News
Kogi guber: Signage agency issues guidelines on use of campaign materials, bans posters in Lokoja metropolis, others
The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency has issued some guidelines on the use of campaign materials, with a view to ensuring hitch-free, level-playing ground, sanity and protect the environment from defilement before, during and after the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State.
According to a statement signed on Tuesday by the General Manager of the agency, Osaseyi Richard, all political parties, gubernatorial candidates, politicians and supporters are to abide by the guidelines.
The agency noted that the development is in accordance with its mandate to control and regulate advert displays in the State, as provided under Section 5(1)(a-o) of the Kogi State Signage and Advertisment Law, 2022.
While warning that defaulters, or anyone involved in any form of impunity, lawlessness in the deployment of political campaign materials would be made to face the consequences of their actions, the agency banned campaign posters of all candidates in Lokoja metropolis, Kabba/Bunu, ljumu, Yagba West, Ankpa, Idah, Ayingba, Adavi, Okene and Okehi towns.
KOSSAA disclosed that it was poised to assisting all political parties, politicians, and supporters in ensuring hitch-free and level playing ground in the use of political campaign and advertising materials in the State and strongly urged everyone to comply with the guidelines to ensure sanity and to protect the environment from defilement, visual blight and other adverse effects of uncontrolled deployment and display of political campaign materials within the State before, during and after the poll.
“These guidelines are issued without prejudice to any political party, association or Candidate as it is the Agency’s intention to ensure fairness among all participants while judiciously performing its duties and applying the rules without sentiment or bias.
“The following are the guidelines as they apply to all Political parties before, during and after the November 11, 2023 Gubernatorial elections in Kogi State.
“Political Campaign Materials on billboards may be deployed on existing structures owned and operated by outdoor advertising practitioners who are duly registered with the Agency and have obtained permits for such sites and structures.
“Each billboard erected must be made of standard and sturdy materials to ensure they do not fall or block the roads or constitute risk to Citizenry and commuters.
“Posters must not be pasted on public utility structures such as Street lamps, poles, Transformers, the Ganaja fly-over and other unauthorized surfaces except as duly authorized by the Agency upon payment of relevant fees.
“In addition to the sum of N5,000,000.00 fee payment to the Agency by Political Parties wishing to deploy campaign materials within the State, each billboard erected by Parties, Candidates or Supporters attracts fee of N2,000,000.00
“The sum of N1,000,000.00 will be charged as fee payable to the Agency by Political Parties for every banner displayed in public places.
“A refundable Caution fee of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) shall be charged by the Agency for the deployment of all campaign materials before, during and after the election.
“Campaign posters of all Candidates are hereby banned in the following parts of Kogi State: Lokoja Metropolis, Kabba/Bunu, ljumu, Yagba West, Ankpa, Idah, Ayingba, Adavi, Okene, Okehi.
“All Political parties and Candidates must remove the campaign materials not more than Ten (10) days after the Gubernatorial elections on November 11, 2023.
“Parties, Candidates and Supporters must refrain from the use of unsavory languages on opponents and to be mindful of the contents of their campaign materials.
“Please note that all Participants are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these guidelines as defaulters, or anyone involved in any forms of impunity, lawlessness in the deployment of political campaign materials will be made to face the consequences of their actions,” the statement read.
The family of late elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Samuel Ayo Adebanjo, has announced the funeral arrangements for the revered nationalist, who passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
According to the family, the burial ceremonies, scheduled to hold on May 4, 2025, will take place in Lagos and Ogun States.
In a statement sent to Ohibaba.com and signed by Ms Ayotunde Ayo-Adebanjo, the family said:
Following the passing of our patriarch, elder statesman and nationalist, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo (April 10, 1928 – February 14, 2025), the family hereby notifies you of the funeral activities:
1. Day of Tributes/ Service of Songs:Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Venue: Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos Time: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
2. Wake:Date: Friday, May 2, 2025, Venue: Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s Country Home, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00
3. Church Service/Final Burial: Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025, Venue: St Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
4. Thanksgiving: Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 Venue: St Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
We covet your prayers for the family and your professional support as wecontinue with the preparations to give him a most befitting burial. We alsolook forward to your esteemed presence at all the events.
Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, have been sworn in for a fresh four year term.
The Chief Justice of the state, Olusegun Odusola administered the oath to Aiyedatiwa and Adelami amid the presence of the people of the state and dignitaries who witnessed the event.
While taking the oath of office, the number one and number two citizens vowed to uphold the constitution, work within its dictates, and ensure the well-being of the people of the state.
The inauguration marks the takeoff of a new administration in Ondo State.
Present at the oath-taking event were the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Youth Development, Ayo Olawande, among others.
Health
JUST IN: NCDC reports 80 deaths from lassa fever as fatality rate rises to 19.4% across 11 states
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 80 deaths from 413 Lassa fever cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 3–9, 2025).
According to the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the case fatality rate (CFR) has surged to 19.4%, up from 17.5% in the same period last year.
Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states accounted for 73% of confirmed cases, with Ondo recording the highest at 34%, followed by Edo (21%) and Bauchi (18%).
A total of 63 local government areas across 11 states have recorded confirmed cases, according to the NCDC.
“Despite a decline in new cases from 68 in Week 5 to 54 in Week 6, the agency remains concerned about the high fatality rate.
“The most affected age group is 21 to 30 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.8.”
While no new healthcare worker infections were reported this week, the NCDC noted that delayed case presentations have contributed to the rising fatality rate.
Key challenges in containing the outbreak NCDC has identified poor health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, and limited awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges in tackling the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak.
To address the outbreak, the NCDC had activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate efforts.
“The key interventions include deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NRRT) to Gombe, Nasarawa, and Benue.
“The interventions also involve training healthcare workers in Lassa fever case management in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, enhanced surveillance, and contact tracing in affected states.
“Additionally, there will be distribution of response commodities such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin, thermometers, and body bags, along with community sensitization and risk communication campaigns in hotspot areas.”
The NCDC has reiterated its collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and outbreak response for Lassa fever.
“As the Lassa fever season peaks, we are intensifying case management training, enhancing rapid response coordination, and reinforcing infection prevention measures to curb the outbreak’s spread,” the agency stated.
It further disclosed plans for a nationwide rodent control and community awareness campaign in partnership with Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and other stakeholders.
Preventive measures and public advisory
The agency also urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, including maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding contact with rodent droppings, and seeking medical attention early if they experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or unexplained bleeding.
“For real-time updates and safety guidelines, the NCDC advises Nigerians to visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or call the toll-free line: 6232,” it added.
The NCDC has reiterated that Lassa fever is preventable and urged Nigerians to take proactive steps to minimize their risk of infection.
One of the key preventive measures, according to the agency, is proper food storage.
“Store food in sealed containers to prevent contamination by rats,” the NCDC advised. Keeping homes clean and eliminating rodent hiding places is also essential in reducing exposure.
The agency further emphasized the importance of good hygiene practices.
“Regular handwashing with soap and water helps prevent the spread of infection,” it stated.
Additionally, it warned against bush burning, which forces rats into homes and increases the likelihood of transmission.
Early detection remains critical in managing Lassa fever. “If you experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately at a health facility,” the NCDC advised.
It encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Chief Ayo Adebanjo scheduled for Burial on May 4, 2025
BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa, Adelami sworn in as governor, deputy in Ondo
JUST IN: NCDC reports 80 deaths from lassa fever as fatality rate rises to 19.4% across 11 states
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