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Showing posts from April, 2026

*Health Minister Pate: Laboratory Science Critical to Nigeria’s Environmental Protection, Sustainable Development*

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*LOKOJA, Kogi State* — The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has described reliable laboratory analysis as “the backbone of evidence-based decision making” for environmental protection, water resource management, and solid mineral exploration in Nigeria. Prof. Pate made the remarks on Tuesday in Lokoja through the Minister of State for Health and social welfare Dr.Iziaq Salako while declaring open the 9th Conference of Public Analysts, COPA ’26, and the Annual General Meeting of the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria, STLAN. The conference, tagged “The Confluence Conference,” has as its theme: _Environmental Protection, Water Resource Management and Solid Mineral Exploration in Nigeria: The Role of Public Analysts in Sustainable Development._ The Minister, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, Prof. Abdulrahaman Shehu Ozovehe, said the Federal Government recognizes...

*Enrico Rallies Ankpa for Tinubu, Ododo Re-election, Secures Fresh Endorsements for Kogi East Senate Bid*

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Sorry *ANKPA, Nigeria, April 27, 2026* — Kogi East APC Senatorial Aspirant, Chief Dr. Joseph Ameh Enrico, on Sunday called on voters in Ankpa Federal Constituency to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term, saying it would keep Kogi East in the mainstream of national politics.   Chief Dr. Enrico made the call while addressing a cross-section of APC executives, members, stakeholders, and supporters at the Ankpa Township Stadium as part of his ongoing consultations for the 2027 Kogi East senatorial seat.   He said Governor Ododo deserves a second term because his “uncommon leadership” has endeared him to the people of the state.   Enrico thanked the mammoth crowd that trooped out to welcome him, noting that the large turnout was a clear demonstration of support for his ambition. He promised not to disappoint the people if given the mandate.   Also speaking, the Executive Chairman o...

*Peace Tournament: Flying Jet Of Odenyi Defeat Ogba United FC 2-1*

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By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja  The Flying Jet of Odenyi in Bassa local government area of Kogi State, on Saturday, defeated the top team in the ongoing Bassa Peace football championship, Ogba United FC by 2-1 The Flying Jet overwhelmed the Walloping Strikers of Ogba United FC in the first half of the game, as the Ogba boys could not clip the wing of the Flying Jet in the first half of the game, amid the overwhelming surprise by the Flying Jet of Odenyi.  The spectators were stunned, as the Flying Jet delivered two goals against the dexterous players of Ogba United FC, which tops the list with the highest points aggregate in the tournament  The impressive performance of Odenyi boys in the encounter puts the Flying Jet in a good stead to clinch victory in the tournament, as the Flying Jet celebrate their victory against Ogba United FC with a 2-1 win.  With the victory, all eyes now on Ogba United FC to humble the Ayede boys in the next semi-final encounter on 3...

*A TESTAMENT OF IMPACT: OMALA INDIASPORA COMMENDS TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT IN OMALA LGA*

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Omala Indiaspora proudly witnessed and participated in the commissioning of impactful constituency projects facilitated by Hon. Umar Yahaya (Connect), Member representing Omala State Constituency, in a landmark event held across key communities in Omala Local Government Area. The commissioning ceremony, performed on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to grassroots development, security enhancement, and inclusive governance. In his address, the Deputy Governor emphasized that sustainable peace and development remain anchored on unity, cooperation, and continued support from the people. He reiterated that security remains a top priority of the state government, highlighting strategic interventions such as the establishment of a Forward Operations Base in Bagana and the strengthening of local security archit...

