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Gov. Bello Upgrades stool of Oba of Ekirin-Ade to a first class status after Coronation
The Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello on Saturday attended the coronation of the Akinrin of Ekinrin Oba Johnson Kolade-Otitoju where he re affirmed his respect for the traditional institution in the state and particularly Ekirin-Ade, a community he described as peaceful and courageous.
At the occasion, the Governor also directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Deedat Ozigi to immediately commence the process of upgrading the stool of the Oba of Ekirin-Ade to a first class status noting that for fairness, justice and equity which his government represents, the community deserved such recognition.
Governor Bello congratulated the newly coronated traditional ruler, who he recalled to be a pioneer teacher at Abdul-Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene describing him as a disciplinarian while also attesting that the Royal Father have lived a fulfilled life with point of reference to successful wards the Oba has raised.
While assuring the Royal Father of continued support from the government, he noted that Ekirin-Ade would benefit from several of his administration’s plan for the traditional institution including the plan by the Ministry of LGA and chieftaincy Affairs to give traditional palaces a befitting appearance across the state.
The governor also used the occasion to congratulate Kogi West senatorial district whom he described as great lovers of education over the recent approval of the establishment of Kogi State University, Kabba. He also thanked the citizens for their efforts and cooperation towards the actualisation of this long desired aspiration by the people of the region.
He pointed out that his government was solely interested in ensuring that the people make progress and they feel the impact of good governance while he again appreciated the traditional institution for their support and encouragement which he noted has compelled his government to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
In his vote of thanks, Veteran journalist and son of the coronated traditional ruler, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju thanked the governor and his entourage for gracing the occasion to rejoice with the community and gift such a pleasant surprise of the stool upgrade.
He noted that the governor made the occasion a memorable one adding that his good deeds would continue to be remembered in the history of the state.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the November 11 Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, his Chief of Staff, Pharm. Abdulkareem Jamiu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Deedat Ozigi, State Accountant General, Alhaji Jubril Momoh as well as other top government functionaries.
News
Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.
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Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The PUNCH reported that the details of the deal are contained in documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice president.
According to the filing sighted on the Department of Justice ’s website on Sunday, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Under the arrangement, the firm is expected to facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
News
Kaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion at the Lagos Garage Terminus in Mando area of Kaduna State today wasn’t a bomb explosion, but a CNG-powered luxury bus that ruptured after its gas tank was overfilled.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday with the loud blast drawing attention from commuters, traders, and nearby residents, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
He said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene after a loud sound was reported, and that the vehicle has been safely evacuated, while normal business activities have since resumed at the motor park.
He noted that no casualties or loss of property were recorded, and normal activities had since resumed in the area.
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