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The Center For Integrated Health Programs (C.I.H.P.),Kogi State, has donated a brand new Cervical Cancer Screening Machine to the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja.

Presenting the equipment to the facility, the State Director and Team-lead of C.I.H.P., Pharmacist Benard Akpah, said the donation was to enhance the solidarity behind the F.M.C., considering the unfortunate incident that happened to the facility recently, noting that no doubt, F.M.C Lokoja had also immensely contributed to the success story of CIHP activities in the state. Pharmacist Akpa added that the hiccups caused by the Covid 19 Pandemic to facilities was enormous, noting that PEFTAR, the funding organization was going to consider a continuity or otherwise.

According to him, Cancer Screening for female clients is very important, hence the need for the training of staff of the facility, bearing in mind that directing the machine to the facility admist competition in the state, for sure, was to serve a greater majority of people, as approved by his country office.

Pharmacist Akpa however advised that the machine be carefully handled to create rooms for more.

Receiving the item on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, the Site Coordinator of FMC Lokoja, Mr Durowaye Matthew, visibly elated, thanked CIHP for having their facility at heart, considering all it had gone through of recent. He commended CIHP for donating Virtual Meeting Equipment to the facility during the Covid 19 lockdown as well as training of their staff, saying that the feat was unequalled.

In a remark, the Head of Clinical Services at the facility, Dr. Benard Ododo, on behalf of his boss said, the materials being donated at this present history of the facility would increase productivity and invariably assist mankind. He added that the donation will be very beneficial to the obstrectic and gynaecologiy department, amongst others.

In their good will messages, the Head, O&G, Dr. Ogoke Olapeju and the Focal Person, Adolescent Clinic,Dr Adesanya Abimbola, thanked CIHP for her magnanimity, hoping for better days ahead.

In another development, CIHP has visited the STAGI Orphanage Home, an arm of Yekope International Christian Ministry in Lokoja.

Pharmacist Benard Akpah, the state Coordinator of CIHP said in their little way, they had come with food and clothing to the orphanage, noting that great leaders would surely generate from their midst.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Matron Mrs Clara Owosagba, the Head Teacher, Oluwanishola Blessing thanked CIHP for directing their milk of Human kindness to the orphanage, adding that the donation will go a long way to cushioning effects for the orphanage.

The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello on Wednesday commissioned a 65kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid at the 250-bed Cottage Hospital in Ukpogo community, Okene LG as well as a 5.4kWp at the Government Cottage Hospital, Adavi-Eba, Adavi LG.
The Governor who was represented by the Special Adviser on Energy and Power, Hon. Otayitie Eminefo commended the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Ahmed Salihijo for the speedy completion of the projects which he note will help the communities and especially the health workers to perform their duties of providing healthcare to our rural dwelllers. “Health is a citical sector and the Kogi State Government has taken very keen interest and therefore invested heavily in providing and equiping so many Primary HealtCare Centers. I want to call on the agency to extend the gesture to some of these Primary HealthCare Centers across the state to enable them give quality service delivery to our people.”
Hon. Otayitie also used the opportunity to request the REA to ensure that more higher Institutions in the state are considered for the Federal Governments Energizing Education Programme (EEP) as well as the Okene Central Market in the Energizing Economies Initiatives (EEI).
Alh. Ahmad Salihijo in his remarks commended the Kogi State Government for providing the enabling environment and facilitating the execution of the project in record time. “I want to thank the His Excellency and the good people of Kogi State for the honor and reception, this is the largest turn out we have recieved in all communities we have visited across the country” he said, and commended the participation of the women in the ceremony. “These systems have been designed to power these two strategically-located hospitals while ensuring better healthcare delivery to the people of these communities. Medical workers will also now have better, more conducive working environment to provide medical services,” he noted.
The event which was graced by traditional rulers, religious leaders and several sons and daughters of Ebiraland.

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State will emerge victorious at the coming Saturday governorship election in the state.

President Buhari stated this on Wednesday during the grand finale campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress, APC ahead of the poll.

The President, who spoke through virtual connection, said that “our candidate (Gov Akeredolu) is a good brand to market. His performance and approach to governance is endearing.

“Governor Akeredolu deserves to be re-elected. He deserves the mandate for the benefit of Ondo people.”

On his part, the National Caretaker Chairman of the APC, Mai Mala Buni, urged the people to come out enmass to vote for APC and Akeredolu to sustain continuity of progress in Ondo state.

Also, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello said Akeredolu will win across the 18 local government areas of the state.

