ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE - ISSUE 26

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 26 NIG. N500 USA $5.00 UK £4.00 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER, 2015

The

BLISSFUL TOUCH OF

AJANIGO

ndence Speech e p e d In s t’ n e xt of Presid BUHARI Full te cellence x E f o t in r p e The Blu AUDU Journey so far e h T A D WA campees by APC e D P D P f o st e Harv IBAJI C e l e b r a t e

I n s p i r e

C h a l l e n g e

PHOTOSPEAKS

Some top leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the residence of Prince Abubakar Audu, Lokoja before leaving for Confluence Stadium for the Rally

Some of the top men of APC in the state at the residence of Amb. Isaac Onuh in Omala before the Omala rally.

Nollywood Star Actor, Jide Kosoko (M) Led A Team Of A-List Actors To Call On Kogites To Vote For The Change Team For The Good Of All Kogites And Development Of Entertainment

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Arise Igala-Issue 26

Native Town Ogugu, Olamaboro LG

Interest Disc Jockey (DJ), Politics Occupation Student/Model Favourite Igala Food Osikapa Okpeye Like(s) Eating, Music, Dancing and Fashion Dislike(s) Hate being around fake people, stress Igala Hero/Heroine Ameh Oboni (The Great) and Princess Inikpi Dream for Igalaland Job Creation/More opportunities for the youths

OMA UFEDO ATA

Current Residence Lokoja

FACE OF INIKPI

Full Name Hamza Ajuma Jamilah

Phone 0908 110 0423 Arise Igala-Issue 26

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THE ROYAL QUOTE

HRM, DR. IDAKWO

AMEH OBONI II ATA IGALA Agabaidu, Ata Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

Sacrificial leadership places Igala Kingdom above self, political party, religion and other personal interests; it places service above self. Therefore, show me a kingdom where sacrifice abounds, I’ll show you a prosperous kingdom. Igala kingdom cannot attain the expected height without sacrifice of some sorts.

The quotation above is part of His Majesty’s Message at the 2nd Annual ARISE IGALA Leadership Awards/Lectures 2015 held at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja on Saturday, May 23, 2015.

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GRAND PATRON His Royal Majesty DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER ONOJA JAMES OKPANACHI President/CEO, Onoja Dreams Network Limited Managing Editor Emmanuel Nathan Oguche Online Editor Idakwo Oguche Columnists Ojochide Yusuf-Nathan Emmanuel Nelson Arome Pst. Livinus Husseini Okpe Mallam Mohhammed Atojoko Contributors Idibia Ojabo Muhammed Nasirdeen Lawal (Eleojo Mama) Moses Abimaje David Usman Yakubu PHOTO PARTNERS De Famous Studio | JT Digital World | Ottagab Voice & Vision PRODUCTION ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) is published by ONOJA DREAMS NETWORK LIMITED (RC 868974), ABUJA: C29, MIB Plaza, First Avenue, Gwarinpa, F.C.T. | LOKOJA: C/O NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja. +234 (0)803 698 0602, (0)805 663 0751, (0)803 968 1501 Website: www.ariseigala.com, Twitter: @ariseigala, Facebook: ARISE IGALA Magazine Email: ariseigala@gmail.com, ariseigala.sales@gmail.com, ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com Copyright (c) 2010-2015 Onoja Dreams Network Limited

VISION To inspire a generational change that will give birth to a new breed of Igala people in the face of globalization thereby changing perspectives on selves as we consciously bring out the beauty in our people

MISSION To be (and remain) the most informative, educative, entertaining, challenging, inspiring and authentic source of information on the past and current issues of Igala Kingdom and her people as the authoritative voice and image maker of Igala race via publications and media activities.

MANDATE Our mandate is to Celebrate, Inspire and Challenge Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.

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Email: ariseigala.sales@gmail.com Arise Igala-Issue 26

The

BLISSFUL TOUCH

OF

AJANIGO 14

CONTENTS

REGULARS

BABA JFO CELEBRATES 25 YEARS ON STAGE

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ROYAL QUOTES

>

FROM THE ARCHIVE

>

PUBLISHER’S DESK

>

SPEECH

>

SPECIAL

>

INTERVIEW

>

RALLY

>

LIFE

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4 8 9 10 17 22 24 39

We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for views. The views in this publication are not sacrosanct. Readers have right to reply. All photographs in ARISE IGALA are copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Arise Igala-Issue 26

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

Part of the special team of our brothers, JUKUN from Taraba State who ushered in His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu, Ata Igala, AMEH OBONI II to the palace in IDAH after completing the traditional rites of the making of an Ata - March 10, 2013.

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Arise Igala-Issue 26

PUBLISHER’S DESK

VICTORIA ASCERTER ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

L

ife is based on principles and these principles when applied correctly can work out good results without discriminations; whosoever sow, will reap, and, whatever one sows, he reaps. If you work, you must be paid your wages and so life goes on.

Therefore, at every stage of one’s life, life’s principles are always at play and this is the most important reason why man must take serious every of his actions and inactions as a time will surely come when it will be moment of reward. And, the reward that will be given by life will certainly be commensurate to what we have put into it as well.

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En français on dit “que sera, sera” et vraiment, personne n’est pas changer l’edit de Dieu, le tous puissant. L’état du Kogi sera grand encore par la grace de Dieu.

This principle of sowing and reaping also manifests very well in periods of election just like the one we have at hand in Kogi state; it is antecedents that come play. Past records will count as people will hold onto them seriously to make conclusions and then decide on which side to be.

swinging to according to public opinion.

The most interesting thing in the case of Kogi state is that fact that the two major contenders have both have the taste of power at the helms of affairs and as they both aspire for the same position again, their records are the only reference materials that the people now rely on largely to decide and as a result, it is obvious today where the pendulum is

On this note, I congratulate the progressives in advance as nothing can ever change the principle of ‘sowing and reaping’. It is a divine establishment from the beginning of creation and so shall it remain till the end of time.

So, I take this opportunity once again to remind everyone that whatever one does today is only being stored up in memory bank, one day, people shall review them to decide on you and your aspiration(s).

Victory is certain.

Arise!

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SPEECH

Full text of President Buhari’s speech as Nigeria marks 55th anniversary

O

ctober 1st is a day for joy and celebrations for us Nigerians whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in because it is the day, 55 years ago; we liberated ourselves from the shackles of colonialism and began our long march to nationhood and to greatness.

No temporary problems or passing challenges should stop us from honoring this day. Let us remind ourselves of the gifts God has given us.

Our Creator has bequeathed to us Numbers – Nigeria is the ninth most populated country on the planet. We have in addition: • Arable land • Water • Forests • Oil and gas • Coastline • Solid minerals We have all the attributes of a great nation. We are not there yet because the one commodity we have been unable to exploit to the fullest is unity of purpose. This would have enabled us to achieve not only more orderly political evolution and integration but also continuity and economic progress.

Countries far less endowed have made greater economic progress by greater coherence and unity of purpose.

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Nonetheless, that we have remained together is an achievement we should all appreciate and try to consolidate.

We have witnessed this year a sea change in our democratic development. The fact that an opposition party replaced an entrenched government in a free and fair election is indicative of the deeper roots of our democratic system. Whatever one’s views are, Nigerians must thank former President Jonathan for not digging-in in the face of defeat and thereby saving the country untold consequences.

As I said in my inaugural speech, I bear no ill will against anyone on past

events. Nobody should fear anything from me. We are not after anyone. People should only fear the consequences of their actions. I hereby invite everyone, whatever his or her political view to join me in working for the nation.

My countrymen and women, every new government inherits problems.

Ours was no different.

But what Nigerians want are solutions, quick solutions not a recitation of problems inherited. Accordingly, after consultations with the Vice President, senior party leaders and other senior stakeholders, I quickly got down to work on the immediate, medium-term and long-term problems which we must solve if we are to maintain the confidence which Nigerians so generously bestowed on us in the March elections and since then.

As you know, I toured the neighboring countries, marshal a coalition of armed forces of the five nations to confront and defeat Boko Haram. I met also the G7 leaders and other friendly presidents in an effort to build an international coalition against Boko Haram. Our gallant armed forces under new leadership have taken the battle to the insurgents, Arise Igala-Issue 26

SPEECH and severely weakened their logistical and infrastructural capabilities. Boko Haram are being scattered and are on the run. That they are resorting to shameless attacks on soft targets such as I.D.P. camps is indicative of their cowardice and desperation. I have instructed security and local authorities to tighten vigilance in vulnerable places.

On power, government officials have held a series of long sessions over several weeks about the best way to improve the nation’s power supply in the safest and most cost effective way. In the meantime, improvement in the power supply is moderately encouraging.

By the same token, supply of petrol and kerosene to the public has improved throughout the country. All the early signs are that within months the whole country would begin to feel a change for the better.

