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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.
News
IGP Egbetokun Pays Condolence Visit to Arase’s Family
During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased former IGP Solomon Ehigiator Arase, in Abuja today.
IGP Egbetokun extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, to the family, friends, and former colleagues of the deceased IGP Arase.
Kayode Egbetokun acknowledges the deep pain of this loss and prays for comfort, strength, and peace for all in this time of grief, while appreciating the contributions of the late Police boss to Police reforms and National Security.
The memory of late IGP Arase will forever remain etched in the heart of the Force and the country he so faithfully served.
Arase died in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
The news of his death was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase jnr on Sunday.
BIOGRAPHY
IGP Solomon Arase was born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State.
He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political science.
He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State.
Arase was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.
During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 and 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively.
He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016.
He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024.
He was also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens rights.
IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.
His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning of a man who served with pride and honour.
PHILANTHROPY
Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.
More than 23,659 people are still missing across Nigeria, leaving 13,595 families — mostly women — in distress, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The grim figure was disclosed on Sunday by Mr. Ishaku Luka, Team Lead for Protection of Family Links at the ICRC in Damaturu, during events marking the International Day of the Disappeared.
Luka said that 68% of those searching for missing loved ones are women, while 59% of the missing were children at the time they disappeared. Yobe State alone accounts for around 2,500 of the cases, with the majority reported from Gujba Local Government Area.
“Each missing person represents a family trapped in pain and uncertainty, often facing legal, social, and economic hardships,” Luka said, stressing that the plight of these families is one of the overlooked consequences of conflict, disasters, and migration.
He urged authorities, communities, and all parties to conflict to take greater responsibility in preventing disappearances and protecting civilians.
Providing updates on ICRC’s work, Luka revealed that between January and June 2025, the organisation documented 451 new cases and resolved 515. In that period, seven children separated from their families were successfully reunited.
“Every day, we help reunite 20 people globally. Every hour, we clarify the fate of two missing persons. Every minute, we help four people contact their families,” he noted.
ICRC representative Hassan added that healing does not come with time alone, but with answers, acknowledgment, and support. He highlighted the ongoing support provided in states like Borno and Adamawa, including mental health services, livelihood aid, and family orientation programmes in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
He called on Nigerian authorities to fulfill their legal and moral obligations — by clarifying the fate of missing persons, respecting the dignity of the deceased, and supporting affected families.
Globally, over 94,000 new missing persons were registered in 2024, bringing the total to 284,400 — a figure the ICRC believes underrepresents the true scale of the crisis.
“No family should have to live with the torment of not knowing. We renew our commitment to advocate for the disappeared and stand with their families,” Hassan said.
Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has reportedly passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.
As at press time, there has been no official confirmation from his family or the Nigeria Police Force regarding the development.
Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was appointed to the position in April 2015 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
After his retirement in 2016, he continued to serve the nation in various capacities, most notably as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a role he assumed in January 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. He was relieved of the position in June 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
A seasoned intelligence officer, Arase once led the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s apex intelligence unit. He also served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and later as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of intelligence. His international service included a stint in Namibia on a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
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