“Governor Akeredolu has done excellently well. That is why we want continuity in Ondo State so that he continues to deliver on the good governance.

“Don’t be intimidated. We will do it again like we won in 2016. All the APC Governors are going to give their support to Akeredolu. All our opponents should relax and wait for next season. We are going to win every polling unit. The vote is going make a lot of sound on Saturday.”

Akeredolu appreciated President Buhari, his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo, all APC governor’s and leaders and the people of the state for their support in the last four years.

He said the giant strides recorded by his administration will ensure his victory in the Saturday election, assuring the people of more developmental projects in his second term.

Some of the governors at the event included, Abubakar Bello (Niger) Solomon Lanlong (Plateau) Abdulrasak Abdulrahman (Kwara) Babagana Zulu (Borno) Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna) Umaru Ganduje (Kano) Inuwa Yayah (Gombe) Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).

Others were, Babajide Sanwo Olu (Lagos) Abubakar Nassau (Jigawa) and former governor Abdul Aziz Yari of Zamfara and ministers

In fulfilment of my allegiance to the strive for the growth of our dear local government i advise you in the best interests of our people, this shouldn’t be considered as hatred or enemity but an eye opening to facts and existing reality in concord with the wishes of the entire Omala populace, you have served our people to the best of your leadership skills and the people you served has experience and witness the limit to which you can serve and they earnestly demand a change in the hand in charge of Omala Local government affairs.

Currently popular opinion describes your four years in office as council administrator as years of unproductive leadership, on the ground of no evidence of practical and tangible achievements benefiting the people to back up the theoretical claim of projects executed by your administration, it is on this premise the people call on you to relax your council executive chairmanship ambition and shift ground for fresh head to prevent further peace, growth and development stagnation.

Recent tesmonies,actions and inaction of key Omala APC affairs pioneers across all 11 wards against you is a vindication of my several criticism against your administration and it’s a striking indication that your chances of success in this race narrowed, please agree with me that the office you secured through luck and God’s grace contributed to your personal progress than the local government at large and it is a sign of failure and misplaced priority in the course of leadership.

On this note I affirm to you that politicaly you have shot yourself on the leg by betraying the trust of the masses,therefore, its stress free and wise you quit your ambition and save your wealth for the rainy days ahead, do no be hoodwinked by the sugar voices of your pseudo supporters because your real supporters and sailors of Omala APC are not with you, consequently your current political strength is founded on deceit, dead hope and futile assurance.

Of course you created impacts and showcased your best but your best does not satisfy the expectations of the entire Omala citizens, so be considerate and give way for others, this is not about me but about the welfare of hundreds of thousand Omala citizens demanding for quality leadership and their interest is supreme to yours, l therefore, honestly advise you take my words as words of a sincere Patriot who will never request personal favour from you but for the masses, my words may not be appreciated now but in short time you will wish you had taken them if ignored, thank you as we anticipate for adherence to the masses call.

Best of luck, my wishes,

omalamustnyogba

A high powered delegation of the Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO) led by its North Central Zonal Vice President, Comr. Austin Akubo pays a courtesy visit to the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Hon. Musa Idris (Oando). Comrade Akubo was accompanied by the Zonal Organizing Secretary, Comr. Alilu Abu, the Kogi State Chapter Chairman, Comr. Umar Yakubu Ali and Vice Chair, Comr. Ann Adeniyi.

Also in the company of the Vice President are Com. Abdulqadir Jiya, Lokoja LGA Chairman, Com. Ahmed Mundi, Kogi LGA Chairman and the Director of Media & Publicity, Iliyasu Zakari.

The essence of the visit he said is to formally and officially introduce the Nigeria Youth Organization and the State executives to the State Ministry of Youth & Sports and the Honorable commissioner as partners in youth development.

He stressed that the Nigeria Youth Organization is an implementation partner to the Federal Ministry of Youth & Sport hence the need to scale down to various state ministries.

The Hon. Commissioner, Musa Idris (Oando) welcome the members and promise to collaborate with the body to ensure that youth in the state get the utmost attention and mentorship to excel.

The Vice President and the team also visited the Ministry of Commerce and Industry where he interacted with the Director in charge of SME who spoke to the group on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Yunusa Gabriel Olofu.

Don’t cause distrust amongst the teeming supporters of the great APC in Kogi State because of your inordinate and desperately selfish ambition.

Governor Yahaya Bello is a people oriented leader who has never forced anything or anyone on his people or party faithfuls. He has demonstrated respect for doing things right and doing the right things.

