From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo on Tuesday inaugurated privately built Southward Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Edumo, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, describing it as a vital lifeline for communities and a catalyst for development.

The governor, while speaking at the occasion, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across the state.

He commended the vision and dedication of the hospital’s promoters and management.

He noted that their investment goes beyond business, describing it as “an act of service to humanity.”

“What you have built here will provide jobs for our youths, serve as a lifeline for citizens, and contribute significantly to the development of our state,” he said.

Ododo emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in saving lives, noting that the facility’s modern diagnostic equipment would enhance the detection and treatment of illnesses.

According to him, timely diagnosis makes treatment more effective, less complicated, and more affordable.

He stressed that the growing population in Kogi and neighbouring states requires reliable healthcare services, adding that the new facility is well-positioned to meet such demands.

The governor further underscored the role of private sector participation in healthcare delivery, noting that the government alone cannot meet the needs of the people. He assured the hospital’s management of continued support through policies that create a conducive environment for healthcare institutions to thrive.

“Our administration remains firmly committed to strengthening the healthcare system—from upgrading general hospitals and primary healthcare centres to expanding access to health insurance,” he said, urging residents of Kabba-Bunu to take ownership of the facility by patronising and protecting it.

Ododo also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging alignment with federal initiatives to build a stronger health system.

The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Bosede Jumoku Omadara, said the facility was established to address gaps in early diagnosis and reduce the need for medical tourism outside the state. She added that the hospital would also serve neighbouring Kwara and Ekiti state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulaziz Adams Adeiza, confirmed that the facility is fully registered and compliant with regulatory standards, noting that it would serve not only Okun land but also surrounding regions.

One of the hospital’s directors, Prof. Victor Kolawole, described the centre as a specialist hospital equipped to handle advanced procedures, including brain surgery and joint replacement, while another director, Dr. Shareefat Seun Yusuf, assured that the hospital would offer accessible, affordable, and compassionate care of international standards.

The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government, Michael Zachius, described the project as a landmark achievement and the first of its kind in the area, while Hon.

Rahim Madaki, representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, said the hospital symbolizes vision and will create employment opportunities.

In his remarks, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dr. Solomon Adeniyi, called on the government to tackle the menace of quack medical practitioners, while retired Commodore Jerry Omadara commended the governor’s strides in both healthcare and security.

The commissioning marks a major milestone in Kogi State’s efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and improve the well-being of its citizens.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged all levels of government to collaborate in relocating custodial centres overtaken by urbanisation.

Tunji-Ojo made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement on the report by the Independent Panel on Alleged Corruption and Violations against the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said partnerships with state governments were essential to relocate old custodial centres situated too close to residents.

“Urbanisation has overtaken several correctional centres.

“Many of these facilities need to be relocated. For example, the Enugu centre is near GRA, the Akwa Ibom centre is opposite the government house.

“The Ibadan centre is in a market area, while Ikoyi Polo Club shares a fence with one of the centres,” he said.

According to the minister, prompt and decisive action is needed, as the federal government cannot act alone without support from states, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

He cited the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, built in 1914, and the Ikoyi Custodial Centre, built in 1955, as examples.

Tunji-Ojo further disclosed that 90 per cent of inmates were state offenders, not federal.

He added that the federal government would continue efforts to ensure custodial centres served rehabilitation, reformation, reintegration, and correction purposes.

He also said that non-custodial measures were being implemented to decongest custodial centres across Nigeria.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

‎The Okaka Correctional Centre team, Liberty FC have qualified for the next round of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup

‎Liberty FC crushed the Nigerian Air Force team, NAF FC by three goals to one in an encounter decided at the Okaka Correctional Centre pitch.

‎Ojube Forcados and Solomon Patrick scored on 50 and 65 minutes respectively to give Liberty FC the deserved victory.

‎‎And at the Kpansia Centre, Donbai FC pipped Akwa Charity FC by a lone goal courtesy Ator Victor’s 73 minute strike to move Donbai FC to the next round of the competition, having controlled the game.

‎‎Moving Stars FC at the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, BDGS centre beat Christ Chosen FC 5-4 on penalties after a one-all draw in regulation time while Solid Stars in the second game triumphed over Opokuma FC 11-10 on penalties after a one-all draw in normal time.

‎At the Biogbolo centre, Ayamalem FC edged out Dimaro FC by two goals to nil while the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC FC in the second game of the day defeated Kilimanjaro FC 4-3 on penalties having played out a barren draw in regulation time to secure passage into the next round.

‎Gbarain Starlet at the Igbogene centre demolished Emperor United by four goals to one to keep their dreams of winning the tournament alive. Akinima Biogbo FC in the second game, smashed Real Verified FC three nil to move into the next phase of the showpiece.

Youthful FC Silina at the Obunagha centre annihilated Helaman FC by eight goals to nothing while Citiboi FC Feeders spanked FC De-Lavida two nil to correct the wrongs of their senior team who were stunned by Aperetia FC of Imiringi in the preliminary rounds at the Otuabagi centre.

‎Global City FC at the Okordia centre beat Old Ladies 3-1 to qualify for the next round of the tournament just as Tovie FC defeated 35 BSW FC two nil to move ahead in the competition.

‎‎At the Tombia centre, Youth FC pipped Sansiro FC by a lone goal while one of the tournament hopefuls, Rich Destiny FC pummeled Market Square FC three nil. Also, Northern Warriors edged out Golden Boys by two goals to one.

‎Away from Yenagoa, Eric FC at the Amassoma centre beat Titan Club House one nil. Young Elite FC in the second game claimed a one nil victory over Ayagbo FC while Southern Ijaw defending champions, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei PNA FC were bundled out of the competition after losing three nil to Efeke FC.

‎Onde United FC at the Korokorosei centre triumphed one nil over Ikienghebiri FC to book a place in the next round of the tournament. Former champions, Ogboin United of Ogboinbiri began their campaign on a winning note to keep expectations intact.