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.
Image: Barter trade
Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State has reopened its centuries-old barter market, a unique trade hub in West Africa, as part of activities marking the council’s 34th anniversary.
The celebration, held at the council headquarters, brought together residents, traditional leaders, and political figures who hailed the return of peace to the area.
They described it as the foundation for Akpabuyo’s renewed economic prospects.
Former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, said the reopening of the barter market was a landmark development, crediting Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for restoring stability in the community.
Since His Excellency came into power, he put all measures in place to ensure calm and peace.
Today, people can sleep in their houses with their eyes closed, and that is why you see this turnout from far and near,” she said.
Dr. Ambrose-Amawhe highlighted Akpabuyo’s natural maritime position, bordered by rivers, Bakassi, and the Atlantic Ocean.
He emphasised that the government investment in dredging, deep-sea port projects, and marine preservation will reinforce its role in trade and agriculture.
“With the pace of growth, Akpabuyo will contribute even more to the economic advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria. More jobs will mean more stability for our people,” she added.
Council Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, said hosting the first official anniversary of Akpabuyo’s creation was a privilege, noting that the event was made possible by improved security.
“The place is calm and safe. We have Marine Police, the Navy, the Army, the Airforce, and our local vigilantes. Investors from China and other countries are already showing interest; some have even acquired land to build a university and industries,” he said.
Hon. Effiong also revealed plans to remodel the barter market into a world-class commercial hub to attract more investors and cross-border traders from Cameroon and beyond.
News
INTERPOL arrests 1,209 cybercriminals, recovers $97.4m
Nigeria was one of 18 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, that took part in the operations.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL)’s enforcement agencies across Africa arrested 1,209 major cybercriminals and recovered USD 97.4 million.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, gave the statistics during the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
He explained that the operation, code-named Serengeti 2.0 and coordinated by INTERPOL between June and August 2025, targeted high-impact cybercrimes including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and online investment scams. “
The report said that Nigeria was one of 18 African countries, alongside the United Kingdom, that took part in the operation.
The wider African operation dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, ranging from command-and-control servers to fraudulent domains.
In Angola authorities shut down 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centres operated by 60 Chinese nationals who were unlawfully validating blockchain transactions to generate digital currency.
The crackdown also led to the seizure of 45 unauthorised power stations and mining equipment valued at over USD 37 million.”
News
Nigerian Passport Now N100,000, N200,000 from Sept 1
Applicants abroad will continue to pay $150 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, ten-year passport.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that the fee for a 32-page passport with five-year validity will rise to N100,000, while a 64-page passport with ten-year validity will cost N200,00.
The new rates take effect from September 1, 2025.
NIS, in a a statement posted on its X handle yesterday, by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said that the adjustment is aimed at sustaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport while ensuring efficient service delivery
The revised charges apply only to passport applications processed within Nigeria.
Before now, the 32-page Passport with five-year validity cost N50,000 after it was increased from N35,000.
Also, the 64-page passport with a 10-year, was N100,000 after being initially increased from N70, 000.
However, passport application fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged.
Applicants abroad will continue to pay $150 for a 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for a 64-page, ten-year passport.
C’River’s community revives barter market
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