₦airaland Forum

Abuja, November 2, 2024 – The Igala Brothers and Friends Initiative (IBFI) marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new national executive members in a ceremony held in Lokoja. The event brought together community leaders, members, and supporters who celebrated the appointment of Comrade Philip Ameh as the new National Leader, alongside his team of executives, who are set to lead IBFI into a promising future.

Comrade Ameh, in his inaugural speech, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and shared his vision for IBFI’s future. He emphasized unity, community development, and economic empowerment as pillars that will drive his administration. He also highlighted plans to enhance educational opportunities, youth engagement, and welfare programs for the Igala community, underscoring the Initiative’s commitment to supporting its members and their families.

The atmosphere at the event was filled with optimism and support, as speakers encouraged the new executives to lead with dedication, transparency, and a sense of responsibility. Many attendees expressed hope that the new leadership, guided by the fear of God, will inspire positive changes that strengthen the bonds within the Igala community and further promote the Initiative’s objectives.

The inauguration has set high expectations for IBFI’s executive team, who now face the task of steering the organization toward impactful projects and greater unity among members.

Christopher Sunday
omaalake@gmail.com

In a historic decision, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Kogi Youth Forum convened today at Karomsi Hotel in Lokoja, Kogi State, to formally resolve the appointment of Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah, CEO of Anarock Global Premiere Services, Abuja, as a National Patron of the forum. This significant resolution came after a comprehensive discussion on his extensive contributions and dedication to the development of Kogi youth.

The Kogi Youth Forum, under the leadership of President Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Idenyi and Secretary Mr. Umar Omeiza, has long served as a platform for advocating youth interests across Nigeria, with members spanning the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. During today’s NEC meeting, executive members and patrons approved Hon. Ogah's appointment, recognising his extraordinary service to Kogi youths and his commitment to humanitarian causes.

The official award ceremony is slated for November 10, 2024, with the venue to be confirmed soon. This acknowledgement is particularly remarkable, as the title of National Patron has historically been reserved for past and current governors of Kogi State. Hon. Ogah’s selection marks a new precedent, reflecting his impact and influence within the state.

Today’s resolution at the Karomsi Hotel reaffirms Hon. Ogah’s role as a key supporter and leader in the empowerment of Kogi’s youth.

Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah has extended his heartfelt congratulations to his brother, Hon. Sunday Ogah, on his recent elevation from Ward SA to Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on grassroots mobilization. This appointment, according to Hon. Mark, is a recognition of his brother's dedicated service and commitment to community development.

In a statement delivered on behalf of Hon. Mark, Mr. Christopher Sunday relayed his commendation of the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who, by selecting Hon. Sunday Ogah for this vital role, continues to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and empowering local leaders who truly understand the needs of the people. Hon. Mark emphasised that this strategic appointment of Hon. Sunday is essential in advancing the administration’s vision for sustainable growth and unity across Kogi State.

As the new SSA on grassroots mobilisation, Hon. Sunday Ogah will work to strengthen the connections between government initiatives and local communities. His role is pivotal in ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that developmental programs reach every community. Hon. Mark urged the public to support Hon. Sunday in his new capacity, highlighting the importance of grassroots mobilisation in deepening trust and cooperation between the administration and the people.

Expressing confidence in his brother’s abilities, Hon. Mark noted that this appointment would bolster participatory democracy throughout Kogi State, ensuring that government policies are both impactful and aligned with the community’s needs. He further called on other political leaders to prioritise engaging with the grassroots, viewing it as a crucial step toward a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Hon. Mark extended his personal pride in his brother’s achievements, highlighting his track record of commitment to service and community progress. He urged Hon. Sunday to approach this role with the same passion, resilience, and integrity he has demonstrated throughout his career. This appointment, he remarked, is not only a testament to Hon. Sunday’s capabilities but also a significant step in furthering the Ododo administration’s goal of an inclusive, people-centred governance

Supporters from the 21 local government areas of Kogi State have come out in large numbers to endorse Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah in his mission to redevelop the Kogi State Handball Association. Their backing reflects the widespread recognition of his vision to transform the sport and restore Kogi's once-proud handball legacy.

Under the current chairman, Mr. Jibrin Seidu, handball development has stagnated, with grassroots engagement, youth development, and national tournaments neglected. One of the most glaring failures was the inability to host a national handball tournament during his tenure, something that was last accomplished just before he took over. This has prompted people across the state to rally behind Hon. Ogah, who is ready to bring fresh energy and focus to the association.

