Naijagist Platform

-Hon. Abanika leads engineering team on inspection, assures quality delivery By Umar Samuel Onotu  The Kogi State Government has commenced moves to remodel and rehabilitate the General Hospital, Okpo, in Olamaboro Local Government Area, as part of efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and service delivery in the area. The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, disclosed this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he led engineers and technical personnel from the ministry on an inspection of the hospital facility. Abanika said the intervention was in line with the directive of the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to ensure that the hospital receives the necessary infrastructure upgrade to enable it provide better and more conducive healthcare services to the people. He stressed that the quality of work would not be compromised, noting that the government was interested not only in renovating the structures but also in ensuring t...

  ...Says Programme Will Take Dividends of Democracy to the Grassroots The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has unveiled the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, with a call for unity and continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The unveiling took place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the APC Secretariat in Badoko, Ajaokuta, where the Commissioner met with party stakeholders drawn from the 14 wards of the local government. Abanika explained that NG-CARES is a state government initiative designed to bring the dividends of democracy closer to the people, particularly vulnerable households, farmers and communities at the grassroots. According to him, the programme covers five major intervention areas, three of which provide direct financial support to beneficiaries, while the others focus on community development and agricultural empowerme...

  The Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency says its ongoing inspection of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants is part of deliberate efforts to guarantee the availability of safe, quality and affordable medicines in the state, in line with the healthcare vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Pharm. Ibrahim Onize Salamat, disclosed this following a series of pharmaceutical plant visits conducted between May and August 2026 as part of the Agency’s 2026 Annual Operational Plan. According to her, the exercise was designed to enable the Agency trace the sources of medicines supplied to Kogi State, assess production facilities and quality control systems, and verify compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards. The visits, facilitated by the Kogi State Government in collaboration with the African Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM), covered Sagar Vitaceuticals Nig. Ltd. in Og...

  The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has felicitated the Auditor-General for Local Government, Alhaji Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, popularly known as “Fancy,” on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a humble, dutiful and dedicated public servant. In a birthday message, Hon. Abanika commended Alhaji Adabenege for his remarkable commitment to public service and his consistent dedication to the development of Kogi State. The Commissioner praised the Auditor-General for his support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, noting that his loyalty, commitment and contributions to the success of the government remain worthy of recognition. Hon. Abanika also acknowledged Adabenege’s humanitarian disposition, particularly his efforts towards supporting youths and women, describing his interventions as a reflection of his passion for empowering people and improving lives. He described the celebrant as a shining example of hu...

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency (KSDMSMA), Pharm. Ibrahim Onize Salamat, has disclosed that the agency is implementing strategic reforms to ensure the availability of quality, affordable and accessible medicines across the state. Pharm. Salamat stated this while briefing journalists in her office in Lokoja on the activities, achievements and ongoing initiatives of the agency aimed at strengthening the state’s pharmaceutical supply chain and improving access to essential medicines. She explained that under the leadership of the health-friendly Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the agency had moved away from fragmented purchasing towards a smarter and more unified procurement approach designed to ensure that hospitals receive quality medicines at the right price and at the right time. According to her, the progress was achieved through collaboration with 19 member Drugs Management Organizations across Nigeria and 30 p...

The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has felicitated the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Arike Ayoade, PhD, on the occasion of her birthday. Hon. Abanika described Dr. Ayoade as a dutiful, experienced and dependable public servant whose commitment to the service of Kogi State and the success of the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains commendable. He particularly applauded her Consistent support for Governor Ododo, noting that her wealth of experience, diligence and dedication have continued to contribute meaningfully to the effective coordination of government business and the implementation of the administration’s policies and programmes. The Commissioner further commended the SGS for her steadfastness, maturity and sense of responsibility in the discharge of her duties, describing her as a valuable member of the administration and an important pillar in the collective efforts...

The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, on Saturday led a group of artisans from Kogi Central to Abuja to formally endorse former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the forthcoming general election. Speaking at the endorsement event, Hon. Abanika described the former governor as a leader who had “paid his dues” through his contributions to the development of Kogi State, particularly Kogi Central. The group Chairman highlighted major projects and achievements recorded during Bello’s administration, including the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, the Confluence University Teaching Hospital, formerly Reference Hospital, Okene, road construction and rehabilitation, massive employment opportunities and empowerment programmes. Abanika also commended the former governor’s administration for its efforts in improving security across Kogi Central, describing security as a ...

