Nigeria’s anti-fraud office on Friday said it is questioning 16 chairmen of different local governments in Kwara State for alleged misappropriation of N4 billion loan and the state’s internally generated revenue.

EFCC’s spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said the agency gathered that the chairmen after securing the controversial loans, held a meeting and decided that N100m will be shared among themselves from the loan.

The chairmen listed are Risikat Opakunle, Saidu Yaru Musa, Umar Belle, Ayeni Dallas, Fatai Adeniyi Garba, Lah Abdulmumeen, Raliat Funmi Salau, Aminat Omodara, Muyiwa Oladipo.

Others are, Oladipo Omole, Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, Saka Eleyele, Lateef Gbadamosi, Oni Adebayo Joseph, Omokanye Joshua Olatunji and Jibril Salihu.

“The chairmen on the 7th of February 2018 wrote to the Ilorin branch manager of Sterling Bank requesting a N4bn loan in order to pay the salary arrears of the State Universal Basic Education Board teachers, local government staff and the local government pensioners, while the provisions for N100m for council chairmen were not appropriated in the request,” EFCC claimed.

From L-R HRH Oba David Sunday Ehindero, Olu of Ayetoro Gbede, New Iyalode of Ayetoro Gbede and the Kings wife.

A Business Tycoon and Philanthropist, Hajia Rasheedat Motolani Salawu has been conferred with an Honourary Chieftaincy Title of Iyalode of Ayetoro Gbede by the Ayetoro Gbede Oba-in-Council in Ijumu Local Government of Kogi State.
The honour followed her modest contributions to the development of the community and her outstanding achievement as a seasoned author, Marketer and Administrator.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony at Ayetoro Gbede well attended by traditional rulers from both within and outside the state, serving and retired Military personnel as well as supporters of the Philanthropist, the Olu of Ayetoro Gbede and Acting Chairman, Gbede Area Traditional Council, HRH Oba David Sunday Ehindero said the Title was in recognition of her commitment to the development of the Community development through youths and women empowerment and scholarships to students.
Oba Ehindero said “the Community is proud of her as she has been a source of joy and encouragement to people. Hajia Motolani Salawu is an humble woman and has been supportive to me since I ascended the throne of my fathers.”
The Traditional Ruler maintained that “a woman who established a group known as Virtuos Women Pillars Club has taken it upon herself to give scholarship to some students from Secondary school to University is worth celebrated. They have also trained some Secondary School dropout to learn one trade or skill and has given them tool to enable them earn a living.”
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Gambia, Professor Mike Ikupolati in a remark identified capacity and integrity as veritable tool for a successful leader.
Professor Ikupolati who was the Chairman of the Occasion, said integrity and capacity to deliver on given mandate are qualities of a good leader and commended sons and daughters of Ayetoro Gbede for their tireless effort at giving the community a face lift and prayed for more development in the Community.

The epoch making event also featured the unveiling of a Novel titled: “The Chosen Path” written by Hajia Motolani Salawu.

The Unveiler of the Novel, the President, Association of Nigeria Authors, Dr. Denja Abdullahi described the publication of the book as timely in view of the current societal ills.
Dr. Abdullahi commended Hajia Salawu for taking time to learn her voice in correcting the wrongs of the society and described her as an excellent and prolific writer.
He solicited for more support in bulk purchase of the book by those who mean well for the future of the country.
According to him, the book has treated issues of child labour, parental care and peer group influence on adolescents and youths.
Responding, the new Iyalode of Ayetoro Gbede, Hajia Rasheedat Motolani Salawu said the need to address vices in the society motivated her to write the Novel.

In her words: “Our Societal problems are seriously having negative effects on the youths. The today’s fashion of quick riches mentality.”
She expressed gratitude to the Olu of Ayetoro Gbede for the honour done her, adding that it will spur her to do more.

Ahead of the November 16th Governorship election in Kogi State, Comdr. Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser has urged electorate in Olle /Oke-Offin Ward in Kabba /Bunu LGA to vote massively for the All Progressives Congress APC in the forthcoming election.

