NEWS
Kogi Court Remands Four Over Alleged Robbery, Fraud, Impersonation

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A Chief Magistrate Court in Lokoja has remanded three suspected thieves who were terrorizing students’ communities of Adakolo, Felele, Bassa Village and Crusher suburb areas of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
They were arrested in connection with the recent attacks on the Students populated communities and dispossessing of valuables such as smart phones, computers and other items.
The suspects, Abbas Salisu, Gimba Ibrahim and Mamud Lawal Kwara
who had earlier confessed to have stolen 33 phones were arraigned by the Department of State Service before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lokoja on Tuesday.
The Prosecution counsel, Olanrewaju Yahaya filed a four count charges bothering on criminal conspiracy, theft of phones valued at One Million Naira, Dishonestly receiving stolen Properties and belonging to a gang of thieves that were stealing the belongings of Students of Kogi State Polytechnic and Federal University Lokoja before the Chief Magistrate Court urged the court to remand the accused persons at thr Koton Karfe Medium Custodian centre pending the investigation and hearing of the Case.
After pleading not guilty to the charges, the trial Chief Magistrate, Abdullahi Mopah remanded the suspects in Koto Karfe custodial centre and adjourned the case till 9th of May, 2024 for hearing.
Similarly, the Chief Magistrate Court has remanded one Austin Obaje in Koton- Karfe Medium Correctional Centre for alleged impersonation, extortion and fraud.
Obaje was dragged before the Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly and consistently using the name of Department of State Services to defraud the unsuspecting public.
Obaje was brought to Court on charges that He has fraudulently obtained the sum of three hundred thousand Naira (N300,000) from Dr. Simeon Oyigun Omakoji under the false pretense that He was sent by the State Director, State Security Service, Mr Tosin Ajayi.
Austin was also said to have committed an extortion by deliberately putting one Dr.Simeon Oyigun Omakoji, in fear of death to wit that the Immediate Past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has sent assassins and Kidnappers to eliminate him.
The Defence Counsel, William Alewo urged the court to grant the defendant bail to enable him to prepare to defend his case, noting that the accused will not jump the bail or interfere in the investigation.
NEWS
Adamawa Health Supply Management Agency Revolutionizes Drug Procurement

From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency has introduced sweeping reforms in the state’s healthcare delivery system, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality medicines to health facilities across the state.The agency’s Executive Secretary, Dauda Deri disclosed that the new system allows the state to procure drugs directly from certified pharmaceutical manufacturers, cutting out middlemen and guaranteeing quality, safety and affordability.
The new system enables the state to receive supplies directly from manufacturers, ensuring that every batch of drugs can be traced and any problems swiftly addressed.This development is a significant step towards eliminating substandard medications and improving the overall quality of healthcare in the state.Deri emphasized that the centralization of drug procurement with reliable data has not only improved efficiency but also reduced costs, making medicines more affordable for both the poor and the general public. Governor Fintiri’s prioritization of healthcare has been instrumental to the agency’s success, and the state’s swift establishment of the Health Supply Management Agency has been recognized nationally.The agency’s recapitalization has also revitalized the pharmacy profession in the state, with pharmacists who previously left the state for better opportunities returning to Adamawa. The government has provided all necessary working tools, encouraging pharmacists to join the civil service.With newly built hospitals, upgraded facilities, and a steady supply of quality drugs, the Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency is setting a new standard for healthcare delivery in the region. The agency’s efforts are expected to improve the health and well-being of the people of Adamawa State, and its success serves as a model for other states in Nigeria.NEWS
AFRO Awards 2025: Film Director Lauds Philanthropists, Organizations on Humanitarian Services
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A US based Film Director, Taiwo Oduala has commended the unprecedented achievements and humanitarian services being rendered to the less privileged by philanthropists and corporate organisations.Oduala gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Lokoja.
The Nigerian born film director, who hosts the Afro Awards in Los Angeles, America, said life is all about service to God and humanity, no matter how low or highly placed in the society. He said that the love for mankind that some individuals and organizations are displaying across the globe gave birth to the Afro Awards four years ago.The founder and executive producer of the Afro Awards, said the awards were solely aimed to recognize and honor individuals, who have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian excellence in various fields.”The first event was held on Nov. 6, 2022, at Regal La Live, 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, California and hopefully by Oct. 24, we shall be holding the 4th edition of the award.”The Afro Awards has hosted and honored over 5,000 individuals since its inception, recognizing their contributions to humanitarianism and philanthropy in American and African communities alike,” he said.According to him, the 2025 event promises an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and powerful recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity, leadership, arts, entertainment, and global excellence.He added, “AFRO Awards is an international celebration dedicated to honoring the achievements of individuals and organizations that exemplify humanitarian values and excellence in their respective fields.”Looking at the past honorees including global icons, philanthropists, and change-makers, we believe the AFRO awards will continue to stand as a symbol of unity, inspiration, and cultural pride.”NEWS
Kogi Monarch Hails Ododo’s Leadership Style, Promises Peace Maintenance

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
His Royal Majesty, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Akinrin of Ekinrin in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state has commended Governor Usman Ododo’s Leadership Style with a promise to complement government’s efforts in maintaining peace and order in his domain.
He said Governor Ododo’s administration has been impactful and demonstrated a high level of human face leadership capacity. His Royal Majesty gave the commendation while speaking at the one-year anniversary of his receipt of the staff of office as a first-class traditional ruler.”One year ago, the Akinrin of Ekinrin was honored with the staff of office by Governor Usman Ododo during a colorful ceremony attended by a large crowd at the Kogi State Government House’s Glass House in Lokoja, Kogi State. Myself and my subjects remain eternally grateful to the Governor and will continue to be solidly behind your people-oriented administration”When God says yes, no individual or group can say no. I, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Akinrin of Ekinrin, am profoundly grateful to God for this gesture. On behalf of the Ekinrin community in Ekinrin-Adde, I also extend my gratitude to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for elevating the Ekinrin throne to its first-class status.”The two significant events—the grading of the stool and the presentation of the staff of office—are truly memorable. To God be the glory.”I would like to thank all the friends of Akinrin and the Ekinrin community, both in Ekinrin-Adde and beyond, who have congratulated Oba Akinrin and the Ekinrin community. Thank you, good people!”Let me reiterate what I often say: our unity is not only our strength; it is also our path to progress and the ultimate reason we are here. I encourage all of you to love one another, for God is love. Congratulations to everyone in Ekinrin-Adde”