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Kogi Ministry Of Justice Partners NGO On Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization “Protect the Child Foundation” has launched a strategic partnership aimed at sustaining the fight against all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state. js"> googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
This was the focus of a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on “Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence,” organized by the Ministry’s Directorate of Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with the Foundation and with the support of the French Embassy.
Stakeholders at the event called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s legal framework to ensure a sustained and coordinated response to gender-based violence across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kogi State, Muizudeen Yunusa Abdullahi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Falilat Yusuf Musa (Esq.), emphasized that combating GBV is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment and action.
“The theme of today’s discourse
Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance: Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence is not just a slogan but a strategic blueprint for action,” Abdullahi said.
“These three pillars Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance form the tripod upon which a safe, equitable, and dignified society must stand.”
He highlighted key legal instruments supporting the fight against GBV, including Sections 33, 34, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Kogi State, 2022, and the Child’s Rights Law of Kogi State.
According to him, these laws collectively ensure that every citizen from infancy to adulthood—is shielded from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
Abdullahi commended Governor Usman Ododo for his administration’s unwavering commitment to curbing the menace of sexual and gender-based violence in the state, noting that the governor’s leadership has provided “decisive action and clear direction” in ensuring justice for survivors.
“Under his leadership, we have a clear mandate to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on perpetrators without fear or favour,” he said. “In Kogi State, there is zero tolerance for gender-based violence.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to handle GBV cases with urgency and sensitivity, urged civil society partners to continue advocacy and survivor support, and challenged communities to break the culture of silence and stigma.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of “Protect the Child Foundation”, Barr. Elizabeth Achimugu, attributed the persistence of gender-based violence largely to poverty and called for the empowerment of the girl child as a key strategy to address the problem.
She stressed the need for community engagement and public awareness, noting that exposing perpetrators and ending stigmatization are crucial to combating GBV.
“Sexual and gender-based violence constitutes a grave violation of human rights and a public health crisis,” Achimugu said. “In Nigeria, despite the existence of relevant laws, enforcement remains weak, especially in rural communities where awareness is low.”
She cited alarming statistics from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023, which reports that 31% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while 7% have experienced sexual violence, often linked to harmful cultural practices.
Achimugu called for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches involving health, education, justice, and community systems, as well as economic empowerment initiatives for women and girls to reduce vulnerability to abuse.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of the Gender-Based Violence Directorate, Juliana Jonathan-Omale, underscored the need for sustained action, describing the workshop theme as “both a declaration and a challenge.”
“We have moved from breaking the silence to building systems of response,” she said. “Now we must ensure this fight is not a fleeting campaign but a lasting commitment built on strategy, resilience, and collaboration.”
Participants at the workshop, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, agreed that sustained progress against gender-based violence demands coordinated action, legal enforcement, and community-driven change to build a safer and more inclusive society.
Ends
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President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON
Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.
President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.
The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside 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, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.
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Apo/Karshi road: FCTA tarminates contract over incompetence
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, revealed on Thursday, said it has terminated Apo/Karshi road over incompetence and the contract have already been reawarded to another contractor. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The project was re – awarded under emergency project and will be flagged off by the FCT Minster soon.
Wike revealed this when he inspected Karu , OSEX and Kishiri road , Abuja.
It would be recalled that, the Apo-Karshi road contract was awarded in 2011. The project was given to M/S Kakatar Nig. Ltd by the administration at the time and was initially expected to be completed within 20 months.
And due to the inability of M/S Kakatar Nig. Ltd, to be able to do the project, the administration terminated the contract and awarded it to SCC contractor.
According to Wike, “Let me tell you the truth, we have terminated that contract; it has been reawarded to SCC. If you go there now, you will see that they have started work. It is a road that so many people are very interested in because it will decongest some of these areas. So that’s why we should do it, and like I said, we cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people. That road has been terminated.
“And the road leading from Kubwa to Bwari has also started, so that there will be an alternative route to Bwari. That’s also awarded to SCC. So, we can assure you that things are moving very well according to plan”.
Speaking on Karu, Gishiri, and OSEX, he said, “Well, I have always said, what makes the government feel relaxed is when the people are happy. Of course, the very essence of governance is to make people be happy and make them have what improves their lives. When we went to Karu, you remember the first time we went to Karu to flag off, it was one road. And there, I made a promise that all the other connecting roads would be included.
“I am very happy to report the progress on the job. The contractor is doing very well. And that shows this is one of the projects we are going to line up for the 3rd anniversary of Mr President. I am quite impressed. And those houses that blocked the water channel, we are going to bring them down, to enable water to have its own way.
“And then we went to Gishiri, and you see the level of work being done by CGC. All those roads that were done by them, which were inaugurated by Mr President sometime in June this year, and that project also will be inaugurated on the 3rd anniversary of Mr President. Now we are in OSEX. This leads you from Apo to Wassa. And it’s also part of the road by the grace of God, certainly will be inaugurated in his 3rd year in office.
