*Kogi govt vows swift rescue
From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
The newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been reportedly attacked by bandits who whisked away the pastor, his wife and other members.
The incident was said to have occurred during Sunday’s service.
The community was thrown into chaos on Sunday morning after armed bandits stormed the church during worship.
According to locals, the attack forced worshippers to run for safety as gunshots echoed through the area.
The pastor of the church, popularly known as Orlando, was taken away along with his wife and several other members.
Residents described the incident as terrifying, noting that the bandits struck unexpectedly and left many people in shock.
The exact number of abducted persons is yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, has confirmed the development.
Fanwo said the government had intensified surveillance and patrols and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators who attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA.
He confirmed that the pastor, his wife and yet-to-be-identified members of the church were whisked away during the Sunday service.
Fanwo said, “Yes, I have information to that effect, and I am also aware that the security network, comprising the conventional security agencies and the local security architecture, is currently doing what they should do.”
He added that the authorities of Yagba West Local Government Council are working closely with security agencies to ensure that all those kidnapped are rescued alive.
Fanwo said, “The perpetrators already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted.”
He disclosed that the Governor of the state, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is coordinating all activities and would keep the press updated on ongoing operations.
He urged citizens to be security-conscious and to report suspicious movements or faces to security agencies.
Fanwo said, “When you see something, say something.”
He also advised worship centres located on the outskirts of communities to reconsider holding services in crime-prone areas until security conditions improve.
Akoni Care Foundation awards scholarships, donates books, sanitary pads in Kogi
A non-governmental organisation, NGO, Akoni Care Foundation, has awarded scholarships to 30 boys of Universal Basic Education Secondary School, Gadumo, Lokoja, in Kogi State.
The foundation also donated 500 free books to the students and 300 menstrual pads to the girls, emphasising proper hygiene and empowerment for both boys and girls.
Speaking to students at the event, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Deborah Agbonika, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the welfare and development of young people.
She emphasised that empowering boys and girls remained central to building a healthier and more productive society.
“Akoni Care Foundation will continue to empower both the girl-child and the boy-child so that together they can contribute to the nation of our dreams,” she stated.
She explained that the scholarship programme aims to keep boys focused on education, while the sanitary pads and hygiene education for girls are designed to eliminate menstrual-related absenteeism.
Agbonika urged the girls to make proper use of the sanitary pads provided, adding, “We expect our girls to manage their menstrual health carefully. Good hygiene keeps them healthy and prevents unnecessary absenteeism from school. Menstruation should never be a barrier to their education.”
A facilitator, Oyiza Bello, advised the girls to change their pads every six hours, bathe twice daily and avoid internal soap use in order to prevent infections.
“You are beautiful, smart, and the leaders of tomorrow,” Bello said.
The school principal, Mrs Christiana Basagi, praised the initiative and expressed deep appreciation to the foundation.
She described the gesture as a timely and impactful intervention that would reduce the financial burden on parents and improve the overall wellbeing of students.
Kogi First Lady urges responsible use of ICT to combat violence
The wife of the Kogi Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on youth across the state to embrace responsible use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital platforms.
She made the call at a sensitisation programme held in Government House, Lokoja, to commemorate the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The First Lady disclosed that the celebration was part of Kogi Government’s efforts to strengthen the campaign against violence targeted at women and girls in the state.
She stressed the significance of this year’s theme, which focused on combating the growing menace of digital violence.
Mrs. Ododo urged all well‑meaning citizens of Kogi State and Nigeria to reject every form of online abuse, harassment and harmful content while prioritising the protection and wellbeing of their families.
She emphasised that violence, whether physical, emotional, or digital, remained a major destroyer of homes, bringing sorrow, disunity and strife.
She appealed to parents, especially mothers, to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online and offline activities.
Reaffirming the Kogi State Government’s commitment, she noted that safeguarding women and children was a top priority, promoting equal access to education, supporting girls’ and women’s participation in policy-making and strengthening empowerment structures.
The First Lady also called on women and girls to stand against digital violence, break the silence and empower themselves to use digital platforms wisely.
She urged men and boys to join the fight and foster a culture of respect and equality.
The Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Acharu Okpanachi, reaffirmed a united front against violence targeting women and girls in the state.
Ayoade emphasised that the fight was a collective one and urged every stakeholder to contribute to a safer society for women and girls.
Okpanachi said that her ministry would collaborate closely with partners to shield women from all forms of violence and was launching a programme offering counselling, support services and awareness campaigns on women’s rights.
Several speakers also highlighted the importance of women gathering evidence—such as screenshots—to strengthen justice efforts.
The governor’s wife, with other dignitaries, had earlier in the morning led Kogi women and girls on a road walk across Lokoja streets in a campaign to stop violence against women and girls in the state and Nigeria at large.
Tinubu commends late Prince Audu’s legacy in Kogi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy,” declaring that his footprint as former Governor of Kogi State remains unmatched since the state’s creation.
The president spoke during the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the Kogi State Government in collaboration with the late statesman’s immediate family to honour his legacy.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Tinubu lauded Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and development, noting his leadership was marked by courage, vision and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people.
“His legacy is a living template for good governance,” Tinubu said, emphasising that it had continued to inspire leaders across Nigeria.
The event attracted political leaders, dignitaries, and statesmen nationwide.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development and son of the late leader, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s vision, recalling the senior Audu’s foundational reforms and passion for public service.
Prince Shuaibu highlighted efforts to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as part of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
Governor Ahmed Ododo described Prince Audu as a visionary whose governance continues to transform the state.
He announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, with plans to install signage, repair roads and beautify the area.
Other dignitaries, including former Governors Capt. Idris Wada, Yahaya Adoza Bello, James Faleke, and Senator George Akume, attended to honour the late governor.
The memorial also marked the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation and a lecture and book review of Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of Prince Audu’s enduring impact, inspiring current and future generations toward unity, progress and transformative governance in Kogi State.
Bauchi gov praises Chinese investors for driving industrial growth
From ABBAS GUNGURA, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships with investors interested in operating in the state.
The governor made the remarks during a courtesy visit with the management of China’s Shandong Minsheng Group at Government House, Bauchi.
He recalled the 2023 agreement between Bauchi State and Shandong Province, which opened new avenues for economic diplomacy and accelerated industrial growth and mining activities across the state.
Governor Mohammed commended the group for adhering to timelines, promoting inclusivity and engaging host communities—a departure from past practices that often excluded local populations and deprived the government of revenue.
He also praised the company for training local workers and engaging communities, noting that the joint venture operates under Nigerian and Chinese laws with clear roles and timelines.
The Governor assured investors of adequate security across the state and instructed host communities to safeguard company properties.
Chairman of the group, Mr. Yu Tao, expressed gratitude to the state government for the partnership and affirmed the company’s commitment to responsible investment, job creation and delivering lasting value to both Nigeria and China.