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
Aso Villa completely going off public electricity and generator for Solar power by March — PermSec
The shift is expected to significantly reduce government’s spending on electricity
• Aso Villa Abuja
The Aso Presidential Villa in Abuja will completely stop using electricity generated from the national grid by March 2026, as work on its solar power initiative reaches the final stage.
State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal to the Senate Committee on Special Duties at the National Assembly.
Fashedemi explained that installation of the Villa’s solar mini-grid was concluded late in 2025 and has been undergoing technical trials since December.
He expressed confidence that a full transition to the new power system would be achieved within the first quarter of the year, noting that the shift is expected to significantly reduce government’s spending on electricity.
To demonstrate the project’s effectiveness, the Permanent Secretary cited the State House Medical Centre, which switched to solar power in May 2025.
Since then, he said, the facility has operated almost entirely off-grid, without relying on generators and drawing only minimal supply from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
Meanwhile, the Federal Government had earmarked N10 billion in the 2025 budget for the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” a move that triggered debate among Nigerians.
Critics argued that installing solar panels at the seat of power suggested a lack of confidence in efforts to stabilise the country’s electricity supply.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill proposes an additional N7 billion to complete the initiative.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has paid glowing tribute to a forest guard who lost his life in a confrontation with suspected kidnappers, describing him as a hero in the ongoing battle against banditry and insecurity.
The deceased, identified as Mr. Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel, was killed on Sunday, February 8, 2026, during a security operation in the bush around Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area, a border area near Kogi State.
According to reports, Samuel and a combined team of forest guards, local hunters, and vigilantes responded to intelligence about armed bandits in the vicinity and engaged them.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “devastating.” He commended Samuel’s bravery and patriotism, noting that the fallen guard made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the community.
“He is our hero, and we ask God to give succour to his family,” the governor said, while extending condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the wider security network.
To support the grieving family, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a N10 million financial assistance package as a token of the state government’s appreciation for Samuel’s service and sacrifice in the collective fight against kidnapping and banditry.
The gesture underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those on the front lines of security efforts in the state.
News
Governor Abiodun Lauds Dangote for Industrial, Economic Development of Ogun State
In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has lauded the roles played by the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), as a strategic partner in the industrial and economic development of the state through investments.
Governor Abiodun expressed the gratitude yesterday, during the flagged off ceremony for the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair with the theme, “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships,” at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.
He said that the state government proudly recognises the Dangote Group as “a truly exemplary strategic partner in the collective pursuit of industrial advancement and sustainable economic development in the state.”
The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela.
In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.
Also, National President of NACCIMA, Dr Jani Ibrahim, represented by Dr Michael Olawale Cole, lauded the Ogun State Governor for his administration’s business-friendly policies, which have made the business environment conducive.
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