   Hon. Isah liberty  , has emerged as the social democratic Party, candidate for Idah Federal Constituency following a rescheduled primary election held today in Idah. The fresh primary became necessary after the voluntary withdrawal of the earlier candidate,  in line with INEC guidelines. In his acceptance speech, Isah liberty said he would “jealously guard the people’s mandate. He expressed confidence that the SDP  would record a “clean sweep” in the 2027 general election, describing the party as “people-centred and committed to the welfare of Kogites.” Also speaking, the primary was conducted in strict accordance with the party’s Constitution. He noted that the voluntary  necessitated the substitution and fresh conduct of the election. The exercise was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alongside other relevant security agencies made up of the Police, NSCDC, DSS. With this victory, Hon. Isah liberty will fly t...

The Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, received an accreditation team from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to assess the hospital’s facilities and readiness for the commencement of Residency Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The accreditation team, led by Prof. Oluwole Ayodeji, comprised other distinguished members, including Prof. Odidika Umeora, Prof. Muhammed Bukar, and Prof. Francis E. Alu. The team’s first point of call was the Kogi State Ministry of Health, where they were warmly received by the Honourable Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez Adeiza, alongside heads of various health institutions in the state. At a brief welcome ceremony held at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Oluseyi Bamidele Folagbade, welcomed the accreditation team and described the exercise as both timely and personally significant. Dr. Folagbade explained that, having undergone specialist...

 This is why it will always be about connection Assuming I become the President of Nigeria today, I can assure you that within 48 hours, my long-time primary school mates and friends I thought I had lost contact with will try to reconnect. My secondary school mates and university mates will do the same. Don’t forget that my NYSC experience also gave me good friends and even families across different ethnicities. All members of my extended family — even those I can’t find the English word to describe our relationship — will want to identify with me. I am a Christian and I have been a member of different assemblies. Also, don’t forget that I have a Muslim identity from my grandfather whose name I bear as surname. Everyone who has known me in one way or another in the past will want to identify. By the end of the day, you will discover that most of the appointments and offers I will make will first benefit these people I have had a connection with at one point or another across the na...

  Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved appointment as Director-General of the National Population Commission. Your appointment is a clear testament to your dedication, humility, and exemplary leadership. Kogi East is immensely proud of you and confident that you will discharge your responsibilities with distinction, integrity, and excellence. Congratulations once again, I wish you Allah’s guidance, wisdom, and continued success in this important national assignment.

The Kogi State Government has taken another bold step towards strengthening tertiary education infrastructure as Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo officially handed over sites for the construction of two ultra-modern hostel facilities at the permanent campus of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara. The Governor, who was represented at the ceremony on Monday, 27th July, 2026, by the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, performed the site handover to contractors for the construction of a 350-bed male hostel and a 350-bed female hostel, bringing the total new accommodation capacity to 700 bed spaces. Speaking on behalf of Governor Ododo, Hon. Abanika Taiye said the project showcases the administration's unwavering commitment to expanding critical infrastructure in the education sector and creating an environment that promotes academic excellence. He explained that the hostel projects constitute the second phase of stud...

The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing purposeful leadership that has continued to attract national recognition and transformative development across the state. Hon. Abanika gave the commendation following the successful one-day working visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Kogi State, during which she commissioned the newly completed Kogi State Treasury House and the Primary Healthcare Centre at Lokongoma Phase I, Lokoja, as part of activities under the Renewed Hope Initiative. The Commissioner described the visit as a clear testament to the confidence reposed in the administration of Governor Ododo and his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, quality healthcare, women empowerment and improved welfare of the people. He noted that the successful execution of the projects reflects the Governor’s resolve to deliver sustainable...

