The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ilorin

  • NIPOGA 2018: Kwarapoly inaugurates Sub-Committee

    NIPOGA 2018: Kwarapoly inaugurates Sub-Committee

    The Management of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin has set up sub-committees to ensure successful hosting of the 2018 NIPOGA.

    Speaking at the ceremony the Rector ,Alh Mas’ud Elelu explained that the members were picked based on their integrity, hard work and loyalty to the institution.

    He added that committee members should see their  membership as a call to serve to the institution in another capacity.

    He said with state -of -the-earth  facilities on ground at the polytechnic’s Games Village, all is set for another worthwhile achievement.

    He advised the committee members to look beyond what they can gain but work hard towards taking the positive image of the polytechnic to a greater height.

    While appealing to the State Government for support, he pledged to keep working hard for the sake of the polytechnic.

    In his remarks, the LOC Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Idowu pledged that committee members will do all they can to ensure a successful hosting of the event.

    Responding on behalf of subcommittees, Mr James Ajiboye, appealed for maximum support from members towards a hitch free hosting.

    He pleaded with the management to create enabling environment in order to deliver the assignment with a high level of precision and minimum supervision.

    Earlier, the Registrar, Mr Moses Salami, had stressed the need for the committee to raise the bar beyond what was obtained in 1981 when the polytechnic first hosted NIPOGA.

  • Businesswoman killed in Ilorin

    A businesswoman in Kulende, Ilorin, Kwara State capital, was last Friday killed by suspected assassins.

    The businesswoman, simply known as Alhaja Rashidat, operated a shop close to her house. She was killed about 10pm while closing for the day.

    A source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the deceased was buried on Saturday according to Islamic rites.

    It was gathered that the culprits arrived at Alhaja Rashidat’s shop, beside the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), on a motorbike.

    The source, who pleaded for anonymity, said they told her their plans, she begged for her life, promising them money, but they ignored her pleas and shot her.

    It was also gathered that the deceased had been robbed severally, probably because of her thriving business.

    Police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the incident, said the culprits came on a motorcycle and shot the victim at shop in Kulende.

    Okasanmi, however, said some suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that they would soon be paraded.

  • Hydro geologists to hold conference on water resources in Ilorin

    The 29th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Association of Hydro-geologists (NAH), is to hold in Ilorin from November 5 to November 10 to discuss water resources development.

    The State Chairman of the association, Mr Lateef Kolawole, made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Ilorin.

    According to him, the theme of the conference is: “Strategies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)” in water resources.

    The chairman said the theme was anchored on the 6th goal of the 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Clean Water and Sanitation.

    Kolawole added that since the objective of the conference was to discuss Clean Water and Sanitation, some international agencies such as WHO and UNICEF would send delegates to the conference.

    He said that accepted abstract reviewed would be published in the book of abstract for the conference while submitted presentation at the conference would also be reviewed for publication consideration in Water Resources Journal.

    According to Kolawole, the needed facilities will be made available at the conference venue for exhibition of water resources, environmental and other Geo Scientific products, services, books and journals.

    He urged government ministries, agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private organisations to use the opportunity to showcase their products and achievements in the water sector.

  • 9 months pension arrears with Paris refund, Pensioners urge

    The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Kwara branch, on Friday urged the state government to use the second batch of the Paris Club refund t0 pay the nine months pension arrears.

    Alhaji Mohammed Haliru and Mr Samuel lbidoja, the Chairman and Secretary of the union, made the plea in a statement after the first quarterly meeting of the union in Ilorin.

    They said that the state government’s indebtedness to retirees in all the 16 local government areas of the state now stands at N5 billion.

    According to them, the unpaid pensions and gratuities to pensioners in the state had inflicted untold hardship on their members.

    They commended Gov. AbdulFatah Ahmed for his promise during the last Workers Day to use part of the Paris refund to pay the pension arrears.

    The duo urged the governor to enhance the living standard of local government pensioners.

    The union leaders also decried the planned payment of the monthly pensions to the local government retirees through a consultant, describing it as unconstitutional.

    They urged the governor to return the payment to the Local Government Pension Board statutorily empowered by the state Edict Seven of 1989.

     

  • Not Too Young To Run campaign hits Ilorin

    The ongoing campaign against the exclusion of youths in leadership has hit Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    Dozens of students last Tuesday held a rally for the “Not Too Young To Run” legislation being proposed to be sent to the National Assembly.

    The rally was organised by Brain Builders International, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO).

    The group led youths and members of civil society organisations across the state capital on a road walk, which ended at the state House of Assembly complex.

