₦airaland Forum

SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION, SENATOR GEORGE AKUME RECEIVES KOGI STATE GOVERNOR, AHMED USMAN ODODO ON A COURTESY VISIT TO THE SGF’S OFFICE IN ABUJA

SGF Akume to Governor Ododo: “Stay focused, you have started well”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has hailed the performance of the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo in his one hundred days in office as the Governor of the state, urging him to stay focused on performance and ignore detractors.

Senator Akume gave the commendation when he received Governor Ododo on a courtesy call to the SGF’s office on Tuesday.

Senator Akume noted with admiration the drive and positive disposition of Governor Ododo to accord topmost priority to the welfare of the people of the state which he said is the hallmark of good governance.

The former Governor of Benue State expressed his well wishes to the Kogi State Governor, adding that his record of performance has already set him on a good trajectory as an emerging leader in Nigeria.

“Do not be distracted by criticisms because you have started remarkably well and I am sure you will continue this way till the end of your tenure in office, may God be with you”, Senator Akume said.

Earlier in his remark, Governor Ododo said the visit was in appreciation of the support the SGF has given to him since he assumed office as the Governor of Kogi State.

The Kogi State Governor described Senator Akume as a patriot whose record of achievements in public office is worthy of emulation by the younger generation.

He called for the support of the SGF in achieving the development agenda of his administration in Kogi state.

Governor Ododo was accompanied on the visit by the state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Deedat Ozigi Salami and the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Funded Projects, Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata.

Ismaila Isah

Special Adviser on Media to the Governor

May 8, 2024

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has said his administration will conclude ongoing negotiations with the organized labour over the implementation of minimum wage for workers in the state.

The Governor made this known in his address at the Workers’ Day rally held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja.


Governor Ododo who commended the workers for their dedication, resilience, and invaluable contributions to the progress and prosperity of the state urged workers in the state to continue to support the policies and programmes of the state government.

He assured that the state government will continue to evolve ways to improve the welfare of workers in the state.

“Your commitment to excellence, even in the face of challenges, inspires us all as we continue to explore ways to improve the welfare of our workers beyond the minimum expectation of the average worker in Kogi State.

“As an administration, we recognize the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and social security for every worker.

“Therefore, we are committed to implementing policies that promote the rights of workers and ensure dignity in the workplace”, the Governor said.

Governor Ododo stated that his administration has commenced full payment of the contributory state health insurance scheme for all workers under the formal sector coverage in the state civil service, and announced plans by the state government to extend the health insurance scheme to workers at the local government level in the state.

The Kogi State Governor also informed the gathering at the workers’ day rally of government’s intervention through the free education policy in the state, distribution of quarterly food palliatives, continuation of ongoing infrastructure projects, reforms in agricultural practices and enhancement of the state security architecture with the recruitment of more men and provision of logistics for adequate policing of all communities in the state.


According to Governor Ododo, “with most of our workers in the state now enrolled under the Kogi state health insurance scheme, we shall soon extend coverage under the health insurance scheme to the local government level.

The State free education policy remains on course and payment of Senior Secondary School Examination fees has been fully offset by the government.

Our new template for payment of bursary to students in higher institutions has been adjudged to be a step higher in transparency and accountability.

Our quarterly palliatives has since commenced and we shall not renege on this accord until the economic indices improve.

We have embarked on an aggressive agricultural reform programme that will identify and support genuine farmers with subsidy, secure our farmlands and communities, guarantee food security and there is increase in the number of boots on the ground across communities, and logistical enhancement are in place to step up efforts to make Kogi State completely unsafe for criminals.”

While acknowledging improvements in the salaries of civil servants and pensioners at the local government level, Governor Ododo said the state government has demonstrated resolve to make funds available for the welfare and wellbeing of the state workforce promising to do more to keep the workers happy and more productive.

The Governor urged the organized Labour in the state to continue its constructive engagement with the government, noting that the conducive atmosphere created for negotiation between labour unions and the government has enabled the state to address issues bothering on the welfare of workers in the state.


