Nigeria 2023, for Equity, Justice and Inclusion, the north centre should be given a chance to produce a President.
North Central has never produced a President in a democratically elected government in Nigeria. – Governor Yahaya Bello for President…
Kasuwa Guest Inn – Ganaja Junction Road, Lokoja, fully delivered by the New Direction Administration of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. People who like progress will be moved by the joy of citizens interviewed.
Created in 1991, Kogi State is nicknamed “The Confluence State” because it’s the meeting point of the River Niger and River Benue. If you live or you’re an investor who is looking for a state to invest in, we have some of the hottest business opportunities you can venture into in Kogi State.
Kogi boasts of rich iron deposits.
While Kogi State is filled with mineral resources like coal, tin, limestone, tin and petroleum, the major occupation of many rural dwellers in the state is farming and fishing. They cultivate crops like maize, cassava, coffee, yam, cocoa, cashew, and so on.
Cost of living in Kogi
The cost of living in Kogi is affordable if compared with states like Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja or Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s oil-rich state.
Food is cheap, depending on the seasons, and accommodation is affordable too. Hence, you can start your business without having to first gather huge resources for accommodation.
Challenges Of Doing Business In Kogi
Just like in different parts of Nigeria, several challenges hinder the smooth running of business operations in Kogi State. One of the issues a small scale entrepreneur would likely face is poor power supply.
Many times, you will have to spend more money to generate alternative power for your business
Another challenge you may encounter as you run your business in Kogi State is government regulations. Of course, in itself, this is not wrong, as a government is meant to keep businesses in check. However, it is popular knowledge that some of these government regulations make business operations tougher.
In the ease of doing business in Nigeria which was released in 2021, Kogi state ranked 30 on the list. The issue of insecurity might have been one of the indicators that affected the ranking of Kogi. Arm robbery and violent political attacks are some of the issues bedevilling the State.
However, it is important to note that as an investor, you can find a way around some of the problems.
With all the above challenges, there are still investment opportunities in Kogi. Below is a list of business ideas for investors interested in running a business in Kogi State can take advantage of
Iron and Steel Merchant
As Ajaokuta in Kogi is filled with rich deposits of iron. You can build a business around this natural endowment by playing the role of an iron and steel merchant.
This business is a capital intensive one though, as you will have to look for buyers and the right markets (in other parts of the country and beyond) to supply iron and steel.
Food Processing and Packaging Company
You will do well running a food processing and packaging business in Kogi State if you know your way around it with adequate knowledge. It is however necessary to conduct appropriate feasibility studies before jumping on this business.
Mechanized Farming
A good number of places in Kogi have arable land suitable for agriculture. Different important crops are usually cultivated in the state – like yam, maize, cassava, melon, coffee, cocoa, cashew, rice and groundnut. However, it should be noted that these things are usually done by the rural dwellers who still go about doing them manually due to lack of access to funds.
You can get into the scene by running mechanized farming in the state and you will do well. Agriculture is pretty lucrative, and you can always sell your produce beyond the state.
As capital intensive as mechanised farming is, it can be rewarding if you can rent your machinery to some of the rural dwellers who want to venture into farming on a large scale.
Travels and Tourism Company
Kogi State has several tourist centers, and these spots keep attracting people from different walks of life. You can build a business that revolves around this, and you will be handsomely rewarded.
If you have a lot of money, you can go big. But if you are starting small, you can partner with other bigger brands.
Outdoor Catering Service
This business can also properly fly in Kogi, particularly if you are in major towns in the state. Just ensure that you are properly positioned, and you will get good clients who will pay you well for your services. With good structures and connections, your catering firm can also offer corporate catering services to corporate organizations.
Cement Merchant
You can run this from Obajana. This place is where you will find the popular Obajana Cement Factory, which is the biggest of its kind in Saharan West Africa.
Several merchants of cement are usually trooping here from far places to order cement. Now, you will be more advantaged if you run your own cement merchant business close by and be a major supplier to cement retailers around the state.
Shopping Mall
Establishing a shopping mall will be most suitable for the city to enjoy a lot of patronages.
Electronics Shop
People need electronic appliances to make life more pleasurable to them. You can thus consider starting a business where these things are sold in Kogi. If you locate your shop in a good location, you shouldn’t find issues getting constant customers
Party Rental Business
Nigerians are fun-loving people, and the people of Kogi are not an exception. You can start a party rental business, and you will likely have patronizers every week if you are properly positioned.