Preliminary steps have been taken to sanitize NNPC and improve its operations so that the inefficiency and corruption could be reduced to a minimum. Those of our refineries which can be serviced and brought back into partial production would be enabled to resume operations so that the whole sordid business of exporting crude and importing finished products in dubious transactions could be stopped.

In addition to NNPC, I have ordered for a complete audit of our other revenue Arise Igala-Issue 26

generating agencies mainly CBN, FIRS, Customs, NCC, for better service delivery to the nation. Prudent housekeeping is needed now more than ever in view of the sharp decline in world market oil prices. It is a challenge we have to face squarely. But what counts is not so much what accrues but how we manage our resources that is important.

We have seen in the last few years how huge resources were mismanaged, squandered and wasted.

The new APC government is embarking on a clean up, introducing prudence and probity in public financing.

At an early stage, the federal government addressed the issue of salary arrears in many states, a situation capable of degenerating into social unrest. The APC government stepped in to provide shortterm support to the owing states and enabled them to pay off the backlog and restore the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

Fellow Nigerians, there have been a lot of anxiety and impatience over the apparent delay in announcement of ministers. There is no cause to be anxious. Our government set out to do things methodically and properly. We received the handing over notes from the outgoing government only four days before taking over.

Consequently, the Joda Transition Committee submitted its Report on the reorganization of Federal

Government structure after studying the hand over notes.

It would have been haphazard to announce ministers when the government had not finalized the number of ministries to optimally carry the burden of governance.

Anyway, the wait is over.

The first set of names for ministerial nominees for confirmation has been sent to the senate. Subsequent lists will be forwarded in due course. Impatience is not a virtue. Order is more vital than speed. Careful and deliberate decisions after consultations get far better results. And better results for our country is what the APC government for CHANGE is all about.

I would like to end my address this morning on our agenda for CHANGE. Change does not just happen. You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring CHANGE about. We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behavior in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices.

To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.

Happy Independence Celebrations.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God Bless.

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PHOTOSPEAKS

HE, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (R) one-on-one with Prince Abubakar Audu at the Okene APC Governorship rally

Celebrating victory in advance as vice president yemi osinbajo raises the hands of Prince Abubakar Audu and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke at Okene main Governorship rally.

Adams OshiomolE (m) dancing on stage in okene during the APC Governorship rally

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L-R: HE, A. Ahmed, Chief John Oyegun, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, he, vp Yemi Osinbajo, hrh, Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland, Prince Abubakar Audu, He, Adams Oshiomole, HE, Fani Kayode

Olamaboro party, association and opinion leaders with Prince Abubakar Audu and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke at the residence of general Adejoh (rtd.) in Okpo

‘The unstoppable walk to lugard house’ - presenting copies of the exclusive edition of Arise Igala Magazine to hrm, Ameh Oboni II by the the Publisher, Onoja J. Okpanachi

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COVER story

The

BLISSFUL TOUCH OF

L

AJANIGO

ife is about positive impact on others in any (little) way possible. It makes more meaning if everyone can contribute his/her quotas to life particularly when one makes it a lifestyle and not necessarily wait till the millions begin to roll in. It’s on this note that the young and creative actress, Miss Ajanigo Simeon unveiled her foundation to respond to some of the needs of special people amongst us.

In the words of Miss Ajanigo, “It would amount to disservice to God and humanity to wait for the “when” of greatness when the “how” has been established.

So, through the “how” of now I thought of creating a platform for addressing issues of pain, deprivation, human agony,

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want, oppression, child abuse, labour and molestation and discrimination to steer life away from the adversities that I personally experienced in my growing years. I want to reach out to the needy from my own background of poverty and deprivation and in doing this I need a platform for full expression. That is how the idea of Ajanigo Bliss Foundation came.”

The launching of the foundation was graced by prominent personalities in the society who are in tune with the dreams of the initiator. Among them are Dr Ibrahim Wada, Chairman of the occasion who was heavily represented by Mr. Henry Bada, his Chief of Staff; Dr. Omede Idris, Honourable Commissioner for health, Kogi

state; Hon. Zainab Okino, Honourable Commissioner for information, Kogi state; Hon. Kayode Olowomoron, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Kogi state; Hon. Belkisu Momoh, Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development who represented the wife of Kogi state governor, Hajiya Halima Ladi Wada and Hon. Barry Idakwo, Vice Chairman, Ankpa LGA who represented the Chairman, Ankpa LGA among others from Nollywood (in the state) and government circle.

At the launching of the foundation in Reverton Hotel, Lokoja on October 3, 2015, 50 wheelchairs and 30 clutches were freely given to the needy.

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COVER story

Nollywood star actress, Jummai Joseph (m) presenting wheelchair to a beneficiary

Dr. Idris Omede presnting clutches to a beneficiary

Some of the beneficiaries

L-R; Mr. & Mrs. Simeon (Ajanigo’s parent), Elijah Abalaka and Mrs. Joy (Iron Lady) with Ajanigo in a ‘thank you’ posture and Baba JFO behind

Some of the nollywood members from the state who graced the occassion

Some of the musicians, beauty queens and actors who graced the occassion

Special guest at the occassion

Miss Ajanigo with some nollywood actress who came to support her vision, 2nd right is Jumai Joseph

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COVER story

The wheelchairs and clutches given out that day

Miss Nafisat Abubakar on the red carpet

Some of the beneficiaries of the items

Friends and family with Ajanigo

Some guests at the occassion

Another set of beneficiaries of the foundation’s support

Beauty queens, friends with Ajanigo to support her

L-R: The anchors; Thompson Makolo Jnr. and Sunday Atabor

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SPECIAL

Prince Abubakar Audu: blueprint of excellence

By Abdulkareen Idris

F

ew days back, I read an article that was dedicated to attacking the person of Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC flag-bearer in the coming elections in Kogi state.

I thought of writing a rejoinder immediately but decided against it. Why write a rejoinder when I can write a different article, to enlighten people and dispel the falsehood that many deliberately fabricate against Abubakar Audu?

Before the APC primaries and after it, many of such articles aimed deliberately at misinforming the public got enough credence on social media. I finally decided to put pen to paper because the incessant attacks have clearly gotten out of hand, and all it takes for falsehood to prevail over truth is silence.

“Blueprint of Excellence” Prince Abubakar Audu was born on 27 October 1947, to the family of his Royal Highness, the late Pa Audu Oyidi, Orego of Atta Igala and the paramount ruler of Ogbonicha-Alloma in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi state. His impressive educational career saw him travel to London, where he studied banking and personnel management.

Subsequently, the young prince delved into administration and the history of his administrative career marked him out as an astute and efficient administrator. For about 25 years, he held different high-

Arise Igala-Issue 26

ranking positions in different financial institutions, where he left his indelible blueprint of excellence. This excellence saw him to the position of commissioner for finance and economic planning in 1986 in the old Benue state.

He later emerged as the first democratically-elected governor of Kogi state, and, although he was governor for about a year before General Ibrahim Babangida halted that democratic era, his full test as an administrator came between 1999 and 2003, after the return of democratic governance.

Kogi state under Abubakar Audu When he was elected governor of Kogi State in 1999, Nigeria’s experience with democracy was still at infancy.

That notwithstanding, when Abubakar Audu came in as governor what he achieved is still unmatched in Kogi state till date. His four years as governor saw Kogi come to life; the first task he embarked upon was to improve the state of intra-state roads. Everyone who knew Kogi then would know how difficult it was to connect Kogi East, West and Central. The only road was the one through Okene which was in very bad shape.

Abubakar Audu saw to the construction of what is today known as the Ganaja-Ajaokuta road to connect Kogi East and the state capital, Lokoja. He also saw to it that the previous roads that were in bad shapes were all upgraded. This step improved by almost 60%, the state of

business among the people of the state.

Furthermore, Abubakar Audu turned his attention to a sector that needed urgent attention.

The educational sector at that time was on its knees, as primary and secondary education was so poor to the extent that students could not communicate in proper English.

A relative of mine who visited us after her Senior Secondary School Examination couldn’t communicate in English. Those who had the means sent their kids to other states to acquire education. By the end of Audu’s four year term, new primary schools and secondary schools had emerged in almost all the communities in the state.

Schools that were in bad shape were renovated, with new blocks of equipped classrooms constructed. He also established the Kogi State University, bringing higher education to the doorstep of the indigenes.

The institution was, at that time, ranked amongst the best new universities in Nigeria.

As a result of all these and many more of his commendable initiatives, Kogi state opened up to new businesses, more employment opportunities for young people, growth for small scale businesses, and became a destination for investors. It is important to mention that Abubakar Audu’s business connections help secured one of the largest investments in the history of the state – the Kogi State Cement Factory (now Dangote Cement factory). The siting of the cement factory in 17

SPECIAL the state did not only create jobs for young people, but also helped in further developing host communities and satisfying consumer needs.

