High Chief (Hon) Ojo Johnson Olorundamilare, the Obarighonntan of Oweland, Congratulates Governor Ododo on Tribunal Victory

In a heartfelt message, High Chief (Hon) Ojo Johnson Olorundamilare, the esteemed Øbàrighønntàñ of Oweland, who's a former *Management Board Member of Kogi Savings and Loan Ltd and also immidiate passed Supervisor for Health Kabba Bunu LGA* extended his warmest congratulations to His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo on his well-deserved victory at the election tribunal. This triumph is not just a personal achievement for Governor Ododo but a victory for the people of Kogi State, marking a significant moment in the state's journey toward justice and democracy.

"Your perseverance and dedication to the people of Kogi State have paid off, and this ruling is a testament to your unwavering commitment to justice and democracy," *High Chief Olorundamilare who is a leading contestant in the ongoing Obadofin of Oweland stool contest* remarked.

His words reflect the collective sentiment of the people, recognizing the Governor's steadfast resolve and his tireless efforts to serve the state.

High Chief Olorundamilare's  message emphasized the importance of divine guidance in leadership, expressing prayers for God's continued support and strength for Governor Ododo. He hopes that this victory will be a catalyst for even greater achievements and progress in the days ahead. "May this victory be a catalyst for even greater achievements and progress in the days ahead," he added.

Reflecting on Governor Ododo's first 100 days in office, High Chief Olorundamilare noted the Governor's remarkable achievements and his proactive approach to governance. "We have seen this in his first 100 days in office, his achievement within the short period, and the way he hit the ground running, makes us believe in his capacity to deliver more," he stated. This period has shown the Governor's commitment to development and his ability to initiate and execute impactful projects promptly.

Looking forward, High Chief Olorundamilare urged the people of Kogi State to continue supporting Governor Ododo's administration. "We should expect more projects in the state and also we should not forget to support the government at all times," he encouraged. His message highlights the importance of collective effort and unity in driving the state's progress.

In conclusion, High Chief Olorundamilare extended his congratulations to Governor Ododo and the entire Kogi State on the victory recorded at the tribunal. He wished the Governor more years in office in good health and prayed for more wisdom to direct the affairs of the state. "Thank you for being a father, a leader, and a mentor to the good people of Kogi State," he concluded.

**Congratulations to His Excellency Usman Ododo.**

**GOD BLESS Oweland**

**GOD BLESS Kabba-Bunu**

**GOD BLESS KOGI STATE**

**GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA**

Kogi indigenes to EFCC: Don’t allow embittered, ethnic jingoists lead you astray on Yahaya Bello's case

Yahaya Bello: Kogi indigenes warn EFCC against failed politicians denting Commission's image with ethnic struggle

Yahaya Bello: Kogi indigenes caution EFCC against ethnic jingoists hiding under activism to actualise selfish agenda

Indigenes of Kogi State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  against those they described as embittered and desperate ethnic jingoists who are strengthening the public opinion that the Commission is collaborating with certain opposition figures to persecute the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. 

The indigenes said since the allegation of corruption by the EFCC against the former Governor became a national discourse, "some persons who are afraid of chasing their dreams at the polls have hidden under the veneer of activism to sponsor their tribesmen to impugn on the character of ex Governor Yahaya Bello maliciously".

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the Chairman of Kogi Youth Leaders Forum, Benjamin Oguche, PhD, specifically noted that those still calling for the arrest of Bello even in the face of an ongoing court process, were either uninformed or out to rubbish the image of EFCC while pursuing their prolonged vendetta mission.

The Kogi youth leaders said this particular group had consistently pursued a "we against them" agenda, causing division and hate among the ethnic groups in Kogi,  spreading falsehood and propaganda to the public on the matter.

"It is sad and regrettable that the so-called corruption allegation against Bello, which remains an allegation until established in the court of law, has become an opportunity for chronic political failures to unleash their intolerance and deep-rooted frustration on a state that our founding fathers have laboured so hard to unite. 

"Without credible reasons, they have been said to have mobilised resources to fight him for daring to govern a state he hails from and for overseeing a free and fair election which produced another Governor, not from their fold," they stated.

According to them, the polarisation, ethnic and religious colouration that have been introduced in recent times into the EFCC trial of the immediate past Governor calls for worry, especially among every Kogi indigene who has a firm belief in the peaceful co-existence of the state as an indivisible entity.