*Enrico Takes 2027 Senate Bid to Idah Federal Constituency ,Seeks Monarchs’ Blessings, Rallies Party Leaders*

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By Our Reporter. Chief Dr. Joseph Ameh Enrico on Saturday, April 25, 2026, took his Kogi East Senate consultation train to Idah Federal Constituency, meeting top Igala monarchs to seek royal blessings over his ambition and securing key endorsements from APC stakeholders and a major women’s group. The move is in furtherance of his tour to rally support for his 2027 senatorial bid under the APC. The Senatorial Aspirant began the day by paying homage to traditional rulers across the federal constituency to seek their royal blessings over his aspiration. He first visited the Eje of Ofu, Chief Aku Obaje, and the Etemahi Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Chief Boniface Adejo at Ajaka. He also paid homage to the Eje Ibaji, Chief John Egwemi, before making his final stop in Idah to pay homage to the Attah Igala and meet critical stakeholders., Chief Enrico arrived at the venue of the stakeholders’ engagement at Qua Iboe Primary School Field, Idah, to a tumultuous w...

JOHESU BEATS NMA 3-0 AS FTH LOKOJA FOOTBALL TEAM (THE LIFE SAVERS) WELCOMES NEW CMD PROF. OZOVEHE WITH NOVELTY MATCH; FORMER CMD ELESHIN, COACH APPLAUD STAFF UNITY*

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A three-aside novelty football match was organized to welcome Prof. Abdulrahaman Shehu Ozovehe on his assumption of office as the new Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja.   The competition, which began earlier in the week, culminated in a final between the Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, and the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA. The CMD performed the ceremonial kick-off before the game commenced shortly after 5 PM.   JOHESU took the lead with a goal ten minutes into the first half and went on to win 3-0. Both teams displayed skills and sportsmanship throughout the encounter.   Speaking after the match, Prof. Ozovehe described the event as “exciting and unifying,” noting the smiles on staff faces and the spirit of togetherness. “Everyone was satisfied. We all came out and had a pastime. This is what we preach in the health sector,” he said.   The CMD pledged to support the hospital team and exp...

Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims: From Legislative Excellence to a Senatorial Call for Kogi East*

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By Husseini Abubakar Most Distinguished,_      In the political history of Kogi East, few names command the respect, loyalty, and admiration earned by *Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims*, the Member representing Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro Federal Constituency and the current *Deputy Majority Leader* of the 10th House of Representatives. His rise is not accidental. It is the product of competence, character, and a consistent record of people-centered leadership.    Rt. Hon. Halims entered the Green Chamber with a clear mandate: to give Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro a strong, credible, and influential voice. He has delivered beyond expectation. As Deputy Majority Leader, he occupies a rare position of trust in the leadership hierarchy — shaping the legislative agenda, building consensus across party lines, and ensuring that the interests of Kogi East are not just heard, but prioritized in national discourse.    His contribut...

