….hosts National Defence College Course 34

The Kogi State Government has again reiterated its unwavering commitment to peace, security, and inclusive development as the foundation for sustainable growth in the state and across Nigeria.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made this known while receiving participants of the National Defence College Course 34 Study Tour at the Government House, Lokoja, on Tuesday. The study tour, brought together senior officers and policy experts from across the nation and other African countries.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that the tour aligns closely with his administration’s priorities.

“Since assuming office, we have worked tirelessly to consolidate the security architecture inherited from our predecessor. We have strengthened collaboration with security agencies, empowered community policing structures, and leveraged technology to monitor flashpoints across our borders,” he said.

The Governor stressed that his government’s investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and solid minerals are aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity by reducing poverty and unemployment.

“Security and development are interdependent. That is why our administration is building an economy that supports peace and productivity through initiatives such as the Kogi Enterprise Development Agency and youth empowerment programs,” he added.

He commended the National Defence College for its strategic role in shaping national policy and preparing leaders for complex security and governance challenges, describing Kogi State as a “microcosm of Nigeria, diverse, strategic, and rich in potential.”

Governor Ododo urged participants to use the tour as an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the relationship between governance, security, and development at the state level.

“I encourage you to engage deeply, observe critically, and leave Kogi with a richer understanding of how good governance drives stability and growth,” he said.

Earlier, while setting the tone for the meeting, the team lead and Provost of the National Defence College, Prof. Adam Okene Ahmed, said the course 34 chose Kogi State for its strategic importance in both security and development matters.

He noted that the study tour focuses on “mineral resources and how they impact the lives of the people,” adding that their findings will be compiled into a report to be presented to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for policy consideration and intervention.

Prof. Okene commended Governor Ododo for ensuring stability in Kogi’s governance system, describing the state’s peaceful political transition as exemplary.

He said, “Unlike other states where transitions are tense and divisive, Kogi has remained calm and forward looking. The government here is clearly security-conscious, especially given the state’s borders with about ten other states.”

In her brief remarks, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Pastor (Mrs.) Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, urged the team to convey to the President that Kogi State is richly endowed with vast mineral resources that deserve federal attention and investment.

She noted that harnessing these resources would not only advance Kogi’s economic prosperity but also contribute significantly to national development.

“Kogi’s economic liberation means Nigeria’s liberation”, she added.

Six Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence were on Monday abducted by gunmen while traveling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination. The incident occurred along the Kaba-Lokoja highway in a suspected ambush.

The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of public servants travelling long distances for official duties.

In a statement, the ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.

According to the statement “Those kidnapped are Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien. These Directors, who are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped.”

The ASCSN disclosed that the Defence Ministry had already mobilized its security operatives, who are taking urgent steps to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted Directors.

“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja,” the statement added.

The union however emphasized that current security and road conditions expose workers to grave risks, warning that neglect of safety concerns could lead to further tragedies.

“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”

The union urged the government to decentralize all promotion and verification exercises henceforth, warning that continued disregard for safety concerns could lead to further tragedies.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly intensified efforts to locate the victims, deploying specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts around Kogi State.

The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and called on security agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe return of the abducted officers.

…56 students graduate with distinction

The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has approved the second semester results of ND II and HND II students from various departments and programmes in the institution.

According to a press release signed by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Uredo Omale, the Institution’s Academic Board at its 127th meeting held on Monday, 10th November 2025 approved the release of the results for all programmes.

The breakdown indicates that a total of fifty-six (56) students graduated with Distinctions across various departments and programmes; with 20 in the National Diploma (ND II) programmes and 36 in the Higher National Diploma (HND II) programmes.

The meeting held at the Academic Office Complex was presided over by the Chairman, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, who commended the Central Result Verification Committee headed by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samuel Taiwo Olowo for a thorough and decent job.

He also commended Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments and the Director Information Technology Resources Centre (ITRC) for their commitment, diligence and resourcefulness throughout the period of results processing and consideration.

The breakdown of the high fliers across departments/programmes is as follows:

*National Diploma (ND) – 20*

1. ND II Horticultural Technology – 1

2. ND II Mechanical Engineering – 1

3. ND II Mineral and Petroleum Resources– 1

4. ND II Civil Engineering – 4

5. ND II Accountancy – 4

6. ND II Library and Information Science – 1

7. ND II Science Laboratory Technology – 1

8. ND II Mass Communication – 2

9. ND II Survey and Geo-Informatics – 1

10. ND II Urban and Regional Planning – 2

11. ND II Architectural Technology – 1

*Higher National Diploma (HND) – 36*

1. HND II Electrical & Electronics (Telecom Option) – 2

2. HND II Electrical & Electronics (Power & Machine Option) – 2

3. HND II Metallurgical and Material Engineering – 1

4. HND II Office Technology Management – 2

5. HND II Library and Information Science – 1

6. HND II Accountancy – 3

7. HND II Statistics – 7

8. HND II Computer Science – 3

9. HND II SLT – Chemistry Option– 5

10. HND II Environmental Biology Option– 2

11.HND II SLT – Microbiology Option – 2

12. HND II SLT – Biochemistry Option – 4

13. HND II Urban and Regional Planning – 1

14. HND II Industrial Design (Graphic Option)– 1

15. HND II Fine Art (Painting Option) – 1

The Rector also expressed profound appreciation to Gov Ahmed Usman Ododo, for providing the enabling environment that allows education to thrive seamlessly in the state, noting that the state government support has been instrumental in strengthening the Polytechnic’s academic frameworks and infrastructural growth.

Professor Usman charged the graduating students to remain exemplary ambassadors of Kogi State Polytechnic and urged those still in school to stay focused, as Management continues to uphold and advance the institution’s standards.

He reaffirmed Management commitment to transparency, academic integrity and the overall development of its students across disciplines.