"Suffice to say that what we see playing out today is a microcosm of what our country represents, where the so called minority is discriminated against, sidelined and treated like a lesser citizen in a country he has made equal, if not greater, contributions to building. The so called minority has been made to believe his voice does not count and his fundamental right to pursue social, economic and political interest taken away.

"Since through divine providence that former Governor Yahaya Bello became governor in 2016, several arrow of ethnic bitterness, needless attacks and corruption profiling have been targetted at him and his government for no offence other than for the simple reason that the responsibility to lead our dear state at that time fell on his shoulder.

"While God saw him through his four years in office, the people of our dear state equally and overwhelmingly renewed their mandate for him, sending him to go again, amidst hate campaign, violence attacks and ethnic war by some ethnic driven elites who have sworn never to allow certain ethnic groups have a taste of leading the state. While this gathering is not about catalogue of exploits he achieved and the records he broke within these eight years, it is important to note that since he left office, same known tribal jingoists and ethnic champions have been having sleepless nights plotting the downfall of the man.

"The anti-Bello protests in the UK last week, Lagos last week and Abuja today highlight the glaring danger those they regard as minority ethnic groups face in the hands of those who feel that their population is for the purpose of suppressing the fundamental rights of others to seek political interest. One continues to wonder where the protesters gathered the money to go on a protest spray, if some people are not bankrolling them, which suggest a sinister plan different from genuine fight against corruption as the public is made to understand.

"We understand that the case for which these hate-induced protests are going on is in the court and the court is a place of orderliness where every party will push their stands without necessarily drawing dagger to murder our peace. We are, however, surprised that dimension of sustained protests have been added to their inglorious mission.

"We have often expressed our confidence in the judiciary and irrespective of how long it could take, the wheel of justice must grind to a logical end. We, however, frown at the seeming open hands the EFCC has been showing to the protesters which is fuelling an unfortunate suspicion that must be immediately corrected.

"While we welcome in its entirety the probe of the former Governor, we, however, reject the deliberate image smearing against him. We call on the EFCC to disregard the propaganda of ethnic agents and face the task of diligent prosecution," the Kogi Youth Leaders advised.

Hon. Durosinmi Meseko Congratulates Gov Ododo on Tribunal Victory

Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC), has congratulated Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo on his affirmation as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State by the Election Petitions Tribunal.

In a statement released today, Meseko expressed his joy and satisfaction with the tribunal's decision, which he described as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

"I join the good people of Kogi State in celebrating this historic moment," Meseko said. "The tribunal's ruling has vindicated the will of the people, who overwhelmingly voted for Alhaji Ododo in the November 2019 governorship election."

Meseko commended Ododo for his resilience and determination throughout the legal process. He also urged the Governor to continue to work tirelessly for the progress and development of Kogi State.

"I do not doubt that Alhaji Ododo will lead Kogi State to greater heights," Meseko said. "He is a visionary leader with a passion for service, and I am confident that he will deliver on his promises to the people."

Hon. Duro Meseko assured that his office will always collaborate with the people's Governor to ensure the spread of the dividends of democracy across all sectors of the state.

He also urged all opposition parties at the tribunal to withdraw their petitions to join hands with the Governor to move the state forward, politics is over, and it's time for governance.

Meseko called on all Kogites to support Ododo's administration and work together to build a better future for the state.

Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi's appointment, a value added and quality asset to Energy Sector in Kogi State.

Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi's appointment, a value added and quality asset to Energy Sector in Kogi State.....Tunde Akanmidu

Congratulations to Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi on his appointment as Special Adviser on Energy to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ahmed Ododo.

This appointment is a significant addition to the energy sector in Kogi State, bringing uncommon value and expertise to the table. Bode Adeyemi's wealth of knowledge and experience will undoubtedly drive transformation, improvement, and growth in the sector.

Tunde Akanmidu commends His Excellency for this wise choice and prays that Bode Adeyemi be endowed with wisdom, increased knowledge, strength, and sound health as he diligently discharges his duties for the benefit of the people of Kogi State and beyond."

Signed

Hon. Tunde Akanmidu.

Former SSA on Social Welfare to Kogi State Government.

Illegally Detention of Mr Olatunde Solomon (Mr T) by Dino Melaye at DSS Kogi State Command is a week already.