Local Government administration is for the rural people…our party men and stakeholders at that level know the persons compatible with the success of the party and the translation of the policies of government into concrete realities the people can feel.

Our Governor and Leader of the APC in our dear State doesn’t joke with fairness, justice and equity…the process leading to the emergence of flag bearers of the December 12th local government elections is not an exception.

The story of the sugercane seller whose destiny changed after encountering Governor Yahaya Bello has dominated the social media for the past 24 hours. It sounded so sweet. But also looked so simple.

Far from it. It is not simple to sail in the waves of economic uncertainty and unglamorous weather of unceasing drizzle. Those who confront hunger and uncertainty with gusto determination always find a story to tell at the end of their struggles.

It was drizzling. She was hungry. There was no one to leave her baby with. Those factors were enough to water a spirit of indolence and sleep in the wrappers of hopelessness.

But the sugarcane seller never allowed the conditions she couldn’t control to determine the condition she could control. She refused to submit her destiny to laziness and hunger. She hit the streets to sell her sugarcane. Luck smiled on her and she met a man who wouldn’t watch others suffer. She was blessed beyond her dreams.

To GYB, he didn’t do it to impress anyone, but to fulfil his calling and make someone smile in a tearful joy. He is a Prophet of benevolence.

But beyond all of this, we must hail the spirit of the Sugercane seller. Many wanted her experience, her luck, her destiny-changing moment, her divine encounter; but they are not ready to confront the drizzle to work. They want manner to fall in a basket kept under the bed.

The Holy Bible in Deuteronomy 28:12 spoke about “blessing the works of your hand”. God blesses efforts, not indolence. The logic here is that effort is an indicator of faith and hope. A hopeless person doesn’t make efforts. A faithless person doesn’t believe an effort could be rewarded.

She wouldn’t have met a Yahaya Bello in her room, sleeping. She confronted the street. She felt she could earn something from her sweat. That the sweat is sweet is beyond chemistry. She worked. And that work was blessed by a God who created a Yahaya Bello to fulfil destinies.

To the youth and young mothers, this is a loud speaker to the need for all of us to go out there and sell our own Sugarcane.

May the streets you toil on be filled with many Yahaya Bellos.

– Kingsley Femi Fanwo writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.

The description of the current Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, Pharm. Abdulkareem Asuku Moh’d Jamiu, his medical and civil service careers, albeit his continuous rise to the top cannot be written completely in one book.

Though, this will be an attempt to narrate the unfolding narrative of Pharm. Asuku, a man who, amongst his peers is known for his undivided loyalty and dedication, competency and integrity, brilliance, and intelligence.

It is no surprise that the workaholic Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello as soon as he was sworn-in in 2016 would want to have such personality around him to play a part as the Director-General of Protocol of Kogi Government and help bring forth his vision for Kogi State.

The Office of DG protocol, which before his time was basically unknown and redundant, Pharm. Asuku in his usual competent and proactive nature gave life to the office, performed his duties to the pleasure of his boss and the people, and he became popular, not out of campaign but of competence, duty, and diligence.

Pharm. Asuku, within a record time, has his name in gold on the fight against bad health, hunger, poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy even before he became the Director-General of Protocol, Kogi State. Though, that gave him a higher platform to reach hundreds of thousands.

In his time as DG Protocol, Pharm. Asuku conducted duties within his jurisdiction with perfection and has impacted positively and contributed immensely in reaching the grassroots for the reelection of his boss in 2019. The masses of Kogi Central and the people of Kogi can surely testify to how he has generously touched their lives while promoting the visions of his boss.

From helping victims of severe medical conditions to supporting the people with palliatives in critical moments, granting scholarships, skills acquisition, and philanthropy. The Pharm. Abdulkareem Asuku Youth Empowerment Foundation (PAAYEF), a Charity Foundation committed to the education and empowerment of the indigent child, youth, and women.

Through its educational outreach program, a project specifically designed to facilitate access to high-quality educational opportunities for children from several communities in Kogi State, Nigeria had paid WAEC and NECO fees for indigent students all across Kogi Central for several years.

Pharm. Asuku has proven that he is a loyal, trustworthy, competent, and dedicated man with integrity — the man of the people —the reason why His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello promoted him to be his Chief of Staff.

Generous in disposition, benevolent in philanthropy. The same traits that have made him successful in every office he occupied and kept him afloat.

Pharm. Asuku’s Midas touch on the wheels of an administrative vehicle has brought forth multiple results with rippling effects across the state and beyond.

