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Category: Government

  • Kogi State Mourns Passing Of Renowned Pathologist, Prof. Albert Anjorin.

    Kogi State Mourns Passing Of Renowned Pathologist, Prof. Albert Anjorin.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Kogi State Government has expressed its deep sadness over the passing of Professor Albert Anjorin, a distinguished son of the state and a pioneer in the field of Pathology in Nigeria.

    In a condolence message signed by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described Anjorin as a mentor to generations of medical professionals and a man of great brilliance, humility, and commitment to humanity.

    Fanwo said,“Professor Anjorin was a pioneer in the field of Pathology in Nigeria, a mentor to generations of medical professionals, and a man whose brilliance, humility, and commitment to humanity earned him admiration across the world.”

    “From his early days in Orokere-Amuro to his rise as a respected scholar and administrator, he carried the values of excellence, integrity, and service with great devotion.”

    “His contributions to medical education and healthcare development, particularly through his outstanding leadership at the University of Ilorin, have left an indelible mark that will continue to shape lives for many years to come. Kogi State is proud of the global footprints he made and the countless individuals he inspired.”

    “At this difficult moment, the Government of Kogi State commiserates with his family, the Orokere-Amuro community, the Okun nation, the medical community, and all who mourn this great loss. We pray that God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his loved ones the strength to bear this painful departure.”

    “Professor Anjorin lived a life of impact. His legacy will remain a guiding light for future generations.”the statement reads

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Anambra Social Budgetary Analysis: Leaving No One Behind.

    Anambra Social Budgetary Analysis: Leaving No One Behind.

    By Christian ABURIME

    In Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s ₦757.9 billion “Changing Gears 3.0” budget, the Social Sector receives the second-highest percentage increase of all major sectors: a striking 31.4% over 2025. This is not charity dressed as policy.

    It is the intentional, progressive heart of an administration whose party (APGA) was founded on the credo “Onye aghana nwanne ya” – be your brother’s and sister’s keeper.

    While roads, industries, and innovation grab headlines, the 31.4% surge in social-sector funding is the quiet engine that will ensure Anambra’s growth is inclusive, sustainable, and human-centred.

    It is proof that Governor Soludo’s vision of a “livable and prosperous homeland” is not just for the middle class and investors; it is for the woman in the village who has never seen a hospital, the hawker who pays no tax, and the child who would otherwise never step into a classroom.

    Tens of thousands of poor rural and peri-urban households will receive 10-15 high-value economic trees (oil palm, coconut, ukwa, bitter kola, soursop, etc.) per family, plus starter fertiliser and extension support. In 2026, the programme will expand from the current coverage to every one of the 326 political wards.

    There will be direct cash grants (₦100,000-₦500,000 range) to verified micro and small enterprises in all 326 wards, targeted at women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

    This is not a one-off palliative; recipients will receive business training and will be linked to cooperative credit schemes.

    The zero-tax policy for the informal sector will be continued and expanded. Petty traders, vulcanisers, wheelbarrow pushers, okada riders, and market women will remain completely exempted from every form of state and local government taxation and levies.

    Enhanced support for the elderly and vulnerable will also be taken care of. This includes clearance of the final tranche of 17-year arrears owed to former Water Corporation workers; increased monthly stipends for the aged and indigent under the state’s social register; and expansion of the free healthcare package beyond antenatal/delivery to cover more chronic conditions for the poorest.

    Under community social infrastructure, the government will continue co-funding with communities for town halls, civic centres, skills acquisition centres, and women/youth development hubs.

    Full operationalisation of the Anambra State Social Protection Agency with a unified beneficiary register will built on the expanding Resident Identity database.

    What will all these investments yield in terms of expected positive impact on state development? Poverty will reduce.

    The combination of economic trees and direct grants will lift an estimated 100,000-150,000 households above the poverty line within 3-5 years through permanent income streams rather than temporary handouts.

    By deliberately targeting every ward, the social-sector investments will slow down the chaotic urban migration that has been choking Awka and Onitsha-Nnewi while depopulating rural areas.

    When the poorest citizens feel seen, protected, and empowered by their government, grievances that fuel crime and unrest evaporate. The 31.4% increase is therefore also an investment in sustained peace.

    The millions of naira to be injected directly into the hands of micro-entrepreneurs will circulate immediately in local markets, boosting demand for goods and services and creating a virtuous cycle that benefits formal businesses as well.

