News

…Expresses Confidence in Their Ability to Deliver.

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, extends his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Idowu Owohunwa on his well-deserved promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

The governor’s message was conveyed during the official decoration of Mr. Idowu and others with their new ranks by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at Dr. Goodluck Jonathan International Peace Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday.
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CP Idowu Owohunwa, who hails from Kogi State, was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Officer (Course 19/1996) on 15th August 1996, after graduating from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Governor Yahaya Bello regards Mr. Idowu’s promotion as a meritorious achievement, describing the law enforcement officer as diligent, patriotic, and a model citizen who consistently operates with the highest standards of professional ethics and unwavering patriotism.
“I extend my warm congratulations to my esteemed brother, Mr. Idowu Owohunwa, for his distinguished service to our nation, which has been recognized with this well-earned promotion today. With his training in the USA, UK, Israel, and Italy, as well as holding a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies and Policing from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, I have no doubt that he will significantly contribute to the reform of the Nigerian Police Force,” the governor expressed.
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Furthermore, Governor Bello also extends his congratulations to Mr. Suleiman Yusuf for his promotion from Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector General. He commends Yusuf as a brilliant intelligence officer with a long history of dedication and professionalism.

In his address on behalf of the governors who attended the event, Governor Bello praised the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force and other sister agencies in their relentless efforts to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people.

Distinguished guests at the event included His Excellency Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State, His Excellency (Pastor) Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and other notable personalities.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 26, 2023
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Governor Bello congratulates President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima on victory at Supreme Court

…..Says Verdict Reaffirmation of People’s Choice

The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, CON, congratulates President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their landmark victory at the Supreme Court, culminating in the resolution of all electoral disputes stemming from the 2023 Presidential election.

The Governor emphatically underscores that the Supreme Court’s verdict is a resounding reaffirmation of the people’s choice, which signifies the enduring strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the unwavering refuge the judiciary provides to ordinary citizens.
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He emphasizes the importance of the Supreme Court’s judgment, which upholds the popular will, vividly expressed during the elections conducted on February 25, 2023, reinforcing the fundamental value of credible and transparent electoral processes in our great nation.

While conveying congratulations to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, Governor Bello is optimistic that the party will also warmly invite all candidates from other political parties who participated in the election to collaborate with the President for the collective good of the nation.

Governor Bello expresses his unwavering confidence that, under President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership, Nigeria will continue to flourish and thrive in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the current administration.
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On Thursday, members of the panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, unanimously upheld the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was duly elected as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and dismissed appeals by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Gregory Obi of the Labour Party

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 26, 2023
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, received Rear Admiral OM Olotu, the Commandant of the National Defence College, at his residence in Abuja on Tuesday.

Rear Admiral Olotu, an esteemed Underwater Warfare Specialist in the Nigerian Navy and a distinguished member of the 39 Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy, was warmly welcomed by Governor Bello.
During the meeting, Governor Bello extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rear Admiral Olotu on his well-deserved appointment as the Commandant of the Nigerian Defense College.
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The Governor highlighted Rear Admiral Olotu’s reputation as a diligent and committed Naval Officer who has displayed excellence throughout his career so far.
Governor Bello expressed his unwavering confidence that Rear Admiral Olotu would bring transformative reforms and elevate the standards of the National Defense College during his tenure.

In his response, Rear Admiral Olotu commended the Governor for his dedicated efforts in enhancing security and achieving other milestones in his administration. He assured the Governor that, with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the service, he would meet and exceed expectations during his leadership.
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He also discussed current efforts of the college towards ensuring a hitch free election in Kogi State and other 2 states on 11 November. To this end, he informed the governor that the College was organising a one day stakeholders roundtable that would discuss all issues surrounding the elections in order to identify and address challenges while also ensuring that the general public was well informed.

It’s noteworthy that Rear Admiral Olotu has previously served as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command and the Nigerian Navy Ship LUGARD Lokoja. During his tenure, he worked collaboratively with the Kogi State government to combat insecurity effectively.

Rear Admiral OM Olotu assumed office as the 20th Commandant of the National Defence College, Nigeria, on July 6, 2023.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 24, 2023
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The people of Kogi East Senatorial District, who turned out in significant numbers in Anyigba on Saturday to demonstrate their unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, have vowed to play a pivotal role in fostering unity and delivering an overwhelming victory for the APC in the forthcoming November 11 governorship election.
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The Igala indigenes, including prominent stakeholders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), who publicly defected to the ruling APC at the Kogi East Senatorial District Rally, were joined by other illustrious Igala sons and daughters.

This impressive crowd witnessed on Saturday was historic, marking a significant moment in the history of electioneering in Kogi East.

They pledged to offer their wholehearted support to the APC during the election, ensuring the continuation of the remarkable and non-tribalistic leadership style of Governor Yahaya Bello, which has promoted unity and genuine development across the state. They emphasized the absence of any ethnic agenda among patriotic citizens and focused on promoting the well-being of all.
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Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director-General of the Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Momoh Rabiu Alfa, expressed his profound faith in the determination of the people of Kogi East. He underscored their commitment to conducting extensive campaigns to secure an emphatic victory for Ododo Ahmed Usman on November 11. He also highlighted the strength and unity of the party’s structure in the region.

