By Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved the constitution of the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC).
Governor Ododo in a statement through the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, noted that the appointments reflect the state government’s commitment to inclusive representation and democratic governance.
According to him, the newly constituted commission will oversee the administration of free, fair, and credible local government elections across the state.
The Governor emphasised that the appointees were selected based on integrity, competence, and adherence to the principles of equitable representation.
He charged KOSIEC with upholding electoral transparency and strengthening democratic processes at the grassroots level.
Those appointed Commissioners are; Labaran Yahaya Ayigebe, Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro, Umar Makun Abdulmalik, Lokoja/Koto, Jamiu Abdulkareem, Ajaokuta and Achema Friday Idah/Ofu/Ibaji/Igalamela-Odolu.
Others are; Segun Ogbonika, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu and Jimoh Ozigizigi Omeiza, Adavi/Okehi while Muhammed Usman from Okene/Ogori-Magongo will serve as Secretary.
In a similar vein, the Governor also has approved the constitution of new Governing Councils for seven state-owned tertiary institutions.
The newly constituted councils are expected to provide strategic leadership and oversight for Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, College of Education, Ankpa, College of Education (Technical), Mopa, College of Nursing Sciences, Obangede, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah and Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Lokoja.
For Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba Prof. Ibrahim Abdul-Aguye is to continue his tenure as Chairman till the end of next year, Dr. Ahmed Eneji, Dr. Gbenga Ayodele Adebayo and Christopher Atule Okoche have been appointed as members.
New Governing Council for Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja are, Barr. Sani Shaibu, Chairman while Dr. Emmanuel Abanida, Dr. Muhammed Salihu, Rufai Malik Adeiza, Emmanuel Heanwa Ocheni and Obanewo Titus Femi are to serve as members.
Engr. Usman Nda Muhammed is appointed as Governing Council Chairman of Kogi State College of Education Ankpa with Dr. Galadima Adamu Mohammed, Ikunaiye Umar Yakubu, Ayeni Ezekiel Itopa, Bako Shigaba and Adath Nathaniel Otulukpe as Members.
Also, the Governor appointed Ibrahim Enebe Abdulraheem as Chairman Governing Council, College of Education (Technical), Mopa while Danjuma Usman, Yunusa O. Yusufu, Obaloko Olabode Thomas, Jubelo Joseph Sunday, Ohieku Adamu Onimisi and Isah Umaru are members.
For the Governing Council of College of Nursing Sciences, Obangede, Dr. Yusuf Abdulrahman is the new Chairman, with Subaru Abdul Odoba, Babalola Oladele Francis and Isah Tijani Atodo as Members.
While Prof. Moses Atakpa was appointed Chairman, Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute, Lokoja, Bako Samson is the Governing Council Chairman of College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah with Fisayo Liadi Saheed, Otori Jimoh Otaru and Anthony Egu Idoko as members.
Governor Ododo charged the new council members to prioritise academic excellence, institutional development and good governance in line with his administration’s advanced new direction agenda.
The appointments take immediate effect, subject to statutory requirements.
