Let's Do More: GYB / CEDO Media Support Network

26/03/2021

2023: Obasanjo drums support for Bello

As the call for Nigerian youths to get involved in the 2023 presidential and other elections intensifies, Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of former president Olusegun Obasanjo has added his voice to the relentless calls on Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi to vie for the office of the Nigeria's president come 2023 as timely. Olujonwo who described Bello as a beacon of hope urged the governor to step up his aspirations in order to create leadership space for the youths.

Obasanjo made the statement while paying courtesy call on the governor on Thursday in Abuja added that

Nigerian youths have been neglected for too long despite the numerical strength and huge contributions in electioneering processes, have been denied the space to manifest their aspirations in political decisions making.

He said the energy and patriotism of the youths can never be in doubt - noting that at 35-45 of age, current elder statesmen like General Muhammadu Buhari, Gen T. Y. Danjuma, Yakubu Gowon and of course his father, Olusegun Obasanjo were at their best in nation-building and leadership.

Envisaging a Yahaya Bello presidency, he harped on the total inclusion of youths in governance - a catalyst for fruitful, timely and productive governance template for the people.

' With a Bello presidency, there is no doubt that youths of competence and patriotic valour under the age of 27-30 can be ministers', He stressed.

While applauding the governor for his watertight fight against insecurity, infrastructural development drive and his wise decision and proactive leadership thrust in resolving the food blockade crises, Obasanjo tasked Bello to remain resolute and unshaken in his audacious push of occupying the seat of power come 2023.

"You must remain resolute, stoic and not give in to intimidation, name-calling or sort. Your audacity is a big reawakening to Nigerian youths and this has given us more hope and confidence today".

Responding, Bello thanked Olujonwo Obasanjo for the visit and words of encouragement. He said when it is time for him to run, he was sure the youths demographic which he represents will give the needed supports.

27/01/2020

Inauguration: Mrs Onoja felicitates with her husband

Ejura Mercy Onoja, the Wife of Kogi State Deputy Governor has congratulated her husband, Chief Edward Onoja and his boss, Governor Yahaya Bello on their successful inauguration for a second term in office.

Mrs Onoja gave the felicitation on Monday in her congratulatory message in Lokoja, the state capital.

“I congratulate my husband and his boss for their successful inauguration. We must see this phase as a triumphant show of democracy for the good of all and sundry,” she said.

“Their sagacity in providing quality leadership that has strengthened and led to a viable Kogi in the areas that were hitherto neglected is worthy of note, as governance is about the people and the government has continued to show with every given opportunity that it was more committed to the overall growth of the state,” she added.

Mrs Onoja equally congratulated her boss, Wife of the Governor, Mrs Rashida Bello for the role she played that culminated in the victory of her husband, Governor Yahaya Bello during the election, saying that the interest of women like always would be protected based on the respect the Governor has for them.

She expressed gratitude to everyone who worked assiduously to make the victory in the last election a reality, adding that the second term from every indication would be a fruitful and rewarding one for the good people of Kogi State.

While praying for God’s protection and guidance for the duo in office, she showed excitement and optimism about the future of Kogi State with Governor Yahaya Bello and her husband as team players in this second phase with the tag line ‘LetsDoMore’ was an indication of their willingness to build on their previous achievements that would bring about more dividends of democracy to the people.

27/01/2020

THE FOUR YEARS INIMITABLE FOOTPRINTS OF GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO IN KOGI

Upon taking the Oath of Office on 27th January 2016, Governor Yahaya Bello during his inaugural speech stated that the epicenter of his administration would be five (5) important points of impact - areas where the new government would seek to positively affect the citizens of the confluence state.

These five thematic areas of the government - having undergone intense research identifying the gap between the state of affairs in 2016 and the desired state, were then assembled into a concise proposed course of action, named "The New Direction Blueprint".

Governor Bello placed the five focal areas in order of priority to include EDUCATION, HEALTH, JOB CREATION (YOUTH ENGAGEMENT), INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITY, as well as PUBLIC SERVICE AND PENSION REFORM.