Comdr. Omodara made the call during a tour of Olle/Oke-Oke-Offin Ward.

The State Security Adviser who was accompanied by other Ward leaders including Hon Olu Majek and all Exco members of the party, combed the ward with Rally and door to door campaign.*

The people of Olle /Oke-Offin Ward came out in their numbers to drum support for GYB/CEDO/SSA, saying Omodara is a great man who has the best interest of his people at heart, who has facilitated huge developmental projects to the Ward even before he joined politics and has done a lot for his people since assumption of office as State Security Adviser. They have therefore resolved to give their total support to GYB /CEDO /SSA through their votes come 16 November 19.

The team also visited the Olubunu of Bunu – HRM Oba J. A Ikusemoro together with other traditional rulers in the area for royal blessings as the monarch described Comdr. Jerry Omodara as a man he is always proud of, given his impact in Kogi State as he tirelessly works day and night to ensure adequate security of lives and properties of Kogites.

His Royal Majesty urged his people to give maximum support to Omodara.

Responding, Commander Omodara said *Governor Yahaya Bello is a divine blessing this period to Kogi State to right the wrongs and rotten system inherited by the current Administration.* According to him a solid foundation is now being laid for a progressive Kogi State. He enjoined all to vote massively for Governor Yahaya Bello /Chief Edward Onoja and Senator Smart Adeyemi come 16 November.

*The two days tour was witnessed by the DG Campaigns, Senator Smart Adeyemi* who received several members of PDP, ADC and SDP that decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). *One of the decampees is Hon. Seyi Bello, PDP House of Representatives Kabba /Bunu /Ijumu Federal Constituency Aspirant in the 2019 Elections. Others are the PDP Agent in the last elections in Olle, Mr Jacob Onaiyebinu, also Olaitan Aledare , Babasanmi Sehaye both former Excos of PDP, as well as Hon Stephen Oloruntoba, former PDP Ward Chairman Olle/Oke-Offin Ward* to mention but a few.

*Top notch APC Members who witnessed the event include, Hon Moses Olorunleke, Administrator, Kabba Bunu, Hon Wemi Jones, APC Candidate, House of Rep, Hon Duro Meseko, DG Campaigns Kabba/Bunu LGA, Hon Nathaniel Taiwo, former, Chairman, Kabba Bunu LGA among others.*

Omodara also used the opportunity to empower several women and youths to encourage them to be self reliance. *Hon Olu Majek also empower some youths.*

*It was jubilation as the atmosphere was filled with the song of the return of Governor Adoza Yahaya Bello come November 16th.*

Comdr. Jerry Omodara had in his team – Hon. Olu Majek, Hon. Seyi Bello, Hon. Mathew Ogunsanmi – Chairman, Olle /Oke-Offin Ward and other prominent members of the Ward. executives.

The State Security Adviser to Kogi State Government, Comdr. Jerry Omodara (Rtd) has congratulated Chief Edward David Onoja (CEDO) on his elevation as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State.

Omodara in a statement he personally signed and made available to The Drum Reporters commended the efforts of Chief Onoja for his tireless works in seeing to the progress and development of Kogi State during his appointment as the Chief of Staff.

He described the new Deputy Governor as a man full of wisdom, charisma and vigour and as such he has no doubt about his capabilities to diligently carry out his new appointment.

While also commending the Governor, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, Omodara said the choice of Chief Edward Onoja is a good omen towards the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) come November 16th.

The State Security Adviser called on the good people of Kogi State to once again support the APC and the Candidature of Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Chief Edward Onoja in the 16th November Governorship Election to further consolidate on the robust security of lives and properties we are currently enjoying in the State with other infrastructural developments put in place.

Omodara also enjoined voters to give the same support to Senator Smart Adeyemi same day for the West Senatorial election.

Comdr. Omodara (Rtd) wished the Deputy Governor more wit, wisdom and the very best in discharging his duties.

By: Emmanuel Oluwakorede

Iyara is the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state and situated in latitude eight degree North and Longitude four degrees far East. The community is located ten kilometers South of Kabba enroute Omuo-Ekiti.

