Category: Government

Emmanuel Clement 

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo,has confirmed that His Excellency, Chief Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano (Akpokuedike), former Governor of Anambra State (2014–2022), is alive and well

This is contrary to the malicious rumours and utterly false reports circulating on social media and certain online platforms claiming that Chief Willie Obiano has passed away in a London hospital earlier today

In a release signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo categorically confirmed that he has spoken to Chief Willie Obiano and he is alive and well

The Governor views with grave concern the reckless dissemination of such malicious rumours as wicked and irresponsible.

He strongly enjoins all media practitioners, especially online publishers, to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying information through official channels before publication.

“The spread of unverified death rumour is not only wicked and irresponsible but also erodes public trust.”

“Therefore, the Government urges the general public to disregard the trending rumours, rest assured that the former governor is alive, hale and hearty”he said

Governor Soludo went further to wishe Chief Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike) continued strength, peace, and a long, healthy life of fulfilment in his abode.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication,Hon Kingsley Femi Fanwo has congratulated the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello Destiny, for winning the Best Local Government Area (LGA) in Primary Healthcare Delivery in Kogi West Senatorial District.

Hon Fanwo,described the recognition as a “giant feat” that reflects the commitment of the Chairman and health workers in the Local Government to the vision of Governor Usman Ododo in strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

The Commissioner commended Hon. Ademola Bello Destiny and all the health workers in Mopamuro LGA for their dedication and teamwork, and challenged them to aim higher by emerging the Best Local Government in Primary Healthcare Delivery in the entire State in the next award cycle.

“This award should serve as motivation to do more,Governor Ododo’s administration is proud of Local Governments that align with his agenda of delivering dividends of democracy through accessible and quality healthcare,” he said.

The Commissioner assured that the State Government will continue to support all Local Governments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve personnel welfare, and ensure better health outcomes for the people.

He went further to commend all the Local Government Chairmen across Kogi West for their efforts, saying they’ve all deepened the impact of health services at the grassroots.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Kogi State Government has centralized the process of issuing land consent approvals under the Office of the Executive Governor to curb widespread land fraud and enhance security.

This move is aimed at eliminating fraudulent land transactions, restoring order and transparency in land administration, and ensuring that only genuine landholders are recognized by law.

This was one of the major resolutions reached at the Kogi State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday 6, November 2025,at the New EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed that the move became necessary following the discovery of forged consent approvals being paraded by individuals posing as legitimate land owners.

Fanwo stated that all consent approvals previously issued by land owners are no longer valid, and holders of such documents must revalidate them within four weeks at the Office of the Executive Governor.

According to him this move is designed to help the government properly profile land users, enhance its ability to monitor land ownership, and prevent criminal elements from hiding under forged documents.

“We have found that many of the consent approvals being paraded across the state are fake, and the government has no record of those holding them.”

“This situation poses a serious security risk. By centralizing and revalidating the process, we will know who occupies our land and for what purpose,” Fanwo stated.

The Commissioner added that the government’s action is aimed at eliminating fraudulent land transactions, restoring order and transparency in land administration, and ensuring that only genuine landholders are recognized by law.

Fanwo stressed that the revalidation exercise will also allow the state to properly profile land users, thereby enhancing the government’s ability to monitor land ownership and prevent criminal elements from hiding under forged documents.

He reaffirmed that Governor Ododo’s administration is committed to building a secure and transparent land management system that protects citizens, investors, and the integrity of the state’s land resources.

“This policy is not punitive; it is corrective and preventive. It will sanitize land administration, curb forgery, and make our communities safer,” he said.

The Commissioner assured that the government would continue to implement reforms that strengthen governance structures, enhance accountability, and promote public safety.

Other key highlights from the Executive Council meeting included the Governor’s directive to Commissioners to provide three boreholes each in their respective local government areas, the restriction of articulated vehicles on Lokoja roads during daytime, approval for transformer procurement across senatorial districts, and the consideration of the 2026 Draft Budget, christened “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Governor Usman Ododo State has restated his administration’s commitment to security and welfare of Kogi people.

This was one of the key highlights of the Kogi State Executive Council Meeting held on Thursday at the New EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja, under the chairmanship of the Governor.

Also briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the Governor assured Kogites that the government is “on top of the game” in ensuring the safety of lives and property, adding that both residents and investors have nothing to fear as the administration is already winning the war on insecurity.

The Governor also directed all Commissioners and other EXCO members to provide three boreholes each in their respective local government areas to improve access to clean water and complement the state’s ongoing water supply initiatives.

The Council went further to deliberate extensively on measures to ensure safety on Kogi roads and approved the restriction of articulated vehicles within Lokoja during daytime hours to reduce road accidents, particularly along the Felele axis.

It also set machinery in motion for the establishment of safer and better-managed trailer parks across the state.

Fanwo disclosed that the Council considered and approved the procurement of electricity transformers to be distributed across the three senatorial districts as part of efforts to strengthen power distribution and stimulate economic growth.

The Council equally approved the transmission of a Bill for the enactment of a new State Tax Law to the Kogi State House of Assembly for consideration, aimed at improving revenue generation and promoting fiscal responsibility.

The meeting also featured a joint session with former Commissioners who served between 2016 and 2024, led by Hon. Salisu Sani Ogu, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports. They commended Governor Ododo for his inclusive leadership style and pledged their continued support for the progress of the state.

In response, the Governor thanked the former appointees for their loyalty and partnership, assuring them that such engagements will be institutionalized to strengthen unity and foster development.

The Council also received progress reports on the ongoing township road projects and infrastructural works in state-owned educational institutions across the state.

Fanwo reaffirmed that Governor Ododo’s administration will continue to prioritise people-focused governance, strengthen security, and deliver projects that improve the welfare of the people of Kogi State.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the 2026 draft budget, titled “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” a ₦820.49 billion budget representing a 35.7% increase from the 2025 revised budget.

This significant increase signals a new era of sustainable growth and inclusive development in the state.

In a press briefing after the State Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday Wednesday 5, November 2025,the Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, revealed that the budget reflects a robust and balanced financial strategy, with a strong commitment to capital investment, noting that the budget focuses on five key areas: boosting internal revenue, strengthening debt recovery, fostering a business-friendly environment, deepening public-private partnerships, and ensuring project completion.

“The 2026 Budget proposals reflect a robust and balanced financial strategy emphasising enhanced revenue generation, strategic expenditure control, and a strong commitment to capital investment.

“The significant increase in both recurrent revenue and capital expenditure underscores the Government’s determination to expand infrastructure and improve service delivery.

“Effective monitoring of revenue inflows and strict fiscal discipline will be critical to achieving the desired outcomes. The total estimated Revenue (Recurrent and Capital) of ₦820,490,585,443.

“The total estimated Expenditure (Recurrent and Capital) of ₦820,490,585,443.

The balanced 2026 Draft Budget of ₦820,490,585,443” he said.

He went further to state that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is intensifying efforts to combat insecurity, with significant progress made in the state’s security architecture.

The meeting also addressed critical issues, including access to clean water, road safety, and land administration reforms.

Fanwo noted that Governor Ododo has directed all the commissioners to sink 3 boreholes each in their LGAs and tasked the Council to take over land consent authority to curb fraudulent deals.

The inclusive meeting, which included former commissioners, reflected Governor Ododo’s commitment to unity and collective progress.

Former Commissioner, Honourable Salisu Sani Ogu, praised the Governor’s leadership, saying, “He has shown a desire to carry everyone along and build on the foundation laid since 2016.”