With reference to EDUCATION, the Blueprint’s primary purview was to ensure that all Kogites had access to quality education by enhancing accessible and affordable educational services in all tiers.

Bearing this in mind, the New Direction Government of Yahaya Bello in its first term focused on making best use of available and limited resources allocated to education while sourcing the necessary and needed manpower needed to meet the learning requirements of all educational segments in the state.

The administration of Yahaya Bello has constructed 212 new classroom blocks and additional 557 classroom blocks renovated across the three senatorial district of the state.

Also, 21 buildings for computer laboratories, 33,500 supply of set of furniture and 231 supply of computer tables for primary and some secondary schools in the state.

As a leader who believes so much in dialogue, the administration of Yahaya Bello in 2017 through a roundtable discussion abolished various unions in the state’s owned tertiary institutions thereby putting an end to the hitherto incessant strike responsible for academic setbacks in the past.

In the HEALTH sector, successful testament of the administration included drastic reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates within the space of the last four years. Under-five mortality has fallen by over a fifth in four years, from 102 deaths per 100, 000 live births between 2010 and 2015, to 63 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016-2017.

Under this period, the infant mortality rate fell even faster, from 100 to 51 deaths per 100,000 live births.

This is due to recent interventions – including Healthcare Plus N60 million worth of pediatric drugs and Chlorhexidine Gel for umbilical care were procured and distributed to government hospital where they were administered free of charge on patients.

Maternal health has also been improved through the procurement of over 8,000 pregnancy kits which were distributed free of charge to expectant mothers undergoing ante-natal care in public hospitals.

The Governor also approved the employment and expansion of Village Health Workers from 120 to 200 under the SDGs Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

In order to address emergency pre-hospital medical care, the state government distributed 12 referral vehicles (ambulances) to 12 major health centres in twelve (12) Local Government Areas of the state and in 2019, a door-door mobile health service initiative was also inaugurated to take care of those in critical health needs especially in our rural communities across the state.

Youth empowerment and engagement formed the bedrock of the New Direction Government; the administration would boast of a very large percentage of erudite youths at the helm of governance, an unprecedented occurrence which many states quickly began to model.

Thus, JOB CREATION as a way to harness the human resources Kogi has been blessed with, became a major priority.

The government through diverse sectors and subsets including Agriculture, Sports, Information and Communication Technology, Skill acquisition programmes has empowered hundreds of Kogi youths to become entrepreneurs and financially buoyant.

Many have also become gainfully employed and are earning decent livelihood. In 2019, Kogi State was among the only 9 states of the federation that have reduced unemployment figure, according the statistics released by the National Directorate of Employment.

In AGRICULTURE, the Bello's administration constructed over N4 billion rice factory with the capacity to produce 50 tonnes of rice per day.

The factory situated at Ejiba in Yagba West, has the capacity to produce over 1000 bags of 50 kg of high quality rice every day, and could employ over 5000 people as direct jobs, and more of indirect employments.

Farmers in the state got government's supports and interventions through APPEAL project, FADAMA III additional financing and Anchor Borrowers initiative, amongst others.

In REVENUES, the Bello's administration built an ultra modern revenue house and has increased the state's IGRs from hitherto paltry N300 to N400 million monthly to between N1.2 to N1.3 billion monthly IGRs at the moment.

The New Direction Government incorporated INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES as the fourth thematic area of the government’s focus and despite paucity of available funds, it has been able to touch the three senatorial districts with tangible road infrastructures completed, and many others flagged off towards the end of its first term.

The government has made the pledge to do more in its second term consolidating on the gains it made in the first four years of the administration.

The government has also put in place the “Project Power Kogi East”, an initiative aimed towards ensuring the electrification of about 200 communities in the Kogi East region currently with low electricity supply which would transit into social and economic development.

More so, the state through the Ministry of Water Resources has spearheaded numerous water projects including potable borehole schemes in diverse communities across the state.

This has given a large number of its citizenry access to potable water.