“The individuals gathered here today are devoted members of our party, tasked with carrying our message to every corner, rallying support, and actively working to ensure victory for our party’s candidate on November 11. It’s essential to remember our past: under the APC, you voted overwhelmingly for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and he has risen to become our President. You elected Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, and secured the election of three Federal House of Representatives members and ten out of eleven House of Assembly members.
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Would we now abandon the house we’ve built for another occupant? Our party’s structure in the East is robust, and we stand united behind the ‘One Kogi’ agenda, aiming to build upon the existing peace, infrastructure, and human capital development in our great state,” he declared.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council and Minister of Steel Development, Shaibu Abubakar Audu, made it clear that the only agenda for the APC is the Kogi Agenda. He emphasized that Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has a comprehensive vision for the development of the entire state. Alhaji Ododo intends to build upon and consolidate the laudable legacies of Governor Yahaya Bello.

“The only agenda for the APC is the Kogi Agenda. The Party has the interest of the whole state. Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has a vision for the development of the entire state. He will build and consolidate on the legacies of Gov Yahaya Bello. We’re proud to say that Kogi is now the most secure state in North Central Nigeria.

The APC will provide numerous job opportunities for our vibrant youths through an agricultural revolution. The APC is working to expand its capacity to produce a variety of agricultural products, particularly in Kogi East. I urge you to support the APC and Alhaji Ododo.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed me as Minister of Steel Development, is deeply interested in the vision and success of Kogi State through the development of Ajaokuta Steel. This endeavor will provide substantial job opportunities for our state’s youth.
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The President has emphasized that we must not hand over the State to a government of hustlers or to an opposition government.

The President is concerned about the State and has expressed that we cannot afford to hand over a strategic State to the opposition,” he stated.

Abdullahi Bello, the Chairman of APC in Kogi State, expressed his satisfaction with the massive turnout and the enthusiasm displayed by the people of Kogi East. He encouraged them to maintain their momentum to ensure a landslide victory in the governorship election.

Additionally, Senator Jibrin Echocho, the lawmaker representing Kogi East in the National Assembly, called on those from Kogi East who have not yet joined the APC to embrace the party. He emphasized that elections are won based on party structures.

“Let me appeal to our people to be passionate about the APC. Our candidate is highly marketable. Elections are won based on party structures. The people of Kogi East voted for the APC in the general election, and we cannot afford to do otherwise in the forthcoming election. Governor Bello has laid a solid foundation in infrastructure and human capital development across the state.

His accomplishments have played a significant role in the election. Let’s all join hands to ensure a collective victory for the APC,” Echocho said.
Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, advised the people of Kogi East to vote based on the principles of continuity, cautioning against sentiments. He reminded them that elections are about political parties, not about tribe, religion, or region.

Governor Yahaya Bello, in his speech, emphasized the importance of setting aside ethnic considerations and focusing on unity and development, rather than ethnic politics, which he referred to as a selfish interest. He asserted that the Igala agenda is rooted in job creation, development, and prosperity.

The Governor praised the achievements of his administration, particularly in terms of promoting fairness, equity, and justice, replacing mediocrity and ethnicity.

“We’ve been able to unite the state, overcoming the divisions along ethnic and other fault lines that existed before my tenure. Today, issues of ethnicity have been resolved. Fairness, equity, and justice have replaced mediocrity and ethnicity.

We’ve empowered youths and women throughout the state, completing numerous projects, distributing infrastructure and empowerment programs across the state. We’ve achieved so much, and we cannot afford to return to our dark days,” the Governor said.
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In his address to the remarkable crowd, Ododo, the APC Governorship Candidate, emphasized that his aspirations are grounded in the people, progress, and unity of the state.

“Let me appeal to the people of Kogi East. Let’s build a united and stronger Kogi State of which we can all be proud. Let this election be about our people, development, unity, and prosperity. I am committed to serving as a leader without barriers.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 21, 2023
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The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, says his administration has released the sum of N2billion for the take off and Matriculation of the first set of students to be admitted at the Kogi State University Kabba.

Gov. Yahaya Bello made the disclosure at the 6th and 7th convocation of the Federal University Lokoja, says because of the veritable place of education, his administration has consistently allocated 30% budgetary allocation to the funding of education sector in the past seven years.

Gov. Bello assured that education will continue to occupy the front burner and enjoy the priority of his administration in view of the importance it attaches to the sector.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade Arike, said his administration has established two Universities in the second term of it administration.

He mentioned that the Confluence University Osara and the newly established Kogi State University Kabba, are waxing stronger by the day, assured that the Universities would complement the level of quality education the Federal University Lokoja is offering to indigenes of the State.

As a way of repositioning the Kogi State University Kabba to hit the ground running and attain a world class University, his administration he disclosed released the sum of N2billion for it to take off after approval by the National University Commission, said in the next few weeks, the first set of students would be matriculated by the University.