Ismaila Isah

Special Adviser on Media to the Governor

May 1, 2024

1. Fellow Kogites, on this auspicious day, I stand before you on the solid foundation of unity which paved the way for the collective trust bestowed on me to lead our dear state at this time in our history.

2. I am humbled by the weight of expectation as I accept your mandate to build on the enviable achievements of my predecessors who have travelled this road before now.

3. I thank His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, the father of modern Kogi State, for his unprecedented life-changing achievements in virtually all sectors of the economy, which have now formed the solid base for us to build on.

4. Your Excellency Sir, words alone are not sufficient to appreciate the pivotal role you played in the course of the transition that has today formally taken off.

5. As your Governor, I do not take for granted the euphoria that greeted our victory in the last governorship election.

6. I pray for God's guidance in delivering enviable performance that matches the huge expectation of the people of Kogi State who voted overwhelmingly for us and our great party, the All Progressives Congress.

7. This, for me, would be a fitting appreciation to the good people of our state and to His Excellency, my mentor and leader who, along with his team, worked so hard to make today a reality.

8. I won't forget to specifically acknowledge His Excellencies, Captain Idris Wada and Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who have made invaluable contributions to the efforts leading to this significant event.


9. History will remain kind to the two respected former Governors for their respective roles in shaping the affairs of our state.

10. Today, we remember, most profoundly, our great leader and father, His Excellency, Late Prince Abubakar Audu, who left indelible marks all over the nooks and crannies of our state in terms of infrastructure and human capital development.

11. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, May I request that we observe a moment of silence in honour of late Prince Abubakar Audu.

12. May his soul continue to rest in peace. (Ameen).

13. In my life, four women stood out for their contributions and prayers towards the realization of today's epochal event. My wife, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ohunene has been the Chief Organizer of the home front who has given me so much peace and support. I thank you my dear wife. Let me also acknowledge my mother, Hajia Habibat Sanni Ahmed for her role in shaping my character. Special recognition to my grandmother, late Hajia Salamat Audu, who principally raised me and taught me the virtues of hardwork, honesty, humility and respect for the young and old. Mama, you are remembered for moulding me into the character I am today.

14. One of the greatest blessings of my life was to be blessed with another mother, late Hajia Hauwau Bello, the late mother of my mentor and leader, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello. Mama was highly supportive and she took me as a son. She prayed for me and it would have been a thing of joy if she is here today to witness the manifestation of her prayers. Mama, I will not disappoint you.

15. Your Excellencies, when the race for the Governorship election in Kogi State was looking like rising tides in turbulent waters, there was only one man to look up to in the country: His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

16. Mr. President Sir, we all witnessed, firsthand, your unflinching commitment to a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in Nigeria despite your loyalty to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

17. We are grateful for your intervention in ensuring that the Governorship election in Kogi State did not descend into a war of attrition by promoters of various political interests in the state.

18. Let me assure you, Your Excellency, that the government and people of Kogi State will remain loyal to your leadership and stay with you, come rain, come shine, in your efforts to transform Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of your administration.

19. Your Excellency, under my leadership, I want to restate that Kogi State shall be one of the sub-national hubs of pilot projects for key drivers of the Federal Government's programmes in food security, poverty eradication, job creation, access to capital, inclusion, rule of law, the fight against corruption and overall economic growth, which would have local adaptation to the realities of Kogi State.

20. Special appreciation to our Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima GCON for his steadfast support throughout the duration of the electioneering. Your abiding confidence in the All Progressives Congress to sustain the development in Kogi State was beautifully rewarded on November 11, 2023. Thank you sir. To the mother of the nation, our amiable First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, we will not disappoint you. Your support was an inestimable value in our success. I also want to commend our First Lady, Hajia Rashida Bello for leading the women folk to give us a resounding victory.