Supporters from all corners of Kogi, including players, coaches, sports enthusiasts, and local leaders, are excited about Hon. Ogah’s plans. His commitment to introducing handball programs in secondary schools and establishing leagues in Kogi State’s tertiary institutions has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. He has promised to develop centres of excellence for handball across the state, ensuring that young athletes have access to quality training, competitions, and resources.

Hon. Ogah’s plan to work closely with the Kogi State government, the Ministry of Youths and Sports, and other stakeholders to build proper handball infrastructure has further fuelled his support. The people believe that his leadership will secure the necessary funding and partnerships to revive the sport and make Kogi State a major player in the national handball scene once again.

By prioritising grassroots development, Hon. Ogah will give young talents in all 21 local government areas the opportunity to grow and compete. He has also pledged to revive national tournaments in Kogi, a move that has been welcomed as a vital step in reclaiming the state’s handball prominence.

His supporters believe that under his leadership, Kogi State will see the rise of a new generation of handball players from secondary schools and tertiary institutions who will dominate not just within the state but at national and international levels. Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah is poised to deliver a new era of success, and his widespread endorsement across the state is a testament to the belief that he can change the narrative for handball in Kogi State.

The current Kogi State Handball Association Chairman, Mr. Jibrin Seidu, has been unable to provide the leadership needed to advance handball development in the state. Under his tenure, key areas such as grassroots engagement, youth development, and institutional partnerships have been neglected. Additionally, Mr. Jibrin Seidu has failed to organize or host a national handball tournament in Kogi State—the last time such a tournament was hosted was shortly before he became the chairman of the association. In response, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah is stepping up with a clear vision to transform the association and drive the growth of handball across Kogi State.

Hon. Ogah is committed to providing strategic leadership with a clear focus on developing a robust handball structure that impacts athletes at all levels, from grassroots to professional. One of his top priorities is engaging the grassroots by identifying and nurturing young talents from all parts of Kogi State. To achieve this, he plans to introduce handball programs in all secondary schools, ensuring early exposure to the sport. These programs will provide young athletes with access to coaching, competitions, and mentorship, laying the foundation for the future of handball in the state.

Additionally, Hon. Ogah is committed to ensuring that Kogi State’s tertiary institutions, including Kogi State University, Kogi State Polytechnic, and other state-owned institutions, become centers of excellence for handball. He plans to establish handball leagues, encourage intercollegiate competitions, and provide the necessary resources for student athletes to thrive. This approach will help bridge the gap between school-level participation and professional handball opportunities.

Understanding the critical role of partnerships, Hon. Ogah will work closely with the Kogi State government, the Ministry of Youths and Sports, and local sponsors to secure the necessary resources to build handball infrastructure in schools and institutions. His leadership will also focus on promoting handball tournaments at the state level. By tapping into sponsorship opportunities from industries and businesses in Kogi, he aims to ensure sustainable funding for handball programs. His experience in financial management will allow him to allocate resources efficiently, whether upgrading facilities in schools or organizing major tournaments in tertiary institutions.

Hon. Ogah will prioritize regularly organizing competitive handball tournaments, not only at the state level but also within secondary schools and tertiary institutions. His focus will also include reviving national tournaments in Kogi State, changing the narrative left behind by Mr. Seidu’s tenure. These events will offer young talents the opportunity to showcase their skills and represent Kogi State in higher levels of competition. His leadership style will promote unity among stakeholders in the state, engaging leaders from various local government areas and ensuring fair representation in the development of handball across all regions.

With a deep passion for handball, Hon. Ogah is determined to restore Kogi State’s legacy as a powerhouse in the sport. By nurturing a new generation of players and ensuring that handball is widely played in both secondary schools and tertiary institutions, he will create a continuous pipeline of talent from the grassroots to the professional level. Through these efforts, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah is poised to revitalize handball in Kogi State, transforming the sport into a thriving and competitive force at both regional and national levels.

Handball stakeholders in Kogi State are calling for a comprehensive leadership reform within the state’s handball association to restore the sport’s prominence.

Addressed journalists after a visit to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Monday Aridaojo Anyebe in his office in Lokoja on Tuesday, the stakeholders outlined the achievements and setbacks of Kogi State handball since its inception in 1991, pointing to the need for immediate change to revive the state’s handball culture.

