Kogi State Government and major financiers of the N50 billion international Airport and N31 billion international market yesterday, undertook inspection of the sites for timely start and completion.
While the airport project is sited on 4, 000 Square Meter of land at Zariagi, the international market is sited on 400 x 400 square meter of land along Hassan Katsina Road, Lokoja.
The government officials and financiers, who carried out the inspections included, Mr Achem Enemaku, Director, Ministry of Transport, Mr Kamal Shuaib, Snr Analyst, One-17 Finance Services limited, and Thanni Mustakeem, Head, Sharia Advisory
Others are Amin Mohammed, Head, Public Sector, Eva Capital, Sani Hakeem, Mable Capital, and Mr Idris Shuib Special Adviser, SA, to the Governor on Finance.
Speaking at the proposed Airport site, Shuaib, said that One-17 finance services Ltd., the N50 billion issuing house to the state government and others were on the last lap inspection for the commencement of construction.
He said that his firm together with other financiers are committed to the construction of the international airport, which is on Sukuk and in accordance with Sharia law, aimed at discouraging sharp practices.
“We hope to raise the N50 billion from the Capital Market on interes-free basis considering the Sukuk and we hope to commence work as soon as possible.
“The project is so dear to Gov. Ahmed Ododo, and will be completed in two years time by the grace of God.
“Everything about the project is set including the site plan and huge land provided by the state government, who will take over the airport on completion and leasing period of between five and 10 years”, he said.
At the N31 billion state sponsored International market, Mr Ben Omojola, the engineer of SABC Ltd., construction company for the project, said that it is between 35 and 45% completed.
Omojola said the project completion time frame is 36 months and that they had been on site working for 13 months with several structures like the banks, clinic and security post almost at roofing levels.
‘As constructors, we know how passionate this project is to the governor and we are doing all we could to ensure this market is completed as scheduled.
“Substantial funds have been released to us by the government and we have no reason not to deliver as expected of us’, he said.
On whether the construction firm is facing any challenges, the site engineer answered in the negative, stressing that , “as it’s now, we don’t have any challenge, working is going well”.
In his remarks, the special adviser to the governor on finance, said the government would do all it could to ensure that the two projects are completed for the benefit of Kogi residents.
According to him, the two projects are government’s deliberate design in stimulating the growth and development of Kogi.
NAN reports that the two projects are Gov Ododo’s pet projects, which he hopes to complete within his first tenure.
Usman-led Interim National Leadership Takes Over Labour Party Secretariat, Promises Reforms
Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, Deputy Gov. Abia State and other members of the National Working Committee of the Labour Party at the news conference yesterday in Abuja.
The Interim National Chairman of Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman and her team yesterday officially took over the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Usman, while addressing newsmen, said that the action followed the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025.
She assured party members and supporters nationwide of renewed efforts to strengthen and reposition the party for national relevance.
Usman described the gathering as significant, noting it was the first major event at the secretariat since the apex court judgment.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the secretariat had been occupied by the erstwhile National Chairman, Mr Julius Abure and his team.
NAN also reports that a Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had earlier sacked Abure as the party’s national chairman, citing the Supreme Court judgment which declared declare Usman as the valid leader of the opposition party.
Usman told newsmen that although the party had expected a smooth transition, following the court judgment, the process took longer than anticipated.
She, however, expressed happiness that Labour Party had now finally stabilised.
The former Minister of Finance assured that the party leadership would do the right thing at the right time.
According to her, the focus is now on building a stronger party structure capable of meeting the expectations of Nigerians.
Usman commended the Deputy Governor of Abia State, who also serves as Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Party Membership Revalidation and E-registration, for leading efforts to strengthen the party’s membership database.
She noted that since the committee’s inauguration in December 2025, it had been working extensively, regularly briefing the party leadership on the progress made.
“For those who have been very supportive and encouraging or sending prayers and words of encouragement, I want to use this opportunity to thank you so much and to let you know that we will not let you down”, Usman said.
She added that the news conference formed part of the party’s efforts to rebuild internal structures and reposition itself, ahead of future political activities.
Also speaking at the occasion, the deputy governor of Abia State, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed his committee’s commitment to unity, internal rebuilding and participation in upcoming elections across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Emetu said that many Nigerians had long desired a united Labour Party capable of representing their interests nationwide.
He pointed to developments in Abia under Labour Party as a proof that democratic governance could work effectively when focused on the people.
On the ongoing membership revalidation and new registration exercise, he Emetu described Labour Party as people-oriented, committed to restoring lost opportunities and prosperity to Nigerians.
While maintaining that the Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership crisis remained final, the deputy governor dismissed the likelihood of any successful appeal by the Abure group.
He also dismissed speculations that Labour Party would support President Bola Tinubu for his re-election in 2027, stressing that it would instead focus on supporting its own candidates.
Emetu said that the party would field candidates in the next presidential election, adding, however, that it remained open to aspirants.
He also declared that Labour Party would not collapse, contrary to speculations in some quarters.