“So, you can see the happiness of everybody. And that’s what shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is really working. People had never seen this type of development in Abuja before. And that is why you can imagine when we were at Karu, just mere coming down, see how the students were very happy. As we went to Girishi, look at how the pupils there are all very happy. And so, it makes us happy too”.
On the woman in Karu that built on water channel, that the FCT Minister promised some compensation, the Minister said, yes, the woman did the wrong thing and her property must go down or this can cause flooding later.
“You cannot do something to block the water channels, and we are even sympathetic by saying that we were going to give you money, but we must allow the water to have its way, because if not, it will cause a lot of flooding. That will also not be good for the people living around there. So sometimes we should not be emotional. She’s crying.
“She did the wrong thing. she caused the problem. But we are giving the human face by saying, okay, we’ll give you some funds so that yiu can find an alternative. Ordinarily, we don’t need to have done that. What she has done was to violate the building regulation”, he said.
For 2026, Wike, said Abuja residents should expect more infrastural development that will lift the lives of the people, that will improve the economic activities.
“We have started procurement around all our health centres. So next year, we believe that what you see in 2025 will be nothing to compare to what we’ll see in 2026. And I must tell you the truth, in 2026, we are not likely to put any new projects.
“We want to make sure that the projects we have started this year will be completed in 2026. Those projects will come in the 2026 budget. Mind you, that year appears to be a political year. So, you don’t expect to start projects that you may not be able to finish within the period that you’re appointed to stay. So, we want to make sure all projects we have started, by the grace of God, were completed”, he noted.
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NDLEA Stumbles in Asset Declaration Case Against Abba Kyari as Cross-Examination Ends in Confusion
By Our Correspindent
The NDLEA on Wednesday suffered a major setback in its asset-declaration case against Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari at the Federal High Court, Abuja, after the cross-examination of the first respondent ended with little progress and several moments of courtroom tension. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The case, instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alleges that Kyari failed to declare his assets. However, during cross-examination, the prosecution — led by counsel Sunday Joseph —unsuccessfully struggled to establish inconsistencies in Kyari’s statements, especially regarding inheritance and property ownership.
At the previous sitting, Joseph attempted to compel Kyari to admit that all properties left by his late father were exclusively his. Kyari firmly corrected the claim, explaining that the properties belonged to the entire family and would be shared among his 29 siblings whenever the family decided to do so.
Kyari also reiterated to the court that he declared all his assets and bank accounts, insisting that over 90% of the properties the NDLEA claimed belonged to him were completely false. He stated that the legitimate owners of those properties had already come forward, tendered their documents in court, and exposed NDLEA’s media-trial narratives as fabricated.
He further informed the court that all his bank account statements are before the court, showing that he has less than ₦4 million combined across all his accounts — accounts which NDLEA has blocked for more than three years. Kyari emphasized that not a single kobo in any of his accounts has ever been linked to any criminal activity despite NDLEA’s public allegations.
> “My late father left over 20 houses for his children in Maiduguri. About four were sold to cater for his medical treatment,” Kyari told the court.
Attempts by the prosecution to shift their questioning toward unrelated matters were swiftly rejected by Justice Omotosho, who cautioned the NDLEA counsel against straying into irrelevant territory.
> “I won’t allow that. This case has nothing to do with cocaine. This is strictly about alleged non-declaration of assets. You cannot come here and ask irrelevant questions,” the judge warned.
“If you waste your allotted time, I will end your case. Stick to what is before the court.”
Tension rose again when Joseph made what the court described as a “parable,” prompting an even sterner warning from Justice Omotosho.
> “Be careful. Do not come here and impugn this holy temple. What do you mean by that? Are you trying to teach the court its job? It appears you are not ready,” the visibly irritated judge stated.
During Wednesday’s resumed hearing, the prosecution presented a police document and repeatedly asked Kyari to refer to specific pages, causing confusion in court.
“Page 20?” Joseph asked.
Kyari responded, “Page 20 contains details of drug suspects arrested by the Police and the transfer of suspects and exhibits to NDLEA.”
On page 19, Kyari again clarified that it contained similar arrests of the drug suspects by the Police IRT and handover NDLEA — none related to the asset-declaration charge.
Justice Omotosho later allowed the prosecution more time to verify the document.
Kyari then pointed out that the document being relied upon was merely an interim police report, stressing that a final and superior police report is available and contradicts the three-year-old interim version.
Kyari also detailed several false claims the NDLEA had made against him, including publicly alleging that he owned the Borno State Government polo ground — a property belonging to the state government long before he was born. He reminded the court that NDLEA also filed false statements in the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, claiming he confessed to owning properties belonging to innocent Nigerians. Those real property owners, armed with their documents, have since filed cases against NDLEA.
After these exchanges, the NDLEA counsel abruptly announced that he had no further questions, surprising both the court and observers. Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), counsel for the defence, also confirmed he had no additional cross-examination.
The matter has been adjourned for the filing and adoption of final written addresses, after which judgment will be delivered.
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