Detention of Mr Olatunde Solomon (Mr T) by Dino Melaye at DSS Kogi State Command is a week already.

Mr Olatunde Solomon who has been a loyal supporter to Sen Dino Melaye for years was arrested and whisked away by men of DSS Kogi state command since Friday 10th of May, 2024 for undisclosed reasons.

The unlawful detention of Mr Tunde for over 24hrs is against the law and as the popular quote of Sen Dino Melaye “In an unjust society silence is crime” we call on the DSS to either charge Mr Tunde to court or release him unconditionally as he has been deprived medical attentions by his doctor and family members cannot access him.

Sen Dino Melaye should equally remember the numerous sacrifices Mr Tunde has made for him in time past serving as his contact person within Ayetoro Gbede and house keeper.

Hon. Bello Lawrence 

For Concerned Ayetoro Gbede Youths

The Life of Books (Why we should all be readers)

I believe the next big thing for Nigeria and Africa at large is to evolve  into a massive reading culture, here I do not mean reading to acquire certificate but reading to know, to ask questions, to seek answers , to be entertained and to do so as a way of life.

When the kids walk away from the television, the youths drop their phones and find somewhere to pour themselves into books then know the revolution is near, but when libraries are everywhere instead of churches and mosques and our youths will rather be in the library instead of being on social media then we have begun our commitment to greatness. 

Nations suffer from various socio development defect depending on their history but in the case of Nigeria and Africa we suffer because we lack infrastructure of the mind. This is why we are always stucked at the rudimentary stage of ideas and institution. This civilization will be led by people who are dedicated to the idea of constantly innovating and stretching the mind.

Democracy, capitalism, and other great human endeavor will always be at the mercy of the mind, they are made for man and not the other way around. Give me a hamlet with  library and readers and I will build a civilization but give me a nation without libraries and readers then I will show you the gate of hell. 

A reading community produced Archimedes, Newton, Shakesphere,  Galileo, Thomas Jefferson and men who moved this world, The Reading community started the Stoic movement, The Magna carta,  the Renaissance, the Protestants movement and others If you do not lay the foundation of the mind all other social and physical infrastructure will crumble.

Reading is spiritual even God wrote a book, he made men to author Bible and the Quran on his behalf. God reads! The personal and public organization that is lacking in our lives  and the community at large can be redeemed by books.To the parents, Guardians, Leaders, thinkers it is time to read aggressively, let us direct the youths to the libraries, make books available to the youths, encourage the children to read.

Read! The ambiance of books elevates , consistent practice of reading grounds the soul around principles. A man who will not read cannot be at the best of his or her creative freedom.The challenge for this generation especially the elites who are meant to drive the destiny of the country is to read and lead by example and also create a befitting environment to promote reading. 

A government that cannot perform the basic task of building libraries and encouraging the citizens to read will never be able to produce cars , air planes and other complex endeavors. Nigerians go into the library to read and you will come out with a nation in your heart!  

The Question of Governance in Kogi State

 

Kogi State is not difficult to govern she has all it takes to govern herself and even offer inspiration to the rest of mankind.

She is a state bordered by nine different states and FCT, She has River Niger one of the largest and historical river in Africa, She has one of the largest deposit of coal in the world, She boast of one the largest reserve of  iron ore in the world, She has one of the largest deposit of fine grade lime stone in the world, she has one of the greatest deposit of mica in the world, her land yields Maize, Rice, Cassava, Groundnut, Cashew, Mango and many more, Kogi state is not lacking in human capacity we have professors, scholars and captain of industries even in the diaspora we are a formidable force.

Kogi State is destined for wealth Character is at the centre of the crisis going on in Kogi State, where there is no conviction and  ideology there can’t be a progressive character, without politics of character  there won’t be virtue in governance.Now it should be clear to us more than ever that what is right is right and this is inclusive of politics, wrong can never be paraded in any guise as right neither can we fight wrong with something that is part of the wrong.

We need a radical mindset if we are to do better in the state.My greatest fear  is not that we can’t pay salaries or the deep seated poverty amidst us but my fear is  what we have become, we have accepted mercantile as part of our body politics, we have settled for the worse, we are waiting for time to do the work that courage, rage and creativity should do.