They noted that Kogi State's handball history includes significant accomplishments from winning national underage tournaments in the 1990s to representing Nigeria in international competitions. Kogi's under-15 boys’ team won gold in Italy in 1995, while local teams performed well in various national championships up until 2019.

However, the stakeholders noted a decline in participation and development initiatives, which they attribute to issues within the association's leadership.

They revealed that since 2020, Kogi’s Confluence Stars, the state’s premier league team, has struggled to participate in the league due to financial constraints and a lack of support. This situation has led some players to seek opportunities with teams in other states, undermining team cohesion and player morale. Additionally, the once-thriving Confluence Queens female team, which participated in national tournaments until 2020, has since disbanded.

Stakeholders attribute much of the sport’s recent decline to the leadership of Mr. Jibril Saidu, the current chairman of Kogi State Handball Association. They allege that Mr. Saidu’s decision to withdraw sponsorship, along with personal conflicts, has prevented Kogi from participating in critical national events. This includes the under-12 and under-15 championships held in Sokoto over the past five years, where Kogi teams were notably absent.

In response to these challenges, the stakeholders called for the dissolution of the current board, citing a lack of effective leadership and commitment to the state’s handball development. They propose the formation of a new board that will prioritize regional representation, involvement from former players, and individuals with strong sponsorship capabilities.

The stakeholders also endorsed Mr. Okpanachi Mark Ogah as the next chairman, describing him as a capable leader who they believe can restore Kogi State’s handball legacy within two years.

Speaking during the visit, His Royal Highness, Oba Luke Oludoyi from Isanlu who is one of the handball stakeholder appealed to the Commissioner to give them necessary support in making handball sporting activities in the state a laudable venture for the overall growth and progress and of the State Sports Sector.

On his part, Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah said he is ready to further the ideals of the stakeholders and rebirth a new and active handball sport in Kogi State. He assured that if given the mandate, Kogi State handball team will take its rightful place again as champion.

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Monday Anyebe, noted that the Kogi State Government is commited to ensuring that the sports sector in the state continues to receive the necessary support towards enhancing sporting activities in the state.

The Commissioner said under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo all sporting activities will be given adequate attention and Support.

He called on members of the handball stakeholders in the state to be united and continue to promote the activities of the handball sport in the state.

Also Present during the visit includes the Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of sports, Mr Jibo Haruna Muhammed, the Director Kogi State Sports Council, Mr Onipe obakachi and other Directors of the Ministry.

In the world of sports, leadership is the key that unlocks potential, nurtures talent, and drives growth. For Kogi State, the future of handball holds immense promise, especially with the prospect of Hon. Ogah Mark Okpanachi, CEO of Anarock Global Services Limited, at the helm as the State Handball Chairman. Hailing from Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Okpanachi has not only garnered accolades for his professional achievements but has also made a lasting impact on youth development both within and beyond Kogi’s borders. His passion for sports, coupled with his leadership experience, positions him as the ideal candidate to elevate handball in the state to new heights.

A Champion for Grassroots Development

Hon. Ogah Mark Okpanachi’s deep-rooted connection to Kogi’s local communities makes him a natural fit for fostering grassroots sports development. He understands that the strength of any sport lies in its foundation—the grassroots. With Kogi State boasting rich talent, particularly in schools and local clubs, Okpanachi is committed to harnessing this untapped potential. His vision is clear: to establish handball as a key sport across the 21 local government areas, ensuring that young talents from every corner of the state, especially in rural areas like Ibaji, have the opportunity to shine.

By working closely with educational institutions such as Kogi State Polytechnic and secondary schools, Okpanachi aims to integrate handball into school sports programs. This move would not only ensure continuity in player development but also create a pipeline of talent that can represent the state on national and international stages.

Leveraging Experience and Networks for Handball Growth

Hon. Okpanachi’s wealth of experience as the CEO of Anarock Global Services Limited brings invaluable business acumen to the sports arena. His track record of securing partnerships and sponsorships will be critical in ensuring the financial sustainability of handball programs in Kogi State. Sports thrive on resources, and with Okpanachi’s ability to tap into his vast network, handball in Kogi will receive the funding and infrastructure it needs to flourish.

