated as a free trade zone.
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The President further promised to fully harness the potentials of the Complex once it is completed, as it would boost Nigeria’s foreign direct investment and provide avenue for the creation of the much-needed conducive business environment for all sectors to thrive.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, made this known at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The governorship poll in the state is slated for November 11.
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Addressing a mammoth crowd in Lokoja, VP Shettima also noted that Tinubu remained committed to completing the constructions of the River Niger, the Kabba-Lokoja and the Abuja-Lokoja roads.

President Tinubu, VP Shettima stated, is a man of plenty ideas who is determined to reposition the nation in its rightful place, especially as it borders on restructuring and stimulating the Nigerian economy.

“Given Mr President’s commitment to the development of Kogi State and indeed the entirety of Nigeria, Kogi in particular being a confluence state, cannot afford to have a governor who is hostile to the center. We must be partners in progress and work hand in hand to develop this great nation,” the Vice President said.
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He further hinted about plans by the Tinubu administration to make the Itakpe crop processing project a dream come true, just as he promised jobs and affordable education under the present government.

Reemphasising that the welfare of the citizenry would never be willfully compromised, VP Shettima called on Kogi citizens to come out en masse on November 11 to vote for the candidate of the APC, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in order to consolidate on the achievements of the APC government in the state.

He added that the natural endowments of Kogi State would be harnessed for the development of the state and the nation at large, adding that President Tinubu had further given his nod for the rehabilitation of Obajana-Okene road in Kogi State.
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Speaking earlier, Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, thanked President Tinubu for accepting to flag off the governorship campaign in his state, disclosing that his administration has achieved a lot, and it is time for consolidation in order to move the state forward.

“We have done a lot in the area of security, education and health, among others. We want to consolidate on that. I am, therefore, calling on the people of our dear state to vote for our candidate in order to move Kogi State forward,” he said.

For his part, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said because Governor Yahaya Bello has provided good governance to the people of Kogi, the state cannot afford to be left behind by giving power to another party different from the one at the center.
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Also, the Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, enjoined the people of Kogi State to clean up their voter cards and turn out in numbers to vote for the candidate of the APC in the November 11 governorship election.

On his part, Kogi State APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Ododo, pledged to carry the people of the state along if elected, saying he remained committed to the development agenda of Kogi State.

“We will build on the legacies of my mentor, Governor Yahaya Bello. We will give attention to security, education, agriculture and health. Our women will also be empowered,” he said.
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Other dignitaries at the campaign rally were the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and members of the National Working Committee of the APC, among others.

The Vice President’s engagements in Kogi had started with an audience with traditional rulers and other stakeholders of the state ahead of the November 11 governorship election.

At the audience with the stakeholders, VP Shettima also solicited support for the APC candidate in the forthcoming election.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the President, Kogi State Traditional Council and the Attah of Igala, HRH Mathew Ipaluwa, pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu.
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The royal father commended the state governor, Yahaya Bello, for working hard in addressing security challenges in the state.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications
(Office of the Vice President)
8th October, 2023
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KOGI2023: GOVERNOR BELLO RECEIVES HON FALEKE, ASSURES APC MEMBERS EQUAL PARTICIPATION, REPRESENTATION

The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has reaffirmed the fundamental principle of equal rights to participation and representation for all party members in Kogi State. This commitment was highlighted during his reception of Hon James Abiodun Faleke, the former deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2015 election and the current Chairman of the House Committee on Finance.

Governor Bello emphasized that within the APC, there exists a level playing field where every member has equal access to the numerous opportunities offered by the party. He underscored the absence of hierarchy or privilege when it comes to participation within the party.
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Hon. Faleke arrived with a contingent of party members representing all three senatorial districts. This distinguished group included Prof Stephen Ocheni, former Minister of Labour and Productivity; Barrister Dangana Ocheja, the former senator representing Kogi East; Barrister Eke Maimuna Audu, daughter of the former governor of the state; and Hon Duro Meseko, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC.

Their visit was a clear demonstration of their readiness to actively engage in working and campaigning for the success of the party’s candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman, in the November 11 governorship election.

Hon. Faleke explained that their decision to wholeheartedly support Ododo Ahmed Usman’s candidacy was reached following a meeting with other party members in Abuja. This meeting was in preparation for the official flag-off campaign ceremony of the APC in Kogi State.
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He emphasized that their dedication to working for the ruling APC is motivated by the broader interests of both the state and the nation. Hon. Faleke assured that the All Progressives Congress is united and stronger than ever before.

