News

PHOTOS: Ododo Sworn In As Kogi Governor

Published

2 years ago

January 27, 2024

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, on Saturday, swore in Ahmed Usman Ododo as the 5th Executive Governor of Kogi State.

Ododo, who was sworn in at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, took the oath of office and allegiance at 2:25 p.m. after his deputy, Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, who did earlier at 2:18 p.m.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, witnessed the ceremony.

Ododo, immediately after the allegiance oath, took the first salute and review of parade.

Speaking afterward, the Kogi new governor eulogised his immediate predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for giving him the opportunity to govern the state.

The governor promised that the state under his administration would be made a hub for economic growth in line with President Tinubu’s renewed economic policies.

The governor urged the people of the state to stem the tide of greed and be prepared to make hard choices with unity and cooperation, assuring that it is a new dawn for the people.

Ododo assured the people of the state that he would work to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people and stressed that the era of bitter politics is over.

”There would no longer be politics of bitterness in the state, as taught by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I urge all the people of the state to join hands with me in building a vibrant Kogi State.

”I will build on the solid foundation of unity existing in the state. I will strive not to undermine the trust placed in him to lead the people of the state.

”I promise to govern with the fear of God, fairness, equity, and justice,” assured that he will not fail the people, and promised to be transparent and accountable.

Ododo also urged the people to choose unity and togetherness and affirmed his will to pursue their full measure of happiness without tribal or ethnicity that binds them together.

“We will work to sustain the ideals of the founding fathers, delivering on the dreams of a prosperous Kogi State that will lead to the progress of Kogi State as envisioned by the founding fathers.”

To ensure a sense of belonging, Ododo assured that the charter of power rotation, which would ensure inclusivity, would be worked upon.

”I shall hit the ground running with programmes that would ensure the well-being of our people, with accountability and transparency as our driving force.”

”I will open the state to become the investor hub under a robust public-private partnership. My administration will strive to make the state attractive and an investment destination.

”Under my administration, more homes will be built. More businesses will spring up. Our farmland will be flourishing. Our school will be filled. Teachers will smile. Youth will be enterprising. Women would be gainfully engaged.”

“Let it be said that once upon a time, when our will was tested, we strived for unity for the future generation of all Kogites.

”Our administration will strive to complete all ongoing projects and focus on solid minerals, steel development, marine, and digital economy.”

Gov. Ododo expressed optimism about a better Kogi State that will meet the expectations of the people, with Kogi State made better under his administration”.

Gov. Ododo said he will build on the achievements of his predecessor, described former Gov. Bello as the father of modern Kogi State, and praised him for his life transformation achievements and for building a modern Kogi State.

He called on the people to join hands with him in building the unity of the state, acknowledged the efforts of former Gov. Idris Wada, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, and said history will remain kind to them for their roles in shaping the state on the basis of unity.

Ododo paid glowing tributes to the late Prince Abubakar Audu and lauded President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for making the state peaceful and united before and after the governorship election.

Below are images from the ceremony:

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.