Kogi state was the epicenter of insecurity especially kidnapping in the country before the coming of Yahaya Bello’s administration owing to its geographical location and lack of political will to confront the scourge in the past. However, the ugly situation of insecurity has been brought under control by the Administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello through the launch of "Operation Total Freedom".

Governor Bello’s drive to resurrect efficiency and effectiveness in the state civil service informed PUBLIC SERVICE AND PENSION REFORM as the fifth thematic area of the New Direction Blueprint.

The abundance of recorded redundancy, the proliferation of ghost workers, unqualified personnel and a whole lot of other unlawful practices led to the now famous screening exercise which helped to identify and w**d out the individuals causing rot within the system.

The determination of the New Direction Government to give attention to these five areas was birthed out of the desire to bring development to the confluence state and the administration has truly made its mark in its first four years.

Not withstanding these laudable achievements, the administration is even more resolute in its determination to do much more in the second term as it would seek to explore new strategies to achieving sustainable development for Kogi State.

The Governor remains resolute in bringing a holistic change in the confluence State as he commences the administration’s second term in office.
Let’s Do More.

Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to Kogi State Governor writes this piece from Lokoja

26/01/2020

Gov. Bello marks last Friday of his 1st term in office with Juma’at prayers, expresses gratitude to God, Kogi people

January 24, 2020

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Friday expressed gratitude to God for his mercy, and to the people of the state for their support throughout his four years' term in office.

The governor stated this at the Government House Mosque Lokoja, where he observed Friday Juma'at prayers.

The governor said he was grateful to the people of Kogi State for their support and understanding for his administration in the past four years.

He assured the people of the state of more dividends of democracy while urging them for more continued support in his second term.

The Chief Imam of tge Government House, Alhaji Musa Bashir Ohu said the second term of the Governor would herald more developments for the state, and urged the people to continue to pray for their leaders.

Gov Yahaya Bello would be sworn in for his second term as Executive Governor of Kogi State on Monday January 27, 2020.

26/01/2020

26/01/2020

Photo Story

Images from the Inter-Denominational Prayer Service in Honour to God, towards the Inauguration of Governor Yahaya Bello and His Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja for their second term in office, scheduled to hold tomorrow, January 27, 2020 at the Glass House in Government House, Lokoja.

22/10/2019

Kogi Assembly confirms Onoja as Deputy Governor

The Kogi State House of Assembly has on Monday screened and confirmed Chief Edward Onoja as the substantive Deputy Governor of the state.

The confirmation of Onoja which was done during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Honorable Mathew Kolawole was sequel to the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor, Hon. Simon Achuba and the letter sent to the Assembly by the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello nominating him as Deputy.

‎During the screening, the Deputy Governor-nominee introduced himself and gave a brief background of his work experience to the lawmakers.

‎‎The member representing Olamaboro Constituency, moved a motion that the nominee be cleared, take a bow and go because he served the state as a Chief of Staff to the incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello creditably.

The motion which was seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Honorable Ahmed Mohammed, representing Ankpa 1 constituency, said the Deputy Governor nominee was a committed party man who has contributed immensely to the success of Governor Yahaya Bello in office.

He therefore urged the assembly to confirm him as he was the best man for the job.

After deliberations by other members, the House subsequently confirmed the nominee as Deputy Governor of Kogi State with a charge to continue in his good works.

19/10/2019

Governor Bello to prioritise infrastructure, youth empowerment in second tenure

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has promised to prioritise human capital development and youth empowerment when elected for a second term in the November 16 governroship election.

He made the promise on Wednesday in Lokoja in an address he delivered at a youth programme organised by the state chapter National Youth Council of Nigeria where the youth of the state endorsed his candidature for a second term.

The Governor called on the youths to position themselves well as he would vigorously pursue the policies he adopted in his first tenure to logical conclusion and ensure he succeeds, noting that youth inclusion in governance was cardinal to his policy direction.

