Tag: Kogi State

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Six die, others wounded in Kogi road crash, Ododo consoles families

Six people have died, and others have been wounded in a road crash along the Lokoja–Okene road. 

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the accident involved a bus carrying passengers returning from the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held on Wednesday at the Government House, Lokoja. 

“The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene road, claimed six precious lives,” Fanwo said in a statement. 

“Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.” 

Fanwo said the Kogi Government and people of the North-Central state are saddened by the incident and “mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them”.

He said: “The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history”.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the Kogi State Government has deployed personnel to the hospitals to ensure the victims receive the best possible treatment.

They are also to provide support to their families.

“Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude,” he said. (Channels)

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Senate confirms Amupitan as INEC chairman

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.

Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.

He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.

At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.

Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.

Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.

According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.

The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.

The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.

The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. (Punch)

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Kogi gov father, Alhaji Ododo, dies at 83

The father of Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, is dead.

His death was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.

Fanwo described the 83-year-old Momohsani as a devout Muslim who would be buried in line with Islamic traditions.

The statement reads: “The Kogi State Government regrets to announce the passing of the father of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, who returned to his Creator a few hours ago at the age of 83.

“His Janazah (funeral) will be conducted and he will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

“We pray to Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

“We also pray that Almighty Allah grants the Governor, his family, and the entire Ododo family the strength to bear this great loss with fortitude.”

Although details of the circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed, government officials and political leaders in Kogi are expected to pay tributes to the governor’s late father, who was widely respected in his community.

The late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including Governor Usman Ododo, who assumed office in January 2024. (Punch)