The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has congratulated the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a peace-loving, visionary and development-oriented monarch whose reign has continued to promote unity, stability and progress across Ebiraland. In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Monday, Hon. Abanika said the Ohinoyi's commitment to peaceful coexistence, cultural preservation and inclusive leadership has earned him the admiration and respect of his subjects and Nigerians from all walks of life. The Commissioner noted that since ascending the throne, the revered monarch has continued to provide purposeful leadership by fostering harmony among the people, promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Ebira nation and creating an atmosphere that encourages growth and development. He also commended the Ohinoyi for his unwavering suppo...

  The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has congratulated the Ohi of Ajaokuta and Chairman of the Ajaokuta Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isah Musa Achuja, on the occasion of his 20th Coronation Anniversary. In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday, Hon. Abanika described the monarch's twenty years on the throne as a period of purposeful leadership, peace, unity, and remarkable contributions to the growth and development of Ajaokuta Kingdom. The Commissioner commended the royal father for his unwavering commitment to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the people, promotion of peaceful coexistence among communities, and support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people. According to him, the Ohi of Ajaokuta has continued to provide exemplary leadership and fatherly guidance, earning the respect and admiration of his subjects and stakeholders across Kogi State. Hon. Abanika noted tha...

  The Diocese of Okene (Anglican Communion) has called on security agencies to conduct a comprehensive and professional investigation into the attempted assassination of Rev. Isaac Bello, the Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ege, in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The Diocese made this known in a statement signed by the Bishop of Okene Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Onsachi, Ph.D., JP, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, describing the attack on the cleric as disturbing, painful and unacceptable. According to the statement, the incident occurred while Rev. Bello was preparing to receive fellow priests ahead of a Diocesan Mission Outreach scheduled to hold at Urovo-Ochinomi, a neighbouring community to Ege. Preliminary reports revealed that the priest was attacked by three suspected assailants close to his residence in Ege with an apparent intention to abduct him. During the attack, he sustained serious injuries, including a deep stab wound on his head and injuries to one of h...

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supply Management Agency, Pharm. Salamat Onize Ibrahim, has felicitated with the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose reforms in the health sector laid the foundation for sustainable drug supply management in the state. In a goodwill message made available to newsmen, Pharm. Salamat Onize Ibrahim said Alhaji Yahaya Bello, during his tenure, demonstrated a strong commitment to improving healthcare delivery through the availability of quality, safe, affordable, and accessible medicines for the people of Kogi State. This, she noted, led to the establishment of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supply Management Agency with a strong legal backing to ensure efficiency, accountability, and sustainability in drug procurement and distribution. She explained that the creation of the agency remains one of the most signi...

The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the My People First Foundation for its commitment to humanitarian service and community development following the donation of a four-bedroom bungalow to Mama Salametu Shaibu in Obéhira-Uvete, Okene Local Government Area of the state. Governor Ododo gave the commendation on Friday, June 12, 2026, during the official handover ceremony of the building, where he was represented by the Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye. Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Hon. Abanika described the gesture by the Foundation as a demonstration of compassion, humanity, and a strong commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society. He particularly praised the Founder of the Foundation, Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, for her vision and dedication to uplifting the less privileged. The Commissioner conveyed Governor Ododo's goodwill to the beneficiary, the Foundation, tradi...

The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Kogi State, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Muizudeen Y. Abdullahi, SAN, commending his strong leadership and contributions to governance in the state. In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye described the Attorney General as a backbone of justice administration whose professionalism and legal expertise have continued to strengthen institutional efficiency and governance processes in Kogi State. He noted that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Justice have maintained a strong working relationship under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, operating as partners in progress toward achieving the state’s development agenda. According to him, this synergy has enhanced policy implementation, improved regulatory c...

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency (KSDMSMA), Pharm. Salamat Onize Ibrahim, on behalf of management and staff, has felicitated the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kogi State, Hon. Muizudeen Y. Abdullahi, SAN, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a dependable legal partner in strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system. In her congratulatory message, Pharm. Salamat commended the Attorney General for his commitment to the rule of law and for providing consistent legal guidance that has supported the Agency’s mandate of ensuring access to safe, quality, and affordable drugs and medical consumables across Kogi State. She particularly acknowledged his role in the drafting, review, and vetting of Memorandum of Understanding between KSDMSMA and private pharmaceutical partners, noting that his input ensured legally sound agreements that protect the interests of the state while complying with re...