Sunshine News

By Stephen Adeleye  As part of activities to commemorate his one year in office as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has distributed farm inputs and other equipment to rural farmers under the IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP-AF) to boost food security in the state. The State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, who flagged off the distribution on behalf of the Governor in Lokoja, said the farm inputs are essential for agricultural production to help farmers increase crop yields, and enhance overall efficiency in the cassava and rice value chain in the state.  Ojomah stressed that the state government's commitment to the VCDP underscored the importance that the Governor placed on agricultural development in Kogi. The commissioner noted that over 10,000 farmers across the 21 local government areas of the state, had received support through various initiatives under Ododo's administration. He ...

By Stephen Adeleye Lokoja, January 27, 2025 The Baale of Amuroland, His Highness Chief Eric Olorunjuwon Fiki, has congratulated His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the occasion of his one year anniversary as the Executive Governor of Kogi State. Chief Fiki gave the commendation in his congratulatory statement, made available to Journalists on Monday in Lokoja. The Amuro Baale eulogised the governor for his tireless efforts and commitment to driving unprecedented growth and development across the three Senatorial districts of Kogi State. "Congratulations to Your Excellency on your one-year anniversary in office!  "Your tireless efforts and commitment to driving growth and development across our dear State, have been truly impressive and highly commendable. "Your ability to attract and unite dignitaries across party lines and ethnic divides is a testament to your exceptional leadership. "Your dedication to the people and your vision for a brighter f...

Lokoja, January 27, 2025 The Ebira Doctors' Forum (EDF) has congratulated His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his Deputy Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, on the occasion of their one year anniversary in office. The EDF, in a congratulatory statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Zubair Kabiru; and Secretary, Dr Shaibu Moses, on Monday in Lokoja, commended the governor for the remarkable strides made in the healthcare sector in one year. "On behalf of the Ebira Doctors' Forum, we extend our warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the momentous occasion of his first anniversary in office as the Executive Governor of Kogi State. "We commend Your Excellency on the remarkable strides made in the healthcare sector during this period.  "The consistent and timely payment of workers' salaries, including those of dedicated medical professionals, is a testament to Your Excellency's commitment to the well-being of...

Lokoja, January 27, 2025 The Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, has felicitated with His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the occasion of his one year anniversary of as the Executive Governor of Kogi State. Dauda-Shelika, in his congratulatory statement on Monday in Lokoja, praised the governor on his numerous achievements within one year in office describing it as highly commendable scorecard. The monarch pledged the unalloyed and continued commitment and loyalty of the Native Nupe of Lokoja, home and abroad to his Government towards the attainment of his Administration’s developmental goals. "Your Excellency Sir, On behalf of the Nupe Natives of Lokoja home and abroad I felicitate with His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo on this special occasion of his one year anniversary of unparalleled stewardship as Executive Governor of Kogi State. This far, so good. Glory be to God for a very commendable scorecard. "By your leadership in ...

Kogi State Chapter of Christian Northern Nigeria Political Forum, (CNNPF) has congratulated Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed  Usman Ododo on his  one year Anniversary. Deputy National Coordinator of the Forum, Hon. Ibrahim Itodo,  in a felicitation message in Lokoja, described the excellence performance of Governor Ododo and his Deputy, comrade Joel Salifu within one year in office as commendable. According to Hon. Itodo, the Forum was formed to dymistify the misconceptions of the Christians that politics is Evil and the politicians will not make heaven. He noted that the CNNPF became prominence during the Muslim/Muslim ticket of APC Presidential flag bearers of Tinubu/Shettima joint ticket. The Deputy National Coordinator, on behalf of the Kogi State Chapter of the Forum,  congratulated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, comrade Joel Salifu for their Uncommon performance, which he described their one year Anniversary as a celebration of fruitful...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Jan. 26, 2025 The Novelty football match between the Executives and the Legislators, organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in honour of Gov. Ahmed Ododo's one year in office, ended goalless on Sunday at Confluence Stadium Lokoja.   The novelty match was part of activities to add a touch of whimsy to the one-year anniversary in office of Gov. Ahmed Ododo and his Deputy, Elder Joel Salifu’s, slated for January 27, 2025. The State Executives football team was led by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo as Captain, while that of the State House of Assembly was led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar. The official kick-off of the match was performed by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, with the Jersey, "Chief Servant of Kogi State", on behalf of the Governor.  The 20 minutes novelty match which was full of fun and humor, ended in a goalless draw as both teams exhibited determination and ...

