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EXCERPTS FROM THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT HELD ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023, AT THE EXCO CHAMBERS OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LOKOJA

Chaired by His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, the Governor of Kogi State and Council Chairman, the meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Head of the Civil Service, Honourable Commissioners, and other council members.
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During the session, the Council Chairman introduced the governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo to the council after his victory in the November 11 governorship polls with cheers and a standing ovation.

Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, commended council members for their contributions that led to Ahmed Usman Ododo’s triumph on November 11.
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The Council officially inaugurated the newly appointed Commissioner for Special Duties II, Hon Bashiru Lawal, who had earlier received clearance from the Kogi State House of Assembly, following the governor’s submission of the appointee’s name.

Council also deliberated and granted approval for the Kogi State Government’s Proposed Draft Budget for the year 2024. Titled “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth,” Hon Asiwaju Idris Asiru, Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, disclosed that the 2024 appropriation bill to be presented to the State House of Assembly was a balanced budget of N258, 278,501,339.
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Additionally, Council considered and approved memos from various ministries, including Rural Development, Health, Education, Justice, Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning. Furthermore, the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction was endorsed.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 6, 2023
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, expresses sincere condolences on behalf of the People and Government of Kogi State to his counterpart in Kaduna, as well as the citizens and government of Kaduna State, in the wake of the regrettable bomb mishap that resulted in the loss of lives on Sunday night in Tudun Biri village, Igabi local government council of Kaduna State.

The governor, following a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, during the State Executive Council Meeting at the EXCO Hall of the governor’s office in Lokoja on Wednesday, conveyed his heartfelt condolences.

The Governor and the people of Kogi State stand in solidarity with the Governor of Kaduna State, HE Senator Uba Sani, and the people and government of Kaduna State during this challenging time.

Governor Bello also sends his condolences to the families of the victims of the unfortunate incident.

He stresses the importance of a thorough investigation into the incident while urging the Nigerian Armed Forces to remain resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorists, bandits, and criminals in the region.

Governor Bello, however, underscores the need for continued efforts to protect Nigeria from all forms of insecurity.

In Tudun Biri village on Sunday night, during the observance of the Maulid holiday celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, a tragic incident occurred where some individuals were unintentionally harmed by a military drone engaged in targeting terrorists and bandits in the area.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 6, 2023

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, on Tuesday in Lokoja, announced the establishment of the State’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

He said this significant step aligned with the overarching vision of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, encapsulated in the #RenewedHope agenda, which aims to uplift 50 million Nigerians from poverty annually.

The Governor made the announcement during the official kick-off of the Federal Government’s Grant for Vulnerable program under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Government House, in Lokoja.

He emphasised that the necessary legal framework and legislative authority for the creation of this ministry had already been meticulously addressed.

The Grant for Vulnerable Groups, specifically targeted at the most economically disadvantaged members of the society, will provide beneficiaries with a cash sum of N20,000.

Governor Bello, while commending President Tinubu’s visionary approach and genuine commitment to combating poverty in Nigeria, asserted that the grant would effectively contribute to the administration’s goal of pulling millions of Nigerians out of the poverty bracket.

He highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by his administration to reduce and eliminate poverty in Kogi State. These include free education in primary and secondary schools, quarterly distribution of food palliatives, and free healthcare program for pregnant women and children.

Additionally, the government has undertaken the responsibility of covering examination fees for public school students, releasing funds such as the N497 million disbursed for the 2024 WAEC fees in October.

The Governor attributed these policies to the administration’s Zero-out-School-Children initiative, which has yielded substantial results. He expressed confidence that the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, would build upon these achievements and strengthen ties with the federal and local governments for the overall welfare of the people.

During the ceremony, the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended Kogi women for their unwavering support for the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels.

She noted that, beyond the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, the Federal Government had implemented over 20 social programs targeting poverty alleviation, food security, and human capital development.

The minister revealed that, as part of the inaugural phase in Kogi State, a total of 3,000 individuals benefited from the program.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, lauded the Federal Government’s initiative, and commended Governor Yahaya Bello for rolling out numerous initiatives to combat poverty, socio-economic inequality, and enhance security in the state.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 5, 2023.

Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu has been appointed Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.

He replaces the former Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Salawu Sadiku, who has left the services of the University.
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The appointment of the new Vice Chancellor is with immediate effect.

The new Vice Chancellor is an accomplished scholar and professional of note, is a professor of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering.

He was an active member of the Technical and Implementation Committees that birthed CUSTECH in 2020.
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He is currently a visiting engineering lecturer at CUSTECH.

At his unveiling in Lokoja today 5th December, 2023, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones, FCIB, while congratulating the new VC, expressed optimism that with his track record of achievements, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Salawu will surpass expectations by taking the University to heights previously never imagined.
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The National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory body, has approved the 25 courses presented to it by the new Kogi State University, Kabba, for its takeoff.

This development has paved the way for the commencement of students’ admission into the institution as a precursor to the start of academic activities.

