News
Kogi State Ranks 5th Lowest in Debt, Boosts Economy with Mining Deal
The strategic economic and fiscal reforms of the Kogi State Government have begun to yield fruitful results, with the state now ranked as having the 5th lowest domestic debt among the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to the latest figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) as of March 31, 2025.
The report shows that Kogi State’s domestic debt stands at ₦20.38 billion, marking a significant drop from the ₦121.81 billion recorded in Q4 of 2023, when the state ranked 18th lowest in the country.
This reflects a remarkable debt reduction of over ₦101.43 billion in just over one fiscal quarter.
Speaking on the achievement, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, attributed the success to the state’s aggressive implementation of global best practices in financial management, including prudent borrowing, enhanced revenue performance, and strategic expenditure control.
“We are deliberate in our financial approach, cutting waste and focusing on impactful spending. This improvement is not accidental; it is the result of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s transparent , accountable and reform-minded leadership,” he said.
Also speaking, the Auditor General of the State, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, said Kogi’s improved debt standing is evidence of transparency and effective oversight.
“We ensure that all government funds are deployed strictly for their intended purposes. His Excellency’s accounting background has brought a culture of accountability and efficiency to every level of government. Our systems now deliver more results with fewer resources,” he said.
Alhaji Okala commended Governor Ododo’s unwavering support for fiscal institutions, saying the Governor has not only backed reforms but insisted on compliance and value-for-money across all MDAs.
Both the Commissioner of Finance and the Auditor General of the State agreed that the results are products of the hard work by the finance team in the last administration and the consolidation of the present administration in the State to ensure that the resources of the state serve for the people of the State.
They also attribute improved revenue to the reduced need for domestic borrowing, saying the State Government is conveniently funding a good number of capital projects in the State.
In a related development, the Kogi State Government says it has acquired licenses to fully participate in solid minerals mining in the State in a bold move to diversify the state’s economy and expand its revenue base.
The State Government confirmed that it has acquired 15 mining licenses to begin strategic participation in the nation’s solid minerals sector.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who said the move was driven by the government’s resolve to ensure that Kogites benefit directly from the natural resources on their land.
“With these licenses, Kogi will now take its rightful place in the mining sector, not just as a host but as an active operator. This will unlock value, create jobs for our teeming youth, and grow our internally generated revenue,” Fanwo stated.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support and the policy framework that now enables subnational entities to participate more directly in mining and resource development.
“This is a major economic breakthrough for our state. We thank Mr. President for enabling states like Kogi to take charge of their destiny. Governor Ododo’s leadership is positioning Kogi not just for today, but for a prosperous, resource-driven future,” Fanwo added.
He assured that the licenses would be put to use through environmentally responsible and community-focused mining initiatives that will stimulate industrial growth and promote local content development.
With the twin achievements of improved debt ranking and entry into strategic mining operations, Kogi State is fast becoming a national model in fiscal sustainability and economic diversification.
Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who allegedly assaulted airline staff aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has been formally charged and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
The update was shared by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He made the disclosure in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over unruly behavior at Nigerian airports. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently announced plans to intensify enforcement, warning that such actions will become more frequent due to the rise in disruptive passenger conduct.
This development follows a separate incident involving Fuji music icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1), who reportedly tried to stop a ValueJet flight from departing after he was deboarded.
News
Kogi Civil Servant Lauds Ododo, urges action on pending requests
Governor Ododo’s visionary leadership has been a game-changer for Kogi State, and his commitment to transforming the civil service is evident in the progress made so far.
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Barr. Muhammed Musa Tanko, called on the State’s Governor, Aljaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to approve pending requests that would further boost the morale of civil servants in the state.
Barr Tanko made the call today during a momentous occasion marking the Civil Service Week.
Barr Tanko acknowledged that under Governor Ododo’s leadership, Kogi State has made significant strides in transforming the civil service.
He cited a few examples of the progress made so far to include digital transformation, implementation of the National Minimum Wage, payment of salaries and leave bonuses, and gazetting of the Kogi State Vigilante Service personnel into the state civil service.
The state government has also established the Kogi State ICT Development Agency, headed by a Director-General, Dr. Bashir Tenuche, to drive digital innovation and development.
However, the chairman acknowledged that challenges persist in every system.
Issues of capacity, resource constraints, and bureaucratic bottlenecks are some of the challenges that need to be addressed.
Moreover, retirement from service is creating a vacuum that threatens to disrupt operations, and a robust succession plan is needed to mitigate this risk.
Barr. Tanko humbly called on His Excellency to look at the following requests with penetrating idea of clarity and approve them.
These include pending promotions for deserving and qualified civil servants in respect of years 2023, 2024, and 2025, training for MDAs in compliance with global best practices, training for the Comptroller-General and management team of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, and recruitment of staff to bridge the gap between junior and senior staff.
Governor Ododo’s visionary leadership has been a game-changer for Kogi State, and his commitment to transforming the civil service is evident in the progress made so far.
With these requests approved, the state civil service is poised to achieve even greater heights, and the people of Kogi State will reap the benefits of good governance.
As the civil servants of Kogi State celebrate this week, they do so with hope and optimism for a brighter future.
With the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the dedication of the civil servants, Kogi State is set to achieve greatness. God bless His Excellency, God bless the Head of Civil Service, Pastor Elijah Adeiza Evinemi, CFA, PhD., and God bless the civil servants of Kogi State!
News
LASPA and LASBACA Seal BetterMart Supermarket Ajah Lagos
The facility manager and the workers were wisked off by the agencies.
•Rowdy scene of LASPA Enforcement officers seal Better Mart/ Ohibaba.com
Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) and its sister agency, Lagos State Building Control Authority , on Monday at 11.45am , swoop down and sealed Better Mart, a supermarket on Badore road, Ajah , Lagos; claiming regulatory infractions.
The facility manager and the workers were wisked off by the agencies.
Ohibaba.com scoops that the property ,owned by a business woman was purchased at the cost of over N170 million, then refurbished.
One of the agencies enforcement officer prattled that the owner of the supermarket had been invited to their office Alausa, Ikeja, adding that she will likely pay N20 million as regulatory infraction before they unseal the property.
BREAKING: Ibom Air Passenger Charged for Assault, Remanded in Prison
Kogi Civil Servant Lauds Ododo, urges action on pending requests
LASPA and LASBACA Seal BetterMart Supermarket Ajah Lagos
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business3 days agoDangote Refinery Debunks shutdown rumour, says PMS’s gantry price remains N850
-
Crime1 day agoEFCC raids Obasanjo’s hotel, arrests internet fraudsters during pool party
-
Crime1 day agoPolice Convict 21 foreigners for alleged internet fraud
-
News2 days agoKogi State Government Creates New Traditional Stools, Reinstates Suspended Monarch, Moves to Resolve Bagana Crisis
-
Crime10 hours agoDSS Arraigns Owo Bomb Suspects *Court fixes August 19 for trial
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Ex-minister, Audu Ogbe Dies at 78
-
News1 day agoSERAP, NGE sue Niger State Governor, NBC over Badeggi FM
-
News3 days agoNigerian Police Release Activist Following Detention Amid Revolutionary Movement Pressure