On infrastructure, Abubakar Audu also established three different housing schemes for public officers consisting of over 1,500 housing units in Lokoja, and successfully transformed the Lokoja township with asphalt roads, street lights, aesthetic roundabouts, and the construction of inter-township and rural roads, with over 75 electrification schemes and water projects.

To add to his long list of achievements, he ordered the construction of a new stadium, saw to the establishment of Kogi United Football Club, oversaw the completion of the famous Confluence Hotel, established the Kogi State Polytechnic, then radio stations (both AM and FM), and a state newspaper.

Mediocrity is not an option In spite of all these, many have resorted to attacking his person and rubbishing his achievements. In recent times, many of such people have taken to social media to carry out their despicable campaign of calumny against Prince Abubakar Audu.

As data from the last general elections suggest, more young people have abandoned political apathy and have increasingly become politically enlightened.

Thus, many of such people intend to poison the minds of young Kogi indigenes to score political points.

Hence, they have tagged Audu Abubakar alongside Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada as incompetent administrators. This is not only fallacious, it is also alarming.

Anyone who has followed the political development of

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Kogi state closely without the intention to misinform the public would agree that it is the two other governors who have entrenched mediocrity in the state. In their twelve years of failure, infrastructural facilities have continued to decay, the standard of education has nosedived, healthcare facilities have suffered from lack of care and unemployment has greatly increased.

Is Abubakar Best Choice for Kogi State?

To drive home the point, many have resorted to describing the state as a failed state. Recently, a friend described Wada as a governor who lacks vision and celebrates paying salaries as achievements.

Unfortunately, even at that, he fails as Kogi is among the twenty four states owing salaries. It was these same governors who started the marginalization of students from other parts of the state, especially students from Kogi West.

Abubakar Audu is a man who loves education. The truth to this is there to be seen by all. It was during his time as governor that the first university

was established, alongside a polytechnic and primary and secondary schools witnessed tremendous improvement and during his tenure, there were no complaints about marginalization.

I write this because it is only fair to correct the impression people have of him. Many people who don’t even know the man personally have called him arrogant, vindictive and pompous, but it is clear that this can all be attributed to the negative press he has suffered.

Most who sell this name-calling narrative to the public are his political opponents and people who have no regard for laiddown rules, and they continue to do so simply because they have no achievements to campaign with.

The truth must be told and this narrative must change. The PDP and their goons on social media continue with this campaign of calumny, but just as they proved to have no plans or intentions of developing Nigeria while in charge of our nation’s resources, the PDP leaders in Kogi have also proven that they are clueless as to how to develop the state. It is imperative that the people of Kogi state key in to this message of change, and elect the leader who has displayed the zeal and commitment required to restore Kogi to its rightful place.

That Prince Audu means well for Kogi is not in dispute, and, as his previous tenures show, he has what it takes to do right for the people too. His allegiance is to the good people of Kogi state, and no amount of falsehood being peddled about him can wipe his achievements off the pages of history. It is important to seek facts and tell the truth, because only then can honour and dignity be maintained.

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SPECIAL

MR. AKUBO ADEGBE

ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR

Wada: The journey so far

- GOV. WADA

By Mike Abu

T

he first mandate given to Capt Idris Wada, so far, so good, has not been anything but easy. The administration from inception had a clear vision, little wonder, despite the fact that the administration was faced by a number of challenges, ranging from natural to man-made and coupled with the downturn in the nation’s economy, it is safe to say the administration has met the yearning and aspiration of the people.

The Wada administration must began the implementation of the new minimum wage in its first month on assumption of office.

Based on the prospect of continuity and improvement, the administration ensured the completion of projects it inherited from its predecessor. The idea according to the governor was to ensure that, abandoning these projects would lead to waste of scarce resources. But despite the challenges faced by the Wada administration financially, the administration was able to strike a careful balance between what is desirable and what is possible; such that the State has fared very well in meeting its obligations to its worker and to a large number of the citizenry when compared with States that are within the same financial bracket with Kogi State.

In normal times, the timely payment of salaries and pensions could not be celebrated. But in the times we live in, these are obligations of government that can no longer be taken for granted. It is on record that the present administration has paid the salaries of its workers till date as at press time. Kogi State is one among the least indebted States in Nigeria, little wonder only 0.81 Billion naira of its debt is been restructured.

The Wada administration in the face of grave financial situation, has not only been creative in discharging its responsibilities to the entire citizenry, it has created the needed peace and tranquility. Efforts has

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been made to support the States statutory and internally generated revenue with facilities secured from the Capital Market from which the administration has embarked on a number of legacy projects, which have been carefully conceptualized and are being implemented judiciously and to the highest standard.

The achievements of Capt Wada as captured below is an eloquent testimony that Capt Wada’s good thinking has made the state one of the fastest growing economies.

INFRASTRUCTURE •Roads: Construction and rehabilitation of over 700kms of Roads including Welcome to Lokoja -International Market Road, Lokoja Township Road, GanajaOtokiti Bypass road, OdenyiOguma-Sheria road, Ankpa-Okaba road, Idah Township, OgaminanaObangede-Kabba Junction roads, etc.

•Established and equipped Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) which is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that roads in the State are motorable.

•On-going construction of 500 Housing Units Estate – 282 units nearing completion.

•Water Schemes: Kabba Dam resuscitation, Ozi Dam resuscitation, Rehabilitation of water schemes in Ankpa, Idah, Egbe, Isanlu, Agaliga, Imane, Ajaka, Oguma, Ogori & Magongo, Obangede, AiyetoroGbede, Okegboro, Idoji North.

•Rural Electrification: Over 250 communities have been electrified, and many others are on-going.

•Rural Water Projects: More than 300 communities have been provided with bore holes.

•Monthly payment of 100 million Naira as maintenance fee for Lokoja City Water projects. The residents of Lokoja do not pay government for water.

Local Engineers have been recruited to understudy the Chinese Engineers so they can take-over maintenance.

HEALTH •On-going construction of 250-

bed Kogi State University Teaching Hospital in Anyigba to boost provision of healthcare services and also boost inward medical tourism as facility is being developed in conjunction with Indian Consultants.

•Construction and equipment of Diagnostics and Imaging Centre at theState Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.

•Quarterly rural free medical programme – over 120,000 beneficiariessince inception to date.

•Winner of the Bill Gates Foundation award for best performing State in North Central on Immuization.

•Renovation and upgrading of all Zonal Hospitals around the State.

•Construction of 65-bed Odu Orthopaedic Hospital – Phase I almost completed.

•Construction of 30-bed Model Community Hospitals in all three Senatorial Districts of the State: Ofugo, Ihima and Koton-Karfe.

•Upgrading of Central Medical Stores •Establishment of revolving fund for drugs.

•Upgrading National Blood Transfusion Centre in Lokoja •Facilitated procurement of dialysis machine for use in the State •Upgrading and accreditation of College of Nursing Obangede and Kogi State College of Health Sciences and Technology Idah •Upgrading of hospitals in 21 Local Government Areas of the State.

•Provision of ambulances to various hospitals.

EDUCATION •Upgrading facilities of legacy schools across the State •Upgrading of facilities at State Tertiary Institutions – provision of hostels, libraries, equipped laboratories, provision of water etc •Establishment of the Nigerian Korean Friendship Vocational Institute.

•Establishment of College of Medical Science and Faculty of Education – Kogi State University.

•Upgrading of facilities at over 300 schools in various communities around the State.

•Training of Teachers in conjunction with reputable organizations like

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SPECIAL the British Council and the National Mathematical Centre.

•Sponsorship of students to National and International competitions.

Students from the State represented the country in Russia and India, and won medals.

•Payment of scholarship to bonafide students of Kogi origin in higher institutions; web portal launched.

•Sponsorship of Kogi State students to Nigerian Institute of Power Technology at Vietnam.

TRANSPORTATION •Developed a comprehensive master plan for the State (water and land transportation systems). First phase –subsidized transport system inLokoja – over 60% reduction in transport fares. 1st publicly subsidized transport system in the nation. Fares were reduced from N150.00 to N50.00 in Lokoja.

•Establishment of the first central park in the Sate – 515 vehicles capacity, accommodation facilities, filling station etc. Will be central hub for transportation in Kogi Nigeria.

This park to be named the Lokoja Mega Terminal will be the first facility of its kind in North Central Nigeria. The Terminal will have revenue generating potential of about 400m per annum to the State.

AGRICULTURE •Establishment of 20,000 hectares pilot rice farm for the production of confluence super rice. Rice development is a tool for promoting the engagement of Kogi youth and rural dwellers in farming activities. Yield so far between 300-500MT per annum.

•Cassava farm and processing plants across the State has made the State to become the largest cassava growing State in Nigeria. This has attracted Cargill USA to partner with the State, Federal Government and World Bank to establish the staple crop processing zone in Alape.