21. At this point, let me commend the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the National Working Committee under our ever capable National Chairman, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the state chapter of our party, ably led by Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, for their doggedness and unwavering commitment to ensuring that our party emerged victorious in the November 11 Governorship election.

22. The APC Governorship Campaign Council, led by His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun with support from my elder brother Governors: Your Excellencies, Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak; Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Governor Uba Sani, Governor Muhammed Umar Bago, Governor Hyacinth Alia and Governor Abdullahi Sule, all of who worked closely with the State Campaign Council under the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu, and all members of the various campaign committees, including the various support groups, within and outside the state, to make our party victorious.

23. Let me also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the electoral process for ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and transparent election in Kogi State.

24. To all the young men and women and the elderly who thronged all campaign venues and traversed the nooks and crannies of our state to campaign for us; the hundreds of thousands of kogites from far and near who voted or mobilized eligible voters in our support; and those who did otherwise, this government is for all of you.

25. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, despite the election storm that threatened to set brothers and sisters against one another, we are here today because we have chosen unity over disunity; greatness over petty grievances and peace over perilous acts of recriminations and worn-out dogmas of ethnic jingoism.

26. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit and our common will to move forward towards greater achievements.

27. We must preserve the freedom of all our citizens who deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness and aspiration for any position in the state without fear of discrimination on the basis of tribal or religious inclination.

28. Kogi State cannot afford to revert to the fractured psyche riddled with scars of ethnicity that violated the age-long values and the very fabrics that bound our people together.

29. As a people, we must remain faithful and true to the ideals and dreams of our founding fathers.

30. The Kogi Agenda has prevailed and our state and people are better for it. Be assured that we shall deliver on our promise of a united, secure, progressive and prosperous Kogi State.

31. Our approach will be open, frank and rugged but I am confident that it will lead us eventually to progress and prosperity.

32. This is the time for us to commence the process towards achieving a charter of equity on power rotation in the state because it is now apparent that no single senatorial district in our state can go it alone without the cooperation and support of others who are co-equals in the political configuration of the state.

33. Furthermore, our government shall hit the ground running with people-oriented programmes and projects delivered with utmost focus on the wellbeing of our people and we shall govern with transparency, probity and accountability at all times.

34. Our economy shall witness remarkable improvements, on the back of the solid foundation laid by the administration of my predecessor, as we further open up our state to investors willing to collaborate with us under a robust public-private partnership framework.

35. We are going to make Kogi State an attractive investment destination for local and foreign investors.

36. As we grapple with challenges of the past, we must reckon that it is indeed a new beginning and we must therefore work together to stem the tide of greed and irresponsibility in whatever guise, shape or form.

37. We must be prepared to make hard choices in our collective efforts to birth a new day in our state.

38. The unity and cooperation of everyone of us will greatly contribute to the peace and progress of our state.

39. In this new era, more homes shall be built, more jobs will be created, businesses will blossom, our farmlands will thrive.

40. Our health care system will witness massive improvement in scale and efficiency; our schools will be filled and our teachers will have more reasons to smile on their way to the classrooms; our youths will find more avenues to build skills for innovation and creative enterprises and the welfare of our women shall be the utmost priority of this administration.

41. Today, there are real challenges in the nation’s economy, particularly as regards foreign exchange, unemployment and inflationary trends.

42. We must dig deep and roll up our sleeves to confront these challenges in the real sector as a sub-national government ready to make a difference.

43. This will require us to look at the low hanging fruits such as completing all the critical infrastructural projects of the immediate past administration that are dear to the wellbeing of our people and by tapping into existing opportunities for partnership with the Federal Government.

44. These will focus more on our areas of comparative advantage such as solid minerals and steel development, agriculture, marine and blue economy; tourism and creative economy, as well as information technology and digital economy, where our youth population with tremendous energy can be hugely mobilized to become key players in the value chain.

45. As a government, we are extremely optimistic and we have very high ambition which may not be met easily or in a short span of time.