Although the office of Chief of Staff is generally seen as personal staff of the Governor. The occupant is apparently the engine room of the administration and he must ensure that there is a harmonious working relationship among other governors aides. He is forever focused and hardly ever changes even when serious, under pressure, and or even tired. His days in the public and private sector has prepared him for the top job.

This is a job, within a year, he has inspired, reassured, rebuild confidence in the New Direction Team and the Kogi Project and continues to open his doors to everyone, especially those at the grassroots.

A workaholic Chief of Staff, working for a workaholic Governor!

All those who met Pharm. Asuku always has the same first impression of him — a man with a noble mien; regal in his bearing, eloquent in diction, lively, simple, humble, and cheerful. Without being told, you could perceive his cosmopolitan bearing and the good-naturedness of a well-traveled and enlightened man.

The secret to this overwhelming success is not far to seek, it is in Pharm. Asuku’s sublime communication skills and interpersonal relationship with everybody he meets. He simply possesses that panache that appears inborn.

Pharm. Abdulkareem Asuku Moh’d Jamiu, the experienced, energetic, and pragmatic chief of staff has not only redefined the role of chief of staff with bare hands but has proven what loyalty, integrity, trustworthiness, and leadership really is. As he continues to serve His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello, he has set in place an institutional framework that not only ensures the records colossal success while he climbs to the apex but that whoever takes over from him one day will enjoy the same roller coaster.

• A Concerned Citizen.

Ahead of the forthcoming council polls, the Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress says it is yet to fix cost of nomination forms for Chairmanship and Councillorship aspirants.

The State Chairman of the party, Honourable Abdullahi Bello gave this clarification against the backdrop of an online report being circulated that aspirants seeking to contest for the championship and Councillorship positions on the platform of the party would purchase forms at the cost of N1.1m and N550,000 respectively.

But in a swift reaction, the State APC Chairman said no decision had been taken in that regard and that the party will notify the public when such decision is taken.

The party Chairman urged the general public and party members to disregard the said information, adding that it is misleading and its intent grossly mischievous .

My name is Victoria Macartan popularly known as Vicky Mac. I’m the 4th child among 5 children of my parents Late Engr. Peter Macartan.

I was born on the 11th November 1994 and I graduated from the University of Port Harcourt where I studied Biomedical technology and graduated with second class upper division. I did my NYSC in Ibadan, Oyo State.

I am a Port Harcourt based Entrepreneur and I started acting as a kid from school and church but I joined Nollywood in 2018 where I first acted as a chief maiden in Treasure bag. I don’t have a particular role I play, I’m versatile when it comes to acting whichever role I come across I try to put in my best.

By the special grace of God I have featured in some movies, worked with some famous Artist like Labister, Diamond Ikechi, Chizzy Aliche, Lizzygold, Eve Esien, Caz Chidebere, Nkechi Nweje, Blessing Nwankwo, Oni Micheal, Don Brymo, Harry B and some others in movies like.. FEAR.., LION PRINCE, CAPTIVE, MY DESTINY, ALAIKE, DAUGHTERS OF KIRISHIKA, OGBUIDE, GHOST IN MY DREAM and some others.

I’m a creative and dedicated actress whose goal is to get to the peak of my career and I intend to boom the entertainment industry to the next level.

So help me God.

• 

Kogi Mandate Group (KMG) has congratulated the governor of Kogi state, Alh. Yahaya Bello, over his victory at the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued by the Director-General, Mr. Gbemi Adejola, the group said the apex court has by its judgments affirmed the wishes of the people who not only voted but defended their votes and the mandates they granted the governor during the October 2019 governorship election in the state.

While congratulating the Kogi state governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, who the Supreme Court affirmed his elections, the group call on all the citizens of Kogi state to make peace with the recent past and embrace the future together, united in the mission to transform the state into a haven of peace and development.

The group said the verdict is an end to further distractions and poses a great hope for the state in reaching greater heights and the envisaged holistic development.

Mr. Adejola said, “On behalf of Kogi Mandate Group, I heartily wish to congratulate our governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, on his victory at the Supreme Court.

“With this judgement, it is our hope that the verdict has put to an end the needless bickering, litigations, distractions and provocation as a new phase of developmental strides is being envisaged”, Adejola added.

The group further commended the resilience of the judiciary in deepening the country’s democracy through its sound judgments.

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The son of the Attah of Igala, Prince Ocholi Idakwo, has announced the passage of his father, His Royal Majesty, Dr Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni.

