ODA Election: OYC demands level playing ground for aspirants.

The Okun Youth Council(OYC) has call for a level playing ground for all aspirants in the coming Okun Development Association(ODA) elections slated for 20th Oct, 2017.

Alamoh Kehinde Samuel(Aks) who spoke on behalf of the council commend the leadership of ODA for the forth coming election , the unanimous decision taken by the wise men leading ODA is worthy of our commendation and as a youth council we are solidly behind this decision, this demonstrate internal democracy and unity.


The council said there must be a level playing ground where the aspirants will test their popularity, democracy is not monarch, we don't want any crown prince, let the delegates decide who leads them, therefore we are solidly behind a transparent election that will provide a level playing grounds for all the aspirants, that is where we stand, let the popular candidate emerges and we will be sure of good leadership, peace, internal democracy within our association and purposeful representation.

We therefore also call on individual Okun youth not to engage in verbal attacks against one another as the over all development and progress of Okun land is more paramount than any individual aspiration.

Recalled that Barr. Femi Mokikan and ACG Jimmy Olumudi are the two major aspirants jostling for the exalted office of the National President of ODA.

The Man in Olumudi is a representation of a progressive Okun Nation- Hajiya Rakiya Alfa

Hajiya London

Presidential aspirant, who Much has been said and will still be saying about him ,much has been written and many people will still be writing for this Man of unique destiny. My Morals, my conscious will never let me be free if I do not write my own little Epistle on the personality and the character of this great Man of our time.

The qualitative leadership acumen and the sense of stewardship which he possesses has been established, at least, at the highest level.  He goes history lane as a disciplined public officer with regard for his people. He is an epitome of discipline, hard work and equity and fairness. His political philosophy has no regard for sentiments. His affinity with both the high and mighty and the downtrodden is second to none. He leaves no stone unturned in grassroots developments. Yes this is the Man of the moment that we can’t afford to miss in the corridors of *OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION* helms of affairs.

No doubt, he ranks at the fore of a sparse assemblage of leaders in present day OkunLand. His monumental achievements continue to ring louder even without making noise. In real sense, it is easy to conclude that some leaders are naturally characterized by ideas, vision and the will to set a pace and to have their name boldly written on the sand of time. For once let's allow a man who has prepared himself and seriously desires to lead us to become president.

 *ACG JIMMY OLUMUDI* knowledgeable,  good team player, have a nationalist outlook. He is the man to watch in 2017 *OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION* Election and I would be most glad to have him as our president. The words of a leader are the marbles wisdom of life and such at this point I suggest to all OKUN leaders that *JIMMY OLUMUDI* should be our prayer point, should be a yearning burning desire to be our leader in this forthcoming ODA election.

*Support ACG. JIMMY OLUMUDI FOR OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT*




- *Hajiya Rakiya Alfa ( Hajiya London)*

Three Kogi APDA Leaders Kidnapped.

Three local government leaders of Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA) in Kogi state have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The abducted party chieftains are principal officers in their respective local governments; Ademu Kadir from Idah, Alilu Omo and Ocholi from Igalamela-Odolu.

Confirming the abduction, the Kogi State Chairman of APDA, Hon. Abdulmumini Ibrahim, said the officers were on their way to Idah after attending the inaugural meeting of the state working committee of the party in Lokoja yesterday.

He explained that the bus conveying the party leaders was waylaid by armed bandits along Idah road, passengers were robbed while the trio were taken to unknown destination by the kidnappers.

Abdulmumini said he has called the Commissioner for Police, Kogi state command, Ali Janga, to report the incident. He said he was assured that the police command will do her best to secure their release.

Source: Kogireports.

CPA Appoints Kogi Speaker as Executive Committee Member to represent North Central

By Femi Olugbemi

The Honourable Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Mathew Kolawole has been appointed to serve as Executive Committee member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, (CPA) Africa Region.

This was contained in a letter signed by the Regional Secretary of the association in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Demetrius S. Mgalami.

The letter confirmed that the Speaker would serve as the representative of the North Central region of Nigeria, noting that the Executive Committee is the highest policy making body of the Association.

