Author: joshua

Free Easter Transport Service: Cross Riverians are happy with Otu – Barrister Akiba

 

… Says Otu overhauling Cross River’s transport system to enhance economic growth

 

The Chairman of the Committee coordinating the Free Easter Transport Service, the second phase of the Free Transportation Initiative introduced by Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, has said that Cross Riverians are glad with the kind gesture of the governor.

Akiba, who is the Special Adviser to Otu on Special Duties had few days to Easter flagged off the Easter Free Bus Service on behalf of the governor to reduce the burden of transportation and cushion the effect of hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

Speaking in an interview, Akiba, the young talented lawyer and astute politician, seen to be playing prominent roles in the pursuit of the actualization of the transformative and People-First agenda of Governor Otu, said: “For me, with this kind of scheme, the Free Easter Transport Service, it is obvious that His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu is doing everything possible to actualize his People-First agenda and fulfil every bit of the promises he made to the wonderful people of Cross River who freely and willingly gave him the mandate to govern the state as was reflected in the outcome of the 2023 governorship election in the state.

“This gesture of the governor is a confirmation of his passion and desire to cater for the needs of the people and make them happy. And indeed, Cross Riverians are very happy with what the governor is doing to put smiles on their faces.

“Interestingly, even members of the opposition are among those singing the praises of our amiable governor for his commitment towards ensuring a better welfare for Cross Riverians. While I was on air in a programme I was featured to talk about the Free Easter Transport Service, a PDP member who is quite impressed with the Free Easter Transport Service, called in and said I belong to PDP, but in line with the policy thrust of Governor Bassey Otu, which is people-oriented I have endorsed him for second term even though he is of the APC. For him, it is not about party but about what the governor is doing to transform the state and make life better for Cross Riverians.”

The Special Adviser on General Duties added that “His Excellency is reducing the burden of the people with the Free Easter Ride. Money they would have used to pay for transport is being channelled to other things. There are places you could spend as much as about N20,000 for you to travel within Cross River. Governor Otu is saving the people that stress through the Season of Sweetness free transport service.

“We have 60 free buses plying all the routes in the metropolis from 7am to 6pm daily. And then from Calabar to different parts of the state – Calabar to Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja, Obudu, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, etc. So, the free bus service is both intra-city and inter-city. There is also water transport by boat where Cross Riverians are transported for free.”

He noted that “The governor has demonstrated utmost zeal and commitment towards overhauling the transport system in Cross River State, knowing that transportation is very critical to economic growth and development. The importance of transportation in human endeavour cannot be overemphasized. Transportation is in the centre of all activities. That is why His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu is making serious efforts to enhance our transport system, constructing and repairing roads across the state, purchasing additional airplanes and taking measures to enhance our railway system.”

A similar gesture had been extended to Cross Riverians last December during the Christmas period, when Governor Otu launched the first phase of the Free Transportation Initiative designed to benefit the people at festive seasons.

LOKOJA/KOGI FED. CONST.: OUTSTANDING HIGHLIGHTS OF HON AGUYE’S STEWARDSHIP SINCE ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE

 

-EROSION CONTROL IN RIMI COMMUNITY IN LOKOJA.

-DISTRIBUTED RICE, COWS, RAMS, TO TRADITIONAL RULER, LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS AND INCLUDING EXCOS, GROUPS AND ASSOCIATIONS, SOME INDIVIDUALS AND WRAPPERS FOR WOMEN DURING EID-ADHA, EID-FITR, CHRISTMAS SINCE OUR ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE.

-ONGOING 2KM ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND DRAINAGES IN AGBAJA.

-OVER 80 STUDENTS ON OUR EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP WE SECURED ADMISSION FOR, SETTLED THEIR ACCEPTANCE FEE, PAYED THEIR SCHOOL FEE AND ALSO TOOK CARE OF ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE WILLING TO LIVE IN THE SCHOOL

-APPOINTED 60 AIDS AND ARE STILL SUSTAINING THEM WITH MONTHLY SALARY RUNNING INTO MILLIONS OF NAIRA.

– ON THE DIRECTIVE OF HIS EXCELLENCY, WE BOUGHT AND PRESENTED A SHARAN CAR TO DJ SAGBATA.

-DISTRIBUTED FERTILIZERS, HERBICIDES AND PESTICIDES TO FARMERS FOR DRY SEASON FARMING IN TWO PHASES IN 2023 AND 2024

-FACILITATED, RECEIVED AND DISTRIBUTED FOOD STUFF, CONDIMENTS, CLOTHES AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO VICTIMS OF FIRE DISASTER BOTH IN LOKOJA TOWN AND JAMATA COMMUNITY.

-BUILT, COMPLETED AND FURNISHED A 6 SIX BLOCKS OF CLASSROOMS IN GEGU-BEKI

-ORGANIZED FREE SUMMER LESSON DURING THE 2024 SUMMER BREAK INVOLVING 15 SCHOOLS IN LOKOJA 1 AND 11 AND 8 SCHOOLS IN KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHERE THOUSANDS OF OUR CONSTITUENTS BENEFITED WITH FREE WRITING MATERIALS AND HUNDREDS OF TEACHERS WERE ENGAGED TO TEACH AND WERE PAID STIPEND FOR TEACHING AND HOPE TO SUSTAIN IT.

-INFLUENCED THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE AND EROSION CONTROL IN KOTON-KARFE.

-DISTRIBUTED RELIEF MATERIALS TO FLOOD AFFECTED VICTIMS IN KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

-ORGANIZED FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN LOKOJA AND KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS CATERING FOR THE MEDICAL NEEDS OF THOUSANDS OF OUR CONSTITUENTS BOTH OLD, YOUNG AND NURSING MOTHERS.

-DELIVERED AND INSTALLED A BRAND NEW 500 KVA TRANSFORMER IN ADANKOLO COMMUNITY.

– AN ONGOING ELECTRIFICATION AND INSTALLATION OF A BRAND NEW 300KVA TRANSFER BEHIND NNPC FUELLING STATION AT FELELE.

– ONGOING ELECTRIFICATION OF TANAHU COMMUNITY AND INSTALLATION OF A 500KVA BRAND NEW TRANSFORMER.

-SUPPORTED VICTIMS OF FIRE DISASTER AT THE LOKOJA GSM VILLAGE WITH THE SUM OF 1 MILLION NAIRA AND INSTALLED SOLAR LIGHTS WITHIN THE BUSINESS AREA.

-IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SPEAKER KOGI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY WE ELECTRIFIED OKUMI COMMUNITY.

-APPROVED AND DRILLED A MOTORIZED BOREHOLE IN OKUMI COMMUNITY.

– ONGOING SOLAR LIGHTS INSTALLATION IN ALL THE COMMUNITIES BETWEEN AGBODO AND OKUMI/BANDA COMMUNITY

-INSTALLED SOLAR LIGHTS IN THE POPULAR MEAT MARKET AT OLD MARKET,

*SOLAR IN LOKOJA 2*

WE HAVE INSTALLED SOLAR LIGHTS IN THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITIES IN LOKOJA 2:

1.MAMI COMMUNITY
2.EBBE COMMUNITY
3.MIKUGI COMMUNITY
4.BUDON TSOFO COMMUNITY
5 BUGE COMMUNITY.
6.EDDO COMMUNITY
7.TSANAWA COMMUNITY
8.ABUGI COMMUNITY
9.EGGAN COMMUNITY
10.AGBODO COMMUNITY
11.OWARA COMMUNITY
12.OMUWA COMMUNITY
13.OGBONGBORO COMMUNITY
14.JAMATA COMMUNITY
15.AKPANYA COMMUNITY
16.OHONO SOKWOGAYE COMMUNITY
17.OHONO COMMUNITY
18.ORETA COMMUNITY
19.UMORU UKU COMMUNITY
20.GBAUDE COMMUNITY
21.IZIHO COMMUNITY
22.KARARA COMMUNITY
23.EBUGABI COMMUNITY
24.IGOTI COMMUNITY
25.AGBAJA COMMUNITY.

*SOLAR IN KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT*

WE HAVE INSTALLED SOLAR LIGHTS IN THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITIES IN KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

1.ETE COMMUNITY
2.OKOFI COMMUNITY
3.ADAGIMA COMMUNITY
4.UGWO COMMUNITY
5.OGBANGEDE COMMUNITY
6.IRENODU COMMUNITY
7.ODAMARUKU COMMUNITY
8.ODAMA COMMUNITY
9.IBOHU COMMUNITY
10.IKUMO COMMUNITY
11.OKPAKA COMMUNITY
12.GEGU COMMUNITY
13.NYABA COMMUNITY

*SOLAR LIGHTS IN LOKOJA 1*

1- SARKIN-NOMA
2- SARDAUNA JUNCTION
3- KABAWA
4- UNGWAR-KURA
5- UNGWAR PAWA
6- MALLAM BABATUNDE JUNCTION
7- MAIGARI PALACE
8- UNGWAR-HAMZA
9- MAYAKI
10- KARAWORO BISHOP DELISELE JUNCTION.
11- INNER KARAWORO THROUGH SHEHU EBAIYA RESIDENCE TO KUTEPA MOSQUE DOWN TO CSS BOOKSHOP COMMUNITIES
12- OLD CENTRAL MOSQUE THROUGH TUDUN-FAILA COMMUNITIES.
13- STREETS WITHIN ADANKOLO COMMUNITY ALSO GOT STREET LIGHTS,

-REHABILITATED A FAULTY BOREHOLE IN UKWO-ONYAKU KOTON-KARFE.

-TRAINED AND EMPOWERED 1000 CONSTITUENTS IN FISHERY, POULTRY, AND LIVESTOCK FARMING WITH THE SUM OF 50,000 NAIRA EACH TOTALLING 50 MILLION NAIRA. THIS IS EXCLUDING WHAT WE PAID THE FACILITATORS FOR THE TRAINING, SECURITY THE VENUE AND REFRESHMENTS.

-REHABILITATED FAULTY MOTORIZED BOREHOLES IN:
NEW LAYOUT
MADABO CENTER
EUROPEAN CEMETERY
YARAGI JUNCTION
KWATAN-KOTO

-DRILLED A MOTORIZED BOREHOLE IN ADANKOLO COMMUNITY.
-DRILLED AND DELIVERED A MOTORIZED BOREHOLE IN GEGU-BEKI.

*ON EMPLOYMENT:*

SUCCESSFULLY EMPLOYED OVER 10 PERSONS INTO THE CIVIL DEFENCE CORP, POLICE, IMMIGRATION AND SOME FEDERAL POLYTECHNICS.
WHILE EMPLOYMENTS ARE STILL ON FOR NURSES, MEDICAL DOCTORS ACROSS FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITALS INCLUDING FEDERAL TERRITORY INSTITUTION WHERE WE HAVE INFLUENCED MORE EMPLOYMENTS AND SOME PERSONS HAVE GONE FOR INTERVIEW AND SOME ARE ON DOCUMENTATION PROCESS.

KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT

 

KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT MOURNS THE PASSING OF HIS HOLINESS, POPE FRANCIS

The Kogi State Government joins millions of Catholic faithful and Christians around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of the State, extends his deepest condolences to the Vatican, the global Catholic community, and indeed, all people of faith who are touched by this profound loss.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, was a towering figure whose moral clarity, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace and humanity resonated across continents. He was not only a spiritual shepherd to over a billion Catholics, but also a tireless advocate for justice, compassion, and the dignity of the human person. His voice rang clear in times of crisis, calling the world to higher ideals and deeper reflection.

His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo remembers Pope Francis as a rare beacon of hope and healing in a world often threatened by division and strife. His life was a testament to the power of faith, unity, and love for mankind.

As the world bids farewell to this great leader, we pray that his legacy will continue to inspire global efforts toward peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Signed:

Kingsley Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications
Kogi State

21/04/2025

Easter: Former Kogi Assembly Speaker Greets Christians, solicits prayers, sacrifice for progress of Kogi State.

 

The immediate past Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Mathew Kolawole has called on citizens to reflect deeply on the selfless life of Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for the redemption of mankind.

Prince Kolawole, in his 2025 Easter message, maintained that it was only through selflessness and sacrifice that Kogi State and indeed, Nigeria can attain the desired economic progress.

In a statement issued to Newsmen in Lokoja, the former Speaker said: “Easter represents a very significant moment in our lives as Christians. Significant in the sense that it is sobering that someone, whom no fault was found in him, sacrificed his life on the cross that we may live.

“His death on the cross and resurrection remind us all about selflessness, the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, love and compassion over hate. These were the cardinal planks of Christ’s teachings before his crucifixion.”

He enjoined Christian faithful to imbibe the virtues of peace, love, sacrifice and forgiveness which he stressed, represent the core values of Easter, however, insisted that it was only these lofty ideals that could help in building a virile, cohesive and progressive Kogi State.”

Continuing, Prince Kolawole said: “As the season of fasting finally comes to an end and ushering in Easter, I wish to remind all of us as Christians, that we share a common hunger for clarity about what is good; and what is evil. We must, therefore, strive to re-focus on what is most central and critical to the re-engineering of our State.”

While urging Christians to use the significance of the Easter celebration which he noted was a bold statement of sacrifice and redemption to cultivate the spirit of compassion and forgiveness, he emphasized that “the season offers us the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of peace and unity.”

He stressed the need for continuous prayers for the sustenance of the prevailing peace in the State and Nigeria in general, said without peace, we cannot achieve the development we yearn for, as a people.

“The peace we are enjoying today in the state and district is owed, largely, to the prayers and support of all of you, even as I urge you to continue in this momentum by upholding the values that unite us rather than those that seek to pull us apart.”

Prince Kolawole reaffirmed his commitment to serving Kogi State First, noted that “I remain resolute to serving humanity”, urged Kogites to embrace God with every cell of their being, every yearning of their soul, and every muscle of their will. This is important because without God in our affairs, we can not berth our aspirations as a State.”

SSA Energy tours Dodogbagi community on Easter Break

By Hon Chris Ben-Kato Senior Special Assistant on Information and communication strategy

Governor Ododo’s Senior Special Assistant on Energy, Hon Isiaka Ibrahim Saliu led a delegation of APC Chieftains on familiarization visit to Dodogbagi community in Eforo Ward, Bassa Local Government Area during the Easter break.
Hon Isiaka who embarked on the visit along side the Senior Special Assistant on Information and communication strategy, Hon Chris Ben-Kato with other Bassa APC Chieftains first called on the Gago of Dodogbagi, His Royal Highness, Chief Mukailu Jibrin Suleiman.
Hon Isiaka thanked the Royal father for maintaining peace in his domain and assured him of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers in the state.
In his response the Royal father Chief Mukailu Jibrin Suleiman thanked the APC Chieftains for their visit to his community. He assured them of his continued support to the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the state.
Addressing APC supporters and well wishers at Dodogbagi, Hon Isiaka assured the people of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to Kogi rural transformation. He said every ward and community will witness good things from Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo led-administration in the state.
The SSA on Energy also delivered a good will message from Bassa Council Chairman, Hon Theophilus Adama. He stated that the chairman said he is committed towards the restoration of a police post in the community to boost security in the area.
Hon Isiaka urged the people to keep supporting the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo noting that the governor is fully committed to the welfare of Kogi people.
On her part, the Bassa Council Leader, Hon (Hajia) Sekinat Adamu who was on the entourage of SSA Energy told the women in the area that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is women friendly. She called on them to keep supporting the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for women to witness more dividends of democracy in the area and in the state at large.
The SSA Energy was accompanied on the familiarization visit by the Bassa Supervisory Councillor on Budget and planning, Hon Abdulganiyu Musa, Bassa APC Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Akanya, Bassa APC Chieftains, Jarius Ndako, Idris Alloma, Abdulrazaq Jibrin, Ayuba Salawu and two former Bassa Councilors, Hon Umar Rogodo and Hon Nda Mohammed.

X-raying Gov. Ododo’s acquisition mining equipments with 15 licenses and the great benefits for Kogi State

 

Ododo

By Hon Chris Ben-Kato Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Strategy

“Great men are the guideposts and landmarks of the state.”
Edmund Burke

For over thirty six years of Kogi State’s creation, federal allocation has remained to be its major revenue earning. This of course has not helped in fast tracking the speedy development needed for the people of the state.
In hailing the giant strides of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s laudable step on the State solid minerals where he acquired mining tractors with fifteen mining licenses, we cannot however shy away from the innovation of his predecessor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello who in the first place saw the need to create the ministry of Solid Minerals and placed a young vibrant administrator, Alhaji Bashir Gegu as the pioneer Commissioner of the ministry.
His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has always had the mindset of placing Kogi State ahead of other states in terms of economic and human capital development. There is no doubt that, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo who succeeded him in office is already towing the same path of progress for the people of the state. And today Kogi State is better for it.
When His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo decided to take the initiative of harnessing the solid minerals of the state, his vision is to improve the revenue generation of the state and expand the needed development in the state .
It is an open secret that individuals and private organizations have been tapping the minerals of the state and milking the state dry of its God given resources. It is even more painful to discover that even foreigners with local collaborators are milking the state resources with nothing in return for the state.
Suffice it to say here that Kogi State is one of the state that God in his infinite mercies endowed with not less than thirty mineral resources. From Marble, Columbine, Quartz, Sand, Gold etc, the state has what it takes to be a leading processor of solid minerals in the country.
The positive initiative of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in acquiring solid minerals extraction tractors is the first of its kind in the state. To say the most, His Excellency’s initiative would go a long way in providing employment to many citizens of the state thereby improving the livelihood of the people of the state.
In his disposition as a governor with long term vision for the empowerment of the people, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has already earmarked twenty five thousand youths who are to be trained on solid mineral extraction.With these, many youths of the state would be empowered economically and they will use the opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is a great leader, he is a politician with long vision for the economic development of the state. Today one can safely say Edmund Burke’s timely wisdom in saying “Great men are the guideposts and landmarks of the state” can succinctly be summed up in His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s great vision for the development of Kogi State.
While it might be too early for some people to front for His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s second term but looking at his giant strides in the field of education, road construction, human capital development, security, political stability in the state etc etc one cannot but squarely say one good term deserves another.
No doubt, with His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s innovation on the solid minerals of the state, Kogi State is set to compete favourably in economic development. These would be made possible because the governor is a leader and a politician with every day vision to transform the state for the good of the people of the state and posterity.
BRAVO HIS EXCELLENCY ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO
ONE GOOD TERM DESERVES ANOTHER

Hon Chris Ben-Kato is the Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Strategy to the Executive Governor of Kogi, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo

Tosin Eniolorunda, the founder of Moniepoint, is a wealthy young man.

 

He will be 40 this year and should be unarguably one of the richest, brightest young minds of my generation.

According to unofficial estimates, his stake at Moniepoint is worth over $100 million.

But he was not always this wealthy; running and founding Monie Point changed his life.

Prior to 2017, before Moniepoint was founded, Tosin was just a tech entrepreneur who ran a software consulting company, and he was living at 1004 Estate in Lagos at that time.

What Tosin’s consulting company does is simple: provide a software solution that Nigerian banks use for their day-to-day operations.

But they were doing more than that.

They also build bank apps.

Sterling Bank and Unity Bank apps were built by Tosin and his team at Team Apt, the name of the software company.

Until one day, Tosin got an email from Sterling Bank that the bank is pulling out and does no longer require the services of Team Apt.

Tosin’s mind went blank; he was driving on Ikoyi Road when the message came in.

Sterling Bank was an important, valuable customer, and losing them was a fatal blow for his business cash flow and a monumental setback for his young, budding tech business.

How he was able to get to his destination after digesting that mail was a miracle.

From that setback, his team went back to the trenches to strategize and plan on how to stay afloat.

From that setback, that was how the Dream Monie point was born.

For Monie Point to become a reality and not suffer a stillbirth, one man so much believed in Tosin and in his dream to revolutionize the fintech industry, one customer at a time.

His name is Olu Oyinsa, and he runs Oui Capital, an early-stage African venture capital firm that invests in fintechs and early-stage tech companies.

He met Tosin and was like, Yo! This guy is different, and because of that conviction, he invested $150,000 in Moniepoint for a 1.2% stake in Moniepoint, and his investment was done in 2019.

His understanding of the banking technology stack and payment infrastructure was impressive. I knew he was up to something exciting,” Oyinsan recalled.

Without that conviction and strong belief in Tosin and Moniepoint by Olu Oyinsan, Moniepoint could have died.

Fast forward to 5 years later, after the $150,000 investment into Monie Point was made.

Monie Point has grown, has scaled, and is now a unicorn (a company worth $1 billion and above).

That $150,000 invested into Moniepont in 2019 is now worth more than $10 millon.

Last month, Olu and his team partially took out $8 million from their investment in 2019.

A very successful exit success story and rare in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem

My brother Ozii Baba Anieto wrote a brilliant article today as he queried the reason why our Igbo Odogwus don’t support and back creatives and tech entrepreneurs of Igbo extraction, and my mind went back to Tosin and his incredible Monie point story.

Tosin would not have come this far with his monie point dream if he were to be an Igbo boy born and living in Onitsha.

A reminder that location of birth is important and contributes to the final outcome in life.

Where would he have seen the odogwu with the patient capital in Onitsha to invest $150,000 on his dream since 2019?

My Odogwu’s from the east prefer to invest in frivolities and vanity.

Zenco’s friends raised over 1 billion for him during his mother’s burial.

And I’m also guilty of this.

A friend of mine is about to wed; his committee of friends, which they added me to, has raised over 200 million for him.

I sent 500k this morning, and before I sent the money, I asked myself, would this committee of friends have funded Tosin’s dream to build Moniepoint, assuming we have a Tosin here in this group who wants to build the next Moniepoint?

The answer is no because we prefer funding frivolities instead of substance.

No wonder the southeast is decaying and stagnated.

And suffering from brain drain syndrome too.

Our young, talented minds are fleeing in droves to Lagos because there is no opportunity for them in the east to thrive and flourish.

The next Tosin living in the southeast who stayed back and who wants to build the next monie point is doubting himself, whether he made the right decision by staying back.

He is frustated because the odogwu’s in the southeast don’t understand what he is talking about, what he is building, as they will prefer to invest their money in a lavish burial for a dead relative rather than backing our young minds, the next Tosin, who is building and creating the future.

As Igbos, we have a lot of introspection to do.

We are distracted by vanity and so are not paying attention.

Our land is poorer today because of this indiscretion.

©Chukwudi Iwuchukwu

Tribute to My Mother on Her 60th Birthday and Retirement

 

Today, we celebrate not just a milestone of age, but a lifetime of grace, strength, and purpose. As you turn 60 and retire from the Nigerian civil service with an unblemished record, I am filled with deep pride and gratitude. You have served your country with unwavering dedication, integrity, and humility — leaving behind a legacy of honor that speaks louder than any words ever could.

But beyond your professional achievements, it is your role as a mother that truly defines your essence. You are a pillar of strength and grace, whose unwavering love, steadfast faith, and countless silent sacrifices have laid the foundation of my life. Through every trial and triumph, you remained a source of calm, wisdom, and unconditional support.

Your life is a beautiful reminder of what it means to lead with compassion, to serve with sincerity, and to love without expectation.

As you begin this new chapter, I pray that Allah (SWT) blesses you with a long life in good health, increases you in taqwa (God-consciousness), grants you more devotion in worship, and envelopes your days with His endless mercy, barakah, and khair. May your retirement be filled with tranquility, joyful moments, and continued service to Allah and humanity. And may Jannatul Firdaus be your ultimate reward, Ameen.

Happy 60th birthday, dearest mother, and congratulations on a most honorable retirement. I love you deeply, and I am forever proud to call you my mother.

Your Son
Eneye (DSO)

Easter: International President, Standup For Women Society Greets Christians

 

… Says May Blessings of Christ Jesus’ Resurrection Be Revealed In Us

The International President of The Standup For Women Society Barr. Deborah. A. Ijadele-Adetona celebrates with Christians worldwide on Easter which signifies the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Ijadele used the occasion to emphasize on patience amongst women globally, urging them to build a society free of lawlessness and violence.

In her message made public by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Lib. Billie Nwogu, the president wishes all who celebrate Easter to continue to believe with faith to enjoy the spiritual blessings the death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand for.

” May these sacred days bring hope, renewal, and love to individuals and our communities

As we reflect on Jesus Christ’s resurrection, let us remember the importance of compassion, kindness, and peace” She said.

The SWS International President, calls on women to support good governance with prayers and as well standing in unity to be a voice to the voiceless.

Barr. Deborah recognises the efforts of SWS members across Nigeria and Internationally towards ensuring abused women and men get the justice they deserve.

She sends a strong warning to those who derive pleasure in molesting and abusing people to stop their bad habits, saying SWS is in states and countries to correct abnormalities and build healthier societies.

2025 Ovia-Osese: ODU appeals to Kogi Govt to build tourism

 

A sociocultural group, Ogori Descendant Union (ODU) has appealed to Kogi state government to help the union in building tourism around Ovia-Osese to boost the cultural festival.

The President of the Union Dr. Gabriel Aiso made the appeal on Friday when he visited the Managing Director of the Graphic Newspaper in Lokoja ahead of the 2025 Ovia – Osese festival expected to start on the 26th April to 3rd May, 2025.

Dr. Aiso who described the festival as a flagship identity of Ogori people, stated that the tourist sites abound in the community when developed has the capacity to benefit the people both economically.

“Ovia-Osese which is the only festival in the state that is registered nationally and recognized by UNESCO. We have many historical sites that when develop it will attract huge revenue to the state through tourism.

“The spot where the Ogorians won the war between them and Jambadi a Nupe warrior is still there, we have spring water that does not dry even during dry season, we have palm trees with three heads among others that we want our governor Alhaji Usman Ododo to help us develop so that it can benefit the Ogori people, Kogi central and the entire state” he stated.

Speaking further, the national president said Ovia-Osese is as old as Ogori, noting that the festival is annually organized for the initiation of young girls or maidens known as Ivia into womanhood.

He added that the festival symbolizes chastity, virginity, purity in conformity with the laws and social norms of the Ogori people.

“Ovia-Osese is ancient festival. It is like a school where young girls are taught to be responsible to their husbands and the society. There is no fetish activities attached to the festival. It is purely cultural” he stated.

In his remarks, the Managing Director , Graphic Newspaper Mr Yusuf Jimoh Itopa advised the national president to synergize with the media to enable him succeed in his task of showcasing the rich culture of the Ogori people.