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Mojoyinola Emerges President As NGIJ Elects New Executives
Says NGIJ Election Is A Loud Statement That The Guild Has Come To Stay
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has elected new executive members to pilot the affairs of the association for another two years, as Mr. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The new President elect won the election with other executive members including Bashorun Israel Bolaji as Vice President Information & Strategy, Comrade James Ezema AS VP Investigations, and AbdulRahman Aliagan as the National Secretary with over 2/3 of total registered voters.
Others are Oyewale Oyelola; Registrar, Rowland ‘Shuwa; Financial Secretary and Femi Oyewale emerged as Public Relations/Welfare Officer. The election, which was organized sequel to the Investigators Guild Congress, was conducted via e-voting in compliance with NCDC and Presidential Taskforce in COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
The Election Committee Chairman, Tope Sunday while declaring the result said Ayoyemi Mojoyin led executive members will conduct bye-election to fill remaining vacant positions. Speaking after he was declared the winner, Mojoyinola noted that, “Today is indeed a historic day for all of us because, first and foremost, this is the very first election to be held by this noble association. This means that the new crop of leaders elected today are the very first democratically elected leaders for the Guild.
“Secondly, this election is a loud statement that this association has come to stay and with your support we shall build a very strong foundation for this nascent association.” Mojoyinola pointed out that, “We were to hold this election on Saturday but for developments beyond our control we had to move it a little bit forward. “For an association that has never conducted an election before now, I must say that Mr. Sunday and his team did a very great job and there might not be need for elections tribunals. “In all seriousness, I sincerely thank every member of this association for their commitments to the Guild.
I commend all of us for expending our resources, financial, intellectual, morally and otherwise to the success of this Guild. He however thanked the Co-founders of the Guild for giving the Investigators in the country the platform to express themselves.
“In the same vein I will like to show appreciation to the Co-founders of this association, Mr. Abdulrahman Aliagan, Bashorun Israel Bolaji and Mr. Olawale AbIdeen, for giving Investigators in the country this platform to express themselves. “While I will not like to dwell on the present misgivings of Abideen, suffice it to say that the Guild is not anybody’s personal property and should never be treated as such. I assure you that I shall, together with my new executives, treat this issue with the utmost importance it deserves so that we can forge ahead promptly. “I therefore use this opportunity to call on my friend, Olawale Abideen who is also the immediate past acting president of the Guild, to tow the path of peace and unity and join hands with this administration so that the dream of a virile and great platform for investigative journalists will be reinforced quickly.
According to Mojoyinola, “We are heartened by the progress we have made so far despite the seeming challenges and I am eager to help continue that progress but I want to assure us all that there will be more greater challenges ahead as our aim is towards a bigger goal but to succeed we must come together united. Remember, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
“As the first democratically elected president of this Guild, I assure you that we, my team and I will do everything within our powers to work for your welfare and wellbeing. We assure you that the interest of all members shall be protected as long as such member does not work against the interest of the Guild. “I also want to use this opportunity to allay fears in some quarters that this Guild is out to witch-hunt anybody.
“We are not out to witch-hunt any group, organization or individual rather we are guided by our motto, ‘rooting for the truth’ and that will be our guiding principle in all interactions. “While I understand the need for me to roll out programs and make promises to our members, permit me at this present time to make only two promises which I know we can keep. The first is that, starting from now your views and contributions will matter in NGIJ. This is because I will ask a lot of questions, some of them, undoubtedly, will be annoying. But I promise that I will carefully listen to your answers for the good of the Guild. “The second thing I can promise is that I will make mistakes. But I promise that my mistakes will not be from lethargy so if you agree with the Holy Books that Man is imperfection personified then you will pardon me for the honest mistakes that I might make in the cause of leading this association.”
Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye Ogun State, has over 14 years working experience in various print, broadcast and Online media organisations both in Nigeria and international.
He is currently a Co-Publisher at Thecitypulsenews.com with head office in USA and Nigeria office in Lagos.
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Insecurity: Ododo Briefs President Tinubu On Proactive Measures Put In Place
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state on Monday, paid a working visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the State House, Abuja, briefing him on proactive measures put in place to tackle insecurity and the overall development of the state.
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Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, indicates that Governor Ododo during the visit, highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the state government in collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his consistent and unwavering support, particularly in bolstering security operations across Kogi State.
He noted that the federal backing has significantly enhanced the capacity of security forces to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.
Governor Ododo also conveyed the profound gratitude of the Government and the good people of Kogi State to the President for the landmark approval of the Ajaokuta Economic City, also known as the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone.
He described the project as a historic and transformative initiative that will reposition Kogi as a major industrial and investment hub, create massive employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
In his response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commended Governor Ododo for his effective leadership and strong collaboration with federal security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state. The President assured him of the Federal Government’s continued support in both security and development efforts.
The high-level meeting also featured fruitful discussions focused on advancing infrastructural development, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people of Kogi State.
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Kogi State Intercept Child Trafficking
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has successful intercepted a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
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The State’s Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement, disclosed that at about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between 6 and 17 years into Kogi State.
According to the statement “Initial investigations revealed that the children had been moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.
“Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.
” Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors. Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.
“The rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the necessary psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Upon completion of profiling and verification, the children will be handed over to their respective State Governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families. Meanwhile, all individuals found culpable in this trafficking operation will be prosecuted in line with Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.
“The Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration, and any form of security threat. The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the State.
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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.
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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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