What sets Hon. Okpanachi apart is not just his ability to secure resources but his passion for reinvesting in youth. Over the years, he has demonstrated a relentless commitment to youth empowerment, offering opportunities for young people to grow and excel. As Handball Chairman, he would bring this same passion, ensuring that the next generation of handball players in Kogi State has access to top-tier coaching, training facilities, and competition platforms.

Fostering Unity through Sports

Sports have a unique power to unite people, and Hon. Okpanachi recognizes this. As a leader who has consistently worked to bridge divides, his tenure as Handball Chairman would focus on fostering inclusivity within the sport. He would ensure that handball is accessible to boys and girls from all ethnic groups—Igala, Ebira, Okun, and beyond—promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose across Kogi State.

His ability to mobilize communities, engage local leaders, and foster partnerships with schools and local clubs will ensure that handball is not just a game but a movement that brings people together. From the hills of Okene to the banks of the Niger River in Ibaji, Okpanachi’s vision is to make handball a sport that every Kogite can rally behind.

A Strategic Leader for State and National Representation

Kogi State has always been home to sporting talents, and under Hon. Okpanachi’s leadership, handball would have the strategic direction it needs to thrive both locally and nationally. His collaboration with the Kogi State Sports Council would ensure that handball is a priority in the state’s sporting calendar, with regular tournaments, training camps, and talent identification programs. Furthermore, his leadership would pave the way for Kogi State to be well-represented in national handball competitions, giving local players the exposure they need to compete at the highest levels.

Integrity, Fairness, and Transparency

In a state as diverse as Kogi, fairness and transparency are paramount to maintaining trust and unity. Hon. Okpanachi is renowned for his integrity, and this will be central to his leadership as State Handball Chairman. He would ensure that all decisions—from player selections to funding allocations—are made transparently and in the best interests of the sport. By promoting fairness and equal opportunities for all, Hon. Okpanachi would create an environment where every aspiring handball player in Kogi State has a chance to succeed.

A Vision for the Future

Hon. Ogah Mark Okpanachi’s passion for sports, proven leadership, and commitment to youth development make him the ideal candidate to lead Kogi State’s handball revolution. If given the opportunity, he would transform the sport, making it a beacon of pride for the state. His vision is not just about developing handball as a sport—it’s about using it as a tool for youth empowerment, community development, and state unity.

As Kogi State looks to the future, handball under the leadership of Hon. Okpanachi promises to be more than a game. It will become a platform for talent, teamwork, and triumphs, driving the state toward greater sporting achievements. With a leader like Hon. Ogah Mark Okpanachi at the forefront, the future of handball in Kogi State is bright, full of promise, and ready to make its mark on the national stage.

Christopher Sunday
Media Assistant

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sensitisation, Hon. Mary Ameh Atebije, has this morning issued a statement, soliciting votes for Igalamela/Odolu local government chairmanship candidate, Hon. Cosmos Attaboh, ahead of this Saturday's council elections in Kogi State.

In the statement, she appealed to the conscience of eligible voters in the Igalamela/Odolu local government, adding that the local government cannot afford to miss out on the magnificent leadership traits of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate.

Hon., while thanking the Kogi state for ensuring adequate security since the beginning of the campaign, expressed optimism that all APC chairmanship candidates will emerge victorious on Saturday.

She charged her colleagues to go home and work aggressively for the success of the party, adding that they can't afford to lose a single local government in the upcoming election.

I passionately urge electorates across party lines to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the election. We must resist the temptation to cause mayhem, as that too can hinder the development agenda of the current administration, she said.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Hon. Odu Akowe, has today issued a statement to stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress as well as timely advice to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the prolonged face-off between the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Odu Akowe, who spoke exclusively to the media, expressed dissatisfaction in the way and manner the issue is being prosecuted by the parties involved. Odu believes that the former governor deserves some respect and accolades for having tirelessly delivered dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi State.

There is no doubt that those fuelling the case are from the opposition party, knowing that with Yahaya Bello's political knowledge they stand no chance to win even a councillorship position in Kogi State.

They want to distract him to give them fertile ground to thrive politically in Kogi State, and APC leaders at the national level must understand this and rally around the former Kogi State governor, he said.

Yahaya Bello has been able to demonstrate true leadership in the state during his days as governor; he wields not just The courage to lead but also the might to prioritise the well-being of the youth as opposed to the old normal.

