From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has promised to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms to boost industrialization and socioeconomic development of the state.

The Governor gave the assurance while commissioning the Confluence Lube world-class lubricant blending and packaging factory located along Ganaja-Ajaokuta road in Lokoja over the weekend.

Ododo lauded President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for industrialization and private-sector investment since assumption of office.

He described the investment by Godec Power Nigeria Limited as a significant contribution to the state’s industrialization drive, job creation and economic prosperity.

He said that the establishment of the facility would go a long way in boosting the state’s economy.

The governor commended Chief Okechukwu Obika, Managing Director and Chairman of Godec Power Nigeria Limited, for investing in a facility that would impact on the lives of the people.

“This great investment would no doubt provide employment opportunities for hundreds of Kogites as well as adding value to the local economy

“My administration will continue to welcome investors who were willing to process resources locally rather than take raw materials out of the state without creating corresponding economic benefits for its people” Ododo said

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a private sector capable of employing far more people than the public sector.

He announced a three-year waiver on selected state annual levies to encourage business growth. The waiver covers Land Use Charge, Environmental Levy, Business Premises Annual Renewal, Fire Service Levy and Economic Development Levy.

He assured investors of his administration’s continued support, adding that Kogi possessed the strategic location, resources and human capacity to emerge as a major industrial hub in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Chief Okechukwu Obika, Managing Director and Chairman of Godec Power Nigeria Limited, said that the company which was established in 2001 as an electricity trading business, had diversified into cargo tricycle assembly and distribution, lubricant production, plastic recycling, plastic container manufacturing, industrial tools and agricultural processing equipment.

He explained that the Confluence Lube facility produces engine oils for petrol and diesel engines, transmission oils and plastic containers, while plans are underway to introduce hydraulic oil, brake fluid, transformer oil and grease. Obika disclosed that the company had already created 100 direct jobs and more than 200 indirect jobs, adding that expansion to full operational capacity could increase employment to over 300 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared himself the field commander of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT, saying he will also coordinate efforts in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike made the declaration on Monday, at a meeting of the Rainbow Coalition at his Abuja residence, attended by political leaders and candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former Rivers State governor said the coalition was united behind Tinubu’s second-term ambition, urging members to put aside party differences and work towards a common goal.

He stressed that the presidential election was the coalition’s immediate priority, regardless of the parties its members belonged to.

“I want to let all of you know that we are going to work together. Nobody should say, ‘I am PDP’ or ‘I am APC.’ For the purpose of this election, we are together,” Wike said.

The meeting brought together APC and PDP chairmen, serving and former senators, National Assembly candidates and other political stakeholders from the FCT’s six area councils.

Wike defended the alliance, pointing to the 2024 Edo State governorship election as an example of how politicians from different parties could work together when they shared a common interest.

He argued that political affiliations should not prevent cooperation, particularly when the parties involved were pursuing the same objective.

He cited road construction, school renovations, police stations and other infrastructure projects as evidence of ongoing development.

Wike also listed the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission and the creation of the Women Affairs and Youth Development Secretariats among the administration’s achievements.

On the economic challenges facing Nigerians, the minister acknowledged the hardship but maintained that the benefits of Tinubu’s reforms would take time to emerge.

“Changing the economy of a country is not like a prayer,” he said.

Wike also threw his weight behind the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step towards tackling insecurity across the country.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out an eight-count forgery charge against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly posed as the Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Justice Mohammed Umar struck out the charge following an application by the Federal Government, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

At the hearing, Oyedepo told the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had reviewed the case file and identified gaps that informed the decision to withdraw the charge.

He said the government planned to take the case to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a fresh arraignment.

Adeyemi, who has been in detention since July 14 following his arrest on a bench warrant issued by the court, was arraigned over allegations of forgery, fraud and impersonation.

The defendant later applied for bail, citing health concerns. He told the court that he was suffering from a contagious ailment that required urgent medical attention from his personal doctors.

The prosecution opposed the application, insisting that government medical facilities were available to cater for his health needs. 

The bail hearing, however, could not proceed following the withdrawal of the charge.

Those listed as potential witnesses in the case included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Paul Emmanuel; Jeremiah Imoukhede; and Ituah Sylvester.

Other proposed witnesses included Akimbo Shola and Adamu Balongu, civil servants with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, as well as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

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