    In a Nigeria increasingly polarised by ethnicity and class, Anambra is doubling down on the philosophy that progress must be shared.

    This reinforces the state’s unique social capital, the very reason Diaspora remittances and community self-help projects remain extraordinarily high.

    Therefore, the 31.4% increase in the Social Sector is the moral compass of the 2026 budget. While the Economic Sector plants factories and the Infrastructure Sector lays tar and steel, the Social Sector ensures that no Anambra son or daughter is left behind in the march towards the future.

    It is the difference between growth that only raises GDP and development that raises human dignity. In a society where the poor are too often treated as an afterthought, Governor Soludo has placed them at the very centre of his second-term agenda. That is not just good governance; it is visionary leadership rooted in compassion and love for the people

  • Anambra Economic Sector Budgetary Analysis: A leap For Industrial Growth.

    Anambra Economic Sector Budgetary Analysis: A leap For Industrial Growth.

    By Christian ABURIME

    Of all the sectoral increases in Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s ₦757.9 billion “Changing Gears 3.0” budget, none carries more game-changing weight than the 26.7% year-on-year surge for the Economic Sector.

    This obviously goes beyond just an incremental boost to prove resolutely that Anambra is deliberately pivoting from a commercial-trading hub into a full-blown industrial and innovation powerhouse.

    After three-and-a-half years of laying foundations (roads, security, power sector reform, ease-of-doing-business improvements), 2026 is the year the state begins to harvest the economic dividends of those investments.

    The 26.7% increase is the financial ignition key for the next phase of Anambra’s journey towards becoming the “African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley” hybrid envisioned in the Anambra Vision 2070 plan.

    While the final line-by-line breakdown will be published after passage by the State House of Assembly, the Governor’s speech and supporting facts point to five flagship destinations for the expanded Economic Sector allocation.

    One is Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City, with ground-breaking and Phase-1 infrastructure (access roads, power sub-stations, fibre backbone), which will commence in 2026.

    This is a 5,000+ hectare planned city designed for heavy and light manufacturing, logistics, and agro-processing clusters with dedicated power and rail spurs.

    Next comes the three New Cities Project, namely Awka 2.0 (administrative and knowledge capital extension), Greater Niger (agro-industrial and river-port city) and Aerotropolis / New Industrial-Commercial City (around the international cargo and passenger airport).

    The year 2026 will mark the shift from master-planning to actual earth-moving and serviced-plot allocation.

    Not to be left behind is Solution Innovation District (SID) Completion & Operationalisation.

    The iconic SID building will reach the finishing stage in 2026, while the surrounding 100-hectare district begins private-sector plot allocation.

    The expanded budget will fund anchor-tenant incentives, venture funds, and the Anambra Angel Investment Network.

    For Ease of Doing Business and Investment Promotion, a dedicated N10-15 billion (estimated) sub-head will finance international investment roadshows, sector-specific incentive packages (five to ten-year tax holidays for pioneer industries), and the operational take-off of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) in its upgraded form.

    Regenerative Agriculture and Export Value Chains will gain traction. This involves the continuation and scaling of the oil-palm, coconut, ukwa, and bamboo revolutions, plus new investments in cashew, citrus, and aquaculture processing zones.

    The budget will support off-taker agreements, cold-chain logistics, and the completion of the Oba Coordinated Wholesale Drug & Medical Equipment Market (Africa’s future largest pharm hub).

    Following the foregoing investments, the expected positive impact on state development will be remarkable.
    The Industrial City and three new cities alone are projected to create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs within the 2026-2030 horizon.

    Add SID-driven tech jobs and agro-processing plants, and Anambra will move from net exporter of talent to net importer.

    A thriving industrial base will dramatically widen the tax net. PAYE from new factories, withholding tax on contracts, property tax from new cities, and consumption taxes from rising middle-class spending will push Anambra’s IGR far beyond the chronic ₦2-3 billion monthly plateau it has battled for years.

    Anambra’s economy has historically been 70-80% trade-driven. The 2026 investments will raise the manufacturing and innovation contribution from the current single-digit percentage toward 25-30% by 2030, making the state far more resilient to national economic shocks.

    With world-class industrial and innovation infrastructure coming online, Anambra sons and daughters in London, Houston, and Johannesburg will finally have compelling reasons to return or invest heavily at home.

    What’s more, neighbouring states will increasingly depend on Anambra for finished goods, tech services, wholesale pharmaceuticals, and cargo movement once the airport and rail masterplan mature.