Chief Odu Akowe, who thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic stride in recent times, called on the president to wade into the case between Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to abort the witch-hunting mission of the opposition party.

Akowe believes that it is pertinent for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and quench the flames, as Yahaya Adoza Bello will be instrumental to his reelection quest in 2027, judging from his political antecedents.

Other top leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must join hands together with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give former governor Yahaya Adoza Bello a soft landing ahead of the 2027 elections if the party must succeed fully in North Central Nigeria.

I so much believe In the adage that says, "If you beat a child with one hand, you draw him closer with the second hand," this must be employed in this case and in this critical time of our democratic history. If we continue on this case without finding a lasting solution, it will affect and distract the development of the state. This is my candid opinion. Chief Odu Akowe added.

In a show of admiration, Chief Odu Akowe, the chairman of Odu Charity Network, praised the former governor of Kogi State for his outstanding accomplishment of sponsoring several medical students who are now licensed physicians this morning.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain praised the former governor for exhibiting astute leadership skills. He further stated that the former governor's leadership qualities were always apparent because of his ability to unite and transform Kogi State.

One of the beneficiaries, Dr. Edegbo Anthony, reportedly led his colleagues to express gratitude to the former governor for revitalising and enhancing their careers. In order to address the healthcare needs of the Kogi people, he complimented the former governor for building quality hospitals and upgrading a number of state-wide healthcare facilities, including the Price Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) teaching hospital.

Chief Odu Akowe thinks he was not surprised by the evidence because he is aware of the former governor's abilities. Odu went on to say that the state loves his Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello because of his kindness and advised him to keep going in that direction even now that he is no longer in office. It's a blessing and a joy to have you here, he added.

The Kogi East Like Minds Network for Ododo and Oyibo (KELMNOs) has today issued a congratulatory message following the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory at the appeal court, which upheld the last governorship election victory in Kogi State.

Hon. Usman Danjuma (Africa), who spoke for the group shortly after the appeal court verdict, said the victory attained today is a direct validation of democratic precepts in the state, adding that this is not just a victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also a victory for democracy.

Hon. Usman Danjuma stressed that all members of Kogi East Like Minds Network for Ododo and Oyibo (KELMNOs) are delighted with the court verdict, deeming it timely to offer their congratulatory message to his Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salisu, the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and other critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

We will continue to support the party and the Alhaji Usman Ododo-led administration. We are ready to demonstrate our loyalty to the party, come what may, and the victory attained today is a boost to our resolve for the All Progressives Congress (APC), he added.

Our loyalty to the party has no bounds, and as such, we are ready to demonstrate our support at all levels, even as we hope for bigger victories ahead.

In what could be described as a shameful act of robbery, the Dekina local government chairman has been caught selling off Dekina local government resources—the properties that, when improved upon, would reduce poverty and improve the lives of local farmers in Dekina local government.

According to evidence made available in our correspondence, Hon. John Urah Ikani masterminded the sale of graders and bulldozers belonging to the Dekina local government, diverting and syphoning the funds for his personal use.

Urah Ikani reportedly sold the tractor for ten million naira. In a deal, he boasted of having total control over everything that concerns Dekina local government. In a telephone conversation between the Dekina local government caretaker chairman and the mediator of the deal that resulted in the sale of the tractor, Urah Ikani confirmed that he had received roughly ten million Naira to that effect, using an access bank account (1494780760) belonging to one Mrs. Blessing Ojoma Hassan.

The funds landed in batches: two million naira for graders and four million naira for bulldozers; another five hundred thousand naira for bulldozers; another five hundred thousand naira was sent to the account on Wednesday, May 22nd, as part of the bulldozer payment. The Dekina local government caretaker chairman also received another two million naira on Thursday, May 23rd, as part of payment for the bulldozer he looted and sold. It was also confirmed that nine hundred thousand naira were also sent to the account to draw the amount towards the 10 million naira mark.

The Dekina local government chairman, whose aggressive thirst for corrupt practices reigned supreme even before he became Dekina local government administrator, has indulged in countless criminal acts since he was appointed as the caretaker chairman of the Dekina local government area.

This is no doubt a huge stain on Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo, who is making combative efforts to eradicate corruption from his government. Urah Ikani's thirst for corrupt practices is no doubt a stain on the Ododo-led administration.

It is on this note that the youths of Dekina local government are calling on the state governor to properly investigate the corrupt practices and tendencies of Hon. John Urah Ikani, the Dekina local government chairman.

