Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson discover King Kong in new 'Kong: Skull Island' trailer

 An explosive battle follows with Kong laying waste to a collection of helicopters leaving Hiddleston and Larson stranded along with their star-studded team consisting of Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman and Corey Hawkins among others.

Also making an appearance is John C. Reilly in a comedic role as a Skull Island survivor who has been living along Kong and explains to the group that the real threat lies beneath.

"Kong is god on the island but the devils live below us," Reilly explains before referring to a group of prehistoric monsters as Skull Crawlers.

Now Hiddleston and his crew must seemingly team up with King Kong in order to survive.

Walt Disney Set To Create A Live-Action Version Of Beauty And The Beast.

  Yep!, this goes to all the movie fans, i remember back in the days of little beginnings when i always watch the 2D version of beauty and the beast, it was one of my favourite cartoon whey too back....But now Walt Disney is doing us all a favour here by creating a Real-Life Version of the film.....Just like Spider-man...Beauty and the Beast is based on the Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont fairy tale, which Disney previously adapted as a 1991 animated movie. The new film is directed by Chicago helmer Bill Condon.

"I was so excited to hear that Disney was thinking about doing a live-action version," the director said in a behind-the-scenes video in September. "When something is so perfect, why get near it? The answer is technology has caught up to the ideas that were introduced in that movie."

Beauty and the Beast opens in theaters March 17, 2017. Official Trailer is out...Watch and download from this link below:Beauty And The Beast Official Trailer

Kogi State Ministry of Environment impoes new control meaures

By Mary Amodu

Determined to ensure total compliance with the rules and regulations of forestry Kogi State commissioner of environment, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya said anyone caught in deforestation will pay a fine worth N750,000
The commissioner, disclosed this in an interview, she said surmounting all litigation the ministry has now embarked on community outreach sensitisation in the 21LGAs, to promote sustainable forest management
She placed more emphasis on the rate at which people destroy the heritage of the State by stealing the resources through deforestation, saying the government is set to restore internal control and promote eco-tourism
According to her, "The Government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello has promised in the new direction blueprint to restore internal control, so as to actualise 10% afforestation annually ".

The commissioner contended that the ministry will ensure that the right thing is done, stressing that Integrated approach such as medicinal plant and wild life should come from the forestry.
Hon Osikoya called on stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, timber contractors and other entities to comply, support and cooperate with the government to preserve the common heritage of Kogi State.

Interim Management of Kogi Savings and Loans Begins Recapitalization Drive

 

  The Interim Management Board of Kogi Savings and loans Ltd has began the ordous task of repositioning the institution. This was made known to the Graphic in an exclusive interview with the Secretary of the Board, Barrister Adejo Amego.

  Barrister Amego noted that one of the major lapses met on ground was that the sum of  N2,500,000,000 which was supposed to have been paid into the Central Bank of Nigeria to recapitalize Kogi Savings and Loans had not been done by the previous management. He added that due to this development, CBN had since January last year ceased any form of communication with Kogi Savings and loans.

The Secretary of the Board added that lack of proper human capacity was another challenge that bedeviled the institution. "We have assessed the six units within the bank and the major challenges in this units are lack of training, some units are understaffed, the I.T department is basically non-existent and the five branches of the institution are not online real time. At the end of the month the other branches come here to do their posting which is not what a banking system should be in the year 2016" He said.

Barrister Amego further explianed that in the 3 months it assumed office, the board had done some major work as regarding recaptilization. One of such plans in the works is the intention by the Board to sell one of its properties, the Lokoja International Market valued at  N6,000,000,000 as a viable tool for recapitalizing Kogi Savings and Loans Ltd.

Also in the area of human capacity development,Barrister Amego revealed that reorganization of all units in the organization through formal trainings thrice a week was presently ongoing. " The institution is making plans to revamp its ICT department by bringing top notch consultants to work in that department, as part of its primary responsibilty as a mortgage bank for lower bracket income earners there are plans by the institution to sell its 121 plots of land at Poly  Quarters to developers for a model housing estate tailored to meet needs of the lower bracket income earners in the state" He said.

Kogi Transport Company A.K.A Kogi Express Gets New Chairman

Chief Ademola Bello was recently appionted as Chairman of the Kogi State Transport Company, he happens to be an  astute Businessman whose wealth of experience has enabled him to thrive in the business of transportation for over a decade, in this interview with Eunice Emmanuel-Bagi he shares his plans to revamp the transport in Kogi State.

Background
I am Chief Ademola Bello, an Indigene of Ayetoro-Amuro in Mopa-Muro Local Government area of Kogi State. I am married and blessed with children. Prior to this appiontment I have served in the capacity of Special Adviser on Project Monitoring and Supervisor for works in Mopamuro Local Government Area. I am also the Managing Director of Destiny Globe Conglomerates, a company that specializes in road construction, transportation, Haulage and distribution.