The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, made this known at a special Thanksgiving service held at ECWA Church, Kabba.

Oba Owoniyi said the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, informed him that contractors were at work at the university campus to prepare it for the commencement of academic activities.

The governor, according to the traditional ruler, also gave assurance of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the smooth takeoff of the institution before the new government assumes office next month.

Towards that end, he said a special allocation of N200 million per month has been approved for the university, and that disbursement has taken off with immediate effect.

Governor Bello, the monarch said, further gave assurance of his unwavering support for the institution even after the end of his tenure.

He said the establishment of the university was the government’s well-considered answer to the yearnings of the people of Okunland for higher education.

Oba Owoniyi appealed to stakeholders to support the institution to enable it to raise its head among its peers.

He also thanked the Okun people for ensuring that peace reigned in Okunland before, during, and after the recent governorship election in the state.

A short clip showing the transformation of kogi state by the New Direction Administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello.

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The Hon. Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, has disclosed that his ministry has received express approval from the presidency to commence federal roads construction/rehabilitation in Kogi State.

He also outlined the modalities being explored to expedite the works without delay.
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Umahi spoke during a visit to him by the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, and Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, at his office in Mabushi, Abuja.

During the visit, Governor Bello expressed gratitude to Senator Umahi for his support and solidarity, contributing to the victory of the Governor-elect in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

Governor Bello expressed confidence that Ododo, upon his inauguration on January 27, 2024, would continue to bring significant infrastructure development to Kogi State, enhancing the pride of the people and the All Progressives Congress.
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In response, Senator Umahi congratulated the Governor-elect, emphasizing that his victory reflected the people’s desire in Kogi State for continuity and consolidation. He commended Governor Bello’s achievements in road construction, education, health infrastructure, and other critical areas, expressing confidence that Ododo would build on these successes.

He urged the governor-elect to uphold the trust placed in him by the people and the party, ensuring the fulfillment of his campaign promises.
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He also commended Governor Bello for his unwavering support for the ruling party’s growth at both the state and federal levels, describing governor Bello’s commitment to the success of the APC-led Federal Government as unprecedented.

He commended Governor Bello’s efforts in providing the dividends of democracy to the people of his state, noting that his effort would be more appreciated after office.

The minister revealed that ongoing projects, such as the Ganaja road rehabilitation, would be concrete-based, aligning with the Federal Government’s policy to ensure durable roads in Nigeria.
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Earlier, the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his assurance to Senator Umahi, reiterated his commitment to the trust bestowed upon him by the people. He expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and pledged to strengthen the existing relationship between the state and the federal government through the Ministry of Works.

Ododo assured the minister of his administration’s readiness to actualize the infrastructure master plan for Kogi as laid down by the current administration.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 30, 2023
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, and Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Governor Bello conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her instrumental support in mobilizing women and other crucial stakeholders to vote for Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo during the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State. He expressed confidence that Ododo, after his inauguration on January 27, 2024, would bring pride to Kogi women, the party, and the people of the state.

In response, the First Lady congratulated Ododo, highlighting that his victory showcased the people of Kogi State’s desire for continuity and consolidation. She urged the governor-elect to uphold the trust placed in him by the people and the party, ensuring the fulfillment of his campaign promises.
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Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his assurance to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, affirmed his commitment to the trust bestowed upon him by the people. He expressed gratitude for her support, emphasizing the pivotal role that women would play in his administration. Areas of focus include poverty reduction, primary healthcare delivery, and addressing infant and maternal health concerns in the state.

Ododo, who received his certificate of return on November 18 from the Independent National Electoral Commission, embarked on a series of ‘thank you’ visits to stakeholders who significantly contributed to the success of his election.

On November 12, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Ahmed Usman Ododo the winner of the November 11 governorship election, securing the highest number of lawful votes at 446,237, surpassing other candidates.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 28, 2023
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Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, on Thursday presented the report on the National Flood Mitigation Roadmap to the National Economic Council, NEC, chaired by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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Governor Bello who was the Chairman of the committee, National Flood Mitigation submitted a robust and detailed roadmap in addressing and mitigating annual flood disaster in the country.

Reports on Natural Catastrophe Insurance Fund, Health Sector Renewal Programme, and the Assisted Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Programme were also received by the council.
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According to the Governor, the Council reiterated the urgent need for State Governments to prioritize agriculture and massively develop the sector to boost their economies and enhance food security.
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The State governments were advised to maximize the benefits of opportunities created by multilateral organisations headed by Nigerians such as the African Development Bank and AFREXIM Bank.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 23, 2023
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Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, has initiated the construction of the Uhuodo-Obangede-Okaito road, addressing years of neglect.
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This development aims to enhance transportation and socio-economic activities in the region, especially given its significance as an agrarian area in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
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The ongoing construction involves key elements like culverts, bridges, and road sections, with TEC ENGINEERING FIRM actively engaged.
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This commitment reflects the Governor’s dedication to the welfare of Kogi State residents until the last moments of his administration.
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