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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
NIS Sets to Replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single Travel Emergency Passport
NIS Sets to Replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single Travel Emergency Passport
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Immigration Service is set to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) to replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).
The announcement was made by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, during the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey Processes, organized and co-hosted by Nigeria in collaboration with Government of France.
Nandap, while making the announcement at the meeting, disclosed that the initiative forms part of the Service’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Identity Management and Border Governance frameworks in line with global best practices.
A statement on Wednesday by the spokesman of NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi said the high-level meeting convened critical stakeholders in migration management in Nigeria and abroad including National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internal Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Representatives from ECOWAS, AU, EU, African and European countries.
He disclosed that the meeting seeks to reinforce coordinated prevention, protection, and prosecution responses to Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons across African and European migration routes among participating Migration Agencies, and serving as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning legal frameworks, and fostering inter-agency cooperation, the forum underscored the importance of collective and sustained action in addressing the root causes of irregular migration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, with emphasis on the protection of rights of objects migrants smuggling and victims of human trafficking
Delivering her keynote address titled “Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses” the Nigeria Immigration Service Perspective, the Comptroller-General highlighted part of the Service’s comprehensive reform agenda which also focuses on combating Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons through enhanced Border Governance, improved Migration Management systems, capacity building, and strengthened international collaboration.
Building on this framework, the CGI explained that the forthcoming Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) will serve as a temporary travel document for Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen, enabling them to return home in a secure and verifiable manner. She noted that the travel document will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad and valid only for single entry, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and robust identity protection.
The Comptroller-General reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration dialogues, emphasizing that the Nigeria Immigration Service will continue to align its policies and operations with international standards to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration across borders.
NIS Sets to Replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single Travel Emergency Passport
Zulum shares 63 patrol vehicles to combat criminality in Maiduguri
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has handed over 63 patrol vehicles to security agencies and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operating in Maiduguri and its environs.
Out of the 63 vehicles, 30 were given to the 10 different sectors of CJTF, 16 to Rapid Response and Anti-Social Vices, 10 to paramilitary organisations, 6 to hunters and one to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
According to a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, the distribution aims to enhance the mobility and response capacity of the police, other security outfits, and the civilian joint task force in tackling security threats such as armed gangs and other forms of criminality within the state capital and its surrounding areas.
He noted that this latest donation is one of the numerous vehicle distributions by the Zulum administration since 2019 all of which are targeted at strengthening the security architecture and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
Zulum, while presenting the vehicles, reiterated his government’s commitment to providing continuous logistical support to security forces. He emphasised that security is part of the cardinal priorities of his administration.
He said: “We are here in continuation of our efforts to support the security apparatus in Borno State with equipment and logistics needed for them to function effectively.”
“I want to assure you that the government of Borno under my leadership will continue to support you with a view to achieving the noble objectives in ensuring the state is rid of insurgency.”
He also commended President Bola Tinubu and the security forces for their efforts to restore normalcy in Borno.
He stated: “Let me also use this opportunity to extend my profound appreciation to the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tunibu, the services chiefs, theatre commander, sector commanders and all officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces that are in operation hadin Kai, and indeed all paramilitary organisations in Borno State for the great works that they’ve been doing in the state.”
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur, Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Naziru Abdulmajid, the State Director of the State Security Service, Adamu Umar and the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdulrazaq Haroon.
Also in attendance are the Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers and other top government officials.
Zulum shares 63 patrol vehicles to combat criminality in Maiduguri
National News
Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence
Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence
By: Zagazola Makama
One person was killed while several others, including security personnel, sustained injuries during a violent attack by thugs at a polling unit in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at Central Ward, Bashari Polling Unit, during the local government council elections.
According to the sources , the Electoral Officer (EO) for Kontagora LGA, Mr. Umar Abdulkadir, was held hostage and threatened by thugs before being rescued by a patrol team that responded to a distress call.
The rescue operation, however, turned violent as the thugs engaged in a serious fracas, resulting in the death of one Abdullahi Bala, 60, who was stabbed during the attack, while one Shehu Habibu sustained injuries to his right hand.
The security operatives attached to the electoral office were also attacked and injured, and one patrol vehicle was vandalised during the incident.
The deceased and the injured victims were taken to the General Hospital, Kontagora, for autopsy and medical treatment.
The command said investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest all the perpetrators involved in the election-day violence.
Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence
NIS Sets to Replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single Travel Emergency Passport
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