By Abubakar Shuaibu A.
The Kogi State Government on Thursday inaugurated three major state bodies — the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), the Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOSEPADEC), and the Governing Councils of seven tertiary institutions — in separate ceremonies held in Lokoja.
Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, performed the inaugurations on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, charging the appointees to uphold transparency, integrity, and service.
“These appointments are a call to serve. Deliver with honesty, work for the people, and protect the trust reposed in you,” she said.
KOSIEC Commissioners
KOSIEC is mandated to conduct credible local government elections.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are:
1. Labaran Ayigebe – Commissioner
2. Umar Makun Abdulmalik – Commissioner
3. Jamiu Abdulkareem – Commissioner
4. Achema Friday – Commissioner
5. Segun Ogbonika – Commissioner
6. Jimoh Ozigizigi Omeiza – Commissioner
7. Alhaji Mohammed Usman – Secretary
Chairman Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, speaking on behalf of the commission, pledged fairness and transparency in all electoral duties.
KOSEPADEC Leadership
KOSEPADEC will spearhead development in oil-producing areas and harness the state’s vast mineral resources.
Mrs. Ayoade noted that Kogi boasts over 40 commercially viable solid minerals, including coal, limestone, gold, iron ore, and lithium, which present significant investment opportunities.
“With KOSEPADEC now in place, Kogi State is on the path of accelerated development,” she declared, praising Governor Ododo’s commitment to the oil-producing communities.
Members of KOSEPADEC include:
1. Omonu Jackson – Managing Director
2. Suleiman Ndalaye – Chairman
3. Rt. Hon. (Prince) Olushola Mathew Kolawole – Executive Director
4. Engr. Isah Yakubu Jatto – Executive Director
5. Usman Nda Muhammed – Executive Director
6. Abubakar Tenimu Musa – Rep., Ministry of Finance
7. Alhassan Obansa Sanni – Rep., Ministry of Justice
8. Suleiman Hameed – Secretary
Community Representatives:
1. Mr Anejodo Emmanuel Agwuja – Anocha
2. Dr. Omattah Emmanuel Abuh – Odeke
3. Barr. Onema Edoja John – Ihile
4. Comr. Amajeh Felix Ele-Ojo – Echeno
5. Alogwuja Utenwuojo – Obale
KOSEPADEC MD Omonu Jackson assured that the commission will deliver on its mandate “by the special grace of God.”
Tertiary Institution Governing Councils
The SGS emphasised the government’s dedication to education, noting that Kogi pays JAMB, WAEC, and NECO registration fees for all eligible students and runs three state-owned universities to reduce the effect of the “quota system.”
Institutions inaugurated:
1. Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayangba
2. Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
3. College of Education, Ankpa
4. College of Education, Mopa
5. College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obangede
6. College of Health Sciences & Technology, Idah
7. Nigerian-Korean Friendship Institute, Lokoja
Prof. Moses Atapa, Chairman of the Nigerian-Korean Friendship Institute, pledged that the councils would work to make the institutions better for students and staff.
Mrs. Ayoade closed the ceremonies by reiterating the government’s resolve to strengthen institutions for efficient service delivery and sustainable development.
All appointees took the Oath of Allegiance, Oath of Secrecy, and Oath of Office.
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