This are vices that cannot be eradicated by budget or laws but by the human will.Let us search ourselves Let us question ourselves Especially we the few elites that are meant to be the driving force of progress and development Have we done enough?What kind of politics are we into? If we sincerely ask this question and answer it in good faith and all conscience then we will understand that it is our politics that is difficult.Let it be said “in their time Kogi State was a blessing to all"

Hon. Adeyemi Abidemi Adebola

Minority Whip KGHA 2011-2015

Kogi State Natural Resources: Blessing or a curse ?

 

Hon. Adeyemi Abidemi Minority Whip KGHA 2011-2015

Abuja.

Apart for Democratic Republic of Congo DRC I don’t know of any other community that has been looted and ravaged of her natural resources like Kogi State. The whole world is free picking in Kogi State.

Inside our bush and our forest, you will find Indians, Chinese, Lebanese, West African citizens, Europeans, Americans and all, they are busy doing the damage!There are about Twenty (20) Known commercially viable minerals in Kogi State alone with a minimum of two in  every local government. We have Coal, Dolomite, Feldspar, Iron ore, Tar, Limestone, Bauxite, Gold, Lithi

um and others. Ankpa alone can supply the Whole of West Africa with coal electricity for over 400 years.

Our lime stone is so enormous that we can have three  different Dangote factories producing optimally at 15millon tonnes annually for 100 years. Recently Yagba West and Yagba East have been identified as potential spot for lithium which is one of the most expensive and most sort after mineral resource in the world.

The Mineral resources economy of Kogi State is worth $1 trillion yet in the midst of water we are still thirsty. Poverty has ravished the state. When you get into our forest you will shed tears  that our once boisterous soil, woods and farm land has been ecologically degraded,   the once green forest host to games and wonderful species is becoming a desert, our soil has been eroded, streams and rivers have dried up, you ask yourself at what price? Nothing but loss. The same land that has fed our ancestors and sustain their way of life for thousands of years and hundreds of generations is been looted and desecrated into nothingness in less than a decade what a shame.

One will ask is there anything been remitted to the state by the miners at all?What Oil is to Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta is what mineral resources are to Kogi State unfortunately the state has gotten little or nothing to show for it, based on her mineral resources Kogi State is far richer than Rivers yet see where we are.

Recently the Cement manufacturers declare N750Bn profit, a large chunk of this comes from Kogi State – so far there is no evidence that there is anything in it for Kogi State.

Personally, I think the people of Kogi State is not putting in enough fight to sustain the ecology and the environment and am sorry to say we are already paying the price for it already agricultural output in the state is dropping, income per head is low and the rural urban migration is alarming  more than ever.

We must apply a sense of urgency to take broad actions against illegal mining and ecological abuse going on.First and foremost, Kogi State need an Impact Assessment Report  (IAR) the illegal mining spread across the state how well and far has it affected the state in terms of economy, ecology and physical structuring, it is when we have been able to put this together that the true measure of impact can be monitored and evaluated.

How much of our soil has been degraded, how much of our forest has been destroyed, how much of our people has been displaced and how much we have lost economically.

Everybody is mining in Kogi State, the Chinese, The Indians, Europeans, Africans, Indigenes of different state except for Kogi State government, who says that active mining cannot increase revenue or create jobs for some of our teeming youths.

Create a Data base for all miners in the state Create a community action Programme at the local government level  to protect ecology which all miners in the state must key into.

Invest in technology to track and monitor both legal and illegal miners especially in the bush. 

It is time we annex all the opportunities that exist in our natural resources economy  to solve our problems and create fresh opportunities, my sincere  prayer is that the discipline and the vision to do so will not elude us.

Hon. Adeyemi Abidemi Minority Whip KGHA 2011-2015

Kogi State Natural Resources: Blessing or a curse ?

Abuja.

Apart for Democratic Republic of Congo DRC I don’t know of any other community that has been looted and ravaged of her natural resources like Kogi State. The whole world is free picking in Kogi State.

Inside our bush and our forest, you will find Indians, Chinese, Lebanese, West African citizens, Europeans, Americans and all, they are busy doing the damage!There are about Twenty (20) Known commercially viable minerals in Kogi State alone with a minimum of two in  every local government. We have Coal, Dolomite, Feldspar, Iron ore, Tar, Limestone, Bauxite, Gold, Lithi

um and others. Ankpa alone can supply the Whole of West Africa with coal electricity for over 400 years.

