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Kogi Gov Ododo flags off construction of Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri road in Ajaokuta
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has flagged off construction of the 12.5 kilometre Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri rural road in a major boost to rural infrastructure and agricultural development in the state.
The project which is executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), is set to transform transportation and improve access to farmlands, markets, schools, health centers, and other critical social infrastructure for communities along the road corridor.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ogigiri, Governor Ododo restates commitment to inclusive development through policies and projects that prioritize agriculture, access to market, healthcare, educational institutions and other social services for underserved communities.
“This project signifies a bold declaration of our administration’s unbending commitment to inclusive development , rural prosperity and the transformation of Agriculture in Kogi State”, he said.
The Governor noted that the Unosi-Odonto-Ogigiri road, once completed, will provide all-year-round access, significantly reducing travel time and transportation costs for rural dwellers.
“This corridor which is in the Agricultural heartland of Ajaokuta Local Government holds strategic significance.
“It links clusters of farming communities that contribute greatly to our state’s food security.
“Today marks the beginning of an end to their transportation challenges”, he stated.
He added that the road construction aligns with RAAMP’s core objectives of promoting sustainable rural road networks to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses by improving access to markets.
Earlier the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib, emphasized the strategic value of the project, describing it as a vital link between farm clusters that will drive food security and strengthen economic trust across the state.
National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Aminu Bodinga, affirmed that the initiative aligns with the development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo, noting that Kogi State set to receive a further boost in its road infrastructure with up to 1,500 kilometers of road construction under the partnership present administration.
“This is more than just construction. It is about building resilience in our rural economy, supporting agricultural value chains, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” he said.
He emphasized that residents along the road corridors will be trained in routine road maintenance, as part of the administration’s broader effort to uplift grassroots communities and improve livelihoods across the country.
Engr. Bodinga urged contractors handling the project to ensure timely completion of the project and to deliver value for money.
The member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Sani Egidi, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo, stating that the project has the potential to significantly transform the economic fortunes of the entire state, particularly Ajaokuta local government and the host community.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government, Haruna Aliyu noted that the ongoing road project connects 10 out of the 14 wards in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, describing it as a major catalyst for the local economy.
Some residents of the area expressed appreciation to the state government, noting that the road would ease movement of goods and services, boost trade, and improve living standards among rural people.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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