What is your vision for Kogi Express?

My primary vision for the Kogi Transport Company is to alleviate poverty by increasing the standard of living through the creation of Jobs from the Transportation sector. Kogi State has the advantage of being in the most strategic part of the country, it is bordered by 10 states and also serves as the link between the North and South. I see the Transport sector becoming a vibrant economic hub and a major revenue earner for the state. Another priority of mine is ensuring that there is order in the transport system in the state, before now there has been no sanity with the way transportation has been handled, there has been so much lawlessness with the transport system all of that is going to change.

What is your Blueprint for Kogi Express?

In line with the new direction blueprint of his Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Kogi State transport company is going to be repositioned and revamped into a world class transportation network that will be one of the best in the country. I am glad that this government has the political will and is highly invested in  harnessing every potential revenue generating sector in the state to bring about development. First on my blueprint is ensuring that the right people with the right skills are given the right jobs to do, we are going to hire trained and experienced personnel to ensure that we give premium transport services to our clients. I am going to put a check to the activities of vehicle touts and illegal motor park operations in the state, the days of hoodlums who use parks as hideouts are over.
Also on my agenda is ensuring that the facilities at the Ultra Modern Park at Felele like the mechanic workshop offer premium and effective services,our restaurants, supermarkets and other services are going to run everyday for 24 hours. I also intend to introduce innovative technology solutions such as self help facilities to make booking and seat reservations easier and more convenient for our clients.

FG's Graduate Inernship Scheme Trains Graduates in Kogi State

By Eunice Emmanuel-Bagi

The Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with Peak View Facility Services Limited recently organized a three day career development and entrepreneurship program for graduates in Kogi State.

In her address Hajia Memunat Usman representing the Project Director, Graduate Internship Scheme, Mr. Dennis Chukwu said since its inception,  the scheme had demonstrated high prospects for job creation and social protection of youth. " GIS has entered into special partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to have graduates trained, mentored and supported in areas such as non oil export trade, ICT, agriculture, community health, construction, financial inclusion amongst others" she said.

Hajia usman also noted that so far, 41,161 graduates had benefitted from the scheme with 68% males, 31% females and 1% vulnerable. Adding that over 35,000 have exited the scheme, with thousands of them having secured jobs, credit facilities and grants to expand businesses that they set up using GIS stipends.

In the course of the three day Career Development and Entrepreneurship program, interns received a series lectures on topics ranging from Basic Business Planning and Financial Management Tools for Entrepreneurial Development, Skills Required for the Workplace, Career Development Planning, Basic Concepts for Selling and Promoting Small and Medium Scale Businesses among others.
Principal Consultant of the Peak View facility services, Mr. Henry Osehimolen while speaking on purpose of the training program noted that its aim was to expand the mindset of interns to see their skills as a lifestyle, work independently to explore ways to build soft skills that will give them an edge in their job seeking endeavors.

The interns who had served out their one year said the program had Mr. Sunday Adaji one of the interns said he had been able to buy two motorcycles to start a transportation business from the money he saved from the GIS stipends.

Another intern Mrs Blessing Nwankwo said "at the course of the program I was posted to a school and I immensely enjoyed the teaching experience. With the one year teaching experience I had garnered I was able to get a teaching job with the Kogi State Teaching Service Commission and I also started a fresh juice and pop corn making business".
Mr. Adejo Gambo another intern said the program had changed his life forever. "In the course of this program I was able to save some money and start a sheep farming business, so far I have realized over N120, 000 from my farming business" He said.

Bloggers Diary: Just Do It

You know that voice in your head that is still and small, the one that tells youto do something that you have never done before, the one that tells you to do something beyond your comfort zone. Yes that voice! please listen to it by all means necessary, I refused to listen to that voice and I lost an opportunity I might never have again.

I let the voice of fear limit me, I doubted myself and my abilities and I am paying for it. My Fiance( God bless him) has tried to consol me by playing the there be other opportunities to come but I know that this one was an opportunity of a life time.

I have made mistake and oh yes have I learnt from it, I have learnt  that you must trust your gut, you must trust instincts no matter how daunting something might seem or look like because the choices and the risks we take today are the representations of the life that we will have tonorrow.

Oh boy did I mess up this time, I really screwed myself this time.

.....Next time I have the feeling in my gut to something I’m going to be like Nike, I'm going Just Do It!!!