Although, Iyara has a population of over thirty three thousand five hundred people according to the two thousand and six population census, the community is the seat of power of Ijumu Local Government Area with two Traditional rulers namely; Olujumu of Ijumu and the Eleta of Iyara.

Iyara also regarded as the home of peace has four quarters which are; Onah, Otun, Araromi and Ilukpa and are headed by four titled high chiefs namely; Olukoyi, Olukoko, Obaja and Elewa.

As the centre of Ijumu Local Government, Iyara shares boundaries with at least a community in the three districts that made up the council. They are; Ikoyi, Ogidi and Odokoro Gbede.

The Community which has Christianity and Islam as its major religions accommodates people from other tribes such as Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Ebiras and Bassa among others who have been living peacefully without rancor and acrimony.
In Iyara, farming is the major occupation while education is also the largest industry of the community and that is why it is blessed with illustrious sons and daughters who are academicians, politicians, business men and women, entrepreneurs who are contributing meaningfully to the development of Nigeria and the world in general.

Since every community is blessed with abundant culture and tradition, Iyara is not left out. The festivals in Iyara that are most colourful and celebrated are: Iyawo traditional marriage, New Yam festival, Iyara Day, Alolo and Patale to mention but a few.

The new yam festival which proceeds Iyara Day is always celebrated on or before twentieth of June depending on the market day.

The Iyara Day is a major celebration that attracts sons and daughters of the community, friends and invited guests. On Iyara Day, the people of the community both young and old as well as well wishers roll out drums and come out enmasse beautifully dressed and match to the Town Hall with dancing and singing.

Iyara Day no doubt has over the years become an annual event aimed at celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the community. It also brings stakeholders from the community together to brainstorm and seek for ways of employing community self effort to promote the development of the community.

Indeed, Iyara Community has benefitted from the dividends of Iyara Day as it has promoted peace and unity as well as execution of projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people.

More so, for several decades, Iyara Development (IDM) a community development association has being the principal agent in organizing Iyara Day and the sustainability annual event is commendable.

The 2019 Iyara Day is unique as the epoch making event will also feature the Launching of One hundred million Naira Community Motorized Water Project, a move aimed at bringing lasting solution to the water needs of the Iyara people.

The programme which will hold this Saturday at Iyara Town Hall and Civic Centre at ten O’clock in the morning is under the chairmanship of Mr. Adedotun Sulaimon, Chairman Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria with Hajia Ramatu Tijani, Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory as Lady Chairperson.

Also, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the fourth Executive Governor of Kogi State is the Special Guest of Honour while Mr. Tope Smart, Vice President, Africa Insurance Organization and Managing Director, NEM Insurance Plc is the Chief launcher with Obaro of Kabba, HRM. Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi and Olujumuof Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni are Royal fathers of the Day.

Kogi state ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Taofiq Isa is the Chief Host with Eleta Oluyara of Iyara as Royal Host.
The National President of Iyara Development Movement (IDM), Professor Mike Ikupolati and the Director General of Iyara Day Organizing Committee, Barrister Albert Funsho Fayomi must be commended for bringing quality innovations to this annual festival.

As Iyara sons and daughters converge a home tomorrow for the 2018 Iyara day celebration and the celebration of the Silver Jubilee, there is need to strengthen the unity and peace that bound the people together. Iyara is known for peace and tranquility and therefore the people must embrace issues that can bring unity among the people and avoid rumour mongering and acts of disunity capable of disrupting the existing peace in the community.

Also, the need to support IDM morally, financially and otherwise cannot be over emphasized as these are needed to actualize the aims and objectives of establishing the body. This can be done by donating generously towards the development fund.

In the same vein, the state government must also revisit the rehabilitation of Iyara township road awarded by the immediate past administration which has been abandoned by the contractor.

Since power supply is important to the growth of any society, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company in Kabba must sit up and provide improved uninterrupted power supply to Iyara and its environs to justify the Federal Government’s electricity power generation effort as the current power shading is unacceptable.