    The 26.7% increase is the moment Anambra stops being a state people pass through on their way to somewhere else and becomes the destination itself.

    It is the budget line that will determine whether the Soludo administration is remembered only as the best road-builder in Anambra’s history or as the leader who finally industrialised the state.

    Everything the administration has done since 2022 was prologue. The expanded 2026 Economic Sector vote is Act One of the real economic miracle.

    When historians write the story of how Anambra became one of Africa’s top ten sub-national economies by 2040, they will point to this 26.7% leap as the precise moment the gear truly shifted under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo …Oluatuegwu!!

    Indeed, for Ndi Anambra, the future is bright and promising

  • APC Unveils Schedule For Kogi LG Election,Pledges Transparent Process.

    APC Unveils Schedule For Kogi LG Election,Pledges Transparent Process.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has released the schedule of activities for the upcoming Local Government Elections, assuring aspirants and party members of a free, fair, and transparent process.

    Addressing journalists in Lokoja, APC Chairman Hon. (Dr.) Abdullahi Bello emphasized the party’s commitment to upholding the guidelines set by the APC and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).

    He stressed that every aspirant will be given a level playing ground, and complaints and clarifications will be handled openly throughout the exercise, stressing that,as a party of inclusiveness, he is encouraging all interested members to participate without fear or intimidation.

    Bello expressed appreciation to party members and citizens for their support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, attributing the government’s achievements to their cooperation and solidarity.

    “The successes recorded so far are a direct result of the love and commitment of our members who have stood firmly with the leadership,” he stated.

    The APC Chairman reaffirmed the Ododo’s administration focus on delivering dividends of democracy across the state, irrespective of political affiliations, emphasizing that Kogi State is “one family and one people.”

    As the election approaches, Bello urged aspirants and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, warning against acrimony and bitterness.

    “At the end of the process, there will be no victor and no vanquished. The people of Kogi State will be the ultimate winners,” he said.

    The party called for vigilance, unity, and adherence to its ideals as preparations intensify ahead of the polls.

    The scheduled activities align with SIEC’s official timetable for the elections.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Soludo Unveils N757.88 Billion Budget To Anambra Assembly.

    Soludo Unveils N757.88 Billion Budget To Anambra Assembly.

    Onyebuchi Onwuchekwa 

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has presented a N757.88 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.

    The budget, titled “Changing Gears 3.0: Solution Continues”, focuses on consolidating legacy projects and driving economic transformation.

     

    The proposed budget represents a 24.1% increase over the 2025 budget of N606.99 billion. Recurrent expenditure is projected at N162.6 billion, while capital expenditure stands at N595.3 billion, accounting for 79% of the total budget size.

    Soludo emphasized that the budget is anchored on the five pillars of his manifesto: Security, Law and Order; Infrastructure and Economic Transformation; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance and New Value System; and Environmental Sustainability.

    According to the governor, the 2026 budget reflects his administration’s intensified focus on execution, with capital expenditure projected at ₦595.3 billion (79% of the total budget) and recurrent expenditure at ₦162.6 billion (21%). This marks a year-on-year growth of 26.3% in capital expenditure and 16.6% in recurrent expenditure.

    The budget deficit is estimated at ₦225.7 billion, or 29.8% of the total budget, and is expected to be financed, if necessary, through hybrid options, including potential privatisation proceeds, increased internally generated revenue (IGR), and concessionary borrowing primarily for bankable projects.

    “Since the beginning of this administration, we have not borrowed to finance budget deficits, and depending on the pace of execution in 2026, we may still not need to borrow,” Soludo said.

    Highlighting sectoral priorities, the governor noted year-on-year increases in key areas: Administrative Sector (12.2%), Economic Sector (26.7%), Social Sector (31.4%), Education (46.9%), Health (13%), and Infrastructure Investments (27.7%).

    He said the increases reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening human capital, boosting economic growth, expanding critical infrastructure, and enhancing the well-being of Ndi Anambra.

    Soludo said at least 70% of the 2026 budget is allocated to security, law and order, infrastructure, economic transformation, and human capital development, underlining their importance to the state’s long-term development trajectory.

    Governor Soludo presenting the 2026 budget at the Anambra State House of Assembly

     

    On infrastructure, the governor stated that the government would continue its transport revolution, including building and dualising strategic roads, bridges, and flyovers, expanding mass transit systems, developing new jetties, and acquiring boats for safer waterway transport. A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is also being explored for the state’s rail master plan.