Music Recording Studio
A lot of young people in the country have the desire to become celebrities by singing. You can thus start a music recording studio where you charge money for their recordings. Only ensure you do this in a major city.
Dropshipping
You don’t need to have a lot of money as the capital before starting a dropshipping business. With the right information, you can simply buy products directly from a supplier and get them shipped to the client that bought the product.
One of the advantages of this is that your market isn’t limited to Kogi. Using the power of the internet, you can venture into this business from anywhere you are in Kogi and reach customers in different parts of the country.
Fashion designing
Women in Kogi, like others in different parts of the country, love to look good. You can operate a fashion centre where they can get nice dresses, and you will make good money helping them look good.
Sell digital products
You can do this from anywhere you are in Kogi. You only need vital things like a laptop (or a good smartphone will suffice) and the internet. E-learning keeps growing, and you can make good money selling digital products to people.
Sell handmade products
You can make good money by creating a business that revolves around selling handmade products. Just look around for products the people will value, and get to work.
Photography
This is phenomenal, as you don’t have to restrict yourself at all. You can have an office where people come for their photoshoot. You can also be invited to events. Also, you can start selling your photos online. There are platforms you can utilize to make money online with your photos – the likes of Getty Images, Shutterstock, iStock, and so on.
Self-publishing books on Amazon
This is another thing you can kickstart irrespective of where you reside in Kogi. You can start publishing books online, particularly on Amazon, and you will earn reasonably well each month. This is one of the best small business opportunities for anyone, as your customers and readers are from different places in the world, and you are paid in dollars.
Freelancing
You can run this from the comfort of your home in Kogi. If you are good with what you do, you shouldn’t have problems getting clients that would pay you handsomely for your service. You can be a freelance writer, programmer, SEO Specialist right at the comfort of your home.
Security Coy
This is capital intensive, and you need to put in place certain important things to operate legally. However, considering the bad state of security, you can run a security coy that provides security personnel and tools to keep people and their stuff safe
Social Media Influencer
You can start this without having too many resources. The world is now on social media. Hence, if you can have the attention of a large following on social media, you will do well converting them to cash by promoting products online.
Setting up a construction company is another business
Recap:
There are several business opportunities in Kogi State, you can venture into any of the ones listed above. You should note that some of them require that your company must be incorporated.
Kogi State Civic Centre Comprehensive update; Governor Yahaya Bello is putting up massive infrastructural development across the state…
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has commissioned Gaskiya Rice Processing Centre constructed by Kogi Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) under the FGN/IFAD assisted projects, at Kungbani, Lokoja Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The commissioning was part of activities for the three-day Technical Implementation Support visit to VDCP projects in Kogi by President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hajia Fatima Buhari.
Fatima Buhari, who is the Marketing Enterprise Development Advisor (MEDA) of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, had on Tuesday visited another Rice Processing Centre in ASCO Camp in Ajaokuta local government area of Kogi.
In his remarks, Bello commended the federal government for partnering with the State Government in empowering rural farmers and adding value to their products to increase their net revenue.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Edward Onoja, reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to invest in agriculture for economic diversification.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to take ownership of the rice processing centre and ensure proper maintenance for their own benefits.
He assured that government would continue to add value to the rural farmers through various projects and programmes, adding that four different agricultural programmes were going on concurrently in the state.
Speaking, Hajia Fatima Buhari, said she was highly impressed with what the state government was doing to support the VCDP projects in the state, especially the counterparts funding.
”This is the first time in all the States we have all our projects, that VCDP will be given two years counterpart funding which has never happened before.
”We thanked Kogi state government for the gesture as well as the federal government for the initiative,” she said.
Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Mr Asiwaju Idris, said Kogi was among the first State to sign the MoU for the VCDP project in 2017 with immediate payment of its counterpart funding.
He added that the governor had also given the approval for the payment of the counterparts fund for 2022 and 2023.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr David Apeh, commended the governor for his commitment to the VCDP project, saying it had impacted posively in the lives of the rural farmers in the state.
Earlier, the Kogi State Coordinator, IFAD-VCDP, Dr Stella Adejoh, noted that the visit of the President’s daughter would further strengthen the farmers’ trust in the programme thereby enhancing their commitment.
She expressed her delight with the feedback from the August visitor, saying it was an excellent one that had put Kogi on the limelight for the world to see.
”There is real hope for the farmers for the sustainability of the programme because we have done a whole lot of capacity building along the value chain,” she said.