He made the announcement Saturday morning at the palace while addressing newsmen.

He said the Attah joined the ancestors on the 27th of August 2020.

He thanked the people for their support and prayers for the family at this trying period.

Prince Ocholi described his father as a man of action and one who was passionate about upholding the rich cultural heritage of the Igala people.

This formal announcement has put to rest the media speculations about the demise of the first class traditional ruler in Kogi state.

Meanwhile, sympathisers from far and near have continued to troop into the palace to register their condolences.

It is with a profound sense of joy and gratitude to Almighty God that I send this goodwill message to the people of Kogi State, their families and all Muslim faithfuls across the globe on this important occasion of Eid-El-Adha celebration 2020.

I heartily congratulate our Muslim faithfuls for successfully witnessing this auspicious day which sadly, is tainted by the COVID 19 pandemic, a public health challenge that has resulted in social distancing and has consequently dimmed the mood of the festivity.

Thanks to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello, who took proactive steps in the early stage of the pandemic, moved ahead and fast, took a precautionary approach which prevented Kogi State from feeling the full impact of the COVID 19 virus and the socio-economic hardship that it brought along.

Even though these proactive actions by the state government afforded us a chance to attend the Eid prayers under strict regulations, it has prevented millions of Muslims from performing one of the five pillars of Islam – Hajj. A time when Muslims from many different countries, classes, and cultures are supposed to stand together in prayer and worship, to be a reminder of both the unity and diversity within Muslim communities.

I would like to sympathize with the Muslim faithfuls who were unable to perform hajj this year, including thousands of Kogites who were hoping to embark on the pilgrimage. I can assure you we will win the fight against this pandemic and come out stronger as a people. God willing, those who missed this year’s hajj can make up for it in the next.

However, Eid-El-Adha remains a special time for reflection on service, selflessness, and charity – values shared across all faith traditions. Reflecting on and practicing these values could not be more important.

His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, has put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebration of this significant event and beyond. As we know, Governor Yahaya Bello is renowned for his staunch approach in the fight against insecurity. Subsequently, the Kogi state security outfits have made significant success in recent weeks in that regard and the Governor has assured citizens of a hitch-free celebration.

Also, Governor Yahaya Bello has made sure no Kogi citizen celebrates Eid without their salaries by making sure there is prompt payment of salaries despite the shortfalls in allocations and Internally Generated Revenue IGR.

This administration continues to preach harmony among the various religious groups in the state and I hope we have all been spiritually rejuvenated to continue to discharge our constitutional roles and responsibilities.

This Eid celebration offers us yet another opportunity to deepen our relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity, and love as exemplified by Prophet Mohammad SAW.

I urge all Muslim faithful to support Governor Yahaya Bello’s vision to build a prosperous state where all Kogi people and residents would realize their dreams, through the government’s various socio-economic growth initiatives.

I wish you and your family a very joyful Eid. May Allah accept all our prayers and forgive all our faults.

Eid Mubarak!

Pharm. Abdulkareem Moh’d Jamiu Asuku
Kogi State Chief of Staff

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commiserated with a former president of the body, Comrade Tijani Kabir over the recent death of his mother.

This was contained in a statement signed by the global NANS president, Comrade Danielson Akpan, who described the death as a shocking loss; prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The NANS boss prayed for the soul of the deceased to find rest in the bosom of the Almighty, describing death as a necessary end for every mortal.

It could be recalled that Comrade Tijani Kabir and his brother, Tijani Usman Shehu, both former NANS Presidents respectively, lost their mother recently after an illness.

She has since been buried according to Islamic rites in Ogaji in Ankpa local government area of Kogi state.

Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, the first-ever and only female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force has died. The tragic incident occurred in Kaduna yesterday after she sustained head injuries from a road accident.

This latest development can be described as a major setback for the fight against insurgency and banditry in the country.

Recall it was reported that Flying Officer Kafayat Sank and Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile – who broke the service’ 55-year-old jinx, were said to be Regular Combatant Officers while the Air Warrant Officer, Grace Garuba is said to be the first female Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) to be promoted to the highest rank in the Non-Commissioned Officers’ cadre since the Force was established on April 18, 1964.

A statement by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force and obtained by Vanguard, stated that late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile was involved in a road accident that occurred at NAF Base in Kaduna and died shortly after sustaining head injuries.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force has lost the only female helicopter combat pilot. It is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died today, July 14, 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.

“Until her death, ‪Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first-ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service.

“During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hails from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of late ‪Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss. We pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest.”