According to the group, Urah Ikani is a corrupt leader who does not respect the efforts the governor is making to bring about development in the state. We are tired of his countless corrupt dealings, and we want the governor to take decisive action, they said.

Dekina local government belongs to all of us; our goal is to see it properly, irrespective of the political party that holds sway. We raised our voices against his emergence a couple of months ago, knowing his thirst for corruption

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. We were ignored, but we are now soaked in what we feared so dearly. The group that wants Hon. John Urah Ikani investigated and punished.

We believe in the administration of Gov. Usman Ododo, and we know he will do the needful to salvage his government from perpetual failures, they concluded.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) media group known as the Kogi East Progressives Media Forum has this morning issued a stern warning to Hon. Muritala Yakubu Ajaka's media aide, Isaiah Davies Ijele, over his inciteful, hateful, and malicious statement against the newly sworn-in Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo.

The group frowns at Davies Ijele, who accused the governor of corruption and nepotism for barely 24 hours as the governor of Kogi State. The group argued that there is no wisdom in judging a government that is just a day old.

According to the coordinator of the forum, Comrade Hamis Ahmed, his assertion is not only inciteful and vindictive but also baseless and unfounded. We are barely 24 hours into the new government; any attempt to incite the people against the government, we will not allow that; we shall stand to reprimand such a heinous move, he said.

Davies Ijele's statement was a premeditated motive to disconnect the people of Kogi East from the Usman Ododo-led administration. It has a negative imprint on our senatorial district, and we must all rise in unionism to reject the antics by Davies Ijele, says the Director General of the forum, Comrade Shaibu Justice.

The government of Alhaji Usman Ododo is focused on harmonizing the entire state; a statement like that is a mere distraction. The people of the East must leave their past behind them and consider the need to move the state forward with his Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, he said.

The group tasks Muritala Yakubu Ajaka's media assistant with desisting from his attempt to ridicule the current government. We will not tolerate such misleading statements against the Kogi State government; once that happens, he will be made to face the full wrath of the law, they said.

Rose, to the peak of his political career, by heavenly providence, sustained the voltage of the thrust through fidelity, hard work, and passion for effective service delivery. It's the tale of Gov. Yahaya Adoza Bello, an aggressively enterprising political prizefighter.

In all the criticisms wheeled at him in his nearly eight-year reign at Lord Lugard House, no one, not even his number one foe, can explain the fact that he lacks guts and courage. In fact, his dealings signify courage; he emits them on every occasion.

Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello marshaled an astronomical and well-counterplotted political synergie across the board. He revolutionized the decaying political correctness bedded in the state, and he also, without vacillation, finagled the reanimation of those with dead political history.

He defied odds and propelled greatness amongst the youthful and the old in the confluence state. It's apparent. In his nearly successful two terms in office, he drew and made musketeers from the Central, East, and Western sides of Kogi, defiling the age-long marginalization history in the state.

During this period, he assured the total and absolute dominance of the ruling All Revolutionaries Congress( APC) in the state, bringing the main opposition party, the PDP, to her knees. In the game of politics, he's not only a player but also a tactician with a touch of proficiency.

His ideas, motivation, wealth of connections, and, most importantly, his most expedient way of getting things done have placed him in a pole position to serve in whatever capacity, even at the national level.

In his reign, he orchestrated the revitalization of critical sectors of the economy, unprecedentedly polishing the educational and agricultural sectors and aggressively reshaping the political sphere of the state.

Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello will be bowing out as Kogi State Governor in the coming days with his head up high as one of the greatest governors in the history of Nigeria. He is not matched in the areas of infrastructure, security, and education, and that places him ahead of his colleagues from different parts of the country.

He represents a Democrat coated with a garment of transformation, which is evident as his developmental signatures spread across every nook and cranny of the state.

It is certain that the emergence of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello as Kogi state governor will go down as one of the greatest things that has ever happened to the good people of the state. He is the state's treasure that must be cherished for ages.

The Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Hon. Hassan Atawodi, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to provide the necessary tools and enabling environment for the Armed Forces to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of citizens in the state. He stated this via a telephone call with journalists on Monday to mark this year's celebration.