Two farmers, Halima Gimba, a Processor and Secretary of Kaskiya Cluster; and Hajia Lari Sule, a Marketer, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, said they had benefitted immensely from the VCDP project.
According to them, VCDP had taught them best modern way of processing rice, acquired leadership and management skills, market their products online, among others.
By Thompson Yamput
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Thursday, urged serving and outgoing National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members to be focused and be zealous in the pursuit of their individual careers.
The governor gave the charge during the 413 NYSC Batch A, Stream 1 passing out parade at Lokoja Confluence Stadium.
Bello, represented by his deputy, Chief David Edward-Onoja, said that the road to success is not always easy but that with full zeal, passion and determination, they shall be there.
“As vibrant youths, you should not be bothered by the societal problems and challenges but put your trusts in God in your pursuits and you shall fulfill your destiny.
“Once you are focused and maintain your integrity as a youth, you are on your way to fulfilling your destiny.
“I wish to appreciate all of you for meaningfully impacting a lot on the residents of Kogi during your one year of service in the state.
“For those of you who wish to stay back in Kogi to work or pursue one career or the other, I am guaranteeing you adequate security and safety to fulfill your dreams,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Williams Mofoluwaso, the NYSC Coordinator in Kogi, congratulated the Corps members for having successfully and meritoriously served the nation within a year.
Mofoluwaso charged them to put to use the various skills acquired during the service year and that as they go out into the society, they should impact the skills on the Nigerian public and beyond.
“As good ambassadors of NYSC, we expect you to go all out and contribute your quota to the economic growth and development of Nigeria,” she said.
2023: Group Urges Yahaya Bello To Contest For Presidency—-The National Youth Mandate Group (NYMG) has called on Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi to contest for presidency in 2023, to consolidate on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Convener and National Coordinator of the group, Mr Abbah Abba, made the call in a statement on Thursday, in Abuja.
Abba, who also called for a youthful president in 2023, said the group had settled to continued to work round clock for the candidacy of Bello.
He explained that the group decided to call on Bello to run for the highest political position in the country because of the achievements recorded by his administration.
Abba said Bello had recorded great strides in the areas of security, education, health and other sectors.
He said that the group, in conjunction with North Central National Youth Leaders Council (NCNYLC), would be holding programme on Bello in the six geopolitical zones in the country.
Abba said the programme would commence in Benue State in March, where youth groups, students and other political groups would be invited for an interactive session.
He added that the interactive session would educate the youth on the need for them to join head in supporting the emergence of Gov. Bello as the next president of the country come 2023.
“We call on Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi to please contest for president come 2023 in order for him to consolidate on the achievements recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“We believe Bello has performed well in the areas of security, education, infrastructural development, human capital development, health services and many more.
” We will do our better to mobilise support for Bello across the nooks and crannies of the country, ” Abba said.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has affirmed that the All Progressive Congress in the state remained number one in expressing unity, oneness and readiness to win election amongst various state party structures across the country.
The Governor who made this known on Thursday while inauguration the Party’s state Executive council at the Party Secretariat in Lokoja noted that such remarkable feet was made possible because the party leadership focuses on unity which is in tandem with its logo.
Governor Bello who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja noted that the party had its well established hierarchy and protocol which must be adhered to by executive and proper communication of activities must follow such protocol respectively.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has affirmed that the All Progressive Congress in the state remained number one in expressing unity, oneness and readiness to win election amongst various state party structures across the country.
The Governor who made this known on Thursday while inauguration the Party’s state Executive council at the Party Secretariat in Lokoja noted that such remarkable feet was made possible because the party leadership focuses on unity which is in tandem with its logo.
Governor Bello who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja noted that the party had its well established hierarchy and protocol which must be adhered to by executive and proper communication of activities must follow such protocol respectively.
He praised Governor Yahaya Bello for providing quality leadership in the state and urged all party executive to remain united and work together in achieving the goal of the party.
As the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) prepares for its national convention, claims and counter claims on zoning of key positions of the party have continued to generate issues.
This is, even as, many heavyweights and pressure groups within the party have also relentlessly proposed one system or the other, intended to scheme other groups or bloc, with some working to sabotage the convention entirely.
For the ruling party and the convention planning committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, it is one day, three dramas – one for morning, one for afternoon and another in the evening, as days draw close to the convention.
The convention has been fixed for Saturday 26th February, 2022 with six top contenders, all from the north, gunning for the number one seat of the party.
