National News
AT INAUGURATION OF KOGI GOVERNOR: We Have Absolute Confidence In Ododo To Deliver On Good Governance – VP Shettima
AT INAUGURATION OF KOGI GOVERNOR: We Have Absolute Confidence In Ododo To Deliver On Good Governance – VP Shettima
- Says Tinubu working towards optimising Kogi’s vast potentials
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed the absolute confidence of the Tinubu administration in the new Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to deliver the dividends of good governance to the people of the state.
He said the “change of baton from one progressive to another will not disrupt the dividends of good governance”, noting that “Kogi State remains bound by the ideals and promises of a unified council of leaders and the largest party in Africa,” the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Shettima spoke on Saturday during the inauguration of Ododo and Salifu Joel Oyibo as the Executive Governor and Deputy Governor of Kogi State respectively at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, the state capital.
Delivering his speech titled, “Standing Together, Standing for the People,” the Vice President conveyed what he described as the heartfelt goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the people of Kogi State, saying the President holds absolute confidence in Ododo as the new helmsman of the state.
He stated: “The President remains committed to collaborating to optimise the vast potentials of Kogi State and bring to fruition the aspirations of its illustrious people.
“This historic day is not an orphan; it is born from a collection of sacrifices and an inventory of commitments to serve the people. This historic day is the ultimate demonstration of faith in Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, a man fit for the shoes he is about to step into”.
For the outgoing Governor, Yahaya Bello, VP Shettima who described him by his nicknames, “indefatigable White Lion, the people’s lion,” pointed out that the historic inauguration of Ododo as his successor “is an eloquent referendum on” Bello’s stewardship.
“We are not here by accident, for none of us would ever escape our destiny. It’s this fatalism in our service to humanity that inspires our humility to stay on track. We are here merely because we are chosen by the people to represent their ideals.
“While political parties embody ideologies, it is the people who uphold the value system that appeals to our humanity, and Kogi State is fortunate to have our trusted patriots safeguarding their interests,” he added.
The VP further observed that Ododo is stepping in as the next Governor of Kogi at a time it may seem difficult “to assume a leadership position in Nigeria, especially as Nigeria adjusts to geopolitical events that have exerted pressure on our economy and the inherited greed and grievances that have threatened our national security”.
He however implored the Governor not to despair, averring that while “it is precisely during these tumultuous times that a leader of note proves their resilience,” it is the same resilience that sets Nigerian leaders apart, as they navigate through challenges that shape the nation’s collective destiny.
Calling for collective efforts in governance and team work among members of the APC in the state, Vice President Shettima continued: “Today, as we celebrate a well-won victory, let us remember that nobody functions in isolation.
“A defining principle of sound leadership is the wisdom to acknowledge one’s roots and the collective effort that propels success. The power of collectivity is the backbone that makes the summit exhilarating, proving that it is never lonely at the top.
“As His Excellency, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo assumes the weight of leadership today, we must appeal to the pillars of the party in Kogi State to work as a team. Our ability to manage this weight shapes our future and influences our image, and we must remain ambassadors of the party, wherever we are and in whatever we do.”
In his inaugural speech, the new Governor of Kogi, Ododo, pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor in order to move the state forward.
The Governor who promised not to betray the people’s trust also pledged to pay attention to the health, education, agriculture and infrastructural sectors.
Governor Ododo singled out President Tinubu for praise for his commitment to the conduct of free and fair elections.
The brand new Governor pledged to hit the ground running by completing critical projects left behind by the immediate past Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello.
To match his words with action, the Governor announced the appointments of the Secretary to the State Government, his Chief of Staff and his Chief Press Secretary, among others, even as he also forwarded the list of his Commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly.
Dignitaries who also graced the occasion included the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; members of the National Working Committee of the APC; members of the National Assembly representing the state; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar; Governor of Kwara State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
Others are Deputy Governors of Benue, Nasarawa and Ogun States; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadeja, and royal fathers, among others.
The colourful event also featured a parade by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command.
AT INAUGURATION OF KOGI GOVERNOR: We Have Absolute Confidence In Ododo To Deliver On Good Governance – VP Shettima
National News
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
•••Says 4500 Students Deployed In Varsities In Nigeria In 2025
By: Michael Mike
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has said that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the significant achievements recorded by the agency in the Niger Delta in about two years.
He spoke at the flag-off of the fourth batch of the two-day “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders” organised by the agency in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Monday.
The PAP had in July and August 2025 successfully conducted a similar capacity-building workshop for three batches of its stakeholders at the same military facility.
Otuaro, who said the President is delighted with the agency’s expanded scholarship scheme, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta, urged stakeholders to maintain their position as key players in the region’s peace and development.