Establishment of youth operated cassava and rice processing centres around the State.

•Facilitation of the establishment of private agricultural initiatives like the 20,000 Ha BUA Sugarcane plantation and the 30,000 Ha Dangote Rice Plantation amongst many others.

•Upgrading of warehouses for cashew handling centres. This has enabled cashew farmers get better pricing for their raw cashew nuts.

•Provision of agricultural loans, inputs, tractors and extension services to farmers through Stage Government funds.

•Provision of agricultural loans to farmers in conjunction with Bank of

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Agriculture.

•Empowerment and encouragement of fish farming (aqua culture) – 3500 fish farmers have accessed Government’s support.

•Procurement of land clearing equipment for clearing farmlands in the Local Government Areas.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT •Eradication of youth restiveness •Youth reorientation programme: YAD 4KOGI – Over 10,000 youth trained till date •Monthly unemployment allowances given to 15,000 youths in the past 3 years •Establishment of Nigerian Korean Vocational Centre in conjunction with KOICA (KOREA International Cooperation Agency). First of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. The centre will provide opportunity for vocational skills training for our unemployed youth.

CULTURE AND TOURISM •Restoration of Historic Sites around the State – Mounti-Patti, Lord Lugard residence, etc.

•Remodeling of Kogi Hotels for tourism and other hospitality services.

PEACE AND SECURITY •Establishment of the State Security fund in conjunction with the private sector •Provision of vehicles and equipment for the security forces •Provision of befitting accommodation for security personnel •Supporting activities of security forces to curb violence in the State •Zero tolerance for thuggery and violence •Financial reward for information on Kidnappers to curb activities of kidnappers in the State.

REVENUE GENERATION •Increased IGR from just under 200 million Naira to N550 million Naira that is over 150% increase without increasing tax burden on citizens resident in the State. This was achieved through the blocking of loopholes in revenue collection by ensuring e-collection and diversifying the revenue base of the State.

•Systematic effort with British DFID to restructure revenue generation in the State.

•Sponsored and signed the Public Private Partnership law •Aggressive drive to attract investments in agriculture, solid minerals, transport, etc.

•The government has a deliberate policy of encouraging PPP investments and investment in

revenue generating projects like the 11-storey Kogi House in Abuja; the Lokoja Ultra modern Terminal; the 250 bed Teaching Hospital; Kogi State GIS Project; Upgrading of Kogi State Liaison office, Lagos; Allo Cement Factory Itobe, and many others.

42 MoUs signed till date including: •Cargill USA group – (Agro Industrial), Cassava to sweetener and starch at Staple Crop Processing Zone at Alape •Dangote Rice Ltd – Rice plantation, milling and bagging •Ethanol Micro distelleries – Production of 2000 liters/day ethanol from cassava in 21 LGAs to be used for clean cook stoves •Chelsea farms ltd. – Cassava to Ethanol production, Itama, Dekina LGA •Unikane Industries ltd. – Sugarcane plantation and ethanol production, Koton-Karfe •Crest farm ltd – Cassava to starch production, Lokoja LGA •BUA Sugar Refinery – Sugar plantation and production of crystallized sugar and ethanol, Bassa LGA •Confluence solar ltd. (Meliora ltd) – Industrial solar power plant and production of 300MW •Dangote Sugar ltd. – Sugar plantation and production of crystallized sugar and ethanol in Ibaji LGA •Confluence sugar ltd. – sugar plantation, processing and housing development •Oriental resources ltd – Maize production and processing at Igbonla, Lokoja LGA •Kogi State Mechanic and Spare parts market – commercial spare parts, mechanic market.

•LD Construction Ltd. – Industrial production of precast concretes for housing and construction.

•Cana Resources Ltd. – Commercial Waste to power, Lokoja LGA •Astra resources Ltd – Coal briquettes production •Capegate Investment/Coza international ltd. – Integrated farming, industrial park and renewable energy.

•Lighthouse financial yservices ltd. – Construction of 1500 Housing Units in various locations in Lokoja •Bio-Global Investment Ltd – Resuscitation of confluence fertilizer company, Agbeji, for the production of biodiesel and organic fertilizer from Jathropha seeds •Ostertrade Engineering and Manufacturing Ltd – Glass plant – 300 tons per day •Zuma Energy Ltd – Coal to power plant •Kogi Oil Palm Ltd – Oil palm

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SPECIAL plantation milling and processing.

SOLID MINERALS •Establishment of one stop investment shop •Conducted the first comprehensive geological survey to facilitate investments in the solid minerals sector •Provision of incentives – Access to land with necessary titles. Facilitation of exploration of minerals through the necessary Federal Agencies.

WOMEN DEVELOPMENT •Establishment of women microcredit scheme. N100m disbursed to women traders in pilot scheme (Lokoja) •Provision of Grants to Women across the State.

•Gender and Equity Bill passed SPORTS •Completion of Confluence Stadium •Resuscitation of moribund Kogi United and Confluence Queens FCs HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT •Prioritisation of civil servants salaries. State civil servants have been paid on or before the 25th of every month since the advent of this administration. State started facing challenges in April when there was a sharp downturn in monthly allocations; but the State is still doing very well among its peers.

•Encouraging E-governance by provision of laptops for the State Teachers •Various training and capacity building workshops for State civil servants.

•Enforcement of employment embargo since the inception of this administration, except in special cases like recruitment of health personnel, recruitment of hydro-Engineers to understudy the expatriate managers of the Lokoja Water Project.

•Standardisation of Public Service Examination through cooperation with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Badagry, Lagos State.

PENSION AND GRATUITY •At inception, this administration met over 14 billion Naira backlog of pensions and gratuity dating back to 1990. The pension backlogs were serviced with up to 450 million Naira monthly, while gratuity payments were doubled to 50 million naira monthly.

Currently, all pension backlogs have been cleared. Gratuity arrears have also been paid from 1991 – 2000.

URBANISATION OF LOKOJA •The 2012 floods exposed the

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vulnerability of Lokoja to natural disaster. Billions of Naira investments like the Greater Lokoja Water Works, Confluence Beach Hotel, NATACO to Ganaja road were damaged by the floods. As a result, the Wada administration applied for the UN-HABITAT City resilience profiling project. Lokoja is the only city in Nigeria that was selected for the UNHABITA Project. Lokoja is also the only non-national Capital city amongst the 10 other cities that were included in the project from around the world.

This 1.3 million dollar project will in addition to developing a master plan, support the State in the provision of modern amenities for the City of Lokoja and three other cities in the State.

•Development of a new layout for Lokoja – Due to lack of adherence to urban planning regulations in the past and the legal issues that could arise from the relocation of traditional settlements like Kabawa, the Wada Administration embarked on a Lokoja Phase 2 Project. This phase 2 project is being flagged-off with the construction of the new 16km Ganaja – Otokiti road. The phase 2 project will be a better planned city with modern infrastructure.

•Construction of a properly managed dumpsite. Lokoja never had a dumpsite before the advent of this administration. Provision of waste evacuation trucks and continuous advocacy for clean environment are part of the institutional support by the Government.

•Resumption of monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS •Only State in Nigeria that has constructed a post-flood housing estate and has distributed it to flood victims •Customized emergency tents stocked in case of future occurrence.

•Construction of embankment to protect multi-billion naira investment in Lokoja water works.

•Shoreline protection at Lokoja to prevent further damage to various projects – roads, Confluence Beach Hotel, etc. The shoreline protection project is ongoing at Kabawa area Lokoja. The project has the added benefit of the beautification and the provision of a mini-Beach at the Lokoja waterfront.

PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS AND GOOD GOVERNANCE •In line with its core values anchored on probity, integrity, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption, the Wada Administration

has embarked on the Public Sector Reforms and Development Project.

•This project is backed by the World Bank and is aimed at supporting the Kogi State Government reform its Public Finance Management, Human Resource Management and Monitoring and Evaluation Systems.

•These Reforms have led to the: *Adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) *Improvement of the quality of general purpose financial reporting by Public Sector entities *Better-informed assessment of the resource allocation decisions made by government. *The signing into law of the Kogi State Public Procurement Act. OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS •Construction of 11-storey Kogi House in Abuja. Kogi was the only State that did not have a State House’ in Abuja. Land for the purpose was converted to ‘personal revenue generating’ use by unscrupulous elements. After a long tussle, Kogi regained possession of the land and entered a Joint Venture Agreement with a Chinese firm. When completed, the building is expected to be a huge revenue earner for the State.

•Upgrading of dilapidated Stage Government lodges in Abuja and Lagos •Construction of modern abattoir – first in the State’s history •Establishment of the State Bureau of Statistics paving way for partnership between Kogi State and major financial institutions.

•Upgrading of Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation and its four radio booster stations in Lokoja, Egbe, Ochaja, Otite.