The Secretariat of the Association in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania appreciates the valuable supports it has received from Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole since he assume duty as the Honourable Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, hence the decision to appoint him to use his wealth of experience to serve in the capacity and  contribute his quota to the overall development of the Africa Region.

He said it has become imperative for the Speaker to come on board considering the myriad of socio-economic, political and security challenges confronting Nigeria, to effectively address the challenges through the legislature across all levels to close rank and articulate a robust and inclusive intervention mechanism.

The Association Secretariat congratulated the Speaker over his recent election as the 12th Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, noting that the election was a clear testimony of his outstanding performances while serving as the Majority Leader of the House, stressing that, no wonder the promotion to a higher responsibility.

The letter also confirmed that the Speaker have a three (3) years term to serve, stressing that by his new office within the association, he is expected to attend all the Exco meetings within and outside the country wherever such meetings are convened.

Receiving the appointment letter in Lokoja, the Honourable Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole was full of surprises but appreciated the Executive Committee of the Association led by the Chairperson, Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MP, Parliament of South Africa for the confidence reposed in him to serve in the capacity.

He also appreciated the entire members of the Sixth Assembly of the Kogi State House of Assembly for their support and cooperation since he assumed duty, promising to continue to work harmoniously with all without prejudice among them.

The highly elated Speaker also eulogized the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the monumental support he is giving to the legislative arm to carry out their constitutional responsibilities effectively and efficiently, pledging on behalf of the assembly to continue to make laws for the good governance of the state.

Rt. Hon. Kolawole promised to be a good ambassador of the state at the regional assignment, pledged to continue work with all stakeholders in moving the state forward.

The appointment takes effects from 12th October, 2017, while the 48th CPA, Africa Regional Conference will be holding in Owerri, Imo State Southeast region of Nigeria from 17th to 26th October, 2017.

*Kogi Speaker bags Igala youths Leadership Award as an Icon Ambassador.*

Igala Youth Integrity Forum is a non-governmental, non partisan organisation established to promote the inclusion of the youths in leadership and also create awareness on the right of the upcoming generations in Igala Kingdom and beyond.

The sole aim of the organisation is to advocate of good governance in Kogi State in particular and Nigeria in general.
Presenting a Leadership Award to the Honourable Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Mathew Kolawole, at the Assembly complex on Wednesday 11th October, 2017, the President of the group, Comrade Adejoh Isaac Abutu said that the leadership qualities of the Speaker influenced the organisation to bestow one of the highest award of honour of the organization on the Speaker.

According to him, they took into consideration the antecedents of the Speaker even while he was yet to be elected by his people to represent Kabba-Bunu State Constituency at the Kogi State House of Assembly.

He said the outcome of their research about his outstanding contributions to the law making process in the State, the development of his constituency and service to humanity, made the group deem it fit to approve and ratify the Award of Honour at the end of the board meeting of the organisation held recently in Ayingba.

Comrade Adejoh said the award is based purely on merit and conferred to encourage individuals, groups, corporate organisations and international agencies in their various endeavours.

The group said they have the approval of the Attah Igala, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Michael Ameh Oboni II to confer on Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole, the ICON OF IGALA YOUTH LEADERSHIP AMBASSADOR, 2017, pointing out that the Speaker is now one of the adopted sons of Igala Kingdom, with the name ‘Ojochene’ - God is good.

Responding, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole appreciates the group for counting him worthy to be honoured at a time like this, stressing that he he has to find out the genuineness and objectives of any organization bestowing such award.

He sent greetings to His Royal Majesty, Dr. Michael Ameh Oboni II, Attah Igala for his leadership style to reposition the traditional institution in the state, assuring that the Sixth Assembly under his watch will continue to collaborate with stakeholders like the traditional rulers to make laws for good governance in the state.

Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole charged the youths to take their education serious and shun every act that is capable of destroying their lofty dreams in life, he said they should do away with cultism, thuggery and drugs abuse as that will only debar them from achieving their aims and objectives in life, stressing that whatever they want to become tomorrow is in their hands.
He urged them to plan and work hard in pursuing their career, as the saying that youths are the leader of tomorrow is gone, noting that you can only become something tomorrow if only you plan and work hard to get it.

He appealed to them to be ambassadors of the New Direction administration and to continue to preach the gospel of the good things Alhaji Yahaya Bello government is doing.
Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole said that the current administration needs the support and cooperation of all and sundry in order to move the State forward, urging them to continue to preach peace and unity in the State.

The Speaker dedicated the award to the entire members of the sixth Assembly.

Kogi Battered Image: Government Confused, engages Social Media Experts.

The Kogi State government is set to recruit social media experts mostly from Lagos to help the government redeem its battered image before the public.

The Kogi State Government has a battered image before the public and need to restrategize in order to gain the trust of Kogites.

The Gov. Bello led government’s desperate attempts to salvage the state battered image occasioned by monumental misappropriation and embezzlement of state funds took another turn after large numbers of social media influencer mostly from Lagos were engaged in a summit in Lokoja.

The government decision to abandon it's social media influencers and settle for the Lagosians media expert has generated mixed reactions from Kogites who believe their people have been used and abandoned by government.

Details soon

Kogi Battered Image: Government Confused, engages Social Media Experts.

The Kogi State government is set to recruit social media experts mostly from Lagos to help the government redeem its battered image before the public.

The Kogi State Government has a battered image before the public and need to restrategize in order to gain the trust of Kogites.

The Gov. Bello led government’s desperate attempts to salvage the state battered image occasioned by monumental misappropriation and embezzlement of state funds took another turn after large numbers of social media influencer mostly from Lagos were engaged in a summit in Lokoja.

The government decision to abandon it's social media influencers and settle for the Lagosians media expert has generated mixed reactions from Kogites who believe their people have been used and abandoned by government.

Details soon

Kogi Police brutality: Daily Post Editor Narrates ordeal.

By Michael Abimboye

Security personnel attached to Kogi state government house went on rampage on Wednesday afternoon and beat up Daily Post deputy editor, Wale Odunsi.

According to the journalist, a mobile police personnel, Iliya Ali, attached to the Kogi Government House in Kogi threatened to shoot him. Odunsi said it was divine intervention that saved him from being killed.

Narrating his ordeal, Odunsi had travelled to the state to honour an invitation for the rescheduled Kogi State Social Media Summit.

The programme was slated for Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th October 2017.

Those invited were also scheduled to meet Governor Yahaya Bello at the Banquet Hall of the Government House.


He said: “I left the hotel I was some minutes before 11am. Before that, I called special assistant to the Governor on New Media, Joel Odaudu Minister, that I was on my way to the Govt. House”.

“I got there and walked towards the gate. As I approached the gate directly opposite the entrance of the governor’s wife office entrance, one of the protocol officials wearing White native charged towards me.

“In an unruly manner, he queried why I was trying to barge into the premises. So I asked ‘Oga, you didn’t have to shout at me like that. I was only looking for who to ask for direction’.

“Apparently infuriated by my guts, he dragged and pushed me away. Within seconds, a mobile policeman got up and slapped me. He used abusive words and warned me to move away. But I kept asking what I did to warrant the treatment.

“At this point, the protocol officer and two mobile policemen were taking turns to hit me on the chest while pushing me backwards; one slapped me the second time.

“I calmly walked some meters away and told and called Joel, the governor’s aide. As soon as he came, the security officials cornered him and were trying to change the story.

“I hurriedly strolled to where they were and insisted to know why I was assaulted. By this time, one of the policemen I believe is superior and another man wearing a blue safari suit and white T-shirt warned me to leave the area of face the consequences.

“The policeman’s eyes were red as if thirsty for blood. He kept screaming that he will punish with me mercilessly. So I called his name out, Iliya Ali: I told him to his face that I will report the incident to appropriate authority.

“Once he heard his name, he reached for his holster and attempted to bring out his gun. He said I have eyes to see his name and mouth to mention his name so he will shut me up “now now”, affirming his readiness to open fire.

