News
Kogi HCDC: Driving Economic Development Through Human Capital – Fanwo

▪︎Governor Usman Ododo
The Kogi State Government has highlighted the strategic appointment of Deputy Governor Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo as Chairman of the State Human Capital Development Council (HCDC).
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the appointment as part of his administration’s commitment to fostering human capital development for economic growth and prosperity.
In a statement issued on Friday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, emphasized that the government is focused on transforming its abundant human resources into a key driver of development.
We are shifting away from an overreliance on white-collar jobs by creating opportunities in blue- and red-collar professions, as well as driving a food security revolution
“The appointment of the Deputy Governor to lead the Human Capital Development Council aligns with our vision of leveraging our rich human capital as a tool for progress. Elder Joel Oyibo, with his background as a teacher and union leader, brings a wealth of experience to this critical role,” Fanwo said.
He further noted that the administration’s significant investment in education and skill development aims to position Kogi as a hub for capacity building and innovation.
“Currently, hundreds of youths and women across the state are undergoing training in various trades to enhance their skills, improve their livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
We are shifting away from an overreliance on white-collar jobs by creating opportunities in blue- and red-collar professions, as well as driving a food security revolution,” he added.
Fanwo also revealed that Kogi State is on track to make a historic commitment to education funding, proposing over 30% of its 2025 budget for the sector. “Education remains our top priority because it is the cornerstone of human capital development.
By allocating over 30% of the 2025 budget to education, we aim to empower our people with the skills and knowledge needed for economic transformation,” he stated.
Fanwo highlighted recent initiatives aimed at boosting workers’ welfare and efficiency.
“The administration has digitized the State’s Scholarship Scheme to ensure transparency and accessibility.
Through the ‘Tech on the Streets’ initiative led by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, we are equipping young people with essential digital skills.
These programs reflect our readiness to position Kogi as a leader in human capital and economic development,” Fanwo concluded.
News
IBADAN: Early Morning Fire Destroys Shops, Millions Lost in Property

An early morning fire on Friday, September 12, 2025, gutted four shops at Saki Garage, opposite Trans Amusement Park in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The fire, which started around 2:07 a.m., affected four out of eleven shops in the complex. No casualties were reported, but properties worth millions of naira were lost.
Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident and said firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.
The fire was traced to embers left unattended after business hours, which ignited nearby flammable materials.
Akinwande advised the public to be vigilant, keep fire extinguishers at home and in shops, and store emergency fire service numbers. He also commended Amotekun officers from the Bodija Division for providing security during the firefighting operation.
News
Air Peace Differs with NSIB reports on crews involvement in drugs, alcohol
Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!

Air Peace has responded to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) regarding the incident involving one of its aircraft at Port Harcourt on July 13, 2025.
The airline said to date, no official communication was received on crew toxicology results by NSI, B, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had cleared the co-pilot on duty.
In a statement by Air Peace, it stated that it is yet to receive any official communications from the NSIB on such findings over a month after the incident and after the testing of the crew for alcohol, which took place in less than an hour of the incident!
“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, and it is important to set the record straight.
“Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!
The NSIB had on Thursday released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-524 aircraft, operated by Air Peace, saying initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption.
The report said that a cabin crew member also tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis.
“These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.”, a statement on the report signed by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said.
News
Hilda Baci Cooking World’s Largest Pot of Jollof Rice Today at Eko Hotel
Baci also disclosed she would be using 250 bags of rice to create what she hopes will become the world’s biggest pot of Nigerian jollof rice.

Celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci is cooking what she describes as the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice at Eko Hotel and Suites today (Friday) in Lagos.
A video shared on her Instagram page on Thursday showed the moment the massive pot arrived at the venue of the record-breaking attempt in Lagos.
Another clip shared on her Snapchat story captured Hilda and her mother praying at the venue ahead of the event.
Baci announced on Wednesday that more than 20,000 people had registered to attend the event dubbed “Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci”
She emphasised that the event which kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 12, is free to attend, and that guests will “certainly not be paying for the amazing meal that I’m going to make for you.”
According to Baci, the historic attempt will feature a giant pot measuring six metres wide and six metres tall, in collaboration with seasoning and culinary brand Gino.
Baci also disclosed she would be using 250 bags of rice to create what she hopes will become the world’s biggest pot of Nigerian jollof rice
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