1. The Kogi State Government regrets to announce a tragic accident involving a bus conveying some of our citizens who were returning from the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held earlier today at the Government House, Lokoja.
2. The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene road, claimed six precious lives.
3. Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.
4. This tragedy has brought profound sorrow to the Government and people of Kogi State. We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this painful and devastating moment.
5. The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history.
6. His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover.
7. Government officials have been deployed to the various hospitals to ensure that the victims receive the best possible treatment and to provide support to their families.
8. Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude.
9. As we collectively grieve, we ask for prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the quick recovery of the injured.
10. May God grant the bereaved families the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, has paid tributes to the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, describing him as an upright, God-fearing, compassionate, and peace-loving statesman whose life was wholly dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity.

During the prayers session organised in honour of the departed cleric, Bello recalled with deep emotion his long-standing relationship and personal bond with Sheikh Dahiru.

He noted that throughout his tenure as governor, he had the privilege of hosting the revered scholar in Kogi State on more than two occasions.

According to him, Sheikh Dahiru consistently prayed for the peace, unity, and progress of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole; he offered spiritual counsel and guidance that transcended ethnic, religious, and political boundaries until he died.

Bello emphasised that the late Sheikh’s teachings were firmly rooted in the promotion of peaceful coexistence, compassion for the less privileged, moral uprightness, and strict adherence to Islamic principles anchored on love and tolerance.

He described the loss as not only a monumental one to the Muslim Ummah, but also to the entire nation, which benefitted from Sheikh Dahiru’s enduring advocacy for harmony, stability, and mutual respect.

The former governor, who attended the solemn gathering alongside Senator Abubakar Ohere, Abubakar Rajab, his former Deputy Chief of Staff, Isah Omade, Sheikh Abdulkudus, and other distinguished guests, was warmly received by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, on behalf of the Bauchi State Government.

At the event, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, urged the Muslim faithful to emulate the timeless virtues exemplified by the late Sheikh Dahiru.

He described the departed cleric as a man of immense compassion whose life and teachings embodied the true essence of Islam which is peace, love, humility, and service to humanity.

The Emir stressed that Sheikh Dahiru’s commitment to preaching Islam through wisdom and tolerance remained a lasting legacy worthy of continuous reflection and imitation.

Following the prayer session, former Governor Bello received a number of prominent northern leaders and stakeholders at his lodge.

They include Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Senator Adamu Aliero, and other eminent personalities who were also in Bauchi to offer their condolences to the family, followers, and associates of the late Sheikh, as well as to the government and people of Bauchi State.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi passed on, at the age of 98, on the 27th of November , 2025.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has begun a three-day national capacity-building programme aimed at upgrading the technical skills of Livestock Extension Officers from all 36 states and the FCT.

The workshop focuses on strengthening field advisory services and harmonising extension communication across the country.

Declaring the event open in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, Mr. Joseph Ako, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a modern and commercially viable livestock sector capable of driving food security and economic diversification.

She described livestock extension officers as central to the sector’s transformation agenda, noting that they serve as the crucial link between research institutions and rural farmers.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Mr. Ako encouraged participants to take full advantage of the intensive training sessions and emphasised that improved professional capacity among extension workers will translate into better support for livestock farmers nationwide.

The programme is anchored on the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which places strong emphasis on effective extension services as a core pillar for boosting productivity, expanding modern production systems and promoting sustainable livestock management practices.

Meanwhile, participants will receive training in key thematic areas such as Good Animal Husbandry Practices, animal welfare, feed and nutrition, disease management, biosecurity, waste management, One Health principles, breeding and reproduction, humane handling, housing, record keeping and participatory extension methods.