Those frontliners are former Governors, serving Senators, serving Minister and others.
For umpteenth times, rumours have gathered that the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) had zoned certain positions and for umpteenth times, Governor Buni had countered it, saying, the committee had not concluded on any zone to produce any position.
A front page story of a leading national newspaper of Thursday, February 17, 2022, with the headline, ‘Finally, APC Governors Reach Consensus, Zone Chairmanship To North Central’; stated that the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) met in Abuja on Wednesday and agreed to zone the number one seat to North Central, while zoning the Deputy National Chairman (DNC) and National Secretary Positions to the South.
Though the paper never mentioned in particular, names of those in attendance that could have taken such vital decision on behalf of the party, it only said a source close to the Governors who did not want his name mentioned.
According to the “source”, the Governors also micro-zone the chairmanship to Benue State and tipped Buhari’s Minister on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume.
But a simple fact check by this newspaper on Thursday morning, suggested that the Progressive Governors did not conclude on zoning the positions.
“Yes, they (Governors) met but they could not resolve on the zoning. Although many who spoke were in support of zoning the chairmanship position to North Centre, but it was not concluded yet.
“It is after they have convinced the southern Governors and they have accepted it that we can say the PGF has zoned the position. If anyone tells you anything otherwise, let him mention the names of the Governors in that meeting and also mention whoever addressed the press. In such meetings, the Chairman of the PGF would address the press and open up on the decision of his forum. But for now, nothing like that”, a close source at the PGF hinted.
Also, a source at the CECPC who prefers to be anonymous, said, though the PGF has the right to suggest to the planning committee or proffer advice, just like any other group or organ in the party; but the Governors had not written to the Committee on anything zoning.
“I understand their Tuesday’s meeting on zoning ended in deadlock, so don’t let anyone deceive you. Come to think of it, why would they zone a position to North Central and sat there immediately and picked only one aspirant, is Akume the only aspirant from North Central? Why would they ask those from the South to go home and meet with aspirants and bring candidates for DNC and Secretary, but in the case of chairmanship, they said they have picked a particular person.
“I don’t believe such cock and bull story and I think nobody would even believe it. We have channels of communication in our party. APC is a ruling party that has everything, the Progressive Governors that I know, are very experienced and principled. They would not want to send such a sensitive message to the CECPC via a page of newspaper.
“They have the right, like any other organs of the party, to advise the planning committee, but nothing like that has happened. We are working diligently to see that the convention holds and with a credible outing too”, the source added.
Edwin Ochogwu, a House of Assembly aspirant from Benue State, on his part, told this newspaper that, “the PGF is divided into 3 to 4 camps and the news could be the latest mischief by one of the groups to deceive other members of the PGF and the general public”.
Already, the proposed national convention has been a subject of controversy for the past few weeks, with some calling for its postponement, amidst crises at state chapters and Court suits.
As at now, several persons are in court, either at the state levels and national, trying to stop the convention.
The Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has been inaugurated with the newly elected Executives called upon to sustain its winning streak.
Performing the swearing in and inauguration ceremony at the State Secretariat of the Party today, Gov. Yahaya Bello described the APC in Nigeria and the State as the Party to beat in the forthcoming 2023 General Election.
Gov. Bello who was represented at the swearing in ceremony by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, urged the newly sworn in Executive Members to see their Election as a call to more service and to do more in sustaining the feats achieved by the Party, pointed out that their reelection is a justification of the confidence reposed on them.
Gov. Bello congratulated the new Executive Members urged to strive towards unity the party from the state to the polling units levels.
He urged them to make unity and oneness the bedrocks of their deliberations, described Kogi State as a State that is focused on unity and oneness to continue to maintain its win streak.
The Governor described the Party as supreme, urged the newly Inaugurated executive members not to jump protocols, insisting that the Parry’s heirarchy remains sacrosanct.
In an opening remarks, Alh. Abdullahi Bello, assured that the APC in the remains the Party to beat having captured the State in previous elections, appealed to the newly elected Executives to live above board
He urged the new executive members at all levels to carry along all party members, commended the immense support of Gov. Yahaya Bello for recognizing hardwork, promised to remain faithful and loyal to the ideals of the Party and that of Gov. Yahaya Bello.
Alh. Abdullahi Bello maintained that for now there is no opposition party in Kogi State, tasked the new executive members to bring in more members into the Parry’s fold ahead 2023.