46. But let me assure you that with guidance from God Almighty, support from our elders, the enterprise of the men and women who will serve in this administration, and with the full cooperation of you all, our expectations will be met.

47. Our team will be made up of individuals with ambitions greater than what you have seen before now.

48. Kogi State, which has been rated in the top 10 category under Governor Yahaya Bello by both local and international organisations, as far as growth indicators are concerned, will perform even better because the leadership will be more inventive, our workers will be more productive across sectors and the productive capacity will remain undiminished under the new administration.

49. It is always more tedious to prepare the land. It is energy sapping to cultivate the land. GYB has prepared the land, cultivated the land and planted seeds. It is our responsibility to water the seeds into fruition and plant new ones for a bumper harvest. Kogi can only get better. We have trained our mentality and will up our determination to make Kogi State greater.

50. We must all be prepared to begin from where the immediate past administration stopped.

51. A lot needs to be done to keep our communities safe and secure, help our young people find jobs, keep families in business, keep pupils in school and our teachers looking forward to the next school day, connect our farmers to markets even as we sustain food sufficiency in all parts of the state, get corporate organizations into partnerships that work for our communities and help our pensioners to live dignified and fulfilled lives.

52. Our administration will be aggressive, deliberate and strategic in making our business environment attractive. Kogi has all it takes to fulfill Nigeria's dream of becoming the industrial hub of the global south. We are one of the most endowed states in Nigeria with abundant mineral resources and many gifts of nature. Kogi is where two of Africa's biggest rivers, Niger and Benue, form a Confluence. The huge water bodies can serve in the areas of transportation, agriculture and tourism. We have all it takes with the many rivers and dams in the state to produce food all year round with an all seasons farming. We must produce what we eat , eat what we produce and produce what others eat. Aside the very valuable mineral resources our state is blessed with, we have no excuse not to be the food basket of Africa with the robust agricultural platforms already put in place by my leader and predecessor, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON.

53. I therefore call on the global investment community to see Kogi as the destination of choice. Our environment is safe for investment and our policies are friendly. We will protect the investors and the interest of our people. Kogi is the place to be. For the past few years, we have been working on how to launch our Confluence and our State on the world tourism map. In the next couple of months, we are hopeful that the world will make Kogi their tourism destination of choice. As your Governor, I will be at the forefront of our investment drive and we shall put in place, a Diaspora Investment Platform to make every Kogite around the world our investment Ambassador. It is economically imperative to build an economy that is basically driven by the private sector.

54. Fellow Kogites, I promise to govern with the fear of God and to be just, fair and equitable in all my dealings with all men and women irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.

55. It is a big challenge to take over from a hugely successful administration. But the Governor himself has prepared us mentally, administratively and politically for the task ahead. We won't fail the people of Kogi State.


56. Our government will be transparent, accountable and we shall reward honesty, hard work and courage while promoting tolerance, loyalty and fairness.

57. To the opposition political parties in the state, I invite you to work with us to build an even greater state, based on mutual respect and in the overall interest of our good people.

58. Fellow Kogites, I promise you all, I will not be an ethnic Governor, I will be the Governor of Kogi State.

59. Let it be said by our children's children that once upon a time when our collective resolve to remain a united and indivisible state was tested, we refused to let this journey end; that we did not turn back nor did we falter. And with eyes fixed on the horizon and by God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of unity in our diversity to deliver a better future and the best of our days that are ahead to future generations of Kogites.

60. My brothers and sisters, come, join hands with me as we hit the ground running to deliver the Kogi of our dreams.

61. Thank you. God bless you. God bless Kogi State and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Lazyreporta:
On the Island of the affluent in Lagos, I rarely hear aircraft buzzing in the sky, except the posh helicopters of the busy rich. The airport and flight noise don’t affect the airspace, it only devalues the land.

The rich pretend to pray, but God is on the Mainland, land on the island is too expensive to build many worship centers.

The Island was not built for Beer. It is the hub of champagne, spirits, and wines. Beer is for the road, an appetizer bottled on the Mainland.

