News
Gov. Ododo Assures of A New Beginning in Kogi
…work to meet with the yearnings and aspirations of the people
… stressed that the era of politics of bitterness is over.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo has assured of new beginning.
Alhaji Usman Ododo made the disclosure while delivering his inaugural speech shortly after he was sworn in as the new Kogi State Governor.
The Governor promised that the State under his administration be made one of the sub National government for overall economic growth as envisioned by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
The Governor urged the people of the State to stem the tide of greed, be prepared to make hard choices, with unity and cooperation, assuring that it is a new dawn for the people.
Gov. Ododo assured the people of the State that he would work to meet with the yearnings and aspirations of the people, stressed that the era of politics of bitterness is over.
” There would no longer be politics of bitterness in the State as thought us by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu”, urged all the people of the State to join hands with him in building a virile Kogi State.
” I will build on the Solid foundation of unity existing in the State. I will strive not to undermine the trust placed on him to lead the people of the State”.
” I promise to govern with the fear of God, fairness, equity and justice”, assured that he will not fail the people, promised to be transparent and accountable.
Gov. Ododo urged the people to choose unity, togetherness, affirmed his will to pursue their full measure of happiness, without tribal or ethnicity that binds the people together
Gov. Ododo promised to work to sustain the ideals of the founding fathers, assured of delivering on the dreams of a Prosperous Kogi State that will lead to the progress and Kogi State as envisioned by the founding fathers.
Towards ensuring a sense of belonging, Ododo assured that the charter of Power of rotation, that would ensure inclusivity would be worked upon.
” I shall hit the ground running with programs that would have the well being of our people, with accountability, transparency as our driving force”
” I will open the State to become the investors hub under a well robust Public, Private Partnership. My administration will strive to make the State attractive and an investment destination”.
” Under my administration, more homes will be built. More businesses will spring up. Our farmland will be made flourishing. Our School will be filled. Teachers will smile. Youths will be enterprising. Women would be gainfully engaged”.
“Let it be said that once upon a time when our will was tested, we strived for unity for the future generation of all Kogites”, urged the people to join hands with him in delivering the gains of democracy.
” Our administration will strive to complete all ongoing projects, focus on solid Minerals, Steel Development, Marine and digital economy”.
Gov Ododo expressed optimism of a better Kogi State that will meet the expectations of the people, with Kogi State made better under his administration”.
Gov. Ododo said he will build on the achievements of his predecessor, described former Gov. Bello as father of modern Kogi State, praised him for his life transformation achievements and for building a modern Kogi State.
Gov. Ododo said he would not take the euphoria of the election for granted, said he will work to meet with the yearnings and aspirations of the people in fairness and Justice.
He called on the people to join hands with him in building on the unity of the State, acknowledged the efforts of former Gov Idris Wada, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, said history will remain kind to them for their roles in shaping the State on the basis of unity.
Ododo paid glowing tributes to late Prince Abubakar Audu, lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for making the State peaceful and united before and after the Governorship election.
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.
At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.
“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.
Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.
During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.
He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.
Profile
Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.
The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.
Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.
It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.
News
VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.
When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.
Credit: Punch
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