•Resuscitation of Government Printing Department and establishment of modern printing press in Lokoja.

•Aggressive rural development drive through the creation of the Ministry of Rural Development.

•Support for Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency.

(KGCSDA) •Establishment of Kogi State Micro-Credit Agency to facilitate the provision of micro-credit facilities in the State.

•Establishment of modern environmental laboratory suite.

In the forthcoming Kogi State Governorship election, if achievements and performance would decide where the pendulum swings, it is safe to say Wada is the answer for the growth and development of the state.

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INTERVIEW

Adamu Major (r) addressing vital point at a forum

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hy Support for Audu?

Our support for Audu arose from the need to have someone that can truly lead and transform the fortunes of Kogi state in Massive infrastructural development, self-reliant agro economy, working health care services, well funded education system, just to mention a few.

This search took us to all the LGAs of Kogi state to ascertain first hand performance on work done and projects on going by the PDP administration in the state for the past twelve years. Our findings are not only disappointing but utterly unbelievable that twelve years in the saddle, PDP administration left the state in squalor as though a conquered territory.

This is the point where most of our members started comparing the performance of Prince Abubakar Audu’s four years term to that of PDP 22

ADAMU MAJOR is the leader of Teamwork Group, a non-profit making and non partisan mass vanguard movement with members drawn from the academia, business and non business Professionals, market women and students. Our vision is Partnering for democracy and good governance. Below are excerpts from his chat with media on the group’s support for PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU, APC Candidate in the November 21, 2015 governorship election in Kogi state. twelve wasted years. Naturally, the people need a change from the present misrule to a party and a candidate that promises hope.

Therefore, as a group committed to good governance, we reach out to the Prince to come back to the rescue of the state given his past stewardship.

On The Talk About Arrogance There is nowhere in Africa where dubious and over ambitious politicians will

not scandalize personality of their opponents just to win support of the gullible ones.

All the noise about arrogance is simply the handiwork of mischief makers in a campaign of calumny against the person of Audu because they believed that under normal decent campaign regime they will lose elections woefully but thank God they now know better. It’s so bad in Nigeria that am sure, if our Prophets (in the Holy Books) were to be Nigerians, politicians would dare their Arise Igala-Issue 26

INTERVIEW spiritual prowess and being, run down their character just to win election. Audu is only a man of principle but with good measure of humors.

What’s Your View On His Previous Attempt?

What happened in those elections were clear case of electoral fraud and manipulation and we are sure that has been put to rest by the Jega electoral reforms.

Massive rigging using federal might and all sorts of dirty tactics beyond human contemplation of a decent contender like the Prince cannot be a testimonial of acceptance or rejection.

Are You Confident That Audu Will Win This Election?

Oh ya, Oh ya. Except that as humans, we cannot predict 100%, but from what is on ground, Audu remains the candidate to beat. Firstly, the present day voting system will prevent all forms of rigging.

PERMANENT VOTERS CARD

Adamu Major

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that must be accepted by CARD READER means ballot box snatching and stuffing is gone for good.

Secondly, Voters in Kogi have awaken to the realization that their PDP leaders and government at all levels for the past twelve years, shortchanged and enslaved them politically and so no more promises and stories.

With our political education work across the rural and suburban areas, they now understand the difference between work done in four years and what twelve years is able to do. More so, with huge number of the unemployed youths and its attendant poverty and crime imposed

by PDP administration, there is growing followership and support among Kogi electorates for CHANGE party, APC and their candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu. They have reasons to support the candidate they know symbolizes hope and change.

What Will He Do Differently?

The prince of the Niger is a tested hand and a statesman.

In the coming government, things will be done differently in view of current global best practice in approach and style and we are sure he will align with the evolving democratic dynamics all over the world.

Encouraging participative governance, building capacity of Human Resource to ensure quality manpower, balanced allocation of development projects and democracy dividends, employment creation and empowerment, agro business development and war against hunger. These are some of the issues that the prince himself continues to dwell on.

Is Age A Factor Here?

Good governance simply means efficient management of resources to ensure infrastructural and human development.

Other functions of governance are encompassed in these two.

The only thing that guarantee them are intelligence and hardwork and not age.

These apostles of age thing should not be taken seriously.

Checklist; Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Abdol Diofu of Senegal, Mobutu Seseseko of zaire, Nelson Mandella of South Africa and what Baba Buhari is doing. Think of Sam Mbakwe of old Imo state, Abubakar Goni of old Bornu state, Ambros Ali of the Bendel state. What these noble men have done for their people still stand tall today so much so that hardly will the so called young leader ever attain that feat.

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Yagba Pdp Leader, Elder Leke Abejide And Over 1000 Others Defect To Apc

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great storm of defection passed through the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yagba East local government area of Kogi State as its leader, Elder Leke Abejide, the Chief Executive of ABEJIDE FOUNDATION and over 1000 party members dumped the PDP for All Progressives Congress (APC).

While addressing the people in a political rally at Community High School, Alu, Abejide boldly listed 10 reasons for leaving the PDP and concluded that they were crossing over to the APC since the PDP government has derailed from its original objectives. He said the current administration in the state had abandoned the tenets of good governance and had in turn set the state on a path of retrogression. He said his journey into APC with his followers from 11 wards in the LGA is a bold step to put aside sentiments in order to embrace change.

Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC Governorship

candidate in the November 21, 2015 election in the state said Kogi is truly endowed and as such has no business with poverty in any form. Audu lamented that Kogi has not benefitted from its natural endowments and so promised to work diligently to install an APC government that will guarantee the desired positive CHANGE. The Governor of Jigawa state, Abubakar Badaru was in attendance, showing his full support for the choice made by Elder Leke Abejide. He assured APC would ensure the collective development of the State for the good of all. Badaru also saluted Audu for galvanizing support for the APC in Kogi state by bringing quality political leadership into the party.

Also, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke who is the running mate of Prince Abubakar Audu assured the people of quality leadership and asked for their total support and votes come November 21, 2015.

He said Kogi state is key to the nation and cannot afford to remain in opposition.

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu welcomes he, Abubakar Badaru, Ji- The people of Yagba receive the APC leader to gawa State governor to his residence in Lokoja from where they their domain for change head to Yagba to receive decampees from PDP to APC

Elder Leke Abejide discussing heart to heart with he, Prince Abubakar Audu

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3rd from left: Hon. Bello Abdullahi, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and Prince Abubakar Audu at yagba to receive Elder Leke AbeJide and his people into the APC fold

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He, Prince Abubakar audu and he, Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State

Some of the APC state executives and Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi (R)

Alh. Linco Ocheje discussing with Hon. Bello Abdullahi and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke

Prince Abubakar Audu and the change agents ready to do the ceremony

HE, Abubakar Badaru and Prince Abubakar Audu move up to the stage

The stage is set for the change movement to receive more good people into their fold

On stage, l-r: Hon. Bello Abdullahi, he, Abubakar Badaru Prince Abubakar Audu address the people on the gaains apc will bring to them before presenting Elder Leke Abejide the APC and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke symbol, broom

Elder Leke Abejide takes his broom with joy

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Elder leke abejide address the people and welcome them to the new page of their lives with APC in charge asking them to vote massively for change come november 21, 2015

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His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu arrive Ibaji amidst cheers from the people

The good people of Ibaji welcome Prince to their soil

Mr. Emmanuel ekele (m) and his colleague, Mohammed Adama (l) with the APC state chairman, Alh. Ha’adi Ametuo (r) welcoming all to the wonderful occasion

His excellency, Prince move up to the state to address the people and move into the prime business of the day

His excellency up on stage as the crowd happily cheer him and the change team

Prince assures the good people of Ibaji of positive development and promises to open up the land with roads for more economic activities among other projects

Harvest Of Pdp Decampees By APC

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t was a very big harvest of decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by All Progressives Congress (APC). The catch in Ibaji local government area of Kogi state on Monday is another big one as PDP leaders, Hon. Simon Achuba (former deputy speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly), David Apeh (former council chairman), Frank Ineke (former house of representatives member), Sunday Akoh, and lots of top politicians and their ever ready supporters defected to the APC. Receiving the decampees to APC, Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC governorship candidate

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said the class of defectors into the APC fold from the PDP in Ibaji LGA indicates that PDP is finally empty in Ibaji and so victory at the forthcoming guber poll has been shot higher than it was.

Audu encouraged the good people of Ibaji to sweep out PDP in the forthcoming governorship election come November 21, 2015 as he handed over broom, the party’s symbol to the defecting members. Audu assured them that the APC is not a party for sharing money but party for CHANGE that will bring about total positive turn around in the economy of individuals, state and the nation at large.