    The governor went further to outline plans for the development of three new cities: Awka 2.0, Greater Niger, and the Aerotropolis/New Industrial-Commercial City, with the construction of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City commencing in 2026 as a signal of the next phase of industrial transformation.

     

  • Soludo Mourns Passing Of Segun Awolowo Jnr.

    Soludo Mourns Passing Of Segun Awolowo Jnr.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed his sincere condolences to the Awolowo family, friends, and associates of Mr. Segun Awolowo Jnr, who passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the age of 62.

    In his condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Christian Aburime,Governor Soludo described Mr. Awolowo as a renowned lawyer, national patriot, and prominent figure in Nigeria and Africa’s investment and export sector, who stood for excellence and dedication in public service.

    Soludo stated that as a grandson of the sage and illustrious Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he embodied the principles of integrity, service, and leadership that his grandfather championed throughout his life.

    According to him,he was not only a proud scion of the Awolowo dynasty but also a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic landscape, working tirelessly to elevate the standards of trade and investment across the continent.

    The Governor noted that throughout his distinguished career, Segun Awolowo Jnr,served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, championed initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.

    His commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation inspired countless individuals and businesses, reinforcing the role of the private sector in driving national progress.

    “In July 2021, Mr. Awolowo was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations for ECOWAS member states, proving that his untiring passion for advancing Nigeria’s position in global markets will be sorely missed.”

    “Thus his passing is a significant loss, not only for his family but for our nation and Africa at large”

    The release went on to say that Soludo condoled with the Awolowo family, Ogun State government, friends, and associates of Mr. Segun Awolowo Jnr on his passing, praying that his soul finds eternal rest and his family is comforted.

     

  • Kogi Govt Prepares For Yuletide Traffic, Inspects Lokoja-Abuja Road.

    Kogi Govt Prepares For Yuletide Traffic, Inspects Lokoja-Abuja Road.

    Emmanuel lkpeama

    Ahead of the forthcoming 2025 yelutide,the Kogi State Government has taken proactive measures to address potential gridlock on the Lokoja-Abuja road ahead of the festive season.

    Investigator news reports that Governor Usman Ododo through the State Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara led a team and inspected the road’s condition to ensure necessary repairs are made before the December traffic sets in.

    The team, which included federal and state ministry of works officials, and the State sector commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corp, identified areas that need attention to prevent gridlock and ensure free flow of vehicular movement during the festive period.

    Speaking with newsmen,Commander Omodara stated that the visit was aimed at preventing gridlock and ensuring free flow of vehicular movement during the festive period.

    Omodara commended President Bola Tinubu for the infrastructural work being done in the state, particularly the Lokoja-Koto-Abaji road project, describing it as “quality work”.

    He emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to create ways and avoid traffic jams during the festive period.

    “After the resolution from the State Executive Council Meeting, we decided to embark on this inspection to see how stable and comfortable the road will be for Christmas time”

    “This will prevent security challenges and it will also assist the good job president Bola Tinubu is doing in Kogi State”

    “We’ll collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that ways are created despite ongoing construction works by the Federal Government in Kogi State to avoid traffic jams during the festive period.” he said

    The representative of the Contractor, Trucrete Solutions Ltd, Engr Frank Renzo, promised to make the road motorable during the Yuletide season.

    While the Kogi State Sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corp, Tenimu Yusuf Etuku, emphasized the importance of Kogi State as a traffic nerve center, expecting high volumes of heavy motorization during the Yuletide period.

    The Kogi State Government’s proactive measure aims to prevent security challenges and ensure a smooth journey for travelers during the festive period.

    “We’re expecting a high volume of heavy motorization during the Yuletide period.”

    The state government, in collaboration with security agencies, has brought all heads of security agencies together to remove obstructions from the road and allow free flow of traffic, ensuring a seamless journey for travelers.He stressed.

    “As for road safety, we’re going to make a massive deployment and we would start our deployment early,” he said.

    The State commandant of Civil Defence and Security Corp, Commandant Alesan Olumide Ebenezer also noted that his men and officers would be deployed to work in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) for a traffic flow season.

    Investigator news gathered that among the stakeholders available for the inspection are the Lokoja Local Government Area council chairman Hon Abdullahi Adamu, the Executive chairman of Kogi Local Government Area, Hon Musa Abdulmalik, Security and Media representatives across various Organisations.