He also promised to ensure earnest conduct of local government polls in the state immediately after his re – inauguration, and called on the youths to ensure they place themselves at vantage positions so that the elderly would not sn**ch the opportunities from them.

Governor Bello was full of gratitude to the youths for taking leading role in endorsing him for another term and donating the sum of ₦2 million for his purchase of Expression of Interest form, stating that the gesture showed they were people with senses of gratitude.

He promised to be their ambassador at all times, stressing that he would continue to carry them along in all his programmes as to him, they were leaders requiring opportunities to contribute to the development of Kogi State, and is happy to give them such opportunities.

Speaking in a keynote address, the APC deputy governroship candidate, Hon Edward Onoja said the youths are pivotal to the development of any society and called on them to take their pride of place in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

Hon Onoja who is the immediate past Chief of Staff to the Governor noted that Nigeria had been run by young people in the past, adding that if the youths could eschew ethno-religious sentiments and emulate the policies of Governor Bello, there is no limit to what they could achieve.

In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara, whose presentation was anchored on security noted that the security situation has improved tremendously since the inception of the present administration.

He said Kogi State had gone from a state where armed robbery especially Bank Robbery was a norm, to a state with no single record in that regard. He added that terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality have also become history in Kogi State.

The Chairman of G21 in the state, Comrade Amade Edime who presented the group’s findings after an exhaustive research across the 21 LGAs of the state and other speakers all applauded the Governor and assured him of their determination to comb all parts of the state to ensure his victory.

19/10/2019

Gov Bello urges youths to shun social vices

Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has urged youths in the state to shun social vices and acts capable of ruining their future.

Governor Bello made this statement at the endorsement ceremony organized by the state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Wednesday in Lokoja.

His words: “Help me advocate to any youth involved in drugs to desist. When you take drugs, you limit your capacity to be productive,” he explained.

“Be my good followers, let the issue of drugs and social vices be eschewed, advocate against it. There will be little, or nothing I will be able to do for you, if you involve and engage yourselves in drugs and criminality,” he said.

He therefore told the youths to position themselves for a greater future and embraced opportunities that could launch them into an enviable height.

“Tell Kogi youths the good days are here and that the government of Governor Yahaya Bello and Chief Edward David Onoja will focus more on human capital development when reelected.”

According to the Governor, the focus of his second term in office which would renew commitment on human and infrastructural developments would cut across every segment of the state, having direct bearing on the lives of the people.

“We will coast home to victory no doubt, but my greatest joy will be to leave a legacy that, I touched lives.”

“Some of you have constituted yourselves into various groups to campaign for my victory, going from nooks and crannies of the state for my reelection, but how prepared are you to key into this opportunity, if you keep involving yourselves in illegalities?” he questioned.

“Under my administration we shall live to the letter, fulfilling every promise made. We are going to implement policies that will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people. Position yourselves and be in your best behaviors, I beg of you.”

Speaking further, he appealed to the youths to take advantage of opportunities made available by the various skill acquisition programmes initiated by some of his appointees.

Governor Bello reassured the people of his administration’s preparedness to conduct the local government elections immediately after his reelection.

“In this election, show capacity. Everybody knows that I reward hard work and loyalty. That is what has earned Chief Edward Onoja my running mate and the newly appointed Chief of Staff, Pharm Abdulkareem Asuku their positions.”

“By the grace of God, in my return to office, I will be involved in dealing decisively with criminal elements still remaining within the borders of Kogi State,” he added.

He commended the Commissioner for Youths and Sports and the leadership of NYCN for coordinating the programme and their endorsement.

Source; insidestoryng.com

19/10/2019

Photo News

Photographs from Ogugu Cultural Day event, where the Kogi Deputy Governor-nominee, Chief Edward David Onoja was presented with an award of EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP by the Ogugu Development Union!

Ogugu is a community in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State where the former Chief of Staff hails from.

19/10/2019

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Gowon @85: You Are a Selfless Leader, Great Patriot, Says, Governor Bello

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has felicitated with former Military Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, GCFR on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing him as a great patriot, selfless and courageous leader who is committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

In a message which Yahaya Bello personally signed, the Governor also noted that Gen Yakubu Gowon belongs to the grade of Africa’s outstanding leaders.

