NEWS
New Doctors’ Inductees Laud Kogi Ex-Governor for Scholarship Support

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A group of newly graduated medical doctors from Kogi state have expressed their profound gratitude to the former Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his role in supporting their medical education through a full scholarship.
The medical professionals stated this in a letter of appreciation they sent to the immediate past governor of the state Yahaya Bello shortly after their induction as qualified medical doctors.
The doctors who are indigene of Kogi state were part of the pioneer medical students transferred from Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) to various universities across Nigeria after the institution lost its accreditation status.
The medical students then but now qualified doctors were transferred to Ebonyi State University, Kaduna State University, and Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, through the intervention and financial support of the former Governor Yahaya Bello when he was the chief executive of Kogi State.
In a public letter the doctors addressed to the former governor, they said “When we faced the unfortunate challenge of losing accreditation at our former institution, your divine emergence as Governor, swift intervention and the decision to transfer us to other medical schools were not just acts of leadership but of compassion and commitment to the future of Kogi State’s healthcare sector.
“The efforts of your administration in ensuring that we were successfully transferred to institutions where we could complete our medical training is a testament to your dedication to education and the well-being of your citizens”.
One of the doctors who spoke during the presentation of the appreciation letter, Dr. Omeiza Usman, thanked the former governor for his unwavering commitment to their education.
He also extended his appreciation to the Kogi State Government, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and numerous others who have contributed to their successful completion of their chosen course of study.
“Our success was made possible by the support of former Governor Yahaya Bello, who generously provided scholarships and covered our tuition and transfer fees. His belief in our potential has been crucial in achieving this milestone,” he stated
Also in his words of appreciation, Dr Edogbo Anthony thanked the former governor for the upgrade of various health facilities across the state especially the PAAU teaching hospital, as well as the construction of standard hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Kogi state and its environs.
The new medical doctors expressed their strong desire to give back to Kogi state and beyond.
NEWS
Stakeholders Forum Reaffirms Support for PAP Administrator Otuaro

By Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Critical Stakeholders Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has passed a vote of confidence in the Administrator, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis B. Otuaro, reaffirming their strong belief in his competence, visionary leadership, and dedication to transforming the programme.
In a press release signed by Chief Reuben C. Wilson, Chairman of the Forum, the group described Dr. Otuaro as a blessing to the PAP and the entire Niger Delta region.They commended his efforts in repositioning and sanitizing the programme to effectively fulfill its core mandate of rehabilitating, training, and reintegrating former agitators.The Forum noted that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has witnessed a renewed focus, with increased transparency, accountability, and results-driven implementation. His reforms, they said, have transformed the Amnesty Programme into a more productive and impactful initiative.The group strongly condemned recent criticisms against Dr. Otuaro, which they characterized as baseless, politically motivated, and detrimental to the progress of the PAP.They specifically addressed statements made by Owusu Owupele and his group, urging them to conduct a thorough and objective assessment of the Administrator’s policies before making public commentary.They called on Owupele and his associates to tender an unreserved apology for what they described as malicious and unfounded allegations.“It is disheartening to witness deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of an administrator who has shown uncommon commitment to the wellbeing of the Niger Delta,” the statement read. “High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro has restored integrity and focus to the PAP. He deserves encouragement, not vilification.” The Forum emphasized that while criticism is a legitimate part of democratic governance, it must be constructive, factual, and devoid of bitterness and political sentiments. They warned that unfounded attacks can demoralize public servants and undermine national development efforts.Reiterating their unwavering support, the Forum called on all well-meaning Niger Deltans and beneficiaries of the PAP to unite behind Dr. Otuaro’s vision. They stressed that the success of the programme is in the collective interest of the region and the country at large.“A stable, peaceful, and productive Niger Delta is essential for national progress,” the statement concluded. “We urge all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for Dr. Otuaro to continue his remarkable work. Let us focus on building, not destroying.NEWS
Governor Bassey Otu Flags Off Akamkpa Electrification Project, Reaffirms People-First Agenda

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Akamkpa electrification network, stretching from Awi to Uyanga, in a major step toward restoring power to the area.Represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency (CRSEA), Mr.
Francis Ekpo, Governor Otu’s administration reiterated its commitment to providing basic infrastructure and improving the quality of life in rural communities across the state. Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony, Mr. Ekpo explained that the rehabilitation marks a complete overhaul of the collapsed power network in the region, as directed by the Governor. He emphasized that the project is part of a broader statewide push to restore electricity and accelerate development in underserved areas.“The Governor is fully committed to ensuring that communities like Awi and Uyanga are not left behind in the state’s development drive,” Mr. Ekpo said. “His Excellency has approved the complete rehabilitation of this power line, and work will commence immediately.”The Executive Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Hon. Felix Akposi, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for his leadership and responsiveness. He described the electrification project as a long-awaited intervention and thanked the Governor for delivering on one of his key campaign promises.“This administration has shown sincerity and action. We, the people of Akamkpa, are grateful and fully in support of the Governor’s vision for development,” Hon. Akposi stated.Also speaking, the Member representing Akamkpa I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Okon Owuna, praised the Governor for what he called “unprecedented fulfillment” of promises made during the campaign period.“From establishing the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa to the construction of strategic roads and now this electrification project, His Excellency is delivering real impact,” Hon. Owuna said. “We, as a people, remain grateful and will continue to stand with this government.”The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo, and Chairman of the State House of Assembly Commission, Hon. Victor, were also present at the flag-off. Both officials commended the Governor’s people-centered governance approach and pledged continued support from their offices.The youth, women, and student representatives took turns to express their readiness to safeguard the infrastructure and support the ongoing development in their communities. The Youth Leader particularly promised that the youths would work with local authorities to prevent any form of vandalism or sabotage of the rehabilitated power infrastructure.NEWS
Police,NSIEC Partners On Security Management Ahead Of Council Polls

From Dan Amasingha, Minna.
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman has assured the Niger State Independent Electoral commission of its readiness to provide adequate security during the forthcoming local government election.The State Polic Commissioner gave the assuance when he received the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission led by the Chairman, Engr.
Mohammed Jubril Imam and his entourage on a courtesy visit to the State Police Headquarters Dutsen-Kura, Minna today 28th May, 2025. In his remarks, the Chairman appreciated the Commissioner of Police for the warm reception accorded to him and his members.He asserted that he had come to brief the CP of their mandate, and also seek for assistance to achieve their responsibility of conducting free, fair and peaceful local government elections in over five hundred polling units in the State.He pointed out that the importance of the Police in election security management cannot be overemphasized, as the election is scheduled to hold on 1st November, 2025. He noted 26th May as the last day of unveiling the list of candidates while campaign commenced on 27th May till 31st October, 2025.The Commissioner of Police Commissioner assured the Chairman of collaboration for a peaceful electioneering process, being the lead agency on internal security matters and election security duty.He explained that the Police and other security agencies in the State would be ready to provide necessary security coverage required.The CP reemphasized that the Police would not be partisan, but shall create a conducive environment for a peaceful process, as he reassured the Commission of the Police willingness to assist in achieving the task ahead.