Alhaji Abdulkadir Adinoyi second left

The 1974-1979 set of Oke-Oyi Secondary School, Ponyan in Yagba East Local Government has held a reunion meeting with brainstorm and chat the way forward for the development of their alma mater.

The Alumni are meeting over 40 years after they all left OSPO.

Speaking to The Drum Reporters after the meeting which was held in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, a member of the group, Alhaji Abdulkadir Adinoyi stated that the reunion was to see one another, discuss individual’s challenges and chart how to develop the school which is in a dilapidated state.
“we are here to see our gray hairs… Appreciate God and create a synergy on how to tackle our challenges”.

According to him, the state of the school is worrisome, saying we are also here to deliberate on how to put a lasting dilution.

He called on well to do individuals, government and public spirited person should to come to the rescue of the school.

Alhaji Adinoyi said plans have been concluded for the 50th anniversary of the school.

Also speaking, another member of the group, Mr. Richard Oshadare described the meeting as a step in the right direction, and commended the organisers.

Mr. Oshadare called for a declaration of state of emergency in secondary school education in the state, which he noted were in bad state.

A 5-man Committee has been inaugurated to provide modalities for the payment of arrears of past political office holders in Ijumu Local Government Council.

Inaugurating the Committee Tuesday at Iyara, the Administrator of Ijumu Local Government, Alhaji Taofiq Isa charged them to deliver the assignment within the stipulated time.

Alhaji Taofiq explained that the move was part of the passion of Governor Yahaya Bello to uplift the living standards of past elective and appointed office holders from 2004-2007, 2008-2011 and 2012-2016.

The Administrator enjoined them to justify the confidence reposed in them by living up to expectations.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Cornelius Olowo who is also the Supervisory Councilor for mobilization and Strategy promised not to disappoint the mandate given to the them

Other members of the committee are; Hon. Boye Bello, Secretary with Hon. Sunday Omonaye, Hon. Femi Ibileke and Hon. Funsho Haruna as members

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Obaro of Kabba are to attend the grand finale of the maiden Bunu Week.

The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Retired Commander Jerry Omodara made this known while briefing Newsmen in Lokoja.

Read details of the briefing below

BUNU WEEK 2019
PRESS BRIEFING
Introduction
I welcome you all on behalf of the Bunu Development Association, Central Planning Committee for Bunu Week 2019. Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu LGA comprises over 40 towns and villages, and in the interest for common purposes, development, peace and unity, we decided to harmonise our cultural programmes and activities under one umbrella. Bunu Week 2019 will hold from 29 July-3 August, 2019.
The Event
The major focus of Bunu Week is human capital development and promotion of our culture and traditions. In this regard, the maiden edition will focus on Women and Youths development towards a viable business enterprise. These will include training and equipping of graduates in photography, youth training at the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute Lokoja and skill acquisition and empowerment for women. The week will also be used to give award to students with outstanding performances in 2019 JAMB. Activities of the week will be rounded up with a Summit on Saturday 3 August, 2019 at Oke-bukun Bunu with a lecture titled ‘Towards a Greater Bunu; Our Story Our Hope’ to be delivered by Professor Etanibi Alemika. Attendance is expected to be from all over the District as well to personalities all over the Country. Details of the programme are as follows:
a. Skill Training and Empowerment for 15 Youths
b. Skill acquisition and Empowerment for 15 Women
c. Professional Training in Photography with equipment for 3 graduates
d. Award for 20 students with high marks in 2019 JAMB
e. Football Tournaments
f. Environmental Day clean-ship in all towns and villages in Bunu Land

His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State is the Special Guest of Honour, while Maj. Gen. David Jemibewon is the Chairman and Alh. Aliko Dangote the Chief Launcher for 2019 Projects. His Royal Majesty the Olubunu of Bunu land Oba Joseph Ikusemoro is the Royal Father of Day and the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi is the Royal Ambassador. Professor Olu Obafemi is the Guest of Honour among other personalities all over the country.
We use this medium to invite the general public to be part of the epoch making event for Bunu Land.

Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd)
Chairman, Central Planning Committee

The Team Akanle Leadership Forum in Kogi West has called on the National Executive Council (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to create a level playing ground for aspirants vying for the governorship ticket of the party to avoid the repeat of Zamfara and Bauchi incidents.

The Forum made the call during meeting with stakeholders and delegates in Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency held at Okebukun in Kabba/Bunu Local Government area of the state.

The Leader of the Forum, Dr Williams Toyin Akanle while briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting urged the party’s national working committee to be neutral in its handling of the forthcoming governorship primary.

The meeting was facilitated by Team Akanle Leadership Forum in conjunction with Kogi West APC stakeholders.

Akanle also stated that only incorruptible and fair minded officials of the party should be allowed to handle the conduct of the primary.

According to him “The NEC of our party should remain neutral in the conduct of the primary so that what happened in Zamfara state during the last primaries in the state does not repeat itself in Kogi”

The APC leader warned that anything short of neutrality on the side of the NEC will mean handing over a blank cheque to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take over the state from the APC.