Lokoja, January 26, 2025 Amb. Otohinoyi Gabriel Ezekiel, has  congratulated His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, on the occasion of his one year anniversary celebration in office as the Executive Governor of Kogi State. Otohinoyi, in his congratulatory message to the Governor on Sunday in Lokoja, said His Excellency's leadership has left an indelible mark on the firmament of Kogi State's history, inspiring a new era of hope, prosperity, and limitless possibilities. "As the aurora dawn breaks on the horizon of Kogi State, casting a warm glow on the landscape of progress, it is with immense pride and jubilation that I celebrate a transformative leader who has illuminated the path to greatness.  "Like a celestial body orbiting the constellation of excellence, Your Excellency's leadership has left an indelible mark on the firmament of Kogi State's history, inspiring a new era of hope, prosperity, and limitless possibilities. "As the symphony of pro...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, January 24, 2025 The Kogi State Government has commenced the disbursement of bursary scholarship support of over N316 million to 8,750 undergraduate students who are indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions across the country. Out of the 8,750 verified students, 8,549 undergraduates would get N30,000 each, while 201 Law students would get N300,000 each, being disbursed under the Kogi State Scholarship Board (KSSB).  The State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, who flagged off the disbursement on Friday at Government House Lokoja, said the significant investment in education was aimed to alleviate financial burdens and empower students to focus on their academic pursuits. The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said Kogi now has an Education Law mandating substantial government support for education, saying Education is not just a privilege; it is a right.  "When our children are educated, the stat...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Jan. 23, 2025 The Executive Director Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr. Musa Omeiza Mu'azu, has solicited the support of the Ohimege of Koton Karfe, HRM Alh. Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, on effective implementation of Routine Immunization (RI) Activities in the state. Dr Mu'azu made the call when he led a team on Sensitization and Advocacy visit to the palace of Ohimege Of Koton-Karfe on Wednesday, on Routine Immunization (RI) and other health interventions in the state.  He expressed appreciation to the monarch for his contributions and commitment to the health sector over the past years in sensitising the community on the importance of RI and other health interventions. The ED reaffirmed the commitment of His Excellency, Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo towards the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of the state especially at the grassroots. According to him, the objectives of the advocacy visit is to ...

BY CHRISTOPHER  NEGEDU  National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has called on the public to disregard the rumour making round that it is registering unemployed persons at its offices nationwide. Kogi State Information and Public Relation Officer of the National Directorate of Employment, Abdulmaleek Tijani Ibrahim made the call while speaking with newsmen  in Lokoja. Early this year, there has been rumour circulating on different social media platforms, urging unemployed persons to register at any office of the NDE nationwide, claiming the registration will last for only three weeks. Disclaiming the rumour, National Directorate of Employment, through its Kogi State Information Officer, Abdulmaleek Ibrahim said the information was false and did not originate from the NDE. "The attention of the management of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has been drawn to a message circulating on social media urging unemployed persons to register at any NDE offic...

National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has called on the public to disregard the rumour making round that it is registering unemployed persons at its offices nationwide. Kogi State Information and Public Relation Officer of the National Directorate of Employment, Abdulmaleek Tijani Ibrahim made the call in an interview with our Reporter in Lokoja. Early this year, there has been rumour circulating on different social media platforms, urging unemployed persons to register at any office of the NDE nationwide, claiming the registration will last for only three weeks. Disclaiming the rumour, National Directorate of Employment, through its Kogi State Information Officer, Abdulmaleek Ibrahim said the information was false and did not originate from the NDE. "The attention of the management of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has been drawn to a message circulating on social media urging unemployed persons to register at any NDE office nationwide, claiming the r...

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman has congratulated the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ali Bello on his Birthday celebration. "I feel highly elated to identify with and celebrate the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ali Bello , on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. My Dear Chief, I celebrate you for the special love and support you have extended to me in particular and for the growth of Kogi State Polytechnic in general. You are indeed, a rare gem that is not carried away by the enormous authority and responsibilities that are bestowed on you by the virtue of your office and position in the Government.  I celebrate you profoundly for your unflinching loyalty to the person, programmes and policies of our Boss, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State. You have remained humble, simple, respectful, courteous, firm, loyal and transparent in your decision...

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has granted Full Institutional Accreditation for Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, and for 18 due programmes presented by the institution. Rector of the polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, who announced this at the 32nd Matriculation ceremony of the institution, held on Saturday 18th January, 2025,  said NBTE has granted the Polytechnic approval to mount 8 new programmes. Professor Igbo noted that the 100 percent quality assurance success recorded for the 27 programmes was a consolidation on the resounding accreditation success in 2022 when all the 30 programmes presented to NBTE were fully accredited. According to him, The exercise was  conducted in the Polytechnic by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) between 18th – 20th December, 2024. The programmes that were granted full accreditation status with effect from the 2024/2025 academic session are: 1. ND Mechatronics Engineering Technology  2....