    The aim of the rally was to lobby the legislators to support the proposed legislation, which the organisers said, would improve youth political participation and leadership aspiration.

    The rally started at New Yidi Roundabout, with the participants sensitising the public on the importance of the bill.

    The campaigners marched to the Assembly complex in a carnival-like procession, drawing attention to the bill.

    At the state Assembly, they were received by the House Leader, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke, accompanied by some members.

    Brain Builders International National Coordinator, Olasupo Abideen, told the lawmakers that the rally was to solicit the Assembly’s support in ensuring the passage of the “Not Too Young To Run” Bill.

    He explained that the bill was introduced, following peaceful agitations by the youth groups across the country to increase political participation. He noted that similar rallies were held across states to draw support for the bill.

    Olasupo said: “It is a known fact that young people have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the country through their energies and creativity. As such, we should be given more opportunities to participate in decision-making and contribute our quota to governance of our country.”

    Oyeleke, who stood in for the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad, said the Assembly had been supporting the youth in their quest for leadership roles, assuring the campaigners that the House would back the proposed bill as soon as it was presented.

    A member of the Assembly, Hon. Moshood Bakare, pledged support for the cause, promising to lobby his colleagues to do same.

    He said: “I am someone who believes in the capacity and brilliance of youths, because I had held leadership positions as a youth and I performed creditably well. If youths are doing well outside this nation, why should we restrict those brilliant minds from taking part in decision-making process?”

     

  • Deaflympics: We’ll make Nigeria proud in Turkey, says NDSF Scribe

    Deaflympics: We’ll make Nigeria proud in Turkey, says NDSF Scribe

    Lukman Agbiaka, the Secretary-General of Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF), has promised Nigerians that the country’s athletes to the Deaflympics in Turkey would make Nigeria proud.

    Agbabiaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that Nigerian Deaf athletes to the Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey, from July 18 to July 30, would prepare adequately.

    Agbabiaka disclosed that the federation would start camping for its athletes from June 15 in Lagos.

    “We have selected athletes that will represent us in Samsun, Turkey. We choose 12 athletes for track and field events and two players for table tennis.

    “We selected these athletes during our one week trials in Ilorin in April.

    “They (athletes) have been representing us well whenever we have a competition, I am sure they will not let us down,’’ he said.

    The secretary added that Nigeria won the 4th West Africa Deaf football championship in Mali this month.

    “Our Deaf Eagles football team participated in the football championship from May 6 to May 12 in Mali and we won the trophy for the fourth time.

    “We thank God for our success at the tournament which we prepared for since last year. We appreciate our players for their hardwork,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Deaf Eagles won their third West Africa Deaf Football Championship in 2013 in Republic of Benin.

  • Not Too Young To Run campaign hits Ilorin

    Not Too Young To Run campaign hits Ilorin

    The ongoing campaign against the exclusion of youths in leadership has hit Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    Dozens of students last Tuesday held a rally for the “Not Too Young To Run” legislation being proposed to be sent to the National Assembly.

    The rally was organised by Brain Builders International, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO).

    The group led youths and members of civil society organisations across the state capital on a road walk, which ended at the state House of Assembly complex.

    The aim of the rally was to lobby the legislators to support the proposed legislation, which the organisers said, would improve youth political participation and leadership aspiration.

    The rally started at New Yidi Roundabout, with the participants sensitising the public on the importance of the bill.

    The campaigners marched to the Assembly complex in a carnival-like procession, drawing attention to the bill.

    At the state Assembly, they were received by the House Leader, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke, accompanied by some members.

    Brain Builders International National Coordinator, Olasupo Abideen, told the lawmakers that the rally was to solicit the Assembly’s support in ensuring the passage of the “Not Too Young To Run” Bill.

    He explained that the bill was introduced, following peaceful agitations by the youth groups across the country to increase political participation. He noted that similar rallies were held across states to draw support for the bill.

    Olasupo said: “It is a known fact that young people have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the country through their energies and creativity. As such, we should be given more opportunities to participate in decision-making and contribute our quota to governance of our country.”

    Oyeleke, who stood in for the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad, said the Assembly had been supporting the youth in their quest for leadership roles, assuring the campaigners that the House would back the proposed bill as soon as it was presented.

    A member of the Assembly, Hon. Moshood Bakare, pledged support for the cause, promising to lobby his colleagues to do same.

    He said: “I am someone who believes in the capacity and brilliance of youths, because I had held leadership positions as a youth and I performed creditably well. If youths are doing well outside this nation, why should we restrict those brilliant minds from taking part in decision-making process?”

