Sunshine News

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Feb. 26, 2025 A non-profit international organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), has advocated for greater investment in procuring and use of condoms to prevent rising HIV infections and other health risks in the country. The AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie, made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lokoja. Dr Ijezie noted that the recent dwindling funding threatens HIV prevention initiatives, hence the need to prioritise condom access, particularly among high-risk populations in areas with high HIV burden. He stressed that Nigeria and many African nations faced the risk of increasing HIV infection rates unless new strategies were adopted to expand condom availability and education.  According to him, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports showed that about one million STI infections occurred globally every day.  "Although the presence of PrEP ...

A Non-governmental Organization, Known as Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCD) has appealed to Government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of a kidney challenged patient, Koffa Martha Amadosi. A representative of the NGO, Akande Rachael Remilekun made the call when she led a team on a visit to the patient, Kaffa Martha Amadosi who has been diagnosed with Kidney disease and hospitalized at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja. The organization called on Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, relevant stakeholders and spirited individuals to come to her aid to enable her undergo kidney transplant. Koffa Martha Amadosi, a twenty-four (24) years old who hail from Ogorimagongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been suffering from Kidney disease since November, 2024. Speaking during the visit, Koffa Martha Amadosi said she has been suffering from the  Kidney disease since November last and first diagnosed at Oprime Hospital in L...

A Non-governmental Organization, Known as Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCD) has appealed to Government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of a kidney challenged patient, It's Koffa Martha Amadosi. A representative of the NGO, Akande Rachael Remilekun made the call when she led a team on a visit to the patient, Kaffa Martha Amadosi who has been diagnosed with Kidney disease and hospitalized at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja. The organization called on Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, relevant stakeholders and spirited individuals to come to her aid to enable her undergo kidney transplant. Koffa Martha Amadosi, a twenty-four (24) years old who hail from Ogorimagongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been suffering from Kidney disease since November, 2024. Speaking during the visit, Koffa Martha Amadosi said she has been suffering from the  Kidney disease since November last and first diagnosed at Oprime Hospital...

A Non-governmental Organization, Known as Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCD) has appealed to Government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of a kidney challenged patient, Kaffat Martha Amadosi. A representative of the NGO, Akande Rachael Remilekun made the call when she led a team on a visit to the patient, Kaffa Martha Amadosi who has been diagnosed with Kidney disease and hospitalized at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja. The organization called on Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, relevant stakeholders and spirited individuals to come to her aid to enable her undergo kidney transplant. Koffa Martha Amadosi, a twenty-four (24) years old who hail from Ogorimagongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been suffering from Kidney disease since November, 2024. Speaking during the visit, Koffa Martha Amadosi said she has been suffering from the  Kidney disease since November last and first diagnosed at Oprime Hospital in ...

A Non-governmental Organization, Known as Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCD) has appealed to Government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of a kidney challenged patient, Kaffat Martha Amadosi. A representative of the NGO, Akande Rachael Remilekun made the call when she led a team on a visit to the patient, Kaffa Martha Amadosi who has been diagnosed with Kidney disease and hospitalized at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja. The organization called on Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, relevant stakeholders and spirited individuals to come to her aid to enable her undergo kidney transplant. Koffa Martha Amadosi, a twenty-four (24) years old who hail from Ogorimagongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been suffering from Kidney disease since November, 2024. Speaking during the visit, Koffa Martha Amadosi said she has been suffering from the  Kidney disease since November last and first diagnosed at Oprime Hospital in ...

A Non-governmental Organization, Known as Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCD) has appealed to Government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of a kidney challenged patient, Kaffat Martha Amadosi. A representative of the NGO, Akande Rachael Remilekun made the call when she led a team on a visit to the patient, Kaffa Martha Amadosi who has been diagnosed with Kidney disease and hospitalized at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja. The organization called on Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, relevant stakeholders and spirited individuals to come to her aid to enable her undergo kidney transplant. Koffa Martha Amadosi, a twenty-four (24) years old who hail from Ogorimagongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been suffering from Kidney disease since November, 2024. Speaking during the visit, Koffa Martha Amadosi said she has been suffering from the  Kidney disease since November last and first diagnosed at Oprime Hospital in ...

Lokoja, Feb. 18, 2025 The Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, has expressed his deepest sadness over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Students of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Monday. An auto crash involving an articulated vehicle on Monday in Kogi, claimed the lives of seven people, including four students from the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), while another student sustained injuries. Dauda-Shelika in a press statement on Tuesday in Lokoja, expressed his heart felt condolences to the immediate families of all the departed souls, describing the incident as "one accident too many".  "On behalf of members of Lokoja Native Traditional Council, it is with deep shock and broken hearts that we received the news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of our dear Students of the Federal University Lokoja on the Felele axis of Lokoja. "This is one accident too many. Our prayers and heart felt condolence...