He also disclosed that delegates and stakeholders at the meeting had resolved to back one of the aspirants after a thorough screening of their manifesto, stressing that the person they will support must have the qualities to move the state from where it is now to the next level.

“He must be a man of honour and integrity , possess good leadership quality and be ready to lift the people out of poverty and squalor” he said.

The meeting also appealed to delegates and stakeholders of the party from other parts of the state to make the forthcoming governorship primary violence free.

The Director General of Team Skanle Campaign Organization, Pastor Dayo Akanmode said the group was not against government but to promote good governance and provision of dividends of democracy to the Kogi people.

Also speaking , a Chieftain of the party in the state , Mr Dapo Olutekunbi said they totally rejected indirect primaries, stressing that it can easily aid corruption and pave ways for vote buying that is against electoral act of the country.

He urged the national body of the party to adopt direct primaries for Kogi APC to enable all inclusive participation during the exercise.
END

Dr. Toyin Akanle addressing the delegates at Okebukun, Kabba/Bunu LGA

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi West, Dr. Toyin Akanle says the outcome of the forthcoming Governorship election in Kogi State will determine the future of the party in the state

Doctor Akanle stated this during a meeting with delegates and stakeholders from Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency at Oke-Bukun in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

The Party Chieftain advised the National Secretariat of the APC to ensure fairness and transparency at the primary, pointing out that the outcome will determine the future of the party in the state.

In his word”…the NWC must ensure transparency for all aspirants, there should be a level playing field, anything short of this will give an edge to the opposition”

Doctor Akanle said the meeting was to brainstorm on how the party will become victorious in the Governorship polls, saying the group was not out to witch hurt anyone as speculated in some quarters.

He told the APC delegates and supporters of the party to be law abiding and conduct themselves in an orderly manner before, during and after the primaries and the gubernatorial election.

Doctor Akanle stressed the need for developmental politics instead of of pull him down, saying the state is in deer need of infrastructure and improved living standard for the people.

He said “so many people are contesting for the Governorship election, but we know who will not be Governor”

In their remarks, the Director General, Team Akanle Campaign Organization, Pastor Dayo Akanmode and a leader of the group, Mr. Dapo Olutekunbi advised the delegates to be mindful of those who are out to deceive them.

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC in Kogi State, Dr. Toyin Akanle has described the death of the Kogi West Chairman of the Party, Hon. Ropo Asala as unfortunate.

Dr. Akanle in a condolence message made available to Newsmen in Lokoja the state capital, said Hon. Ropo Asala died at a time that his wealth of experience was needed to further prove that the party is on ground in the forthcoming Governorship election.

The APC Chieftain noted that he met the late
Zonal Party Chairman during an event at Isanlu sometimes in May during which they embraced each other and made up for past wrong doing by Hon. Asala against Dr Akanle.

“I told him that I have forgiven him and that I have nothing against him”. He said.

Dr. Akanle sympathized with the deceased immediately family, associates, the APC family in Yagba Federal Constituency, Kogi West and the entire state over the loss.

The Security Expert who sympathize with the family of the deceased, prayed God to grant Hon. Ropo Asala eternal rest and the family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

As he is being committed to mother earth, man his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Commander Jerry Omodara (retired)

Kogi State Security Adviser

*CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE*

This is to sincerely congratulate and appreciate the *Honourable Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Prince Matthew Kolawole* for his efforts in selecting his appointees across the state and also based on individual’s political pedigree and resourcefulness. This is commendable as it a step to higher responsibilities.

I congratulate all the new appointed party faithful and pray for the wisdom and wit to discharge their duties diligently. I urge you all to bring your wealth of experience in the performance of your responsibilities.

I also encourage you all to use this opportunity to work for the upliftment of your offices, the state and the All Progressive Party (APC) family.

Once again, I congratulate you all!

Signed :

*Comdr. Jerry Omodara (Rtd)*
*State Security Adviser to Kogi State Government*

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE MID-YEAR CONFERENCE HELD AT IYAMOYE ON 20TH JULY 2019

✍ *THE PRESIDENT OF THE HOST COMMUNITY ALH. GBODI ADAMU HIGHLIGHTED THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTING IYAMOYE COMMUNITY IN AREAS OF NEGLECT, KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY & UPGRADING OF OBA OF IYAMOYE STOOL TO 2ND CLASS STATUS. HE THEREFORE CALLED ON IJUMU SONS AND DAUGHTERS TO ALWAYS REGARD THE PROBLEM OF ONE COMMUNITY AS A GENERAL PROBLEM FOR ALL.*

✍ *THE OLUJUMU OF IJUMU HRM OBA WILLIAMS OLUSEGUN AYENI FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO MOVE IJUMU FORWARD AND ALSO EXPRESSED THE NEED TO ENCOURAGE THE PATRIOTIC CITIZENS OF IJUMU KINGDOM TO WORK HARDER. HE EQUALLY CONDEMNED BITTER POLITICS IN TOTALITY.*