“I rejoice with you today on the occasion of your 85th birthday. Undoubtedly, you have been a huge asset to our country and your service to the nation and humanity have been exemplary. “You are a patriotic and courageous leader who has remained persistent in nation-building, uniting the nation along ethnic and religious lines. Your legacies as a former Head of State will continue to survive; evaluating your achievements in the areas of unity, peace and development in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. “History has accorded you a place in the roll-call of great leaders not only in our country but also in Africa as a continent and the world at large. It is on this note that I join your family and other well-wishers to celebrate with you on this auspicious day of Your birthday anniversary. “May God continue to bless you with strength and good health even as you enjoy more glorious years on earth. Happy birthday, Your Excellency.”

General Yakubu Gowon who was born on the 19th of October, 1934 was former Head of State from 1966 to 1975.

Onogwu Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

19/10/2019

Kogi 2019: We Are Coming for the Nailing of the Coffin, Final Burial of the PDP, Says El-rufai

The Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-rufai who is the Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State Governorship election on November 16 has said that the campaign team by the National Working Committee of the party will move to Kogi State immediately after inauguration in preparation for the Final Burial, Nailing of the Coffin of the PDP in Kogi.

El-rufai stated this in his remarks immediately after the inauguration of the council by the national chairman of the All Progressives Progress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the party headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

“After the flag-off, I will like to urge all members of the Campaign Council to relocate to Lokoja and remain there in preparation for the final burial and nailing of the coffin of the PDP,” he mandated.

Mallam El-rufai said with his knowledge of Kogi politics where he conducted the APC governorship primary elections in 2015 which produced late Prince Abubakar Audu, heading the Campaign Council for the re-election of Governor Yahaya Bello was a second home-coming for him. Mallam El-rudai said Governor Bello has achieved more in his term noting that his 2nd term will be better for the people of Kogi State.

On his part, Adams Oshiomhole, APC National Chairman while inaugurating the Campaign Councils in Abuja charged them to ensure that Yahaya Bello is re-elected in Kogi State and David Lyon emerged victorious in Bayelsa.

The National Chairman of the APC, noted that the people of Bayelsa have never really determined their leaders because their votes never counted but it was going to be different scenario this time.

While expressing optimism that APC will take over Bayelsa, Oshiomhole said: “In Bayelsa, the heart of the people will be turned to elect a man that will make a difference, that will demonstrate that in a genuine democracy, very ordinary people who connect with their people, who understand and live with their people and share the joy, pain and aspirations of their people, even if they do not have the history of a political dynasty can rise to become a governor and I believe that is the story of our candidate in Bayelsa.

“The reaction of PDP shows they are in trouble. My very good friend, Gov. Dickson is in trouble, but I assure him that his labour pains will soon be over by the time we win the elections.

“We take these two elections very seriously because we believe in the power of the ballot, we believe that the issues should be contested in a peaceful environment and not by the power of gunshots which has been the tradition of the opposition and we know that people want a change.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure the opposition that we are ready for campaigns, it is not a fight, it is not a war. The only thing we will insist on is that the votes must count because Bayelsan are not used to votes being counted. They have to be encouraged to understand that the votes will not only be cast in a free and fair atmosphere, but it also must not be through the power of the barrel of the gun. The PDP must know that and learn new tactics in winning votes and not fight wars”.

19/10/2019

APC formally inaugurates National Campaign committee for Kogi’s November poll

The APC National Secretariat has on Friday inaugurated its National Campaign Council for the November governorship election in Kogi State which is to be chaired by the Karuna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El – Rufai.

Performing the inauguration, the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said members of the committee were selected with their experiences and capacities in mind.

He stressed that Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is an asset to the APC and deserved the necessary support the party could give him to win the governorship poll next month.

Comrade Oshiomhole noted that Kogi State Governor inherited a system that had been run aground by administrations before it, including non – salary payment, lack of infrastructure among other things which Governor Bello battled to address.