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RALLY

The crowd accept to go for the change offered by APC

The crowd at the rally are glad to have the change agents in their domain

Prince welcomes all the decamping leaders and supporters into the change fold and ask the people to voye APC by november 21, 2015

Prince presents the APC symbol to all the PDP leaders who decamped to APC in Ibaji

Prince presents the APC symbol to all the PDP leaders who decamped to APC in Ibaji

Prince presents the APC symbol to all the PDP leaders who decamped to APC in Ibaji

Prince presents the APC symbol to all the PDP leaders who decamped to APC in Ibaji

Prince presents the APC symbol to all the PDP leaders who decamped to APC in Ibaji

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Prince Abubakar Audu in a royal handshake with Obaro of Kabba at the palace in Kabba

Royal handshake with a royal father

The royal father prays for Prince Abubakar Audu as they engage in the royal handshake

The royal fathers are happy with their illustrious son, Prince Abubakar Audu

Some of the royal fathers in okunland

Royal fathers at the palace

Kabba Welcomes Change With Great Happiness And Untold Joy

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he people of Kabba joyfully welcome the APC train to their area as they prepare to make fundamental statement with their PVC

by November 21, 2015 governorship election.

Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state and his running mate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke assured the people of what they stand to gain when they vote in APC government into power.

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The people attest to the fact that most of the things they still have left as government projects in the area were things done by the previous administration(s) of His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu. And, in turn, they gave him (Audu) their words never to make mistake again.

The Kabba rally witnessed massive defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC fold to join in the CHANGE movement.

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RALLY

More and more of the royal fathers welcome Prince Abubakar Audu and his change team to Okun Land

Hrh, Obaro of Kabba (m), Prince Abubakar Audu (r) and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (l)

Humphrey Abah (r), executive chairman of Kogi State council for Audu-Faleke campaign organization at the palace of Obaro of Kabba

The cheering crowd as the change agent leave the palace for the rally ground

Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi declare the event open with prayers to god almighty

The crowd keep chanting the change slogan as they also listen to their leaders speak to them of the good days ahead

The crowd welcome change to their land

Leaders of the APC led by Prince Abubakar Audu assures the people of better deals with APC government in power

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Kogi Central Backs Audu

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he good people of central senatorial district of Kogi state declared their support for Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 21 governorship election in the state.

The people of the area who turned out in their large number were led by Hon. Abdullahi Bello and Senator Saliu Ohize among others. Speaking on behalf of the People, Hon. Abdullahi Bello said the People of central senatorial district have always been identified with political integrity and firm

decision when it comes to taking stand on the right candidate and party to vote for and as such, they will never turn their back on the CHANGE train.

Hon. Bello who was former Speaker of the kogi state House of Assembly told the happy and vibrant crowd at the venue that the achievements recorded

by Prince Audu’s past administration in their land still remain unbeatable.

At the campaign rally, PDP leaders and many of their supporters from the zone dumped their party for the APC.

HRH, Ohinoyi welcome APC governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu and the change team to his palace

HRH, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland (m), Prince Abubakar Audu (r) and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (l) at the Ohinoyi palace

Some Ebira leaders at the palace of Ohinoyi as the change train arrive Okene

Some guests and apc women at the palace

Group photgraph with the royal father

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View of the Ohinoyi palace gate from inside

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The Ohinoyi palace

The change agents arrive the rally venue at Okene

Prince Abubakar Audu and his runnig mate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke at the Okene rally ground

The change expecting crowd at Okene rally

The crowd at the Okene rally venue

The crowd take stand with the APC change movement

The Ebira LEADERS on stage addressing their people on key issues and why they need to vote for APC come november 21, 2015

Prince Abubakar Audu gives the change message to the good people of Okene

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ALHAJI ISAH JIBRIN - ECHOCHO:

How God Answered My Prayers And All Your Prayers For Me

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state was a great display of passion and strong desire for change by a people who have waited for so long to see a positive turn around in all aspects of their lives.

Prince Abubakar Audu of APC who is also the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the forthcoming election in the state by November 21, 2015 was welcomed by top political leaders, party supporters and the good people of Dekina as he led the Change train to the area.

The rally affords many of the unhappy members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the opportunity to officially defect to APC.

Prince Abubakar Audu and the change train arrive Egume amidst cheering crowd

One of the key leaders in the area, Alhaji Jibrin Isah popularly known as Echocho made a very significant remark; “God has answered all your prayers for me. He (God) has given us all the answers to our prayers through APC as we have Prince Abubakar Audu as the party’s candidate”, Echocho said. “I am sure that Prince Abubakar Audu will respond and care for the people of Dekina the same way I would, so, God has answered my prayers of becoming a governor through him (Audu)”, he concluded.

The rally marked a fundamental turnaround in the political arrangement of the area and with that well done, victory is guaranteed by November 21, 2015 said Hon. Adejoh Akowe, former LG Chairman.

The Audu-Faleke campaign office in Egume ready for commissioning

Prince Abubakar Audu commissions the campaign office in Egume

Prince appreciates the change agents at the grassroots

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Symbolic sweeping to victory as Prince lauch the office as the first official guest with the chage team

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HRH, Onu Egume welcome Prince Abubakar Audu and his team to the land

Commissioning of the Audu-Faleke restoration team office in Ajiyolo which will also double as campaign office

Hon. Benjamin Ikani and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke at the campaign office at Ajiyolo

The change agents receives great cheers as they take their leave

Prince Abubakar Audu arrive the residence of Alh. Jibrin Isah (Echocho) at Ajiyolo

Hon. James Abiodun Falaeke (l) and Echocho at his residence at Ajiyolo

At Ejeh Dekina palace in dekina before proceeding to the rally ground

The great crowd at Dekina rally ground

Echocho assured the good people of dekina that Prince Abubakar Audu is the answer to their prayers

Hajiya Halima Alfa encourage women to vote change (APC) come november 21, 2015

Prince Abubakar Audu assures the people that he and Faleke will do what will bring happiness to all kogites home and abroad

Mrs. Joy aka Iron Lady and some vibrant APC women on stage at Dekina rally

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Idah, The Cultural Headquarters Of Igala Kingdom Say Yes To Change

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dah, the cultural headquarters of Igala kingdom say a very big yes to the change message of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC rally at Idah is a pure demonstration of how the centre of Igalaland has finally endorsed the candidature of Prince Abubakar Audu in the forthcoming election by November 21, 2015. The people’s turn out and willingness to cast their votes in favour of APC is indeed a positive development

for the entire Kogi state as many opined at the venue.

At the rally, many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains defected to APC as they are ready to work for change in the interest of their people.

Audu urged the good people of Idah to show their support by sweeping out PDP in the forthcoming governorship poll come November 21, 2015.

Prince Abubakar Audu and the change team arrive the palace of ata igala amidst mamoth crowd

With humility, Prince Abubakar Audu in a royal handshake with HRM, Agabaidu, Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni, ATA Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs

L-R: HE, Prince Abubakar Audu, Iye Oja (Onyete), wife of ATA Igala, hrm, Ameh Oboni Ii and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke

Agabaidu, ata Igala prays for the success of the change team as they visit the royal palace of ata Igala

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu thanks ata igala and his cabinet for the warm reception given to them and promises to make the traditional institutions in the land great again

Prince depart the ata Igala palace for the rally ground at Idah

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Prince Abubakar Audu assures the good people of Idah of better days ahead with APC government in power in Kogi State

Prince Abubakar Audu addressing the change ready crowd at Idah

Prince Abubakar Audu and the change team heading for the rally

The happy crowd welcome the change as promised

Prince urges the people to make Kogi State great again by bring APC government to Kogi by November 21, 2015 when they cast their votes

The ready to spread the change message to nooks and cranny of Idah

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Hajiya Hadiza Akuh and Madam Sunshine

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APC RALLY ANKPA

Ankpa Overwhelming Show Of Love For The Change Train

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nkpa, the great land of orators, strategists and political elites was agog when they received the change train of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to their territory.

The people turned out en masse to welcome the positive change train led by His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu and his running mate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke in the forthcoming governorship poll

by November 21, 2015.

At the rally in Ankpa, APC received many leaders who

defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Receiving the decampees to APC, Prince Abubakar Audu who is the APC governorship candidate said the defectors coming into the APC family is a great booster and a great assurance that the APC victory in Ankpa will be very great and unprecedented.

Audu and Ankpa political leaders urged all electorates to vote correctly to bring APC government into power in the state come November 21, 2015 as he handed over the party’s symbol, broom, to the defectors.