By Stephen Adeleye Lokoja, Jan. 18, 2024  The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has matriculated a total of 6,549 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, spreading across eight schools with 57 various programmes. The institution’s Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, disclosed this at the 32nd Matriculation and Orientation ceremonies on Saturday at polytechnic campus, Lokoja. Usman said that out of the 57 programmes in the institution, 19 of them were introduced under his administration, representing 33.3 per cent of all programmes in the polytechnic. Usman noted that the institution had recorded notable milestones in structural and academic development, geared towards making learning a worthwhile for students at the institution. He stressed that the institution remained committed to driving towards achieving infrastructural development as reflected in conducive structures spread across its schools and departments. The rector cautioned the students against indulging in social...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Jan. 19, 2024 An Economist, Mr Ukwunetu Samuel Ali, has urged His Excellency, Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, to introduce a policy that will mandate all political appointees to initiate and sponsor at least one mirco-project annually in their various communities. Ali gave the advice in a letter he addressed to the Governor through his Office and made a copy available to our Correspondent on Monday in Lokoja. According to Ali, the initiative should be implemented in partnership with the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA). The letter is titled: "Suggestion for Effective Ways to Disseminating Democratic Dividends To All Communities Through KGCSDA". Ali said that if individual political appointees and elected members are mandated to be sponsoring a yearly intervention initiative, it would complement the micro-projects being implemented by KGCSDA across the state. This, he said would have direct benefit to the resid...

Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, has matriculated a total of 6,549 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, spread across Eight (8) Schools and Fifty Seven (57) various programmes in the Polytechnic. The Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo who disclosed this at the 32nd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at main campus in Lokoja, said the matriculating students comprises  3,708 for National Diploma, (ND) and 2,841 for Higher National Diploma, (HND), spread across eight schools and 57 various programmes in the Polytechnic. Professor Igbo, while congratulating the new students for their successes in their admission, urged  them  to shun all forms of social vices that can jeopardize their academic pursuit. The Rector noted that the institution has zero tolerance for all forms of social vices such as cultism, gun-running, examination malpractice, drug abuse, alcoholic addiction, unhealthy social gatherings, cybercrimes,...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Jan. 17, 2025  Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to revitalising effective healthcare delivery system and achieving universal health coverage in the state. Ododo gave the assurance at the stakeholders' engagement meeting organised by Kogi Ministry of Health in collaborations with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) on Friday in Lokoja. In his remarks, the governor urged the stakeholders to ensure that the PHCs are strengthened in Kogi to delivering quality healthcare services to the people especially at the grassroots. Ododo, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, also announced the commencement of periodic spot checks on all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state. He said that the initiative was part of the ongoing reforms aimed at revolutionizing the state’s primary healthcare system. According to him, the objective is to ensure that the centres ...

The Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Awoniyi, has applauded the rapid transformation of Kogi State Polytechnic under the leadership of Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman. Oba Awoniyi who gave the commendation during a  visit to the Polytechnic on Monday 13th January, 2025, also commended the Rector for his humility and respect for traditional institutions which he described as a testament to his character. He congratulated the Rector on his reappointment for second term and his attainment of Professorship. The Obaro commended the Rector's leadership style which he said has shaped the curriculum, operations and outputs of the Polytechnic. He stressed that this was only possible through the guiding principles of discipline, industry, determination, service, integrity, sound education and quality leadership.  Oba Awoniyi who reaffirmed his continued support for the Management offered prayers for the sustained growth and success of the Polytechnic.  Th...

By Stephen Adeleye Lokoja, Jan. 14, 2024  Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to prioritise quality education in the state. Ododo gave the assurance when he paid an unscheduled visit to the GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBSSS), Adankolo, Lokoja, on Tuesday. The governor was received by the school Principal, Chief Ajofe Godwins, who conducted the visitor and his entourage round the school classes. The governor, while addressing the students, said his unscheduled visit was to have a first hand assessment of the model science school and to know how the students were faring. He thanked the students for the warm reception, and expressed his Administration's determination to continue to make education the number one priority. “By paying for your examinations, we are not doing you any favor; we are only doing what you elected us to do. "All I ask of you is to be our good Ambassadors and pass your exa...

Lokoja, January 13, 2024 Lokoja was founded before the end of the 1700 by Nyamkpa, alias Cheluka, whom some called Eshida – Etsu Lokoja. Etsu Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, has called on His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to recognize and grade the Etsu Lokoja stool for the sake of equity and fairness to Nupe Natives in Lokoja. Dauda Shelika, who made the appeal while addressing newsmen at a press conference in Lokoja over the weekend, said Nupes are natives of Lokoja, not mere indigenes. The Etsu insisted that they are the earliest inhabitants of Lokoja and are not replaceable, adding that they have a right to exist and to be included in the running of the affairs of their homeland. He emphasized the need to grade the Etsu Lokoja stool to create balance and forestall any future intimidation, harassment, marginalization and attacks against the peace loving Nupe natives in the name of lack of government recognition. Accordin...