Hon. Hassan Atawodi said, "Our fallen heroes deserve our praise and prayers. They have paid the ultimate price with their lives for our nation in exchange for peace. We want to thank God for those great men and women who devoted themselves to the service of the nation and, in the line of duty, lost their lives while others were maimed or became incapacitated. Some died in the course of the battle, some died as a result of injuries sustained in the course of protecting the nation, and they left their loved ones behind. Unfortunately, as a nation, we have not done well in looking after those who have served the nation appropriately, and I am praying that as a nation, we will do better in looking after them.”

Recognizing the effort of the state government towards the Armed Forces, the Chairman praised the Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bell, CON for his passion and love for men and women of the military and paramilitary. He expressed optimism that the incoming Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo will consolidate on the achievements of Bello in this regard.

The chairman pledges to give necessary support to the men and women of the arm forces working within his local government area to achieve their golden responsibilities in discharge of their duties.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a national day of honour and gratitude for the military personnel who have served and sacrificed for the peace and security of Nigeria. It is celebrated every year on January 15, the anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. On this day, Nigerians pay tribute to the fallen heroes and veterans of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Legion, as well as their families and loved ones.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) frontier, Hon. Enejoh Sani, has historically commenced the distribution of medical aids to the occupants of Agada in Ogbabede Ward, who live with different degrees of skin infections.

The politician who realized the need to treat and conceivably set free people living with skin conditions said the gesture is aimed at meeting the health requirements of people in his constituency. He assured them of acceptable medical care, especially now that the state is biding for a new government to continue where Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello will be stopping.

Briefing journalists shortly after the distribution of the accoutrements, The politician reaffirmed his readiness to making sure he prioritizes the well-being of the people in Ogbabede Ward. I'm one of you; I understand in clear terms what your challenges are, and I shall continue to work towards resolving them, he said.

One of the beneficiaries, named Aaron Apeh, heaped praise on the Hon. Enejoh Sani for demonstrating an unknown gesture towards the less privileged. We appreciate this show of love, and we will continue to hold him in our prayers, he added.

It is believed that the trend will continue towards other corridors of the local government, as Hon. Enejoh Sani expressed readiness to extend the gesture across the Dekina original government area of Kogi State.

An All Progressives Congress APC frontier, Hon. Enejoh Sani, has yesterday commenced the distribution of medical aids to the inhabitants of Agada in Ogbabede Ward, who live with different degrees of skin infections.

The politician who underscores the need to treat and possibly set free people living with skin diseases said the gesture is aimed at meeting the health needs of his constituents. He assured them of adequate medical care, especially now that the state is biding for a new government to continue where Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello will be stopping.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the commencement of the distribution of the materials, Hon. Enejoh Sani reiterated his commitment to making sure he prioritized the needs of his people back home. I am one of you; I understand in clear terms what your challenges are, and I shall continue to work towards resolving them, he said.

A beneficiary named Aaron Apeh heaped praise on the Hon. Enejoh Sani for demonstrating an unprecedented gesture towards the downtrodden. We appreciate this show of love, and we will continue to hold him in our prayers, he added.

It is believed that the trend will continue towards other parts of the local government, as Hon. Enejoh Sani expressed readiness to extend the gesture across the Dekina local government area of Kogi State.

As regards the 50 million-naira fraud allegation and petitions leveled against Hon. John Urah Ikani, the SA to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello on project monitoring, the sons and daughters of the Dekina Local Government Area have come out to applaud the director of Kogi State DSS for swiftly carrying out their investigation into the matter.

Speaking this evening, Abdullahi Abimaje lauds the relentless efforts of the state DSS, which heeded the far cry of Dekina Sons and Daughters by inviting Hon. John Urah Ikani for questioning over his financial misconduct and other corrupt practices.

Our efforts are to build a free and incorruptible Dekina local government. We can't afford to have someone with questionable character as the caretaker chairman of our local government. We are happy that the security operatives in the state are carrying out their duties diligently, and we hope they maintain this momentum until the truth is unraveled, says Abimaje.

We must sincerely commend the state DSS for living up to the expectations of Dekina Sons and Daughters. We appreciate these professional efforts, and we will continue to monitor the situation from this end, says Abdullahi Abimaje, who spoke for the group.

It was gathered that Hon. John Urah Ikani was today invited by the Kogi State DSS over his alleged fraudulent transaction with Pastor Stephen Oni.

The development means the efforts of the Dekina Sons and Daughters are yielding tendencies that the security operatives will make known to members of the public in the coming days.