This development reflects the APC members’ unwavering commitment to unity and their collective aspiration for victory in the forthcoming November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

October 6, 2023

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has appointed 215 new aides.

They comprised 26 Special Advisers ,128 Senior Special Assistants, 51 Special Assistants and others .

The Secretary to the State Government ( SSG), Dr Folashade Ayoade, on Tuesday announced their appointments in a statement in Lokoja.

Ayoade said their appointments take effect from September 29, 2023.

Some of the newly appointed Special Advisers and their portfolios are James Modu Kaura (Steel Development); Siaka Ibrahim (Kogi State Indigenes in Diaspora); Nusa Yahaya (Local Government Matters Igbalamela/Odolu LGA); Abdulhai Yunusa (Local Government Matters, Ofu LGA); James Babatunde (Energy); Odoh Akowe (Political Education); Umar Isah Edibo (Mentoring); Oluwakayode Emmanuel (Girl Child Education); and Onu Salifu (Cultural Integration).

Others are Mohammed Attai Yusuf, Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation (Kogi East); Nuhu Isa Alifia (SSA, Human Capital Development II); Atule Amedu (Cooperatives II); Mumin Suleiman Ahmed (Road Maintenance); and Siaka Alih (Industrial Management), among others.

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, extends his warm congratulations to Ilebaye Odiniya, the winner of the Big Brother Naija Allstars Season reality television show.

The governor commends Ilebaye, a Criminology graduate from Salem University, Lokoja, as a true Trendsetter. He believes her victory unequivocally confirms her brilliance, unwavering perseverance, and commendable humility.

“I am delighted to congratulate one of our own in Kogi State, Ilebaye Odiniya, for emerging as the winner of the Big Brother Naija Allstars Season reality television show. Ilebaye, you are a Trendsetter who has excelled in both academic and social spheres, and this victory is a testament to your brilliance, intellect, and maturity. Your determination, resilience, and poise set you apart during the three months you spent in the house,” he expressed.

Governor Bello, while celebrating Ilebaye’s achievement, also commends the outstanding performance of Kogi youths in various academic and social endeavors. He recalls the global recognition received by another Kogi youth, Oluwabukolami Adeyemi, who emerged as the overall best performer in the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS Level Examinations, earning her an overseas scholarship for further education.

The governor emphasizes that both Ilebaye and Oluwabukolami should serve as beacons of inspiration and motivation to other youths, not only in Kogi but across Nigeria.

Governor Bello reassures the citizens of the state that his administration remains committed to supporting and empowering the youth in their pursuit of legitimate aspirations. He affirms, “Our administration will continue to support and empower the youth through various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion, job creation, and harnessing our natural youthful energy.”

He concludes by acknowledging Ilebaye as the face of a positive revolution in the history of African entertainment, not only for the youth of Kogi but for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

October 1, 2023
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27.09.2023
BREAKING NEWS;

THE KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS, HAS GRADED AND UPGRADED A TOTAL NUMBER OF THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE (351) TRADITIONAL STOOLS ACROSS THE TWENTY-ONE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF THE STATE AS DETAILED BELOW.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE TRADITIONAL RULERS AFFECTED.
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GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO BEGINS PALLIATIVE DISTRIBUTION, DECLARES FREE EDUCATION FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, CON, on Thursday, flagged off the distribution of the Federal Government’s palliatives in the state.

Governor Bello, who commended the Federal Government’s efforts at mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal on citizens, said the palliatives, which were valued well in excess of N2bn, would reach intended beneficiaries regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliations.
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He extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the well-conceived idea, saying,
“You are aware that all the local government areas of the state have already commenced the distribution of rice and other essential items. Therefore, this launch is essentially an extension of our ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of the current policy on our citizens.

“We are not only distributing rice but also making cash available to reach the people. The total value of what we are launching for distribution today exceeds N2 billion, and it is intended to reach every household in Kogi State. We have decentralised the distribution to ensure that every household benefits.”
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“Everyone is expected to benefit from this initiative, regardless of their political, religious, or ethnic affiliations, including security personnel,” the governor stated.

Governor Bello emphasised that those responsible for the distribution must not discriminate, warning that any report of bias or favoritism/hoarding would be dealt with accordingly.