He specifically praised the Governor for his tremendous achievements in the area of addressing the problem of salary of civil servants in the state and efforts to correct the infrastructural deficits he met on ground.

The National Chairman was quick to admit that first tenures were the most difficult as Governors because they were a period of learning by trying to identify problems on ground and their causes and expressed optimism that Governor Bello had had his own fair share of learning.

Comrade Oshiomhole expressed hope that Governor had learnt a lot in his first tenure and would make efforts to address the problems he met on ground. He therefore urged electorate to stick with the APC candidate who is a tested hand rather than risking their political future with a new hand.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the National Campaign Council for Kogi State, Mallam Nasir Elrufai expressed gratitude for the opportunity to head the committee and promised to bring his experience to bear on their assignment.

He described Governor Bello as a colleague and friend who has done so much for the APC at all levels, adding that he would bring his experience as someone that had gone through the tortuous waters of re – election to bear on the committee’s work.

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Source; www.insidestoryng.com

17/10/2019

Gov. Bello’s Giant Strides in Agriculture

On assumption of office, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello made his priorities known, and one of which is Agriculture. The reason for this is not farfetched. After the crisis that hit the Oil and Gas sector (the mainstay of Nigerian economy) and the attendant dwindling economic misfortune that ensued it, it became obvious to all that Nigeria needs to rejig her economy.

In line with this, the governor decided to key into the economic agenda of President Mohammadu Buhari's by giving agriculture a serious facelift as an alternative to the country’s oil sector.

Before Alhaji Yahaya Bello assumed office as the fourth executive governor of Kogi state, the agricultural sector was in dire need of resuscitation. The state Ministry of Agriculture could not boast of one working tractor. All the heavy duty equipments procured by his predecessors for mechanisation were faulty and in state of disrepair.

On assumption of office as Commissioner for Agriculture in March 2017, the first step Hon. Kehinde Oloruntoba took was to call for stakeholders' meeting that was chaired by the governor himself. The purpose of the meeting was to get feedbacks and firsthand information from agriculturists on how to revamp the sector.

FERTILIZER PROCUREMENT

From the feedback gotten from stakeholders , the government pursue the ROADMAP diligently in order to give an enduring solution to the crises in the agricultural sector. The first moves were to address the problems of inadequate agricultural equipments for mechanisation, improved seedlings, fertilizers, access to credit, dearth of extension workers and rural infrastructures.

The unparalleled love Governor Bello has for the sector manifested on how he executed the roadmap without hesitation. When it was presented to him, the governor who immediately gave approval for the procurement of 15 metric tones of NPK fertilizers sold to farmers at controlled price of 5,500 Naira, the sales of which was decentralized along senatorial lines for equity and transparency.

The second problems the administration solved was to purchase 40 brand new Ferguson 375 tractors, refurbish broken down equipments and purchase other farm implements that have already been injected into the farming space . Farmers now have access to hiring these equipments at subsidized rate of 20,000 per day as against the 25,000 Naira per hectare charged by private and commercial owners. Because tractors can conveniently work on 3 hectares per day, Kogi farmers used to pay 75,000 per day. With the tractors of Kogi state government, farmers have been saved 55,000 Naira loss per day.

For proper management and accountability, these tractors were handed over to a private firm for effective management for an agreed sum remitted to state coffers on quarterly basis. This is to help avoid sharp and corrupt practices by civil servants. The private firm has been up and doing and religiously sticking to agreement.

OMI DAM AND RICE MILL

In 2016, Governor Yahaya Bello took a trip to Omi and was amazed at the resources on ground, especially the Omi Dam. He was shocked and said he never Kogi state had such resources . He immediately instructed the ministry to come up with a proposal to make maximum use of the facility, creating something that will be beneficial to the state. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon Kehinde Oloruntoba immediately thought of a rice mill, since it requires a lot of water and since Omi has Fadama land.