The Mainland is crowded with families. Life on the island has no friends. Everything is cash or ‘waka’. The roads are expensively tolled, the schools are US ‘Dollard’, and a smile might cost some ‘Nairas’.

The Island expands while the Mainland remains the same. Under neon lights, millions of Mainland ‘ants’ trample on the Third Mainland Bridge into the Island of their dreams. Many die on the bridge, many earn a kobo, and many rob the others.
1

The Island goes to the Mainland, only to fly. Life on the mainland has many tribes. Bad roads and traffic jamborees in Enugu suburbs like Ago and Okota would eventually pursue ‘Omo Igbo’ to the East. The smart ones live in Yoruba neighborhoods, like itire, with Chinese constructed drainages. Sharp guys have moved into Surulere, the Governor’s neighborhood and the best place to drink. The number of youths in Festac makes one wonder if they ate their parents for dinner.

Ketu is a gang of Yoruba women hustling to breathe. Ikorodu can be great if it gets a bridge into the island. Yaba is the link between books, Aristos, ‘White House’ and an infamous Psyche ward (Yaba-left).yaba

Sex is on Allen, tax is a joyride at Alausa. Obanikoro is the name of a man on the Island and a place in the Mainland. Everything on the Mainland is made in Ilupeju, Ogba, Isolo, Agidingbi, and Oregun. Agbara is not on the Mainland, it’s in Ogun state, like Mowe and Ibafo.

Everything on the Island is imported from the Mainland ports of Apapa and Tin Can. The sound of Mazamaza and Okokomaiko can cure madness. Homes in Idi-Araba are waiting to collapse, thank God for LUTH; Igbobi’s Orthopedics is not too far away.

There is a Lagos state University campus in every Mainland corner; the main campus and a military cantonment are at Ojo. Musicians from Mushin and Ajegunle have monopolized the sympathy of poverty, while Egbeda and Ikotun get no pity.
If eyes are closed in Agege and Iddo when a train passes, one can pretend to be in Grand Central Station. 3Gbagadans usually pretend to be on the Island, but Oworonshoki can’t get away with such lies. Ogudu GRA insists on being distinct from a conjoined Ojota, while Amuwo-Odofin calls itself Festac Extension.

Iju and Ojodu villages are hyped by estate agents. Ebute-Metta is an old Yoruba phrase: “A place of three shores.” It is a decaying dream of British colonialism and Brazilian architecture.

Most of the residents of Magodo and Omole are Landlords. Maryland is not a saint and Anthony is not a Village. Igando and Ipaja are playing catching up with the state government.

Ikeja is the official capital of Lagos. The State House is on the Island, where the real capital is. Lagos deserves a special status in the constitution.index

On the Island, money has relatives. Ikoyi and Victoria Island are twin sisters, posh from birth and wrinkled with age. Lekki is a distant cousin, taxing and full of fraudulent schemes. VGC and Eleko are wealthy uncles, isolated from others and always overseas. Nicon and Parkview are the pretty nieces with feigned American and British accents. Oniru and Elegushi are the nephews from the village, who recently found wealth and arrogance. Ajah is the Step-sister, giving birth to children she can’t feed. Jakande and Igbo-Efon are broke In-laws, hardworking but always in need. Ibeju-Lekki and Epe are the Jilted aunts, feeding on promises and searching for suitors. Obalende is the lost brother without a mind, thought to be dead. Eko, Idumota, and Marina are Triplets of Royal descents, with trade on their minds, and power between their legs. Maroko is the baby that was aborted at Midterm. Makoko is the dirty bastard that wouldn’t disappear. Eko Atlantic City has recently left the incubator, hoping to survive. Many other siblings are just occupying space and causing traffic jams on the Island of the rich.

This is how I know I’m not on the Island: service attendants begging for money; Lastma officials lurking behind traffic lights; Dunghill switch is everywhere, and I can’t get an Iota of decency.

Source... Lazyreporta

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