Our lime stone is so enormous that we can have three  different Dangote factories producing optimally at 15millon tonnes annually for 100 years. Recently Yagba West and Yagba East have been identified as potential spot for lithium which is one of the most expensive and most sort after mineral resource in the world.

The Mineral resources economy of Kogi State is worth $1 trillion yet in the midst of water we are still thirsty. Poverty has ravished the state. When you get into our forest you will shed tears  that our once boisterous soil, woods and farm land has been ecologically degraded,   the once green forest host to games and wonderful species is becoming a desert, our soil has been eroded, streams and rivers have dried up, you ask yourself at what price? Nothing but loss. The same land that has fed our ancestors and sustain their way of life for thousands of years and hundreds of generations is been looted and desecrated into nothingness in less than a decade what a shame.

One will ask is there anything been remitted to the state by the miners at all?What Oil is to Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta is what mineral resources are to Kogi State unfortunately the state has gotten little or nothing to show for it, based on her mineral resources Kogi State is far richer than Rivers yet see where we are.

Recently the Cement manufacturers declare N750Bn profit, a large chunk of this comes from Kogi State – so far there is no evidence that there is anything in it for Kogi State.

Personally, I think the people of Kogi State is not putting in enough fight to sustain the ecology and the environment and am sorry to say we are already paying the price for it already agricultural output in the state is dropping, income per head is low and the rural urban migration is alarming  more than ever.

We must apply a sense of urgency to take broad actions against illegal mining and ecological abuse going on.First and foremost, Kogi State need an Impact Assessment Report  (IAR) the illegal mining spread across the state how well and far has it affected the state in terms of economy, ecology and physical structuring, it is when we have been able to put this together that the true measure of impact can be monitored and evaluated.

How much of our soil has been degraded, how much of our forest has been destroyed, how much of our people has been displaced and how much we have lost economically.

Everybody is mining in Kogi State, the Chinese, The Indians, Europeans, Africans, Indigenes of different state except for Kogi State government, who says that active mining cannot increase revenue or create jobs for some of our teeming youths. Create a Data base for all miners in the state Create a community action Programme at the local government level  to protect ecology which all miners in the state must key into.

Invest in technology to track and monitor both legal and illegal miners especially in the bush. 

It is time we annex all the opportunities that exist in our natural resources economy  to solve our problems and create fresh opportunities, my sincere  prayer is that the discipline and the vision to do so will not elude us.

Taming HyperInflation in KogiState-The need for creative and transparent governance

According to the latest official report Kogi state is the most hyperinflated state in Nigeria,the inflation stands at 33.28% while the food inflation stands at 41.29% (See Business day report December 22,2023)

This is a clear indication that the purchase power of the people of Kogi State is low and the price index is unusually high while at the practical level people of Kogi state are not only suffering they are malnourished and extremely needy.

The hand of poverty is very heavy across the 21Local Government in Kogi State.

The government exist to serve the people it is time to stimulate the economy and empower the people, wealth must be urgently transferred into the hands of the people.

We must show economic creativity and financial prudence the times demand sit.

According to the senate president each state of the federation which includes Kogi state have received a minimum of N30bn as economic support against inflation,and if this is not true the government will do well to debunk it, the states must show accountability and the political will to improve the lives of the people,apart from thee regular allocation N30bn isenough to make significant changes in the lives of the people of Kogi State.

The Kogi State government must take the following steps to radically reduce the pressure of inflation.

1.Publish in details the amount that have been received so far as economic palliative federal government

2.Publish in details the quantity of foodstocks received from the federal government as an economic palliative to the details

3.Publish the how the economic support funds that have been spent

4.Publish in details how stock of food items has been shared across the state.

5.Create a data bank for families and poor house hold across the state

6.Create a data bank for youths across the state

7.Create a data bank for unemployed in Kogi state

8.Digitalize the process of distribution of economic palliatives.

9.Include stakeholders from opposition parties, civil society, traditional institutions, students, cleric and informal sector in economic making decisions

10.Retirees and physically challenged people must always be at the centre of all economic palliative programmes.

11.Improve rural security for farmer store turn back to the farm

12.Provide farmers with high yield in puts across the state.

Hon Adeyemi Abidemi Adebola

Minorithy Whip

KGHA2011-2015