The facility belong to the Federal Government, managed by the Lower Niger River Basin. The commissioner and his team took a visit to Idanre, headquarters of the River Basin , where the state entered into an MOU with them to cede 4500 heaters of land to her for the purpose of starting a rice mill. Upon agreement, the state started 800 hectares of massive rice plantation.

The Omi rice mill is a 50 tons per day rice mill. When fed with 80 tons of padi, it brings out 50 tons. 50 tons per day is equivalent to 1500 bags of 50 Kg rice and for the closure of the borders, demand for rice is very high. By implication the market is available. If the state decides to sell at 15,000, it simply means the state would realize 15 million Naira per day and about 360 million Naira every month. After all expenses incurred are deducted, the profit margin of about 60% is left. By implication about 180 million Naira will always come to state coffers from the rice mill.
The rice mill which has just started operation would be commissioned when President Buhari comes to flag off electioneering campaigns. When properly managed, in 18months, Kogi would have built another rice mill at Idah from proceeds of Omi Rice mill and by implication from Agriculture alone, the state would have been generating close to about 600 million Naira monthly.

GREEN HOUSE FARMING

Kogi state government in a bid to turn Kogi state into an agricultural hub, has established Green house farms at Osara for availability of land and water. This will ease the pains of business men and women going as far and Maiduguri from Lagos and other distanced parts of the country to buy tomatoes and other vegetables, this necessitated the establishment of Green house farms here in Kogi, due to its strategic location and availability of natural resources for the purpose.. This has increased the internally generated revenue of the state, while employing unemployed Kogites.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES

The Anchor Borrowers Program is a Federal government initiative, aimed at providing credit facilities to farmers. It is without collateral and Kogi state has keyed into the program and has assisted over 20,000 farmers to benefit from the anchor borrowers program this was made possible by the intervention and interest the state governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has showed in agriculture.

Another key World Bank program Kogi farmers have benefitted from is FADAMA. It is a program Kogi state has been adjudged recently to be doing excellent by World Bank representatives . Fadama covers Rice and cassava and over 12,000 farmers have benefitted and assisted in the state for cassava production.

Also, 1700 kogites have been shortlisted for the APPEAL (Agro Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood ) project for women and youth empowerment . They will be taken to different training centers across the country, after which they would be empowered with starters pack of 1 Million Naira, in a bid to add value to the economy through three special areas, Rice, Cassava and Cashew. APPEAL would be providing modular machines for these three value chains. The products can be processed into different end products for sales. APPEAL is a 200 million USD project and Governor Bello already paid his counterpart fund of 200 million Naira. Each state has accessed 8 million USD each and can only access the rest fund based on performance. With Kogi state leading the 5 other benefiting states, accessing the balance wouldn't be a problem when the time comes.

600 FISH PONDS

In other to provide jobs for its teeming youth, Kogi state government cited 600 fish pounds across the state for its potentials in aqua culture. 200 ponds at Idah, 100 ponds at Adavi- Eba, 100 Ponds at Ajaokuta and 200 ponds at Omi, with 4200 youth picked from all part of Kogi state communities benefiting. Government provides fingerlings and extension services to them, while earning accrued from sales of these fishes goes to them and not government, so that they can establish their own fish pond . This is an initiative Alhaji Yahaya Bello has put together to create jobs , diversify the economy and make Kogi state independent of the Federal Government.

The target of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is to empower 100,000 youth. Recently, he met with President Buhari and intimated him that Kogi is the largest cassava producing state in Nigeria and he would his assistance to get funds to assist farmers. Upon this, the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture was invited by Central Bank to defend the proposal put forward . The state eventually got assurance of the Central bank to fund 500,000 farmers in the state and so far so god, 320,000 kogites have been engaged.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello has laid a solid foundation in agriculture to give Kogi state economic prosperity and create many direct and indirect jobs for the teeming unemployed youth. In Another 4 years, Kogi state would have become the number one leading state in agriculture and would have cut down poverty and employment very drastically.

Happy Independence day celebration.






Yahaya Bello Media Centre.