It is important that the people of the Community should take advantage of the rich land in the community to engage more in farming by making Iyara the food basket of Ijumu, Okun land and Kogi State in general.

Also, youths of the community must avoid acts capable of jeopardise their future and avoid whatever will affect the existing peace and harmony of the community.

Although Iyara Stakeholders both at home and in Diaspora have been doing their best for the development of the area, they should unite more and live as one nation bound in love and unity and as well invest in the community to provide jobs for the teaming youths and improve business activities.

It is on this note that all and sundry must support the pragmatic and vibrant IDM under the leadership of Professor Mike Ikupolati in its quest to maintain peace and attract development to the community.

By so doing, the ancestors and founding fathers of Iyara will be proud that their effort to build a united, peaceful and prosperous community was not in vain.

By Bayo Aka

Governor Yahaya Bello has reiterated that his administration has fostered unity more than ever before among the three major ethnic groups and others in Kogi State as well as down played ethnic chauvinism.

Represented by State Security Adviser, Comm Jerry Omodara (Rtd) during the 9th edition of Ijumu Day Celebration which held at the Olujumu’s palace, Governor Bello said such unity has helped to redirect vital policies for better direction.

While adding that it has also engendered peace, he canvassed support for unified cultural day celebration in Okunland in a bid to bring in place cultural competition and unity among okun communities.

The Governor noted that through divine arrangement power shifted in 2015 and in 2023 Okun people might produce the governor if they are United and cooperate with the Ebira to return him to Lugard House.

Earlier,the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom,Oba William Olusegun Ayeni who noted that the celebration was put on hold in the last two years so as not to truncate existing peace in the kingdom, stressed the importance of love and unity among the people.

Oba Ayeni urged his subjects to eschew bitter politicking and violence during the coming governorship election.

He disclosed that Governor Bello’s administration was making efforts to ensure the grading of stools that are due for grading.

The Olujumu also thanked President Muhammadu For appointing Ijumu daughter, Dr (Mrs) Yemi Esan as Ag Head of Service, just as he solicited prayers for to succeed.

Oba Ayeni also praised God for the existing religious tolerance in his domain and asked for its sustenance, noting that this accounted for his building places of worships for both religious adherents in his palace.

Other speakers at the event are the Director General of National Mathematical Center, Prof Sam Ale, ALGON Chairman and Ijumu LG Administrator, Hon Taofiq Isah, President ,Ijumu Development Union, Mr Taiye Atibioke and a host of others.

Highlights of the celebration were cultural displays and conferments of awards on Ijumu sons and daughters who have distinguished selves in their chosen carriers and community developments .

By Doctor Toyin Akanle mni

FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Today, 3rd October, 2019 marks the First Anniversary of the Rape of Democracy, that took place in Kabba during the Senate Primaries of our Party, the APC.

It is important to note that no matter what side of the divide of the ugly incident you belong, this date, 3rd October, has found a place in our political history.

On this day last year, many who had gathered, full of hopes that a new Dawn was about to be birthed, went home totally disappointed. Many wept bitterly, many stood dumb folded, many were ready to fight, many wanted to denigrate the serenity of that silent evening which metamorphosed into a night of uncertainty, dashed hopes, and denials. The night’s horizon became thickened by what would have resulted in an unimaginable political violence.

But thank God we are alive to tell the stories. It is by the loving kindness, mercies and grace of God and we dare not take this for granted.

For those who were there and who witnessed the sad event, but who are no more, may their souls find eternal rest.

Let me go to my main message.
It is to express my profound appreciation to all our Members, Supporters and Friends. You have all been wonderful and l do no in anyway, take you for granted. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for the roles you played. May the Almighty God reward you accordingly.

And for those who scuttled that opportunity for us to make history in the area of transformational political representation, l want you to know that l bear no grudge and l bear no hate against anyone. This is from the bottom of my heart. This of course will be contrary to some of my detractors may want you to believe. I Dr Toyin Akanle, hereby state unequivocablly, that l am at peace with everyone.