25 Tourist Destinations in Kogi State

Bordered by 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory the 25 year old Kogi State was created out of Kwara and Benue states in 1991. Since this time Kogi state has grown in tremendous leaps and bounds. The State boasts of a rich cultural heritage in the uniqueness of its indeginous ethnic groups which are the Igala, Ebira, Okun Bassa-Nge, Bassa- Komo, Kakanda, Kupa, Ogori-Magongo, Nupe, Oworo and Gwari ethnic groups.

The State which has a rich colonial history and breath takingly beautiful land marks also boasts of amazing tourist destinations, sights, an amazing pre colonial and post colonial history. Lokoja the State's capital was  the first administrative centre of Nigeria, It served as the first capital of the old Northern protectorate and even after the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate in 1914. For Nigerians and International tourists alike who are looking for the perfect globetrotting and excursionist experience here are 25 top tourist destinations in Kogi State.

1, The Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land in Okene
Reputed to be the most beautiful palace in West Africa. The grand palace edifice which was built in 1927 was constructed with the combination of ancient and mordern architecture. The palace serves as a political, historic, traditional and religious power house for the Ebira Kingdom.

2, The Statue of Inikpi in Idah
Situated at Ega in the heart of Idah Ancient market the statue of princess Inikpi serves as a reminder of the bravery of Princess Inikpi the beautiful daughter of Ayegbu Omo Idoko, the Atta of Igala who gave her life to forestall the destruction of the Igala people by the Jukuns. It is said that when the Jukun army advanced to destroy the Igala kingdom they saw the whole kingdom in flames and retreated feeling that there was no need taking war to a place that was already on fire. The supposed fire the Jukuns saw is said to be the blood of Inikpi.

3, The Awo Tunnel in Idah
The tunnel which is about one Kilometer long was dug during the reign of Onaja Obani in the 18th century and it served as a hiding place for the royal family during the wars in Idah.

4, The 400 year old Odogo Tower in Idah
The Aadouge (Odogo) tower is a historical edifice used by the then Attah of Igala Oma'Idoko as a watch tower for survelliance on the activities of enemies of the Igala Kingdom (The Junkuns and the Benin people) the 400 year old Odogo tower made of local materials has survived the elements  and still stands to this day.

5, The Koton- Karfe Cave
The Koton-Karfe cave has three openings on the elevated side of a hill directly over looking Koton-Karfe. The cave is said to be able to accomodate up to 500 persons.

6, Eganja warm spring in Bassa
The natural warm spring is said to be found in Eganja in the Bassa Local Government area of Kogi State.

7, The Ofejiji Fall in Okura
Located in Okura-Olafia the Ofejiji water fall is a major  tourist destination in Kogi State.


8, Okoro-Agbo Mountain
Besides the popular Mount Patti, the Okoro-Agbo mount is yet another spectacular hill formation located in Ogidi in the Ijumu Local Government area of the State.

9, The National Museum, Lokoja
The National Museum was established in 1989. Located in Lokoja the state capital of Kogi State the museum collections focus on Nigeria's colonial history and ethnography. The museum also houses relics and momentos of Lord Frederick Lugard including his properties and records of his administration.


10, The Aafin-Kabba
The Aafin-Kabba is the old Obaro’s palace located in the Kabba LGA. It is built of mud and believed to be about two centuries old.
11,  The Confleunce of River Niger and Benue
Rivers Niger and Benue are the two largest rivers in West Africa and the two rivers meet at Lokoja forming a Y shaped structure and draining southwards into the ocean. River Niger remained a marvel to the Europeans until John and Richard Landers passed through the confleunce in 1830 completing the journey that Mungo Park had earlier started.  The confleunce of this two great rivers can be clearly seen from the top of Mount Patti. Both rivers have distinct colours, River Benue is light green in colour and River Niger is brown in colour. Ferry and Boat cruise services are available with in view of the confleunce. Due to the presence of the rivers there is an abundance of fish in the Kogi State.


12, Mount Patti in Lokoja
Mount Patti which gets its name from the Nupe word for Hill stands at 452 meters above sea level over the city of Lokoja. Nigeria's Premier Governor General, Lord Frederick Lugard who ruled between 1914 and 1919 discovered the beauty and strategic position of this massive hill which once provided refuge to the Nupe natives who were its earliest inhabitants. In the year 1900, Lord Frederick Lugard built a rest house a top the hill so he could enjoy the panaromic view of the scenary around Lokoja.The hill also offers a good view of the confleunce of the Benue and Niger Rivers. The serene ambience and cool weather on Mount Patti is a  clear contrast to the prevailing hot weather in Lokoja, despite it's lush vegetation there are no traces of mosquitoes anywhere on the hill.

13,  The Egah Ane Bridge
   The Egah Ane bridge deserves to be one of the seven wonders of the world. This natural bridge serves as a boundary between the Ofu and Olamaboro Local Government areas of Kogi state. The bridge located along Ejule-Otukpa branch is said to have been in existence for over a century is so durable that even heavy duty vehicles like trucks and lorries can move over this natural brigde without a hitch.