Hajiya Halima’s residence - Women, various groups welcome Prince Abubakar audu and the change train to Ankpa

The change train leaves for Ankpa town after the warm reception at Hajiya halima’s residence

Ankpa town welcomes the change agents - l-r: alh. Jibrin isah, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Prince Abubakar Audu and Hajiya Halima Alfa at the top of the change train

Prince Abubakar Audu campaign office in Ankpa ready for commissioning

Prince Abubakar Audu and his running mate, vhon. James abiodun faleke (l) arrive the campaign office

Prince commissions the campaign office

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RALLY

Prince signs the official guests register in the campaign office

The vibrant and joyful crowd at the rally ground in Ankpa as the change agents address them

Elder statesman, Alh. Ishaka at his residence and some Ankpa fed. Cont. Leaders waiting to welcome Prince Abubakar Audu and the change team

L-R: Prince Abubakar Audu and Alh. Ishaka - at home with Alh. Ishaka and the good people of Ankpa

At the residence of his royal highness, Ejeh Ankpa

The change agents dancing and waving to the crowd at the Ankpa rally ground

Sen. Abubakar Abdullahi (Abdulrailway) addressing the Ankpa people at the rally

Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim (m) addressing the good people of Ankpa, urging them to bring change to the state when they vote November 21, 2015

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Events & people

BABA JFO CELEBRATES 25 YEARS ON STAGE

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aba James Frederick Ojonugwa (Baba JFO) is an embodiment of music.

Meeting him is meeting the music artiste who is ever ready as the music flows naturally fromthe fountain of rhythm within.

The Baba JFO musical journey began from Makurdi where Mr. Pine discovered him alongside renowned African music icon, Innocent ‘2Face’ Idibia. Today, the journey which he started in his secondary school days has eventually made his music brand a household name in Kogi state and making good impact in the North-Central Nigeria while working and hoping to take hit the Nigeria music soon on a large scale In honour of this icon, family, friends, colleagues and the Supreme House Entertainment on the 8th of Sept. 2015 at the premise of Kogi State Council for Arts and Culture, Lokoja put up an open show to celebrate their own. The event was well

attended and it was indeed a fulfilled day for Baba JFO as his parents gave testimonies of their son’s venture in the music industry and their actions and inactions and how he eventually stayed to his dream to have come this far. The peak of the emotional testimony was his father’s open approval of his choice for the first time ever in public.

Her Excellency, the wife of the Kogi State Governor and founder of KOWEN was represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Education Dr. Mrs. Okhai. Baba JFO, the celebrant She commended the effort of Baba JFO in music thus far and told him never to relent. Other notable dignitaries present were Honourable commissioner of Culture and Tourism and top music and media executives.

Upcoming artistes performed and thrilled the audience with their songs. The event came to a thrilling end with Baba JFO’s grand performance.

Baba JFO with comedian, Mosco at the event

L-R: Thompson Makolo Jnr., Simeon Ajanigo, Baba JFO & Young Page

Rep. Of her excellency, wife of the Governor, Hajiya Halima Wada, honourable Commissioner for Education

Rep. of his excellency, Capt. Idris Wada, Hon. Commissioner of Culture & Tourism

Hon. Duro Meseko, S.A. to the Gov. of Kogi State

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LIFE

LONELY TIMES

With NELSON AROME EMMANUEL enskynelson@yahoo.com 08057755844 …more, always visit WWW.ARISEIGALA.COM

Lessons from the flood

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t started with a sudden darkness that never gave any chance for preparedness.

From a single fall off the wide space down to our land on that fateful day to a resultant volume that swallowed up the land in its entirety. As a child, my joy was always to ‘bask’ in the tears of the heavens but this time, it seems the heavens was deeply hurt, infuriated by our careless attitudes and activities that affected the rising sun.

Once upon a time, the land was green, humanity was safe and free; the oceans were still and so the seas. Then industrialization came, gave us cars that got all marred, got the roads tarred but left the land with eternal scars. The sun which has always been smiling has slowly been provoked into a monstrous figure in the sky. It has slowly lost its gentle touch, its lovely hug and welcoming smile and it seems not a friend any more.

From completely Adankolo houses and Ganaja market of Lokoja to our drowned fishes in Geregu area of Ajaokuta and our submerged farmlands of Ibaji Local Government Area, the land witnessed great loss due to the flood, a flood which was caused by the cumulative

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effect of our activities in the past years.

For every bush we indiscriminately burnt, every tree carelessly cut and every civilisation we brought, we enraged our sun and now we feel its anger coming on us.

Every provocation seems to be bringing the Sun closer to the Earth; once a friendly Sun but now a furious ball descending with a promising colossal impact and one of it is great flood of this magnitude.

On that day, the day clouds seemed like God has shut His eyes off humanity, left us to feel and face the consequences of our own neglect and deliberate provocation of nature. After over 12 hours of a furious, uninterrupted fall, our entire farmland and houses were completely submerged and we were left with damages that cannot be undone.

Many years have passed by but we still feel the irredeemable loss as we are still haunted by the living ghost of the past. We may be back after several months being refugees in another land but the memories of the flood still lingers, its terrible echo still keeps resounding and the wounds it left are still very much fresh and tingling.

While we were yet to wake up from the nightmare, another horror came, another disaster in yet another flood! Many people displaced and properties lost; businesses halted and families separated. The flood was neither caused by only the errors of three years ago nor by only the errors of the past 10 years but by the cumulative fault of the past.

While Kogi decides 2015, let us remember that the choice we make together will affect us not just in the next 4 years but forever! Our kids will feel the pains or gains of our choice; they will feel the effects of neglecting our duty. So, while you throw refuse upstream, remember the problems downstream will soon come upstream - with time.

Let us keep our Earth and future happy so the Sun and the future generation can smile at the Earth preventing another tsunami. Avoid bush burning; stop indiscriminate felling of trees and use environmentalfriendly products today and save the Earth from another impending disaster. Vote wisely.

Let us cast our votes so our future kids can be proud of us; let us discharge our duties to prevent a future tsunami, a future loss and a great disaster!

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LIFE

Christian Living With Pastor Hussaini O. Livinus livinusokpe@yahoo.com 07055301888 …more, always visit WWW.ARISEIGALA.COM

Discovering Your Purpose (Part II)

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iscovery is living, therefore if you are not making discovery you are not living. I beg you to come alive today.

How can you discover your purpose? One of the ways of discovering your purpose is by information Read Daniel 9:2, II Kings 22:1-3, 8-11.

“In the first year of his reign, I Daniel understood by books….”

Daniel discovered what was spoken concerning his people by the information he gathered from books. Such books that are carrying the information concerning your purpose in life, you shall no more miss in Jesus mighty name.

What is information?

Bishop David Oyedepo defined information as “any bit of news that influences your thoughts and actions.

It is the bedrock of transformation which sets you lose from obstacles for the fulfilment of destiny.”

Such information can reach

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you from the Word of God (Bible), Books, Dreams, Prophecy, Revelations etc.

Therefore, I command that wherever the information is tied down, it is released in Jesus’ name.

You need to be informed.

King Josiah ascended the throne as king at the age of 8, and after 322 years that the prophecy concerning his birth, name and purpose was given. However he spent 18 years on the throne without discovering why he was there. I Kings 13:1, 2. He was therefore on a purposeless throne for 18 years; meanwhile, he had a total of 31 years to reign. He wasted 18 years pursuing what he was not sent for, leaving only 13 years for him to pursue and accomplish purpose.

How many years now have you spent on your purposeless throne?

Running helter skelter pursuing what you are not sent for? One day,

information was read to Josiah from the book – The Bible and he tore his cloths. Many of us need to tear-off from our lives some purposeless robes and garbs we are putting on over the years for us to discover our God-given purpose in life. The day you come in contact with relevant information is the birth of a new beginning in your journey for purpose for fulfilment. Josiah got information and it was a dawn of new beginning of living according to the purpose of God for his life.

I pray your wide and wild journey of a purposeless life comes to an end today for you to begin living according to the purpose of God concerning your life in Jesus’ name.

You must not die a destitute, for you are a child of destiny programmed for a successful living. Therefore, discover today to recover, as discovery is never too late.

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LIFE

ISLAMIC THOUGHT With Mallam Mohammed Atojoko anman27@yahoo.co.uk 08036242109

…more, always visit WWW.ARISEIGALA.COM

BECOMING A MUSLIM (Part II) FASTING Every year during the Muslim month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drinks, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset with the right intention. While this gives the body a much needed rest and improves on one’s health, it also increases one’s commitment to Allah, develops his social conscience, in addition, it strengthens one’s patience, self restraints, will power, and sincerity.

CHARITY Every Muslim whose net annual savings are above a specified minimum must pay an annual amount of 2.5% to the poor and needy. This action purifies one’s accrued wealth, fosters the quality of sacrifice, and rids him of selfishness and greed. It also helps to reduce resentment and envy between society’s poor and rich classes in addition to poverty alleviation.

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PILGRIMAGE Hajj is an act of worship to be performed at least once in a lifetime, provided that one is physically and financially able to do so. During this time, Muslims meet in an international congregation from all corners of the world for the sole purpose of responding to the call of Allah. It also reminds the participants that all Muslims are equal irrespective of their geographical, cultural, or racial origins. It symbolizes Muslim’s unity.