  • NBBF Premiership: Kwara Falcons beat Oluyole Warriors 77-68

    Kwara Falcons Basketball Club of Ilorin on Thursday continued their impressive start to the new Nigerian basketball premier league season with a 77-68 victory over Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan.

    Kwara Falcons’ victory was their sixth win of the season from seven games in the 2017 Men’s Basketball Premier League being sponsored by Kwese Sports.

    The Ilorin-based team started the game well from the start, winning the first quarter 28 points to 18.

    The visitors improved in the second quarter adding 21 points to their haul, while the hosts only managed to score 15 points to finish it 43-39.

    Kwara Falcons fought very hard in the third quarter to regain dominance, scoring 17 points in the half against Oluyole’s 13 to finish the quarter 60-52.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both sides added 17 and 16 points respectively to the third quarter results to finish the fourth quarter and the game 77-68.

    NAN recalls that Kwara Falcons have only lost 60-66 against Rivers Hoopers this season.

    The competition is being organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

  • Students of Labour Institute protest late commencement of examination

    Students of Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin, have embarked on protest to express displeasure over the failure of the management to commence their first semester examination.

    The students expressed displeasure that the examination had been postponed on two occasions without information from the management.

    Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Ilorin, the leader of the students, Mr Fatai Adepoju, said that the leadership crisis in the institute was adversely affecting their academic programme.

    “We are here to register our displeasure.

    “We have academic calendar which we do follow.

    “The calendar has been adversely affected by the leadership crisis in the institute which does not concern the students.

    “The first paper ought to have commenced by 9am. This is after 11 a.m.; nothing is happening,’’ he said.

    Adepoju also complained of poor electricity supply to the institute.

    He said “we have been in the institute for two weeks now without electricity.

    “It is not that the Disco is not supplying electricity to residents of the area.

    “The problem is that the units on the prepaid metres installed on campus have been exhausted and nobody has deemed it fit to recharge even when they know students are preparing for their examinations.”

    Adepoju, who also claimed that trainers had boycotted classes more than a month ago, said the students could not afford to stay on campus beyond Oct. 31 when the session would end.

    “The essence of what we are study here is how to manage labour crisis.

    “But if those who are expected to train us on how to manage crisis do not know how to manage crisis, I think it is a minus on their side,” he said.

    The students’ leader appealed to relevant stakeholders particularly the management, the Ministry of Labour and Federal Government to wade in and resolve the crisis.

    In his reaction, the Director-General of the institute, Mr Salihu Alabi, debunked claim of crisis in the institute.

    He said that the students were only being used by those aggrieved with his appointment as substantive Director-General.

    Alabi said: “the allegation or claim that there is crisis here is unfounded.

    “What is happening is as a result of the response of some members of staff particularly the trainers to the new development in the institute.

    “I was originally the acting Director-General of the institute.

    “The man who handed over to me did so without rancour.

    “But when the substantive appointment came, some people who believed they should be appointed were not happy.’’

    He blamed those opposing his appointment of not commencing the examinations as specified in the academic calendar.

    On power outage in the institute, the DG said that the situation was not peculiar to the institute.

    “It has been like that everywhere and we are trying everything to provide electricity.

    “All these excuses is just to call dog a bad name in order to hang it,” Alabi said.

  • NAF orders Kwara community to vacate land

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered residents of Alagbado Community in Ilorin to vacate the land allegedly encroached upon by the people.

    Mr Adeniyi Mathew, NAF Coordinator, 303 Medium Airlift Group (MAG), told newsmen in Ilorin on Thursday that the land was allocated to the Air Force in 1987.

    Adeniyi, who presented the land chart to newsmen, said that 20 acres out of a total of 220 acres of the land belonging to NAF was encroached upon by the community.

    He said that he was part of the delegation that visited Alagbado in 2010 to inform the community that the land belonged to NAF.

    “Take it or leave it, the land belongs to the NAF; it has been so as far back as 1987 as you can see in the chart.
    “They started encroaching on the land since 2008 and in 2010, I was part of the NAF team that went to the community to inform them of the encroachment,” he said.

    Reacting, a community leader, Alhaji Abdulrahim Bakare, said he was not aware that the land belonged to the Nigerian Air Force.

    “I was born in this community and we have had four generations before I became the Mogaji (village head), I was not aware that the land belongs to NAF.

    “We are appealing to NAF to consider those who have erected structures on the land before taking any action on the matter,” the community leader said.

    According to Bakare, some NAF officials have started demolishing some houses and destroying property in the community.

    “We were surprised to see bulldozers and we learnt that NAF want to fence the land,” he said.