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I’m leaving Kogi better than I met it, Gov. Bello claims

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi says he came, saw and will be leaving the state better than he met it.
Bello stated this on Saturday at the 4th Convocation ceremony of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, for 10 sets of graduating students from 2013 to 2022.
Bello said part of his achievements were evident in the repositioning of Kogi Polytechnic and other state tertiary institutions.
”My achievements can be attested to, by where the State Polytechnic was before I assumed office, where it is now and how we have repositioned it for the future.
”We have taken time to look into the education sector for the benefit of our people; we made education a top priority in our thematic agenda.
”We did not only improve on the infrastructure and learning in our tertiary institutions but also expanded our educational institution through the establishment of two additional universities.
“This will enable our children not to travel far to seek knowledge within four years of our second term administration.
“By 16th January 2024, the first set of students would be matriculated at the newly-established Kogi State University, Kabba,” Bello said.
Bello appreciated the Kogi people for their modest contribution by resoundingly voting for the Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Dodo, in the November 11, 2023, governorship elections, as his successor.
The governor assured them that Ododo’s administration would build and take the state to the next level.
He appealed to the people to support the Governor-elect to enable him to achieve greater success.
Bello, the visitor to the university, thanked the Chairman of the Governing Council, Staff, and Students of the Polytechnic for the cooperation his administration enjoyed.
The governor eulogised the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo, for his outstanding achievements which had made the Polytechnic an of envy among others, saying it is worthy of emulation across the world.
”To the Rector, I say I’m proud of you. I’m indeed very proud of you. and I will forever be proud of you,” Bello said.
The governor commended TETFUND and other donors and financial agencies for their contributions to the repositioning of the Polytechnic.
Earlier, the Rector praised the governor for his unflinching support towards the successes recorded, describing his appointment as a rare privilege, and thanked the governor for finding him worthy to serve.
Ogbo said he was able to use his three “RRRs” agenda of Repair, Reform and Restore, to return the lost glory of the Polytechnic to one of envy.
“The Polytechnic now prides itself as an institution committed to graduating students who are employers of labour in the country.
“A total of 145 students are graduating with Distinction at the National Diploma (ND) level, while 104 students are graduating with Distinction at Higher National Diploma (HND) level from various Schools and Departments.
“A total of 7,653 students are graduating with National Diploma while 4,427 students are graduating with Higher National Diploma,” Ogbo said.
On his part, the institution’s Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Isa, said the council would continue to support the Polytechnic to prioritise the academic and personal development of students,
Isa promised that the Polytechnic would strive to provide the needed tools and resources for students to continue to succeed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was conferred with a Fellowship of the Polytechnic Award for his improvement in infrastructure and human capital development.

Alh. Ozi Salami also bagged a fellowship from the institution for sinking several boreholes and for granting scholarships to several students of the Polytechnic.
Similarly, Barr. Umoru Jimoh, Prof. Idris Bugaji of NBTE and Barr. Moses Okafor was also conferred with a Fellowship at the institution.
News
Kogi’s Ododo Tasks Officials on Grassroots Engagement, Clears N98.8bn Debt
“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged government officials to remain close to the grassroots and ensure constant engagement with the people, noting that such connection is key to responsive governance.
Also in a separate briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, announced that within just 15 months, the Ododo administration has fully liquidated N98.8 billion in debts inherited from previous administrations.
“We are in government to serve the people, and that means staying connected to their needs and aspirations,” said Ododo during the Kogi State Executive Council meeting held today at the EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
LOCAL PATRONAGE
As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries.
He encouraged the citizens to take pride in local products and lead a cultural and economic renaissance from within.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the administration is committed to making governance more visible and impactful.
“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.
On infrastructure, Fanwo disclosed that the perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara is 90 percent completed, while both male and female hostels have been completed and are already housing students.
Similar projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, are progressing satisfactorily.
As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries
To improve public safety, the Council also approved a bill to restrict the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours.
Another bill was approved for the establishment of the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change as part of a forward-thinking response to global environmental challenges.
STATE‘s DEBT BREAKDOWN
Regarding the paid state debt, he said:
“The breakdown includes: • N8 billion in bonds from the Idris Wada administration. • N50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration. • N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan. • N15 billion infrastructure loans from Zenith Bank and another N15 billion from UBA Plc.”
“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery.
Within 15 months, we have cleared N98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Idris said.
He added that Fitch Ratings has upgraded Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, with a stable outlook, citing prudent financial management.
As of September 30, 2024, the state’s debt profile stands at N40.5 billion, placing it on a strong path to debt sustainability.
News
FG Declares June 6, 9 Holidays To Mark Eid-Ul-Adha
This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government on Monday.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government on Monday.
The minister congratulated all Muslims in Nigeria and the Diaspora on the occasion, urging the Ummah to continue to embody the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, and faith as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him).
News
I use my popularity to elevate PDP in Rivers, what did you do in Lagos?– Wike criticises Bode George

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has reacted over the recent comments by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Bode George, asserting that his own efforts brought prominence and electoral success to the party, rather than the other way around.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike responded to George’s claim that the PDP had made him a nationally recognized figure.
The former Rivers State governor acknowledged the role the party played in his rise, but maintained that it was his own work and influence that led to tangible victories for the PDP particularly where others, including George, had failed.
“It’s true the party gave me a platform,” Wike said.“But platforms don’t win elections people do. Ask yourself, who has PDP made relevant in Lagos since 1999?”
Wike criticized George for allegedly contributing little to the party’s electoral strength in Lagos, pointing to his own record of building the PDP into a formidable force in Rivers State and beyond.
He suggested that George, given his age and current position, might be better off stepping back from political commentary.
“If he has no role anymore, perhaps it’s time he stayed home and read newspapers,” Wike remarked, in a pointed rebuke.
The minister also addressed criticism surrounding the temporary sealing of the PDP’s national headquarters over unpaid ground rent.
He clarified that he is not the property’s owner and cannot be held accountable for the liabilities, emphasizing that even resolving the issue had required intervention from the highest levels.
“There were claims that the sky would fall—yet the matter couldn’t be resolved without the President’s involvement,” he said.
In a final jab, Wike reflected on past struggles to strengthen the PDP during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, suggesting that despite their efforts, support in Lagos remained elusive.
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