He added: ‘I will show you if na your mama, your papa or your any person you wan report me to give me name. I will deal with you anytime, anywhere I see you around this place’.

“He also asked the Governor’s aide to leave the scene so he can deal with me. All the while, he was trying to bring out his gun while the governor’s aide was asking him calm down.

“I sensed he might make real his threat so I took transport and left the scene because only a fool will continue to argue with a man with a firearm. I spoke to the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, who sent Kogi CP’s number. I tried to reach him but couldn’t but sent sms. No response from him as I speak.

“I have left the state before my time is cut short. Kogi Police Command will hear from DAILY POST lawyers. Police brutality in Nigeria must be checked”.


In August, Segun Salami, a Channels Television reporter, landed in the hospital, after an assault by security operatives attached to the government house.



As of the time this report was filed, spokesmen of the governor could not be reached for comment.

Senator Olujimi ask for an Act to make it an offence for vacant positions in the Federal civil service to be filled without being advertised By Gideon Ayodele

The Deputy minority whip of the Nigerian Senate, Distinguished Senator Biodun Christine Olujimi today in a Bill sponsored by her have asked for an Act to make it an offence for vacant positions in the Federal Civil Service to be filled without their being advertised and for other matters connected therewith.
She asked that as from the commencement of the said act, it shall be an offence for any federal Government ministry, agency or parastatal to fill a vacancy in their establishment unless such vacancies are placed on their notice board for three months before the commencement of the recruitment exercise.
She equally asked that such vacancies and the positions with the requirements are sent to the federal Civil Service Commission immediately upon the existence of such vacancies for appropriate action.
She stated that it shall be the responsibility of the heads of Federal Ministries, Agencies or paragraphs, to ensure compliance to  the act and that whoever violates the provision of the act commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000) or to imprisonment for a term of not more than Two years or to both.
Other conditions stated for the filling of such vacancies include: upon the receipt of information of the vacancies, on a monthly basis, publish in two national newspapers and one local newspaper in each states of the federation the vacancies.
Such vacancies should as well be placed on the notice board of the headquarters of every local government areas of the federation.
This Bill therefore seek to promote integrity and transparency in the recruitment of personnel into the federal Civil Service by making it an offence for a Federal Ministry, agency or paracetamol to fill existing vacancies in their organisation if such vacancies have not been published.

Office of the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly

International Day of the Girl Child 2017: Kogi Speaker promises Legislation to promote girl child education .


As Kogi State and Nigeria join others in the World to Mark the 2017 International Day of the Girl Child, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. (Prince) Mathew Kolawole has promised on behalf of the sixth Assembly to legislate good laws that will promote Girl Child Education in the state. He also expressed the determination and  commitment of his colleagues to collaborate with the executive arm and other stakeholders to empower the Girl child no matter the circumstances.

Speaker Kolawole affirmed that despite the country has come out of economy recession the challenges confronting the girl child are enormous hence there is need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders at enhancing their well-being.

The Speaker said as a father,  he will continue to promote those attributes that is geared toward emancipating the womenfolk to take their rightful position in the society.

Rt Hon Kolawole commended President Muhammadu Buhari for securing the release of Chibok Girls stressing his optimism that others would reunite with their families as the Federal Government is not resting until everyone in captivity is freed.

He specially commended the new direction administration led by  Governor Yahaya Bello for its determination and commitment to place women in sensitive positions in his administration, promising to continue to work with the executive in order to have better life for the girl child in Kogi State.

He said as part of their willingness to enhance the wellbeing of the girl child,  Kogi State House of Assembly was one of the state Assemblies in Nigeria to pass the Child Right Act.

He calls on parents and caregivers to pay closer attention to the needs of the girl child stating that instilling values of strength, self awareness, self confidence is one of the most effective ways of empowering the girl child to adequately prepare her for the vagaries and cruelty of life.

The Speaker once again congratulates the girl child on this day that they are been celebrated across the globe creating awareness on their issues.

Signed

Femi Olugbemi
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly