Don blames caregivers for rise in examination malpractice

A Lecturer with the Mass Communication Department of Kogi State University, Anyigba, Mr. Gabriel Hassan Ottah, has decried the rise in the menace of examination malpractice in institutions of learning in the country, saying that proactive measures were necessary to mitigate its effect on students and the society. Otttah, who was the Guest Speaker during the 9th Graduation Ceremony of the Polytechnic Secondary School, Idah, where he said parents, relations and even school heads and their teachers tend to pursue their wards too hard to get the certificate at all cost. While also explaining that an ideal learning environment was necessary for the students to excel, he said conducive atmosphere would encourage the students to put in their best in their academics. He says: “An ideal learning environment should have spacious, conducive classrooms, well stocked libraries and internet facilities among others. Where such facilities are lacking, malpractice sets in.” The Mass Communication don stressed the need for quality foundation in the education of the children, saying that candidates also fall back on examination malpractice because of foundational deficiencies. He frowned at the situation where a candidate seeking admission into either secondary school or higher institution is admitted despite his inability to make one simple sentence correctly, adding that there was need for new candidates to be adequately screened before being offered the admission. “Examination malpractice thrives where parents or guardians encourage their wards either by paying to further their cause or directly urging the students to practice it. Some parents pay subject teachers to leak questions to their wards. Parents also encourage malpractice by frowning at their wards for not performing well in examinations.” He mentioned the types of examination malpractices to include: girrafing, sign, extra sheet, photographic, formation, tattoo and other methods, noting that the country is in danger of being plunged into a session of political, economic and social darkness that would almost be impossible to redeem if the menace is allowed to fester.

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Kogi State University calls for submission of poems

This is to inform poets in Kogi State University, Anyigba and poets outside that there is a call for submission of poems about the institution to be published as eBook. Title: SUNRISE ON THE CONFLUENCE Guidelines: -All poems should be sent to kogistateunivpoem@yahoo.com or kogistateunivpoem@gmail.com -Poem’s theme must be Kogi State University; no limit to style, structure and length. -Maximum of three poems per poet. -Poems should be sent as attachment or body of mail with short bio of the poet. -Deadline is August 10, 2016. Poems will be edited by Poet Momoh Ayuba Danjumah and Poet Kolawole Paul Taiye; both are students of the institution studying History and international studies and English and Literary studies respectively. For more info call: 08099726821 and 0818 703 6074

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we will call of the strike today if...- ASUU

Kogi State University (KSU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said it will call off its three-month-old strike once the state government clears backlog of the two months’ salary arrears owed lecturers. Acting chairman of ASUU, Dr Daniel Aina, who addressed a press conference in Lokoja, said the congress had resolved that the strike action would be sustained “till the last kobo owed is paid and that the action will be invoked anytime delay in salary payment goes beyond the 7th day of the succeeding month.” Dr Aina explained that the insistence of ASUU that all outstanding salaries be paid before resumption of work was in view of its intolerance for corruption amongst its members, adding that corruption tendencies would be rife once salary payments were delayed. The union also expressed worry over the poor response of the state government to some of the issues affecting lecturers in the university, adding that government must live up to its responsibility for the institution to attain quality academic standard. Dr Aina said besides the issue of salary payments, there were other grievances bordering on heavy taxation, non-implementation of contributory pensions, arrears of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) between 2009-2014 and university autonomy which were yet to be addressed. He said the university had witnessed mass exodus of lecturers in recent times while lecturers who would have come to the institution on sabbatical were often discouraged due to the situation on ground. “Prompt payment of salary is a sine qua non for the sustenance and growth of the Ivory Tower,” he said. Credits: Itodo Daniel Sule/Daily Trust

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Kogi to Partner Ajaokuta Steel Company on Job Creation, Skill Acquisition Training

By Ismail M Kabir

The Special Adviser on Job Creation and SMEs development, Hon. Abdulkareem Onyekehi today met with the Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Dr. Joseph Onobere at the Steel City, Ajaokuta. Hon. Abdulkareem said the visit was to familiarise with the complex and open talks on areas of possible collaboration with the steel company in creating jobs for multitudes of unemployed youths in the state. In an address to the administrator, the special adviser lauded the efforts of Dr. Onobere in repositioning the steel company after decades of neglect by past governments in Nigeria. "Ajaokuta is the bedrock of the nation's industrialization and the largest Federal Government’s investment in the country till this day. “As the Special Adviser to Governor Yahaya Bello on Job creation and SMEs development and for the fact that Ajaokuta is my constituency, I owe it a duty to familiarise with the steel plant, work closely with the management as part of the commitment to deliver on my mandate". Hon Onyekehi commended in particular, the political will of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Yahaya Bello to revive the steel plant as part of the nation’s economic diversification drive of the APC-led administration. Dr. Onobere while appreciating the bold step taken by the Special Adviser said that Ajasteel complex remains Nigeria's hope of true industrialization, describing it as an integrated steel plant with over 40 industries. He noted that upon commencement of full operation, the steel industry will generate millions of jobs for Nigerians as well as creating wealth for the host community in particular. "Ajaokuta steel company has the capacity to transform the Nigerian economy and set the nation on self-dependence while creating millions of jobs for the unemployed Nigerians", Onobere said. He stressed that only the technical department of the company can directly employ over 10,000 technicians with the capacity to generate additional 500,000 indirect jobs. The sole administrator led the special adviser and his team to the Metallurgical Training Center (MTC), an integral training institute within the complex. Dr. Onobere said the state government could utilize the facility in providing Kogi youths with metallurgical training and other related skills for their employability at the steel company upon full take off and elsewhere. Hon. Onyekehi pledged his commitment to working closely with the management of the steel company in harnessing the opportunities as part of his mandate in job creation for Kogi youths. The sole administrator implored the special adviser to encourage other top officials of Kogi state government to visit the complex for a tour of the plant with a view to embrace the economic benefits for the success of the New Direction policy of Yahaya Bello administration. Credit: Ebirareporters

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Police Dislodge More Kidnap Gangs in Kogi, Rescue Victims As Kidnappers Suffer Fatality

The Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) has again smashed more notorious kidnap gangs that have terrorized Kogi State and its environs and rescued four kidnapped victims at different locations in Kogi State. In a special intelligence led operation conducted by the operatives of the Intelligence Response Team of the IGP’s Monitoring Unit at different black spots in Kogi State, three members of a notorious kidnap gang that has for a while operated in major cities in Kogi and neighbouring States were trailed and arrested at their hideouts in the outskirt of Egume and Anyimgba Towns in Kogi State. In a press release signed by the force public relations officer, Don Awunah, the leader of the gang, who gave his name as Ibrahim Nasarawa, led the operatives of Intelligence Response Team to their den where Edward Abutu Amedu was held hostage. On sighting the Operatives, the armed guards who were stationed by the gang to keep watch over their victims opened fire on the Police and the operatives responded and overpowered them in a tactical operation that saw three members of the kidnap gang suffer fatal injuries while their victim was rescued unhurt. Awunah confirmed that two policemen sustained gunshot injuries and are currently responding to treatment in the hospital while the other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds. In another coordinated operation based on credible intelligence generated by Operatives of the intelligence Response Team, three members of a dare-devil kidnap gang that abducted Mrs. Mayo Ohemi, Nichodemus Kadiri and Miss Victoria Abdul from Acharu Egume area of Kogi State were arrested and their confession led to the rescue of the victims who were incarcerated in the kidnappers’ camp from where they demanded a ransom of twenty million naira. The rescued victims who sustained various degrees of injuries in the hands of their abductors are now receiving treatment in the Hospital. The arrested suspects are; Ojonimi Negedu, Awodi Ezekiel and Micheal Sule. This renewed onslaught on criminal elements in Kogi State is designed by the Inspector-General of Police to stem the tide of kidnapping for ransom armed robbery and other criminal activities and shall be sustained until all the criminal elements are flushed out of the State. IGP Idris warns all criminal elements operating in any part of the Federation to turn new leaf. He assures the general public of his determination to provide community oriented service that will ensure active community partnership in crime prevention and control.

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LG Workers Who Have Not Been Paid Will Soon Receive Their Salaries – ALGON Chairman

... salaries paid in batches

The Kogi State Chairman of the Association of Local Govt of Nigeria, ALGON, Honourable Taufiq Isah, has said all the genuine workers that have not received their salary arrears would definitely get their pay. Isah, who doubled as the Administrator of Ijumu local government council, said this at the end of the meeting held with the Administrators, and the Auditor General of the Local Govt of the state, Alhaji Usman Ododo. He assured workers that the omission witnessed so far were not deliberate and noted that the problems would be solved by the banks. Isah further appealed to civil servants to be patient as the banks are paying salaries in batches. “Workers should be patient with the Kogi state government as regards the ongoing payment of salaries. Those who have not been paid should not be discouraged, their money would come to them”, he said. The ALGON boss stated that the Administrators had met with the designated banks paying salaries and ministry of local government and they have assured that those genuine workers that are yet to receive monies or bank account numbers will soon have reasons to smile. Credit:Kogireports

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Kogi varsity students protest three months’ closure

The students of the Kogi State University, Anyigba yesterday brought commercial activities in the state Capital, Lokoja to a standstill as they embarked on a peaceful protest over the three month-old strike by lecturers of the school. Members of the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had embarked on the strike over alleged unresolved salary issues with the state government. The students in their numbers occupied the popular Ganaja Junction as early as 8.30am, paralysing business activities in parts of Lokoja. They demanded for immediate resolution of the impasse between ASUU and the state government and ASUU, saying that their concern remains the immediate reopening of the university. They lamented that they have over stayed at home, saying that those who are expected to graduate will miss the annual NYSC programmes. In apparent dissatisfaction with the leadership of the student union body interventions, the students said they will not shift the ground, chanting anti-establishment songs, just as they demanded the immediate resolution of the logjam. “We want immediate resolution to the lingering crisis. We have over stayed at home. When it started, we thought it would be addressed immediately. Now we have spent three months at home while all other institutions in neighbouring states are graduating”, they stated. Efforts by the National President of the National Association of Nigeria Students whose name was not immediately made available to journalists was turned down by the students, as they alleged that the union leaders may been settled by the government. Similarly the angry mobs also manhandled the President of SUG who was trying to address the crowd, stating that his in actions has caused the students “three months at home”. Also, efforts by the State Commissioner of Police (CP) Yakubu Usman, the Director of State Security Service (SSS) and state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to pacify the students were rebuffed, as they insisted that they will only dialogue Governor Yahaya Bello. However, they later soft peddered, as they listened to the SSS boss, but insisted that the university must be reopened before they will agree to go back to Anyingba. Travelers passing through the state capital were worse off for it, as those caught up in the protest were stranded, as the angry students barricaded roads leading the Eastern part of the stat and the South East and South South parts of the country. Efforts to speak with government officials at the scene proved abortive as they refused to talk, just as the students refused to dialogue with them. It would recalled that the institution’s chapter of ASUU have been at loggerheads with the state government over unpaid salary and eventually embarked on the strike. The state government said it has paid four months salary arrears to the striking workers but ASUU insisted that the it offset all before it can return to work. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Mohammed Awwal at a press conference however appealed to the striking lecturers to return to the classrooms. He appealed with them to return to the classrooms for the sake of the students. “The ASUU strike affects not just the psyche of the students, but also causes further stress to the parents and ultimately tarnishes the reputation of our great state. ASUU is reminded that they were the first to be paid even when government could access only 40 percent of the bailout funds requested”, he stated.

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NANS gives Governor Bello seven days ultimatum over varsity

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) on Saturday gave seven days ultimatum to Gov. Mr Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to unconditional reopen the state university in Anyigba. A statement signed by the National President of NANS, Mr Tijani Shehu, made available to this reporter in Abuja, stated that the ultimatum would take effect from July 4. It said that the association called on the governor to immediately address their requests bothering on the state’s economy, welfare of Nigerian students of Kogi State origin and state workers. It said that failure of the government to do so; the association student would stage a protest on the streets of the state capital, Lokoja. It further said that the position of the association was based on the preliminary report from its Joint Campus Committee, Kogi State chapter. The statement said that the association expressed displeasure on “perpetual refusal’’ to resolve the crisis that led to the continued closure of the university. It said that the strike had kept the students at home for about three months, thereby, making most of them vulnerable to social vices and crimes. “We also decried the refusal of Kogi State Government to continue the age long policy of bursary and scholarship payment to Kogi students even when we know the state has not been this buoyant in the last one year. “It is our advocacy that the educational sector be accorded it rightful place in accordance to the UNESCO resolutions on educational development globally. “Also of serious concern is the continue withholding of three state allocations plus bailout funds meant to ameliorate the long suffering workers whose children are already out of school,’’ it added. The statement said that the association also condemned what it described as the crippling of the banking sector in the state as a result of the poor policy of the state government. It said that the state government had directed all staff to use only designated banks (Access and Zenith Bank) in eventual payment of their arrears. “This is leading to banks closing shops and leading to high retrenchment of staff, thereby worsening the state of already battered labour force and overriding their fundamental human right to basic freedom of choice,’’ it said. It added that the association demanded the reversal of the state policy on restricted banking, which they said was “killing the one time viable sector with the negative consequences on our tiny economy’’. It stated that the association called for immediate commencement of disbursement of students’ scholarship and bursary as well as prompt payment of staff salaries as at when due. “The National Secretariat hereby issues a seven days ultimatum with immediate effect from Monday July 4, on the governor to respond to our prayers. “The governor should do the needful before we pass a vote of no confidence on his administration. “We have resolve to start mobilizing Nigerian students down for a total short down of Kogi economy to occupy the street of Lokoja in solidarity with the poor masses and civil servant,’’ it stated. Recall that the Kogi State chapters of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP and Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU had since joined the state-wide strike declared by the State council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.

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West African Ceramics, located in Ajaokuta, is one ceramic company that has a mission and vision founded on a sound value system of hardwork, accountability, discipline, quality and consumer satisfaction. This, the company disclosed is with a view to attaining the vision of boosting the Nigeria economy through manufacturing of value added products and job creation for the teeming populace. The company was incorporated in 2006, to engage in the production of vitrified tiles, ceramics floor, wall and roofing tiles, has a present production capacity of 15000sqm per day with a future plan to expand production to 30,000sqm per day. Only few people are also aware that West African Ceramics Limited, Ajaokuta, was established in Nigeria since 1995 under the name Royal Ceramics, located in Suleja, Niger State, is a leading brand name in the Nigerian ceramics market and Sub-Saharan West African region due to growing demand for European standard quality tiles has no doubt carved a niche for itself. One basic fact that cannot be disputed about West African Ceramics, is the company’s value addition to its host communities and the people of the state. As much as 80% of a workforce of 1500(direct and indirect) labour force are from Kogi State, thereby making the company the largest employers of labour in the State. A cross section of workers who spoke about the operation of the West African Ceramics praised the company operators for their compliance with the extant labour laws of Nigeria. The praised the company most especially for its compliance with labour laws on employment, remuneration and the absorption, a feat that has engender peaceful employer employee relationship. The company’s concern over the rights of workers to rest and leisure cannot be over emphasized as workers in the organization attest to the fact that it is home away from home. Similarly, in the area of improve workers remuneration, respondents attest that it is above average when compared with other similar firms in the country, while workers are given the choice to work during weekends and holidays also received the commendation of most of the workers who spoke on the company’s operation, a feat they adduced are some reasons for the industrial harmony existing in the company. Workers of the West African Ceramic company also eulogized the company for its industrial legislation which seek to protect workers from work-related hazards, with evidence that abound that the company pays compensation for injuries. As part of its corporate social responsibilities to the host communities, the company has rehabilitated roads, provided relief materials to flood victims, provided portable drinking water to several communities of its host communities through the construction of several bore holes. Also the company in the area of education has awarded scholarship to indigent children from its host communities, provided electricity, built and renovated mosques and has began the process of building a church. These efforts of the company, achieved since it began operation in the state, has brought about a cordial and harmonious relationship between the company, the host and neighboring communities. Little wonder in their testament on how the firm has impacted the area, the Ohi of Eganyi and the Onu Ajaokuta, all revered traditional rulers, said the company is a blessing to the host communities, assuring that efforts is being made to create an enabling environment that would lead to maximum productivity for the company. The operation of the West African Ceramics is not without the usual challenge that confronts most businesses that operate in the country. Some of these challenges include not having a dedicated line of 33KVA of electricity, which would have led to reduction cost of production as it relate to energy. Similarly, the company’s huge expenditure on the cost of Natural Gas, through the Nigerian Gas Company, the dilapidated nature of the road that leads to the plant, which most times hinders easy access to the raw material and finished goods are some challenges affecting the organization. The prospects of the West African Ceramics to break even no doubt remains high and would motivate other would be investors to come to the state in view of the abundant raw materials available, the Federal and State Government can encourage the firm by patronizing their products for all government buildings and if possible enforce ban on substandard products (Tiles) as well as discourage the importation of foreign products, which can be made possible through increase in import duties on tiles. On the secret of its operational success story, the human resource Manager of West African Ceramics, Alhaji Abdulraheem Bello, and three others, namely, Alhaji Adama Samari (labour contractor), Alhaji Mohammed Ndanusa (administrative director) and a trustee of the National Union of Chemicals, Footwear, Rubber, Leather, and Non-Metallic Product Employees (NUCFLANMPE), Comrade Isiaku Musa, disclosed that the company’s policy put the interest, welfare of its staff and community first, little wonder the peaceful coexistence that has existed between the company and its major stakeholders. They also disclosed that complying with the relevant laws regulating industrial relations in Nigeria which places premium on the well-being of its workers as demonstrated in workers remuneration of a sum above the national minimum wage, ranging between N20,000 and above, depending on the categorisation the worker falls under” Bello said stands them out. He added that workers are entitled to one day off, per week, sick, casual and annual leaves. On overtime, popular among production firms, Bello said that workers in West African Ceramics are not forced to embark on overtime work. He added that the official working ours last between 7:00am and 4:00pm, with a one hour break interval, while workers are at liberty to do overtime which lasts between 4:00pm and 7:00pm Bello added that: “The confirmation of a staff on probation is legally six months, subject to performance.” Said the management has addressed the issue of appointment letters for its workers towards providing for them full employment status. Concerning, industrial safety, Bello said that the company has an industrial clinic to handle emergency cases and three other designated hospitals where sick staff are usually referred to for treatment, if need be. While he explained that workers are provided safety equipments while on duty, the negligence of employees not using protective wares he added is responsible for cases of accidents and gave an insight into an accident involving a staff, where the company spent over N4 million for treatment and compensation, he said. Without exaggeration, the establishment of West African Ceramics, has created jobs for the unemployed people and has given its host communities a new lease of life, can be said to be the best thing that has happened at Ajaokuta, a town in Kogi State that host the multi- billion naira moribund steel plant. Credit: KogiReports

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KSU Lecturers Determined To Continue Strike

By Onoja Johnson Baba In response to the the governor’s message delivered by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Ayoade Folashade Arike in a meeting held on the 28th June, 2016 at the SSG conference room in the state capital, Lokoja, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Kogi State University chapter has said it would continue on the “no pay, no work” action embarked upon 78days ago. This was made known after it held a congress today on the university campus Anyigba. According to a news story released by a member of the union, Mr. Ottah Gabriel, on his facebook timeline today, the lecturers unanimously resolved to continue the strike action until the state government pays the salaries owing them in full. Mr. Ottah wrote, “The Kogi State University Anyigba chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says the already 78-days old strike it embarked on following non payment of salaries and allowances by Kogi State government should continue. At a Congress today on the university campus, the lecturers said they would not return to work unless the state paid the outstanding salaries of May and June. The decision was reached after receiving a message from the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello through the Secretary to Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Arike. In the message, the Governor said he was not going back on his earlier stand, adding that he would not pay more salary arrears for now. The Governor asked the lecturers to return to duty if they loved their job or he would be compelled to take a stand. He had earlier said he would invoke the no-work-no-pay principle, or declare the positions of the lecturers vacant after a while. The academics, in a unanimous decision, vowed to remain at home till all outstanding salaries were cleared. They said no pay, no work. It would be recalled that the KSU ASUU went on strike on 14 April, and have not resumed. The state government had paid 4 of the outstanding salaries for the lecturers leaving only one month, but the ASUU said they asked for full clearance and not part payment. The face-off between ASUU and Bello has now lingered beyond expectation so that the state is now expected to pay for two months since June has ended. It is a battle between two giants. Who blinks first. Only time shall tell in this battle between the advocates of no work no pay and no pay no work.”

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Kalu wins player of the month title

There has been plenty of intriguing moments in the Nigeria Women
Premier League this June and plenty of individual brilliance on which to shine a light.

Seven players' stars shone brighter than most, but our team of experts have chosen Bayelsa Queens' Patience Kalu as the standout player of the month.

The winger, who scored three goals and accounted for two assists in the month in review fended off the challenge of Sarah Ilodubah (Osun Babes), Monday Gift (COD Ladies), Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons), Glory Iroka (Rivers Angels), Amirat Adebisi (FC Robo) and Vivian Ikechukwu (Abia Angels) to win the award which is powered by Futbalgalore.com.

Kalu, who is a phobia to defenders produced breathtaking performance
against Nasarawa Amazons and Osun Babes.

"It's an unbelievable achievement and it just shows how the club is doing as well as me. My team mates are putting me into the positions to score the goals, so I am obviously delighted to be named as the player of the month of June," Kalu said.

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Group demands End Kogi varsity Strike

Some prominent indigenes of Kogi State rallied together in Lagos at the weekend to seek ways of ending the lingering strike by the lecturers which paralysed academic activities at the Kogi State University for some time now. In a statement issued at the end of the parley, which was under the aegis of Kogi Professional Forum, KPF, the people appealed to Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and the government to apply the principle of effective dialogue in order to end the protracted face-off. The statement, which was signed by the National Convener of the forum and Secretary, Ibrahim Ali and Dr. Olushola Mathew respectively, also appealed to the school management to consider the efforts of Governor Yahaya Bello so far and call off its strike, which it noted was devastating and demoralising. The KPF, while acknowledging that the management of the school was fighting a just cause, urged them to also consider that the government of Yahaya Bello has accepted to bear responsibility of the burden transferred to his government from another administration, even as the group appealed to the university body to also consider the plight of the students who are the greatest losers in the face-off. The forum also applauded Bello over the renaming of the 15-year-old Kogi State University after the late Prince Abubakar Audu. It said re-naming the institution “Prince Abubakar Audu University,” is a welcome development aimed at immortalising the late former governor who worked hard for the progress of the state during his tenure. The group pledged that it was ready to work with the governor in achieving his dreams for the state, noting, “Governor Bello has proven that Kogi can regain its lost glory and that he is a visionary leader ready to make the state a place to reckon with in the nearest future.” Earlier this year, the governor assured civil servants in the state of the readiness of his government to build an iron-cast relationship with labour in order to deliver good governance to people of the state and give hope to all citizens of Kogi. Bello also promised an open-door policy, pledging a government of service to the people with transparency as bulwark of his development. Credit: National Mirror

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Kogi Auditor General Blames LG Staff over delayed salaries

The Kogi State Auditor General for Local Governments, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has shifted blames for delay in payment of salaries at local government areas in the state on questionable activities of certain staff members. Ododo, who disclosed the information while speaking about issues militating against the state’s civil service restructuring on Monday in Lokoja, said that refusal of the local government staff to furnish his office with certain documents was the key reason for delay in effecting three months back pay for civil servants at that level. “We, the citizens, are the real problem of this state, not the leaders,” Ododo said. “It took them a long time to release to us the information we requested for in the approved format. As we speak, some are yet to send us what we need to prepare their salaries. “Two weeks ago, we asked all the staff at the Local Government Education Authority to send us the list of their staff that have work schedules. Up until this moment, none have complied. So, how do we pay them?” The Auditor added that cleared teachers at local government level have been paid, in addition to 14 local council staff. The LGAs paid include Dekina, Okene, Yagba East, Yagba West, Ankpa, Adavi, Ofu, Omala, Lokoja, Ijumu, Mopa Amuro, Idah, Ajaokuta, and Okehi. He reinstated that 48 out of 55 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state have also been paid, while 4280 pensioners would be getting their money latest by Tuesday, June 28th

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35 states apply for FG's N90Billion Bailout

At least 35 states have so far applied to access the N90 billion loan earmarked by the federal government to boost state governments’ fiscal sustainability capabilities, The Nation reports. Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, disclosed that the 35 states “are in the process of submitting the required documentation the loan.” The minister said the monthly disbursements to each state will be based on compliance with pre-agreed Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) milestones. The FSP reforms, she said will take 18 months for full implementation, adding that there are key milestones within the period to measure compliance. Adeosun said, “The objective is to ensure that states are set on a path towards fiscal sustainability with a clear link between federal government funding and necessary reform.” “The FSP is also a path to supporting and increasing productivity and diversification of states economies, such as in agriculture in order to enhance food security and opportunities for exports. “The FSP is about transparency, accountability and sustainability. State governments have agreed to the 22 points. It is their (the states) plan, after consultation and discussions between the states and the Ministry of Finance.” “The government’s economic plan is strong on fiscal discipline, because people know we need to get our country working. And to do that we need to do three things – get the country’s spending in check with firm financial controls, raise money for targeted investment in much needed infrastructure and see us diversify the economy from a damaging dependence on oil.” “The economic blueprint is about putting in place the financial pillars to enable states to work effectively and to work effectively with the federal government, including as recipients of infrastructure investment. Getting this right will enable states to be critical economic drivers for prosperity and pillars of professional probity.”

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IGp Appoints Awunah PPRO

The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Ibrahim K Idris, has appointed DCP Don Awunah, as the new Force Public Relations Officer. Awunah succeeds ACP Olabisi Kolawole, who was the Force Public Relations Officer from August 2015 to June, 2016. Until his new assignment, DCP Don Awunah, who is a seasoned and thoroughbred officer, was the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Homicide Section of Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) Abuja. He holds B.A degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos and M.A in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Benue State University, Makurdi. He is a Fellow of Institute of security Studies (fsi), Fellow of Institute of Corporate Administration, and Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The outgoing Force PRO, ACP Olabisi Kolawole urged the media and the public to extend maximum cooperation to the new Spokesman, just as the new FPRO promised to work to increase the tempo of good relationship between the Police and the public in line with the policy thrust of the Nigeria Police Force. ROFILE OF DCP DONALD N. AWUNAH FSI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER DCP Donald N. Awunah fsi, an alumnus of many distinguished academic institutions, such as University of Ilorin, Ilorin (2014-2015), Institute of Security Studies, Abuja (2014), Benue State University, Makurdi (2009-2010, 1995-1996), Federal Polytechnic, Ida (1989-1990), University of Lagos (1981-1984), School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo (1978-1980), Padopads Harmony Secondary School, Makurdi (1973-1978), Ladi-Lak Primary School, Yaba, Lagos (1969-1973) and St. Mathias Primary School, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta (1968-1969). He obtained the following academic qualifications; M.A in International Relations and Strategic Studies in 2010, B.A (Hons) in Philosophy in 1984, ADPM in 1996 and Certificate in Mass Communication in 1990. Besides his core academic trainings and attainments, DCP Donald attended numerous Professional Police Courses within and outside the country namely: National Security Training in Israel (2015), UNODC Seminar for Criminal Justice Practitioners on the implementation of UN Convention Against Trans-national Organized Crime in Abuja (2002), Community Policing Training, Huston, USA (2007), Police Leadership and Management – Community Policing, Scottish Police College, Scotland (2003), Study Tour of England and Scotland Police Formations – Community Policing (2003), Crime Prevention: Trans-national Organised Crime – Unafei, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan (2000) and Advanced Detective Course (1991). He also has the following working experience; A member of the Nigeria Police Contingent to the UN Peace Keeping Mission in East-Timor (UNMIT) between (2008 – 2009) where he served as the UN Police Spokesperson. He served in various capacities in the Force; he was 2i/c Special Fraud Unit, FCID Abuja (2001), Assistant Commissioner of Police, Management Service (2009-2010), Area Commander, Owerri Area Command, Imo State (2010-2011), Assistant Commissioner of Police, CID ‘D’ Department, Akwa-Ibom State (2011-2013), Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Edo State (2014) and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge Homicide, FCIID (2014). He has also acquired proven skills in Police Public Relations and Extensive knowledge in detective and investigative work. A member of various professional bodies, among which are the Fellow, Institute of Security Studies (fsi), Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration and Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), DCP Don Awunah, a lover of sports, Reading, News Hunting and Man’O’ War Activities, is happily married with children.

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The Graphic Holds Inaugural Ramadan Lecture

The Graphic Newspaper, as part of its corporate Social Responsibilities has concluded arrangements to organize its inaugural Ramadan Lecture, scheduled to hold at the Secretariat of Kogi State Chapter of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lokoja. The lecture is expected to attract several Islamic Clerics and Muslims from within and outside Lokoja, the capital of the state. This is to notify all Muslims and other stakeholders that by this message, they are all invited to the lecture which promises to discuss contemporary issues affecting average Muslims in the society. The event is expected to come up on Wednesday, 29th of June, 2016 at the NUJ Press Centre.

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NASS Rule Forgery: Saraki, Ekweremadu, Two Others Plead Not Guilty, Secure Bail

The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, and two others, accused of forgery, have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, Premium Times reports. They were granted bail after their arraignment but Justice Haliru Yusuf ruled that they should be detained at the Kuje Maximum Prison in Abuja pending when they meet their bail conditions. The accused are expected to provide two sureties each with evidence of properties in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama and Garki areas of Abuja. Mr. Saraki’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, later told journalists that his client had met the bail condition and was proceeding home. All four defendants were later seen leaving the court premises the way they came. Mr. Saraki, Mr. Ekweremadu, a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and his deputy, Benedict Efeturi, are accused of illegally altering the Senate’s Standing Rule used in electing leaders and inaugurating the upper legislative chamber on June 9, 2015. The trial began Monday after Justice Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja asked the prosecution to issue notice of summons for the matter to the defendants by pasting it on the notice board of the National Assembly on June 21. The four accused persons immediately filed bail applications separately to prevent a possible detention after the hearing. Reacting to the application for bail the Director of Public Prosecution, office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Diri, asked for time to allow him file a counter affidavit. Subsequently the case was stood down for one hour. Outside the court premises a group of protesters were seeing carrying placards and chanting, “Defend our democracy”, “let democracy prevail”, among others. CREDIT: PremiumTimes

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Photo News: Ekiti People Have Had Enough of Fayose; Protest Against Him

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Army to Deploy Special Forces to Kogi on Monday –Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Tuesday said the Nigerian Army would soon deploy special forces to Kogi to help tackle crime in the state. Buratai disclosed this when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Yahaya Bello at the Government House in Lokoja. The army chief said plans were at an advanced stage to deploy the troops to the affected areas in the state. “I want to assure you that very soon we will deploy special forces to the state. “That is why I came here with the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison; he is getting them ready and by Monday they should be on ground. “They will come with their vehicles, they will come with their sustenance, so very soon they will come in and begin the operation,” Buratai said. Buratai expressed regrets that previous efforts to contain insecurity in the state had failed, assuring the people of the state of the army’s commitment to tackling the security challenge. Buratai also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state in checking insecurity. Responding, Bello decried the rising cases of kidnapping and armed banditry in some parts of the state. He said the situation was deteriorating as new cases of kidnapping were being reported on a daily basis. Bello solicited the support of the Federal Government to help rid the state of criminals. “With the support of the military and other security agencies in the state, the security situation in the state improved tremendously.” But the situation has changed, recently new cases are reported on a daily basis and this is frustrating. “It is so bad that some travellers who hitherto pass through the state have started running away from the state. ” "That is why we are soliciting the assistance of the Federal Government to help us with equipment and the force to clear the hills and forest where they are hiding,” he said. Bello said the state government recently launched a security awareness campaign known as “Operation Know Your Neighbour.’’ He emphasised the need for citizens to be conscious of happenings around them. Bello added that all buildings linked to any kidnap kingpin would be demolished. Buratai was on a working visit to army formations in the state.

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Aisha Buhari Donates Food items to the Less Privileged in Kogi State

According to her, the plight of the widows and less privileged ones in the society remains a serious concern, hence the need for the support. “This is part of my contributions to nation building; we cannot pretend that these set of people don’t exist in our society. “We have carried out this same gesture in other states of the federation, because the essence of living is to be our brothers’ keeper. “So, these materials are just my token gesture to assist those who are in dire need of help in our country”, she said. The wife of the president appealed to the people to support the APC administration to deliver dividends of democracy. She urged the people of the state and all Nigerians to remain peaceful at all times. Wife of Kogi State Governor, Mrs Rashida Bello, said she was also committed to improving the lives of widows and the less privileged in the society.‎ She also called on Kogi women to render support and prayers for the first family.

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