✍ *THE IDU PRESIDENT MR TAIYE ATIBIOKE APPRECIATED THE OUTGONE PATRONS AND MATRONS BEFORE THE INAUGURATION OF NEW PATRONS AND MATRONS.*

✍ *THE IDU APPEALED FOR THE ESTABLISHEMT OF IDU BRANCHES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO FAST TRACK NECESSARY DEVELOPMENT.*

✍ *THE IDU APPEALED TO ALL AND SUNDRY TO GEAR UP IN ROOFING & COMPLETION OF THE LONG EXISTING IDU SECRETARIAT AND ALSO THE NEED TO SUPPORT COMPENDIUM OF IJUMU SONS AND DAUGHTERS.*

✍ *POLITICS OF ACRIMONY RAVAGING IJUMU COMMUNITIES WAS UNANIMOUSLY CONDEMNED AT THE MEETING AND THEREFORE URGED ALL COMMUNITIES TO PLAY THE GAME ACCORDING TO THE RULES, NOTING THAT UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.*

✍ *THE MEETING CALLED ON COMMUNITIES IN IJUMU KINGDOM NEVER TO RELENT ON THEIR EFFORTS ON SECURITY MATTERS, THAT EACH COMMUNITY SHOULD DEVELOP PRAGMATIC WAYS OF MONITORING STRANGE ACTIVITIES WITHIN THEIR VICINITY AND THAT IT SHOULD ALSO BE A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL.*

✍ *THE MEETING AGREED TO FORM A HIGH POWERED COMMITTEE COMPRISING ALL THE NATIONAL PRESIDENTS OF IJUMU COMMUNITIES’ DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS TO EMBRACE ALL THE ELITES OF IJUMU KINGDOM FOR CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT.*

✍ *CLARION CALL WAS MADE TO IJUMU SONS AND DAUGHTERS FOR THE NEED TO PROMOTE LOVE, SELFLESSNESS AND GENERAL SENSE OF BELONGING DEVOID OF SENTIMENT IRRESPECTIVE OF SIZE, RELIGION AND POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS, THAT IJUMU KINGDOM IS AN INDIVISIBLE ENTITY.*

Engr. Edward Meseko

An All Progressives Congress APC Stalwart in Kogi West, Engr. Edward Meseko has expressed optimism that the party will win massively at the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in Kogi state.

Engr. Meseko stated this while speaking with Newsmen at the end of an APC Yagba Federal Constituency stakeholders meeting at Ilorin, Kwara State.
He noted that in view of the excellent performance of the party in the last general elections, APC remains a party to beat in the governorship polls.
“My Party in Kogi state is very strong and we are on ground. We are winning the next election in Kogi. In the last elections, House of Representatives, we have 7 out of 9, Senate 2 out of 3 and House of Assembly, we cleared all the seats”. He pointed out.

Engr. Meseko maintained that his supporters have been asking him who to vote for in the elections.
“I will meet with the aspirants including the incumbent Governor and ask what they have for my people, their response will determine… “ Engr. Meseko stated.

He charged the party stakeholders in Yagba Federal Constituency to work for the success of the party .

Also speaking, the Director General of Akanle Campaign Organization, Pastor Dayo Akanmode said where the state is not where it ought to be, noting that Kogi needed good governance, infrastructures.
“Kogi need a Government that is proactive, a government that will listens to the yearnings and aspirations of the people “ Pastor Akanmode added.

The Chairman of the Association of Local of Nigeria, (ALGON), Kogi State Chapter, Alh. Taufiq Isa has debunked reports credited to him and in one of the national dailies that he said Governor Yahaya Bello ordered the payment of 100% salaries to local govt worker.

Alhaji. Taofiq denied the rumour, describing it as false and handiwork of mischief makers, noting that he only said the Governor directed the Administrators to comply with the local government autonomy.

The Chairman noted that the content of the press statement he issued was to debunk the purported invitation or arrest of the Administrators, DLGs, Treasurers by the EFCC as earlier rumoured.

According to him” I did not say the governor ordered for payment of full salaries,the story was taken in an unfair and cruel manner with the intention to smear his reputation and also targeted to cause crisis within the new direction appointees”.

“The statement credited to me are baseless,cruel,deceptive,unfair and impregnated with fallacies,and mere story telling intended to please their political masters,those behind the fake story did not reason well,i asked,how can i issued statement announcing full salaries on behalf of a sitting governor,when other state principal officers around the governor are there?.

The Chairman has always assure workers on prompt payment of their salaries and did not pronounce on what to pay local government workers yet,as we all know,the present governor is rated as one of the best among his contemporaries,not even those failed politicians can objectively dispute this fact,Gov. Bello is responsive to the welfare of the entire workers of Kogi State,he has demonstrated ‘responsible and proper’ leadership in the state.

Signed
Hon.Taufiq Isa,
Administrator Ijumu Local Government and Chairman ALGON,Kogi State
July 18th,2019.