    The Kogi State Government’s proactive measure aims to prevent security challenges and ensure a smooth journey for travelers during the festive period.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Defence Minister’s Badaru,Dubai Trip Sparks National Outrage Amid Insecurity Crisis.

    Defence Minister’s Badaru,Dubai Trip Sparks National Outrage Amid Insecurity Crisis.

    Tunde Omoniyi.

    Nigerians have called for the immediate sack of Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, for travelling to the Dubai Airshow 2025 without visiting states experiencing security attacks.

    Investigator news reports that Badaru’s trip to Dubai has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning his priorities amid Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.

    The minister’s absence has raised concerns about his ability to lead the Defence Ministry effectively.

    Badaru is said to participate in the 5 days Dubai Airshow 2025, scheduled to end on 21st November 2025 at its purpose-built venue in Dubai World Central.

    This year’s edition, themed “The Future is Here,” will bring together thousands of visitors, global manufacturers, industry experts, and defence leaders to exchange insights, explore emerging trends, and experience cutting-edge advancements in aviation, aerospace, and defence technologies.

    The question many Nigerians are asking is why the Defence Minister Badaru having noted the high level of insecurity challenges that has befallen Nigeria lately will have the courage to travel out of Nigeria for a show in Dubai.

    Badaru’s show of less concern to insecurity in Nigeria underscores his less value for human lives and nonchalance to strengthening security in Nigeria.

    Information has it that Nigerians who saw him sneaking out of the country through the Lagos international Airport wondered why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still keeping Badaru as defence minister knowing fully well that he has not shown any impact in the ministry of Defence and has no capacity to administer the ministry of Defence.

    The Minister is expected to return to the country upon the conclusion of the Airshow.

     

     

     

  • Kogi State,NDLEA Shut Down Major Drug Trafficking Operation.

    Kogi State,NDLEA Shut Down Major Drug Trafficking Operation.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kogi State Government have collaborated to disrupt a major drug trafficking network in the state.

    Investigator news reports that a large consignment of illicit drugs was intercepted in a truck, dealing a significant blow to drug traffickers in the state.

    Although the identity of the drug kingpin and the final destination of the consignment remain undisclosed,as investigations are ongoing.

    Video and photographic evidence made available to the Investigator news show the moment the intercepted truck and the illicit substances were secured by operatives

    An NDLEA official who spoke under anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to comment publicly,described the operation as “a major breakthrough”, stressing that the agency’s success was boosted by strong support from the Kogi State Government.

    “This is a major breakthrough and also an indication of the huge support we’ve received from the State Government. Our Command is prepared to continue to dismantle drug networks across the state,” the official said.

    Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, commended the NDLEA for its relentless efforts, noting that the agency will brief the press with detailed findings at the conclusion of investigations.

    “It’s true, and we celebrate this breakthrough. The Kogi State Command of the NDLEA is working tirelessly to ensure the state doesn’t become a transit corridor for illicit drugs.

    “The Agency will provide full details when investigations are concluded. We commend their cooperation in the fight against drug abuse.”

    “This achievement is also crucial for preventing crime, as drugs remain the major driver of criminal activities,” he said.

    Investigator news gathered that the latest interception reinforces Kogi State’s strengthened stance against drug trafficking and its commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against illicit drugs and related criminality.

     

     

     

     

  • Kogi Governor Hails Marwa’s Reappointment As NDLEA Chairman

    Kogi Governor Hails Marwa’s Reappointment As NDLEA Chairman

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has congratulated Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) on his reappointment as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    In a congratulatory message,Ododo described President Bola Tinubu’s decision as “heartwarming, exemplary, and richly deserved,” praising Marwa’s leadership and transformational impact on the NDLEA.

    The Governor lauded Marwa’s courage, vision, and commitment to protecting Nigeria from illicit drugs, noting that his reappointment reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in his abilities.

    “Over the years, you have demonstrated uncommon courage and dedication to safeguarding our country. Nigeria is safer because of the professionalism and sacrifices you and your team continue to make,” Governor Ododo stated.

    Ododo also commended President Tinubu for his thoughtful and patriotic decision, affirming that the reappointment underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and enhancing the war against drug abuse and trafficking.

    The Governor expressed confidence that Marwa’s renewed mandate will usher in greater milestones for Nigeria’s drug control system and pledged Kogi State’s support for the NDLEA in boosting drug prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation efforts across the country