In Islam, six things are considered the basic articles of faith; (i) belief in the oneness of God, (ii) belief in the prophets and in the guardians that they bequeathed, (iii) belief in the angels, (iv) belief in the books, (v) belief in the Day of judgment, and (vi) belief in fate.

Besides these pillars and articles, any action done in pleasing Allah, will be considered and rewarded. The world is a place of trial. One

day, man will give account of all that he did. After death, he will be resurrected, and it is there that he will be rewarded or punished. Those who live a life of obedience to Allah will enjoy eternal bliss while those who disobey His commands will face the bitter fruits of their disobedience.

“And every man’s deed have We fastened around his neck, and on the day of resurrection will We bring forth a book which shall be proffered to him wide open: (It will be said to him) “Read your records: this day there need be none but yourself to make account against you.” (17: 13-14).

“Whoever comes with a good deed, for him there be the like of it tenfold, while whoever comes with an ill-deed, he shall be required with only one like it, and they shall not be treated unjustly.” (6: 160) “Whoever does an atom’s weight of goodness shall see it.

And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil shall see it.” (99: 7-8)

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pec a S il ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE

COUNTDOWN to VICTORY C e l e b r a t e

I n s p i r e

C h a l l e n g e

ARISE IGALA SPECIAL

L-r: Chief John Oyegun (APC natioanal chairman), Prince Abubakar Audu, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Gov. Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Gov. Rochas Okorocha (Imo)

EMBRACE CHANGE,

END POVERTY IN KOGI STATE

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BY NOVEMBER 21, 2015

okoja, the Kogi state capital was agog yesterday (Saturday, October 31), bubbling with high hopes as National Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and many of the APC’s governors were on ground to drum up support for one of their own, Prince Abubakar Audu who is the party’s candidate for the forthcoming governorship poll in Kogi state by November 21, 2015.

The National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun at the rally held at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja urged the people of Kogi to vote out Peoples Democratic Party from Lugard House in order to end poverty, liberate themselves from the unacceptable

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underdevelopment in a state like Kogi. Chief Oyegun added that the election is an opportunity for the people to end years of bad governance in the state.

Also, in attendance were Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa) and two other deputy governors among other powerful leaders like Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the famous ‘Kwankwasiya’ movement.

They all spoke in one accord as they encouraged Kogites to embrace change and dump the bad past.

Oyegun said the APC is targeting 80 per cent of the votes during the governorship election, pledging that it would bring

about total change in the lives of the people.

Prince Abubakar Audu, who is naturally development driven in his speech promised to work for the progress and development of the state, saying that he was on a rescue mission to save the state from total wreck and also emphasized to adhere to the principle of power rotation by being the first governor to give effect to the arrangement.

Prince Abubakar Audu who was joined by his energetic and vibrant running mate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke promised to settle all outstanding workers salaries and allowances, and ensure justice and equity in the distribution of projects across the 3 Senatorial Districts.

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ARISE IGALA SPECIAL

The change train ready to move, L-R: Gov. Ortom, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, APC National Women leader, Prince Abubakar Audu and chief Oyegun

The change train takes off from the resince of his excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu , Lokoja

The people happily moving with the change train

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ARISE IGALA SPECIAL

Joyful Kogites join the movement of the change train

The good people of kogi show their love for the change as they move with the train at every point all the way to the Confluence Stadium from inside the town

Finally, the change train arrive Conluence Stadium,Lokoja

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The Confluence Stadium filled to capacity with change ready Kogites

The joyful crowd keep pushing for the change to come as they welcome APC chieftains

Arriving the stadium, going up; Prince Abubakar Audu, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Otunba Oladipo and Mohammed Abubakar

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ARISE IGALA SPECIAL

Up for National Anthem, L-r. he, Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, he, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Chief John Oyegun,

L-r; he, Prince Abubakar Audu, his running mate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and his lovely wife, Mrs. Faleke

Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Gov. Tanko Al-Makura, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and Gov. Samuel Ortom

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Haj. Barr. Halima Alfa coming up to the VIP

David Idris Zacharia (middle) taking care of things around the stadium for change

Otunba Oladipo Having a one-on-one talk with HE, Prince Abubakar Audu

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The Prof (standing left) briefing HE, Prince Abubakar Audu

Dancing time, Prince doing the dance moves for change

Still dancing, Hon. James Abiodun follows up with his own dance steps too all for change

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ARISE IGALA SPECIAL ENDORSEMENT

I Am Supporting Prince Abubakar Audu To Come Back And Re-Establish The Foundation Of Kogi State

“I

have studied the development strides of government leaders and governors in the history of Kogi state and it’s very obvious that Prince Abubakar Audu stands out among all. Therefore, another chance for him means progress and development for the state.

I see Prince Abubakar Audu as the only one who has the right credentials; being an experienced governor, an outstanding administrator with banking background so he can manage both human and material resources better at this moment of the state’s life.

My being with him on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) has given me a good opportunity to understanding him better than he is been portrayed by mischief makers. I tell you authoritatively that Prince is not “arrogant” but very disciplined, detailed and meticulous fellow who always wants assignments done correctly. He doesn’t tolerate laziness. He is focused, nothing deter him from achieving his goals.

On this note, I call on all Kogites to massively to vote for APC on November 21, 2015. It’s earnest my expectation that APC emerges victorious with at least 75% of the total votes.

ELDER UBOLO ITODO OKPANACHI

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ENDORSEMENT

We Cannot Afford To Be In The Minority Politically

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n view of our place in the geography of this great nation (being in the centre), we cannot afford to be in the minority politically.

So, my candid advice to all sons and daughters of Kogi state is to vote along the progressive line. Let’s vote APC massively.

I want us to repeat what we did during the days of NPN come November 21, 2015. Voting PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU/HON. JAMES ABIODUN FALEKE means progress for the state. I am very confident that we will achieve success at the poll seeing what’s on ground right now. If not that we are dealing with human behaviour, I would have predicted 100% victory but am very hopeful that APC will win at least by 70%.”.

AMB. ISAAC ONUH 10

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ENDORSEMENT

No More Mistake, Audu Is The Chosen One

“I

t is very obvious today that the people of Kogi state can see difference for themselves and so, there’s no need to allow anyone deceive us to vote wrongly. Let’s take our PVC on November 21, 2015 to our various Polling Units and vote PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Good people of our land, we cannot afford to make any more mistakes. Let’s correct the past now by voting the chosen one that can move Kogi state forward”.

HON. MOHAMMED IBRAHIM IDRIS Arise Igala-Issue 26

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ENDORSEMENT

HOW GOD ANSWERED MY PRAYERS, OUR PRAYERS THROUGH PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU

“I

have been praying and every one of you has been praying too. You sincerely desired and prayed for me to emerge as governorship candidate because you know what I can do if given the mandate; to create job, improve the economy and create enabling environment among many other good things.

However, I am here today to tell you without mincing words that God knows better than we do, He has answered the prayers by providing Kogi state with PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election on November 21, 2015. So, I urge all good people of Kogi state to vote in APC for the progress of our dear state.”

ALHAJI JIBRIN ISAH (ECHOCHO) 12

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ENDORSEMENT

PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU IS AN ICON OF DEVELOPMENT

“I

share strongly in the CHANGE that’s taking over the country and so we cannot afford to be left behind in Kogi state. Therefore, this coming governorship election on November 21, 2015 is a great opportunity for us to join the CHANGE train and get all the positive benefits therein.

Voting PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU is a sure way to the development of Kogi state. He is a development icon as far as Kogi state is concern.

Among Kogi state’s political leaders that have tasted power, Audu distinguished himself and given the position we are in today, we need him to come rescue the state.”

SEN. ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI Arise Igala-Issue 26

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ENDORSEMENT

Prince Abubakar Audu Can Rescue Kogi State From Its Current Standstill Position

“I

have watched political development in Kogi state carefully since the return of democracy and most of the major dividends of democracy so far in the state were projects executed by the PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU’s past administration. It is on this note that I have decided to boldly join other positive voices in the land to call on all to vote All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election by November 21, 2015.

PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU has been tested and so can be trusted to come and rescue the state from its current standstill position. We need the progressives to stir the affairs of our dear state for the benefits of all.”

CHIEF DR. JOSEPH AMEH ERICO 14

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ENDORSEMENT

Who The Cap Fits, Let Him Wear It

“I

ran a race with Prince Abubakar Audu at the APC Primary Election and he gallantly emerged victorious ahead of all 26 other contestants (including my humble self) and I knew since then that the only way to rescue our beloved state from its present condition is to join the winner and give him all the needed supports.

Therefore, I join other good leaders of our dear party to call on all Kogites to come out en masse to vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election on November 21, 2015.

IDRIS DANJUMA

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