* HON. UMAR YAHAYA CONNECT: DELIVERING DEMOCRATIC DIVIDENDS TODAY, SECURING TOMORROW — ANKPA, OLAMABORO & OMALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY 2027* In the political terrain of Ankpa, Olamaboro, and Omala Federal Constituency, one name has become shorthand for delivery, access, and vision: Hon. Umar Yahaya, popularly known as _“Umar Connect”_ and _“Eche’Nyo.”_ His rise is not a story of overnight politics but of years spent in the trenches of community service, earning trust long before he earned a mandate. The nickname “Connect” was not self-given. It was earned in classrooms where he funded scholarships, in markets where he backed small traders, and in villages where he bridged the gap between government promises and people’s needs. Long before his legislative debut, Hon. Umar built a foundation of service that made his eventual election feel less like a campaign and more like a confirmation. Since assuming office, that foundation has translated into measurable governance. Recognized as _Best Lawmaker of the Year_, Hon. Umar redefined representation in Kogi East by merging legislative rigor with on-the-ground execution. He has sponsored and co-sponsored bills targeting education reform, healthcare access, infrastructure expansion, and youth job creation, while using strategic committee roles to pull federal attention to the constituency. But laws alone do not feed families or fix roads. His physical footprint across Ankpa Federal Constituency tells a fuller story. Township roads have been constructed and rehabilitated, easing commerce and cutting travel time for farmers. Water projects have brought relief to communities once plagued by scarcity. These are not token gestures — they are structural interventions that change daily life. Education remains a cornerstone of his agenda. Through facilitation and direct lobbying, new classroom blocks have been built and equipped, learning materials distributed, and scholarships awarded to indigent students who would otherwise have been cut off from opportunity. For Hon. Umar, human capital is the most durable infrastructure a leader can build. In healthcare, his impact is equally tangible. He facilitated the Ogodu Medical Center and led the renovation of primary health centers across the constituency. Beyond brick and mortar, he has backed free medical outreaches, donated equipment, and pushed for better rural health delivery — understanding that a healthy constituency is a productive one. His humanitarian record rounds out a profile of complete representation. From women and youth empowerment programs to targeted poverty alleviation schemes and rapid disaster relief, Hon. Umar has shown up in moments of both crisis and calm. This consistency has raised the bar so high that constituents now measure other lawmakers by the _“Umar Connect standard.”_That standard is why many say he has made peers look like councilors. While others settle for scattered projects, Hon. Umar runs an integrated development agenda — linking roads to markets, schools to skills, and clinics to communities. His model proves that a House of Representatives seat can be a tool for comprehensive transformation, not just attendance. His recent engagement at the Omala Special Security Stakeholders’ Meeting underscores another dimension: courage in crisis. Backing the meeting’s resolutions with a ₦2 million donation, he also facilitated the Ibado Police Station and driving the creation of the Bagana Forward Operating Base, he has shown that security is not a talking point but a line item. He insists it is a collective duty, urging traditional rulers and youth to own the peace process. These credentials shape his 2027 ambition. This is not a quest for office; it is a demand for continuity. With ongoing projects to complete, federal networks to leverage, and legislative expertise to deepen, Hon. Umar argues that Ankpa, Olamaboro, and Omala cannot afford a reset. Consistency, he says, is the cheapest path to progress. The stakes are clear. For too long, the constituency has battled slow development, poor road networks, youth neglect, and limited federal presence. The 2027 election is therefore more than a political contest. It is a referendum on stagnation versus transformation, on personal interest versus selfless service. Hon. Umar Yahaya Connect rises to that moment with a simple proposition: proven track record over empty promise. He brings legislative experience, executive relationships, and grassroots legitimacy to the table. In a time when federal projects are intensely competitive, his capacity to attract and implement them is not a luxury — it is leverage. This is why stakeholders, party leaders, delegates, and citizens are being called to unite under _one umbrella_ to secure his emergence as APC flagbearer. Division, as history shows, only weakens bargaining power. Rallying behind a tested hand strengthens the constituency’s voice in Abuja and ensures that projects do not stop with one tenure. Hon. Umar is not campaigning as a man alone; he is advancing as a movement. Young and old, artisans and professionals, farmers and traders have seen a lawmaker who listens, responds, and delivers. His humility keeps him accessible, and his results keep him credible. To support him is to vote for a blueprint that is already working. So, as 2027 approaches, the question before the good people of Ankpa, Olamaboro, and Omala is direct: Who else has matched this record of physical projects and humanitarian service? Who else has connected so deeply, legislated so effectively, and secured so decisively? If the answer is none, then the choice is clear. Stand with Hon. Umar Yahaya Connect — for purposeful, quality representation and a future that does not wait.Abubakar Sidiq Hassan a public Affairs analyst writes from Kogi East.

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* HON. UMAR YAHAYA CONNECT: DELIVERING DEMOCRATIC DIVIDENDS TODAY, SECURING TOMORROW — ANKPA, OLAMABORO & OMALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY 2027*  In the political terrain of Ankpa, Olamaboro, and Omala Federal Constituency, one name has become shorthand for delivery, access, and vision: Hon. Umar Yahaya, popularly known as _“Umar Connect”_ and _“Eche’Nyo.”_ His rise is not a story of overnight politics but of years spent in the trenches of community service, earning trust long before he earned a mandate.    The nickname “Connect” was not self-given. It was earned in classrooms where he funded scholarships, in markets where he backed small traders, and in villages where he bridged the gap between government promises and people’s needs. Long before his legislative debut, Hon. Umar built a foundation of service that made his eventual election feel less like a campaign and more like a confirmation.    Since assuming office, that foundation has tr...

*HON. UMAR YAHAYA CONNECT; DELIVERING DEMOCRATIC DIVIDENDS TODAY, SECURING TOMORROW -ANKPA, OLAMABORO & OMALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY 2027*

* HON. UMAR YAHAYA CONNECT: DELIVERING DEMOCRATIC DIVIDENDS TODAY, SECURING TOMORROW — ANKPA, OLAMABORO & OMALA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY 2027*  In the political terrain of Ankpa, Olamaboro, and Omala Federal Constituency, one name has become shorthand for delivery, access, and vision: Hon. Umar Yahaya, popularly known as _“Umar Connect”_ and _“Eche’Nyo.”_ His rise is not a story of overnight politics but of years spent in the trenches of community service, earning trust long before he earned a mandate.    The nickname “Connect” was not self-given. It was earned in classrooms where he funded scholarships, in markets where he backed small traders, and in villages where he bridged the gap between government promises and people’s needs. Long before his legislative debut, Hon. Umar built a foundation of service that made his eventual election feel less like a campaign and more like a confirmation.    Since assuming office, that foundation has translated int...

Omala Lawmaker Awards ₦1M Scholarship to JAMB Top Scorer for Law Studies*

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Omala, Kogi State– Benjamin Ojonedu Jemimah has emerged winner of the Hon. Umar Yahaya 2026 Educational Scholarship Award after recording the highest JAMB score in the constituency this year. To reward her academic excellence, Hon. Umar Yahaya, member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, approved a ₦1,000,000 scholarship to fund her education. The lawmaker also made provisions for her upkeep to support her throughout her studies. Hon. Yahaya further pledged to facilitate Jemimah’s admission process to ensure she secures placement to study her preferred course, Law, as stated in her JAMB application. The gesture, he said, reflects his commitment to promoting education and rewarding excellence among students in Omala. The Omala Lawmaker it will be recalled has in the past year's used the award to encourage the best students from the area who made high scores in JAMB as well as facilitate their admission and their upkeep. Hassan Abubak...

* Hon. Umar Yahaya Backs Omala Security Resolutions With ₦2 Million, Reaffirms Commitment to Lasting Peace*

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_OMALA SPECIAL SECURITY MEETING: HON. UMAR YAHAYA (CONNECT) BACKS RESOLUTIONS WITH ₦2 MILLION DONATION_ On Saturday, 18th April, Hon. Umar Yahaya actively participated in the Omala Special Security Stakeholders’ Meeting, a high-level engagement that brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and policymakers to chart a sustainable path toward restoring peace in the area. In a bold demonstration of commitment, he donated the sum of Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000) to strengthen local security operations and support the implementation of resolutions reached at the meeting. However, beyond financial support, Hon. Umar’s approach to security has consistently been defined by concrete results. Notably, the Ibado Police Station — facilitated through his intervention — has been fully completed and is now ready for commissioning, with additional operational equipment to further enhance its effectiveness. He also recalled his earlier proactive leadership...

,*FHA Renewed Hope Housing Estates; Otti Commends Tinubu for Eschewing Politics, Religion In National Programs *

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By Our Reporter  Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commended  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for eschewing  politics and religion while pursuing development and welfare of Nigerians , describing them as a distraction. Otti made this remark on Tuesday during the ground breaking ceremony of Renewed Hope Housing Estates in Umuahia ,Abia State. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief  Executive of Federal Housing Authority, FHA, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo has affirmed that Federal Housing Authority is now ready to commence the construction of the Renewed Hope Housing estates all over the country.  This assertion was made Tuesday 11th April,  2024 during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope Housing estate in Umuahia , Abia state.  According to Hon Ojo " the event is our way of cementing  our commitment  in realizing the construction of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's  initiated  Renewed Hope Housing Program...