He expressed optimism that the State University would serve as relieve to the Federal University Lokoja in terms of admission of indigenes of the State who are seeking admission into higher institutions.

Similarly, Gov. Bello disclosed that his administration has made education free at all primary and secondary schools, including the payment of WAEC, NECO and JAMB for the Students, this he explained underscores the importance it places to the education of the leaders of tomorrow.
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, paid a Royal visit to the Atta Igala and President of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-akpa, CFR, at the Atta Palace in Idah on Saturday.

The governor, in companies of the APC governorship candidate for November 11 polls , Ododo Ahmed Usman and other party stalwarts were warmly received by the Atta and other traditional rulers in the area.
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During the visit, Governor Bello expressed the purpose of his visit, which was to introduce the APC candidate for the November 11 governorship election, Ododo Ahmed Usman, and to seek the Royal and fatherly blessings of the Atta.

“Your Majesty, Ga’aba idu, I am here this morning to present to you the candidate of our party for the November 11 governorship election, Ododo Ahmed Usman, who, by the special grace of God, will be my successor. I have come to seek your blessings. Ga’aba Idu, you are a man of peace, and your reign heralds peace and prosperity in Igala kingdom. Igala is one of the most revered and respected ethnic groups in Nigeria, and Igala sons and daughters all over the world are making the kingdom and the state proud. Igala is not a race to be dragged into the mud by a selfish few. Ga’aba Idu, we have our rally in Antigua today, and we have decided to come to your palace first to pay homage and seek your blessings. I have immense respect and care for traditional rulers, and I have no doubt that Ododo will do even more when he becomes the governor of Kogi State,” he stated.
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The Atta Igala, His Royal Majesty Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-akpa, CFR, assured the governor and his entourage of a peaceful campaign in Igala land. He urged politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves according to the rules, emphasizing that anyone who resorts to violence will suffer its consequences.

The Atta offered his blessings to Governor Yahaya Bello and Ododo Ahmed Usman, expressing confidence that their campaign would be successful.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 21, 2023
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Ongoing road rehabilitations in Lokoja metropolis by the Kogi State Government.

The Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) has the mandate of His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello to give more than 10 roads in the state capital the needed attention immediately.

Update: Picture 1 is the completed road work at Lokoja Government Reserved Area (G.R.A) while Pictures 2 and 3 show ongoing work at Aniebo Quarters, Lokoja, a mass housing estate built over 20yrs ago. This is the first time it is receiving any attention from the State Government.

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https://youtu.be/JOpEAwFCBEY?si=1H-ClIdDuQvBdHBF
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https://youtu.be/NSL7NqFTGDc?si=aC5Eylu1vF5eQkZ4
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, attends the second day event of the 3rd edition of Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) Seminar for Nigeria’s Political and Crime Correspondents/Editors holding in Abuja.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

September 23, 2023
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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has issued a prompt directive to the Ministry of Works in the state to commence the rehabilitation of the Ogori-Ageva road, situated in the Central Senatorial District. The governor made this announcement while welcoming members of the PDP who have defected to the APC and other stakeholders from the area at the Banquet Hall of his office, Lugard House, Lokoja, on Monday.
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Governor Bello, while expressing his gratitude to the people of Ogori Magongo for their support during his administration, highlighted that one of his key initiatives during his first term in office was the electrification of Ogori which he believed will transform the socio-economic lives of the people. He noted that this had been a concern of his even before becoming governor and was fulfilled in achieving it. Furthermore, Governor Bello praised Honorable Goke Oparison, the chairman of Ogori Magongo local government area, for his commendable stewardship, particularly in the area of security.

The governor assured the people that his administration would continue to work diligently until the end of his tenure, emphasizing that Ogori Magongo would remain a focal point of his attention. Governor Bello extended a warm welcome to those who have joined the APC, assuring them of equal opportunities alongside the existing party members and encouraging their active participation in Ododo’s election campaign.
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Former Ogori Magongo local government chairman, lauded Governor Yahaya Bello for his exemplary leadership and the good governance experienced in the state under his administration. Daudu, a former Assembly member, also commended Governor Bello for his inclusive, equal, and fair leadership.

Additionally, the immediate past chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Ogori Magongo local government area expressed that the decision of opposition party members in Ogori to join the ruling APC in Kogi State was driven by their belief that the people would benefit more by collaborating to support the APC governorship candidate in the upcoming November 11 election. He also praised Governor Bello’s leadership as a source of pride for the people.

Notable leaders among the defectors included Ogori/Magongo PDP Party Chairman – Hon. Emmanuel Olufade, Former PDP LG Secretary Ogori/Magongo – Hon. David Shado, Ogori/Magongo LGA PDP Chieftain – Hon. David Black Olowu, Former PDP LG Legal Adviser, Ogori/Magongo PDP- Hon. Sunday Akpata, Former PDP LG Financial Secretary Ogori/Magongo – Hon. Taiye Owolabi Paul, and many others.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
September 4, 2023
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