According to him, His Excellency, President Tinubu is very supportive of the programme because of his strong desire for the region to enjoy sustainable peace, stability and development.
He reiterated that the workshop is a vital component of the PAP’s peace process with all stakeholders as important partners in the peace initiative.
He stressed that the participants are not only partners for peace, but also the President’s peace ambassadors.
The PAP boss also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support to strengthen the programme’s initiatives and enable it to achieve the intended objectives for the people of the region.
While declaring the workshop open, Otuaro said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months. As stakeholders, you should continue to be key players in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, which His Excellency has been very supportive of and desirous of.
“The objective behind this training is to ensure that all of us are partners in every peace effort in the Niger Delta. This initiative is also to give you a sense of belonging.
“When we organised this workshop in July and August this year, we assured stakeholders that more people would also participate in the training. We don’t want to do the PAP’s work alone. It is a process of putting our heads together to ensure that the region is peaceful and united. When we are united, Mr President will do more for the region.
“We must also realise that peace starts from our communities; you all are leaders in your own rights. I know and acknowledge the support that the Office has received since we came on board. This leadership workshop is part of our peacebuilding process and is designed to ensure that peace is sustained in our region.
“Since we came on board, we have redirected the Programme towards our people and for the next generation. We have achieved a lot. This 2025-2026 academic session, we have sent 4,500 students, our future leaders, on scholarships to universities within Nigeria. We are doing this to invest in the future of our region.”
Otuaro said that his leadership would not be distracted by the smear campaign of some anti-Niger Delta elements who were angry that the programme had been taken to the people of the region, saying “nobody will hold the region to ransom.”
He further urged stakeholders not to be manipulated by political merchants, but to massively support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid because of his clear agenda for the region.
Otuaro enjoined the stakeholders to participate actively in the workshop and utilise the lessons they would gain to strengthen peace and development in their communities and the Niger Delta in general.
He also expressed appreciation to the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for partnering with the PAP to deepen the peace process in the region.
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
National News
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
By: Michael Mike
The DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has approved the promotion of 523 Staff of the Commission.
The promotion, according to a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Commission, Dr. Kayode Adegoke is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adegoke said: “This is a statutory part of the performance reward system for Staff who sat and met the pre-requisite conditions as spelt out in the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the 2025 promotion exercise.
He disclosed that accordingly, two staff members were promoted to the Director’s cadre (GL 17), and eight staff members moved to the Deputy Director cadre (GL 16) and 35 staff staff members promoted to the Assistant Director cadre (GL 15).
He further disclosed that 35 staff were promoted to the level of Chief Identity Officers (GL 14), with 109 moving to Assistant Chief Identity Officers (GL 13).
Adegoke said 113 officers moved to the rank of Principal Identity Officer (GL 12), while 82 were promoted to Senior Identity Officer ranks (GL 10), and 130 to the rank of Identity Officer 1 ( GL 9).
The DG/CEO congratulated all the promoted staff and charged them to see the promotion as an opportunity to serve the country better. She reiterated zero tolerance for extortion and warned staff to desist from it.
Engr Coker-Odusote, furthermore, encouraged all staff members of the Commission to work harder in the coming year 2026 and ensure the successful implementation of the National Identification Number project. She reiterated her commitment to prioritise staff welfare and ensure the dignity of labour.
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
National News
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his 67th birthday, saying his exemplary and progressive leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC), his state, and the nation at large is worthy of emulation.
He noted that as Chairman of the PGF, an umbrella body of Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uzodimma has demonstrated exceptional capacity to unite and galvanise the party’s Governors towards achieving a collective vision for Nigeria’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Vice President on Saturday, described the age of 67 as an important milestone in the life of Uzodimma, noting that the special moment reflects how far the Governor has come, and sets the stage for what lies ahead.
Acknowledging how Uzodimma’s “exemplary leadership as Executive Governor of Imo State continues to inspire confidence and progress,” VP Shettima described the PGF Chairman as a committed servant of Nigeria.
“Your recent appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Renewed Hope Ambassador is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering dedication to the ideals of our administration and your proven ability to articulate and champion the transformative agenda of the Renewed Hope mandate across our nation,” the VP told the Governor.
This singular honour, Senator Shettima said, reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and commitment to national progress.
He observed that the Imo State Governor’s strategic governance, infrastructural achievements, and dedication to the prosperity of his state exemplify the progressive leadership Nigeria needs at this crucial time.
The Vice President prayed the Almighty God to grant Governor Uzodimma continued wisdom, good health, and strength to sustain his “remarkable service to Imo State and Nigeria.”
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
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