14, The Inacholo River in Idah
The Inacholo river which served as a boundary between the Jukuns and Igala people was cursed by then Attah of Igala as a measure of preventing Jukuns from entering Igala land through the river. Due to this curse it said that no fish from this river is to be eaten. The popular believe is that when a fish caught from the Inacholo river is caught for cooking it will never get cooked no matter how long it stays on fire.

15, The Ogegen-Osi in Magongo
Located at the eastern part of Magongo in a range of mountains that flows from the Agheva axis down to Edo state. It consists of a huge cave that can house between 300-500 persons. Legend has it that whenever there was a war the cave served as shelter for the whole community. During the Ajinomo war by the Nupe's who tried to invade the region to capture slaves for the white man it is said that the people of Magongo ran to the top of the Ogengen-Osi and when they saw their enemies approaching they rolled stones from atop the Ogengen-Osi on their enemies. During Owiya-Osese festival(festival of chastity) thousands of people flock to the Ogengen-Osi on the Friday before the festival to see the wonderful works of mother nature on the Ogengen-Osi. Some its features include stones that interlock with each other to form seats, crevices that are so big they could almost pass as rooms. From atop the Ogengen-Osi there is a panoramic view of the entire village down to Edo State. The water in Ogengen-Osi is said to never run dry and has healing properties.

        16,  The Colonial Water works in Agbaja
The Agbaja community rests atop a plateau, the plateau which is 335 meters above sea level is 14 kilometers from Lokoja. the colonial water works was built in 1950 to meet the water needs of the Oworo people. The contraption which powered water from below the valley to the the top of the valley for the entire community can still be seen in Agbaja till this day.

17,  Colonial Rest House in Agbaja
The colonial rest houses were built by the colonial administrators as a resting place after a long days work. The Houses which were built years before the Nigerian Independence still stand atop the plateau and have since become a popular tourist attractions.

18, Oluwo Hole in Agbaja
The Oworo festival is done in commeration of the Oluwo hole. The Oluwo hole is a large hole located in a rock. It is said that during wars people ran into the hole to seek refuge, anytime the hole is worshipped by the Oworo people it is said to bring rain. During the Oworo festival, there are competitions of all sorts including the Masquerade competition were contestants go as far as tying the legs of opponents to prevent their masquerades from dancing well.

19, The Iron of Liberty in Lokoja
The Iron of Liberty refers to the spot were slaves were freed in 1860 by anti slavery British crusaders. The Iron of Liberty is one of the most significant leftovers of slavery in Kogi State. It is said that any slave who touched the Iron Liberty instantly regained their freedom. The Iron Liberty is situated on a landed property owned by the Holy Trinity Church in Lokoja. The land also holds the final resting place of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther.

20, Holy Trinity Primary School in Lokoja
The first primary school in northern Nigeria was founded by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther in 1860. The Holy Trinity Primary School to a very large extent pioneered the spread of education in northern Nigeria. Students came from far and wide to acquire western education in the school. The school stil remains in Lokoja till this day.

21, Lord Lugards Residence and Office in Lokoja
The building which used to be the seat of administrative power in Nigeria was constructed in  1901. The prefabricated structure was said to have been brought to Lokoja from England in 1900. It is said that no single nail was used in its construction.

22, World War Cenotaph in Lokoja
 The cenotaph was built in memory of soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. This is a massive concrete block on top of which is mounted an old artillery. Beside it are light cannons and machine guns mounted on small pavements and the names of the soldiers who distinguished themselves during the wars were written on tables mounted on the side of the cenotaph.

23, Osome Falls in Okene
Located in Ukpogo, Okene local Government area of  Kogi state.the Osome falls begins as a stream that winds its way through vast igneous rocks of varying heights and sharply descends into a valley about 50m below the towering rocks, producing thunderous sounds which could be heard about one hundred metres away.

24, The European Cemetry in Lokoja
The biggest European cementary in Nigeria with remains of european soldiers of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) in Lokoja until 1926 and those of European missionaries. Some of the tomb stones in the cementaries date as far back as 1867.

25, 100 year old Boabab tree on Mount Patti
On pount Patti rests a boabab tree believed to be over a 100 years old. The tree stands adjacent to Lord's Lugard guest house. Tourists on ascending Mount Patti are known to inscribe their names or initials on the tree. This they believe will serve as evidence that they have been to Mount Patti. The tree is believed to also contain healing attributes and is used by by herbalists and spiritualists for ritual purposes. A lot of charms can be seen hanging on the the tree.

Report by Eunice Emmanuel-Bagi for shinkafa.blogspot.com