...as Coordinator Solicits Stakeholders' Collaboration for Seamless Implementation By Stephen Adeleye Lokoja (Kogi), Feb. 17, 2025  Dr. Bello Abdulhakeem, Kogi State Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of the AGILE project in the state. Speaking at a sensitization and stakeholders' engagement program in Lokoja, Dr. Bello Abdulhakeem emphasized that AGILE, a World Bank-assisted initiative under the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged 10 to 20. “The adolescent girls in Nigeria face numerous challenges that prevent them from accessing and completing secondary education, including sociocultural barriers, financial constraints, and infrastructural deficits," Bello noted. He explained that the AGILE project seeks to address these challenges by making ...

By Stephen Adeleye  Kabba (Kogi), Feb. 15, 2025   A Candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2023 Kogi Governorship election, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, has called for joint sacrifice to address the hydra headed issue of societal poverty bedevilled Okunland for decades. Braimoh made the call at the formal  launching of "Okun Youth Alliance (OYA) Movement" with the theme: "Raising a New Generation of Okun Leaders: Through Sensitisation, Empowerment, and Political Action", on Friday in Kabba. Braimoh, who was a guest speaker at the event, commended the Convener of OYA Movement, Comrade Oladele John-Nihi, for the initiative towards unity, progress and development in Okunland.  He stressed the need for Okun nation to chat a new course for societal prosperity, which according to him requires a great sacrifice.  "We need to identify where we are coming from, where are we presently and define where we want to be. "We must look at the parameters with...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Feb. 13, 2025  The Ebira Doctors' Forum (EDF), has urged Kogi State Government to adopt a multifaceted approach to addressing the manpower deficit at Reference Hospital Okene (CUSTECH Teaching Hospital), by leveraging both immediate and long-term solutions. Dr. Shaibu Moses Omeiza, the Secretary General of EDF, gave the advice in a statement on Thursday in Lokoja    The doctor proposed High-level engagement with the State government; Adequate budgetary allocation, Provision of accommodation and Other incentives, as well as Political will and commitment to addressing the manpower shortage at the hospital. He noted that the shortage of healthcare professionals, which was largely due to the 'Japa' syndrome, has become a systemic challenge across the nation, adding that managing the deficit had proven to be an arduous task for hospital administrators.  He, however, said that despite these challenges, other tertiary healthcare ...

By Stephen Adeleye   Lokoja, Feb. 13, 2025  A non-profit international organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), has carried awareness campaign on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the importance condom use. Speaking after a roadshow on Thursday in Lokoja, the Kogi State Coordinator of AHF Nigeria, Dr Onyeyili Ikemefuna, said the roadshow was part of activities to mark the International Condom Day 2025, celebrated globally on every Feb. 13. According him, the AHF Nigeria is using the day to raise awareness, promote safer sex practices, reduce stigma, and empowering young people with the needed knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health. "The day aims to educate people about the risks of STIs, unintended pregnancies, and the importance of using condoms to prevent these risks. "It is observed just before Valentine's Day to remind people that love should be coupled with responsible and safe sexual behavior," Ike...

On behalf of the Management, staff and students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, I wish to felicitate with the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Hon Wemi Jones, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday.  My Honourable Commissioner Sir, I celebrate God's abundant Grace in you which has entrusted you with the deservedly huge responsibility of handling the most strategic education sector of our dear State. The special love and support you have extended to me in particular and for the growth of Kogi State Polytechnic in general is highly appreciated.   It is my sincere prayer that God in His infinite mercy grants you good health, long life, the strength and enablement required to render more selfless service to humanity. Once again,  I wish you a most fulfilling birthday and many more happy returns. Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic 

*Appreciates Gov. Ododo, former Gov. Bello for the love and trust*  The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has described his first tenure as a period of “remarkable transformation, bold reforms, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”   Speaking at a press briefing in the Polytechnic’s Council Chamber on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to mark the end of his first tenure Prof. Usman provided a detailed account of his administration’s achievements, emphasizing that his leadership had set a new benchmark for institutional development.   Prof. Usman expressed profound gratitude to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Adoza Bello, for appointing him as Acting Rector on April 7, 2020, and confirming him as substantive Rector on February 12, 2021. He also thanked the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for reappointing him for a second term in June 2024, acknowledging the trust placed in him to conti...

By Stephen Adeleye  Idah (Kogi), Feb. 12, 2025  The Attah of Igala and Chairman Kogi State Traditional Council, HRM Matthew Opaluwa, has assured the support of traditional institutions for seamless implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in the state. The paramount ruler gave the assurance when the AGILE team led by the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, paid an advocacy to his palace on Wednesday in Idah, Kogi East Senatorial district. In his remarks, Dr. Abdulhakeem, said the visit was part of the strategic move to deepen community engagement and ensure the sustainability of of the AGILE project, aimed to improve secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls in 18 participating states, including Kogi. Dr Abdulhakeem gave a comprehensive overview of AGILE’s objectives, emphasizing its potential to improve educational opportunities for adolescent girls, strengthen school systems, and fos...