So for those who have been preaching other “gospels” about my person, calling what l am not, and painting me in colours that l am not, how long will you continue in this?. When do you want to give up on your campaigns of calumny? For me, l leave you to God to judge. Very, very soon, the truth shall be made manifest. And what we thought is hidden, shall be made manifest for all to see.

To all who have stood by me through out this period, l declare that you were simply wonderful. You are great people. You can be rest assured that because you were there for me, God will be there for you.
I love you all.

As Celuke College of Health Sciences and Technology Ojiapata commences Academic activities, Indigenes of Ankpa Local Government area at home and in diaspora have been advised to invest in their fatherland for its progress and development.

The Onu Ankpa Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar gave the advice during the holy mass for the take off of Celuke College of Health Science and Technology Ojiapata in Ankpa Local Government Area.

Alhaji Abdulmalik described the citing of the school in the community as a welcome development and urged wealthy individuals of Ankpa origin to support and emulate the initiative.

The traditional ruler advised the benefiting community to ensure safety of the institution and urged people of the Local Government to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the school.

Onu Ankpa, President Board of Governance and other dignitaries at the ceremony
Also speaking, the former deputy provost of the Kogi State College of Education who is also head of department of Psychology department in the institution, Doctor Paul Odiba said the initiative of the management of Celuke College of Health Science was timely and advised the incoming students to live above board.

In a sermon, the guest preacher Reverend Father Fredrick Idih expressed gratitude to God for the opening of the institution in Ojiapata community, saying it will bring development and exposure and prayed for peace, unity and progress in the college.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chief Imam, Alhaji Mohammed Umoru thanked the President of Court of Celuke College of Health, Science and Technology, Ojiapata, Doctor Ejeh Celestine and assured of their full support to the success of the institution.

Responding, the president, Court of Governance of the College, Doctor Ejeh Celestine said the vision was to bring a standard Educational institution to the community and called on indigenes of the Local Government to avail themselves of the opportunity.

There have been widespread rumour milling round in Kogi State and Okunland in particular against the most respected National Leader of All Progressive’s Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his reliable political son,two term member of House of Representatives,Hon. Abiodun James Faleke alleging that the duo received monies from the Incumbent Governor of Kogi State,Gov. Yahaya Bello to clear his electoral victory.

In a swift reaction,The Administrator of Ijumu Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Kogi state Chapter,Alhaji Taufiq Isa has debunked the rumours describing it as a wicked act of the opposition and enemies within who are hell bent on destroying the party from inside.

He noted that it’s an attempt by the opposition party,enemies within,the PDP to cause dissatisfaction among stakeholders in Okunland.

Alhaji Taufiq said the false allegation of 1bn and 2bn Billion given to Asiwaju Tinubu and Hon. Faleke are nothing but a tissue of lies and a figment of the imagination of the tale bearers.

“The NWC of the party adopted indirect primaries,which other aspirants participated in the voting process,and the Governor emerged as the winner,where does the issue of bribery came from?,he asked.

The Chairman however commended the National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his excellent leadership role in Nigeria and kogi state,noting that he has empowered several stakeholders and notable nigerians in this country.

The council boss further appreciates the National Leader of APC, Senator Asiwaju Tinubu for his fatherly role in ensuring peace returns to the state chapter of the party.

“We are all aware that Asiwaju has established himself,with chains of businesses,so Asiwaju’s wealth is too enourmous to enrich those alledging or peddling fake stories about bribing him”.

“Asiwaju Tinubu and James Faleke loved their party,the APC,and cannot destroyed the house they suffered to collectively build, these are the reasons why they are backing the party’s candidate who is Gov. Yahaya Bello and Chief Edward David Onoja”,he stressed.

The Chairman revealed that the GYB/CEDO loyalists and Faleke/Audu family are now one big family, working together to ensure the party wins at the forthcoming Governorship Election on November 16.

He however concluded that the fake stories of bribery came from the opposition camp, advising every average Okun indigenes to discard the false information and ensure they vote massively for the re-election bid of Gov. Yahaya Bello-CEDO ticket.