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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
NNPCL Faults NISO’s Claim of No Gas To Power Generating Plants
It, however, maintained that gas production had increased by about 10 per cent in 2026 so far, as the company pursued the Federal Government’s gas development and monetisation agenda.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has dismissed claims by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) blaming the nationwide power supply outages on partly to limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric power stations.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC said that its pipelines remain available to deliver gas to power plants across the country.
The national oil company said its operational records did not indicate any transportation-related constraints within the network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, that could explain the current drop in power generation.
It, however, maintained that gas production had increased by about 10 per cent in 2026 so far, as the company pursued the Federal Government’s gas development and monetisation agenda.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday stormed an illegal Chinese-operated refinery in Ogere-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The joint operation followed intelligence reports that revealed a well-fenced but crude yet technically sophisticated facility occupying more than three hectares of land.
During the inspection, officials observed underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil, refining waste products, and substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel. NMDPRA officials immediately sealed the facility.
Ogun State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Dr. Atilola Akinyemi, described the plant as a complete illegality operating without any permit from regulatory authorities.
“The underground storage facility behind the site has an estimated capacity of more than 90,000 litres, complete with underground heating systems, water hydrants for cooling, locally fabricated tanks and silos for separation,” Akinyemi told journalists.
He warned that if such adulterated products entered the market, they would pose serious risks to vehicles and engines. All recovered products have been confiscated by the Federal Government.
Director of the Department of Proceeds of Crime Management at the EFCC, Gbolahan Latona, stressed the need for collective patriotism in tackling economic crimes.
“Upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects will have their day in court and the proceeds of crime will be put to meaningful use,” Latona said.
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Sanusi: Critics Are Not Enemies Of The Govt
” It’s not every time people talk about poverty or talk about difficulty that they’re just enemies of the government or making an attack on the president. That is not how to respond to economic distress,” he said.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has advised the Federal Government against treating every comment about the administration as an attack on President Bola Tinubu.
The royal father gave the advise on the occasion of the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, organised by the Oxford Global Think Tan.
Speaking virtually to the audience at the event, on Tuesday, Sanusi advised the government to tolerate constructive criticism.
“It’s not every time people talk about poverty or talk about difficulty that they’re just enemies of the government or making an attack on the president. That is not how to respond to economic distress,” he said.
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