*Appreciates Gov. Ododo, former Gov. Bello for the love and trust*  The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has described his first tenure as a period of “remarkable transformation, bold reforms, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”   Speaking at a press briefing in the Polytechnic’s Council Chamber on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to mark the end of his first tenure Prof. Usman provided a detailed account of his administration’s achievements, emphasizing that his leadership had set a new benchmark for institutional development.   Prof. Usman expressed profound gratitude to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Adoza Bello, for appointing him as Acting Rector on April 7, 2020, and confirming him as substantive Rector on February 12, 2021. He also thanked the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for reappointing him for a second term in June 2024, acknowledging the trust placed in him to conti...

Public Relations and Protocol Directorate of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, has Felicitated with Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman on his remarkable End of First Term in Office. "On behalf of the entire staff of the Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, I heartily congratulate Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, on the remarkable and successful first term as Rector of the institution. Sir, we proudly celebrate you for your unrivaled disposition and commitment to service which have yielded excellent transformation of the Polytechnic. With impeccable hard work and tenacity of purpose, you have broken and still breaking boundaries which have resulted in high productivity and restored credibility of the Polytechnic. We are inspired by your great examples, Sir. While appreciating your commitment to the vision, mission and core values of the Polytechnic in the past years, we wish you more productive engagements in the nex...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Feb. 11, 2025  No fewer than 1,282 frontline health workers in Kogi have been trained, with the aim to address the critical gaps in service delivery and improve health outcomes across the state. The training is organised by Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health, the Federal Government and the development partners. The event also included the presentation of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the frontline health workers.  Gov. Ahmed Ododo, who officially flagged off the training on Monday at Government House Lokoja, said the training was designed to address the critical gaps in service delivery and improve health outcomes across the state. "We are committed to providing our citizens with access to quality healthcare services, and we recognise that our healthcare workforce plays a critical role in achieving this goal," Ododo said. The governor, who was represent...

Public Relations and Protocol Directorate of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, has Felicitated with Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman on his remarkable End of First Term in Office. "On behalf of the entire staff of the Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, I heartily congratulate Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, on the remarkable and successful first term as Rector of the institution. Sir, we proudly celebrate you for your unrivaled disposition and commitment to service which have yielded excellent transformation of the Polytechnic. With impeccable hard work and tenacity of purpose, you have broken and still breaking boundaries which have resulted in high productivity and restored credibility of the Polytechnic. We are inspired by your great examples, Sir. While appreciating your commitment to the vision, mission and core values of the Polytechnic in the past years, we wish you more productive engagements in the nex...

By Stephen Adeleye  Lokoja, Feb. 10, 2025  The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Traditional rulers in Kogi State, have pledged their total support towards seamless implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in the state. AGILE is a World Bank-supported initiative implemented by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, which seeks to improve Secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls in 18 participating states, including Kogi State. The ALGON and the traditional rulers gave the assurance when the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of AGILE led by its Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello., paid separate advocacy and sensitization visits to them on Monday. The ALGON Chairman, Hon. Tosin Olokun, who doubles as the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, commended the AGILE team for their commitment to improving educational opportunities for adolesc...

By Stephen Adeleye   Lokoja, Feb. 6, 2025   The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has called for collective efforts to end the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the country. Mrs Ododo made the call in a statement on Thursday in Lokoja, as she joined the global community to mark the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.  The governor's wife emphasised the urgent need to protect girls and women from the life-threatening consequences of genital mutilation. "The practice is a violation of human rights that has devastated the lives and future of millions of women and girls.  "According to UNICEF, over 200 million girls and women worldwide have survived FGM, with more than 25 million others at risk of undergoing the practice in the next five years.  "This is alarming, especially considering the relentless efforts to eradicate it, particularly in Africa," she stated. She, therefore advocaced for increased governmen...

By Stephen Adeleye   Lokoja, Feb. 5, 2025 An Economist, Mr Ukwunetu Samuel Ali, has urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, to provide humanitarian aid to deportees from the United States of America (USA) who are indigenes of the state. Ali gave the advice in a letter he addressed to the Governor, and made a copy available to our Correspondent on Wednesday in Lokoja. According to him, the gesture would lessen the traumatic impact of deportation and the challenges that come with reintegrating into society. The expert stressed the need for federal and state governments to collaborate to helping the deportees to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities with dignity. "Looking at the traumatic impact of deportation and the challenges that come with reintegrating into society, I am calling on Kogi Government to provide humanitarian aid to lessen the hardship and distress caused by this experience. "We believe that our brothers and sisters deserve our car...