He also called on security agencies to ensure a peaceful and smooth distribution process.
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Additionally, he assured the people that more initiatives to alleviate hardship were in place.

He said his administration had declared free education from primary to secondary school in the state and would cover examination fees for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB for all indigenes of Kogi State.

Governor Bello commended the people of the state for their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the New Direction administration in Kogi State.

He reaffirmed the commitment of government at all levels to prioritising the welfare of the citizens.
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Furthermore, Governor Bello mentioned the various infrastructure developments taking place across the state and expressed confidence that the governorship candidate of the APC, Usman Ododo, when elected as his successor, would continue to build on the current achievements.

The Governor was accompanied by his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, and other top government officials.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
September 21, 2023
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Kogi 2023: Gov Bello inaugurates State Campaign Council, urges members to focus on issues, administration’s many achievements

. Shun ethnic agenda, DG, Audu, urges Igala indigenes

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress’ governorship campaign council to base their campaign on issues and performance of the current administration.
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The Director General of the campaign council, and Minister of and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, charged Igala people to shun ethnic agenda that would not bring about development in the state.
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https://youtu.be/fn8Dn6c8O3o?si=5NH5H7Pjn-yDFu2F
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Speaking during the inauguration of the Kogi State APC governorship campaign council on Tuesday at the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Bello called on the campaign council not to preach ethnicity or religion but base their campaign on what the government had achieved in the last eight years and the ability of the governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, to build effectively on the current administration’s successes.

He urged members and supporters of the party not to join issues with others who do not have anything to offer in terms of adding value to the state and its inhabitants.
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“Forget about liars, whose stock in trade is thuggery with nothing to offer. Go out there and preach what we have on ground in terms of infrastructure, not about ethnicity. Kogi State belongs to all of us. I have always said that Kogi State has the potential to be great if only we stop playing politics of ethnicity.

“I want all of you to go and work for the success of the party and you will be adequately rewarded.”

In his remarks, the Director General of the campaign council said his late father and former governor of the state had never believed in ethnic agenda, but had vision for the growth and development of the state.
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He noted that in the last eight years, Governor Yahaya Bello had demonstrated his father’s vision for the state through appointments, distribution and execution of projects across the three senatorial districts of the state without any iota of bias or sentiment.

“My father had a pan Kogi vision and was never a leader that focused on Kogi East.

“Any agenda that focuses on a particular senatorial district instead of Kogi State would not bring about justice, equity and development. We know that Igala people are agitating for return of power to the East but it must be discussed and resolved because power can never be taken with force.”
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https://youtu.be/fn8Dn6c8O3o?si=5NH5H7Pjn-yDFu2F
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ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF STEEL, PRINCE SHAIBU ABUBAKAR AUDU AS DG, APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FOR KOGI 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Today marked a momentous occasion in my political journey as I received the tremendous honor of being appointed as the Director General for the Ododo/ Joel Gubernatorial Campaign Council by the esteemed All Progressives Congress (APC).

This appointment carries with it a weighty responsibility, one that I humbly accept with utmost dedication and enthusiasm.

As we stand on the threshold of a critical election, scheduled for November 11, 2023, I am fully aware of the significance of our mission.

Our primary objective is crystal clear: to secure a resounding victory for our beloved party, the APC. To achieve this, we are ready to roll up our sleeves, leave no stone unturned, and commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the task at hand.

This campaign is not just about politics; it’s about the people we represent and their aspirations for a better future. We will strive to connect with every citizen in the Ododo/Joel constituency, listening to their concerns, and crafting policies that truly reflect their needs and desires.

Our campaign team is comprised of dedicated and passionate individuals who share a common vision of progress, development, and prosperity for our region.

Together, we will harness our collective strengths, expertise, and unwavering commitment to steer the course towards success.

In the coming months, we will embark on a journey that demands resilience, creativity, and unity.

We will engage in constructive dialogue with the electorate, present our well-thought-out policies, and work tirelessly to earn their trust and support.
I am profoundly grateful to the APC for entrusting me with this pivotal role, and I promise to honor this trust by giving my all to this campaign. With the support of our party members, volunteers, and the good people of Ododo/Joel, I am confident that together, we can achieve victory on November 11, 2023, and bring about the positive change our constituency so rightly deserves.

Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
Honourable Minister of Steel Development & Director General, @⁨Prince Shaibu Audu ⁩

Ododo/Joel Kogi Governorship Campaign Council
2023.