Goodness Is Practical Religion, Says Kogi CJ At Firdaus Prayer For Late Justice Adamu*

After the 8th Day Firdaus prayer held at Odolu, the hometown of late Hon. Justice Yahaya Adamu in Igalamela-Odolu LGA of Kogi State last Saturday, more supplications have continued to pour for the repose of the soul of the astute and copious jurist whose death occured a fortnight ago. He died as a serving Judge of the High Court of Justice of the state at the age of 62 after a brief illness. His Ganaja home residence in Lokoja, the state capital, was yesterday, Saturday, 18th April, 2026, filled with Judges, Kadis, Management members and staff of the Judiciary who were joined by Islamic clerics, distinguished government functionaries, opinion and community leaders and many other sympathisers and well-wishers that gathered to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. Just as the accounts of his good deeds were endless, his lordship, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, joined to declare that goodness is "practical religion" no matter what faith practiced....

*2027 ELECTORAL SUCCESS – INEC REFORMATION IS COMPULSORY!*

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  By Rev'd Omale Wisdom Abah, Abuja, Nigeria  Building a credible electoral umpire is one of the fundamental pillars of any functioning democracy. An electoral body must possess the institutional capacity to conduct peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections. It is not expected to reflect the personal character of its operators; rather, its operators must conform strictly to its rules, principles, and institutional framework. The first and most basic step toward achieving this is to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) constitutionally and legally independent of executive control. Once the executive arm of government exerts influence over the electoral umpire, it inevitably becomes a puppet—losing its neutrality and credibility. Professor Attahiru Jega was one of our lecturers at Bayero University, Kano. When he was appointed INEC Chairman, many who knew him congratulated Nigeria because of his reputation as a “Mai Gaskiya” (a man of integrit...

Boreholes Will Ease Water Burden in Ajaokuta Communities, Says Onu Igala Elect Dr. Obele*

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The Onu Igala elect for Ganaja village, Chief Dr. Isa Obele, has described the construction of boreholes in Emiworo, Ganaja, Gadumo, and Malam Hassan Road by the Kogi State Government as a wonderful measure that will reduce the burden of accessing potable water for residents. Chief Dr. Obele made the remark while speaking with newsmen at the commissioning and handing over of boreholes donated by the State Auditor General, Hon. Y.Y Okala, on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at Ganaja. He expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo, Hon. Y.Y Okala, and former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for their love for the people of the area. He noted that the people were appreciative of the gesture and would reciprocate at the appropriate time. Chief Obele advised residents to take ownership of the facilities and ensure proper care and maintenance so they last long and serve the purpose for which they were provided. He assured that the community will continue to stand by the government at ...

*Unity Yielding Results: Kogi AG Okala Donates Boreholes to Ajaokuta Communities on Behalf of Gov. Ododo*

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By Our Reporter.  The Kogi State Auditor General, Hon. Y.Y Okala, has  commissioned and handed over newly constructed boreholes to the people of Ganaja, Emiworo, and Gadumo communities in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, stating that the projects are dividends of unity and support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Gadumo, the final leg of the handover, Hon. Okala said the water projects were a direct outcome of a stakeholders’ meeting held on January 17, 2026, at Goshen Hotel. The meeting, which mobilized women, traditional rulers, youths, party faithful, and residents across party lines, identified water, roads, electricity, and healthcare as the most pressing needs of the Ganaja community. “Today, we have started seeing the benefits of that unity. When we all gathered together on January 17, we agreed to move forward together. This is the benefit of working for the government. This is th...

*Doctor Danjuma Ahmadu Bags Doctorate Degree as University of Abuja Holds Convocation Saturday *

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  _By Ali Atabor_ A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Hon. (Dr.) Danjuma Ahmadu, will be conferred with a Doctorate Degree at the convocation ceremony of the University of Abuja on Saturday 18 April 2026. Hon. (Dr.) Ahmadu currently serves as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kogi State. The convocation ceremony is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. at the University of Abuja Convocation Square. The event marks a significant academic milestone for Hon(Dr.) Ahmadu, whose contributions to politics and public service in Kogi State have earned him recognition across Igalamela/Odolu LGA.  His dual role as an APC chieftain and Special Adviser has positioned him as a key figure in the political landscape of Kogi State. Immediately after the ceremony, a reception will be held in his honor in Gwagwalada.  The reception is expected to draw party faithful, government officials, associates, and well-wishers celebrat...