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Tag: Kwara State

  • Kwara Assembly bans buy, sale, of human parts

    Kwara Assembly bans buy, sale, of human parts

    Kwara state House of Assembly has enacted a law prohibiting illicit dealing in human parts in the state

    The bill was sponsored by a member representing Owode/Onire Constituency Abdul Rasheed Taiwo Abdullahi.

    Under the law, whoever buys, sells or has in his possession for the purpose of buying or selling or trafficking any human parts commits an offence and liable to not less than 10 years imprisonment.

    The law also makes it an offence for anybody to look for, give, receive, sell or uses,  things used to bath, clean or remove from human corpse

    Commenting on the bill, the Speaker Dr. Ali Ahmad, expressed happiness with the passage of the law which he said reflects the wishes of the people of Kwara State.

    He therefore warned perpetrators of the evil act, including landlords harbouring ritualists, grave diggers and traffickers that the punishment is 10-15 years imprisonment and fines of N 100,000.

     

  • NGO trains 23,000 women, girls in ICT

    NGO trains 23,000 women, girls in ICT

    An NGO, Women Technology Empowerment Centre (W-TEC) on Friday said that it had trained more than 23,000 women and girls in technology-related careers and businesses since inception in 2008.

    The Executive Director of W-TEC, Mrs Oreoluwa Lesi, said in Lagos that it empowered 4,000 women and girls in 2017.

    Lesi said that W-TEC also partnered with 36 libraries in the Southern Nigeria in 2017.

    “We are an NGO set up to advocate, empower and build capacity of women and girls in Nigeria.

    ”We do this by providing technology training, boot camps, workshops and seminars for women and girls.

    “We aim at inspiring and equipping more young women with skills to become technology creators.

    “Women and girls can have access to computers and participate in technology workshops on programming, web design and digital production in the space we are creating,’’ she said.

    The executive director said that W-TEC had started a partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Education on an initiative called Code Lagos.

    According to her, Code Lagos is aimed at making coding education accessible to about one million Lagos residents.

    “W-TEC is working as a delivery partner to implement the programme in schools and public libraries in Lagos State.’’

    The executive director said that W-TEC’s passion for empowering women and girls technologically made it to operate afterschool clubs in 10 schools in Yaba, Lagos.

    She said that the NGO had also organised five of such clubs on Lagos Island.

    Lesi said that the organisation held technology camps in Lagos and Ibadan in 2017.

    According to her, W-TEC will expand its technology camps to South-East in 2018.

    “We will be setting up afterschool clubs in Kwara State; we chose Kwara because, according to our assessment, the number of women in information technology in the state is low.

    “We will start by working with five schools but we promise to scale it up to 15 by the end of the year,’’ she said.

    Lesi told our reporter that involvement in women capacity building had been rewarding to the NGO.

    “We have had confidence from our trainees and mentees.

    “Some of the women and girls who attended  our programmes said they  helped them to decide on future careers and businesses.

    “About 35 per cent of them are making money using the technology skills they got from our programmes

    “It puts a smile on our faces by when we see alumni of our programmes pursue technology-related careers or integrate technology into their businesses,’’ she said.

    Lesi said that W-TEC would soon organise a master-class to educate individuals and organisations on strategies to successfully raise funds for online courses.

    NAN

  • Agriculture way to economic prosperity – Stakeholders

    Agriculture way to economic prosperity – Stakeholders

    Stakeholders on Thursday said that agriculture is the way forward to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

    They said this in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital at the launch/unveiling of Heart and Capital Nigeria Ltd, an agricultural company.

    Both Olojoku of Ojoku in Oyun local government of Kwara state, Oba Abdulrazaq Adegboyega and ex-special adviser to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on agriculture Anu Ibiwoye said that agriculture holds the key to the country’s future.

    Oba Adegboyega said as farmer and monarch “farming holds the future for Nigeria. It is what can bail the country out poverty and food scarcity. It is now a big time business.”

    In his remark, Mr. Ibiwoye said: “From All indications, agriculture has now become the major focus for foreign exchange earnings. It is also a major focus for employment and empowering our young people as well. Agriculture is no longer a business you can just treat with local equipment.

    “A lot of innovation has come into agriculture. A lot of information is available on agriculture and a lot of research is ongoing on agriculture. We must understand the timing of the kind of seeds, fertilizers used and the composition of all of those things. Those are things that call for seriousness, understanding and knowledge. So the face of agriculture is changing.

    “When you take all of these together, you will realize that agriculture is now a business that is profitable, sustainable and it is a business we must focus on out of our myriad of economic problems in the country, which are unemployment and food insecurity. We also need to produce raw materials to feed our industries; when our industries are working more people will be employed.

    “All of these together will help the country to move forward. It is a major source of kick-starting the economy. So it must be taken seriously now.”

    Read Also: Agriculture mechanisation a must, says expert

    Co-Founder, Heart and Capital Nigeria Ltd, Farouk Adelodun said “agriculture is the exit routes out of the persisting economic recession and I believe that this route can only be effectively accessed through aggressive and consistent agric-revolutionary techniques, (ART).”

    Mallam Adelodun added that the company is aimed at strengthening of the nation’s food security, is set to create windows of opportunities for Nigerians on the need to discover more sustainable business acumen towards a reliable

    His words: “I hereby use this medium to call on government at all levels, corporate organizations, individuals across the country, to key into these projects of revolutionizing the agricultural sector through our numerous  windows/platforms of bountiful harvest with even options of little or no physical commitment and maximum security assurance.

    “And to my fellow youths, this is our moment. Our stories are singular but our future is shared. What is required is recognition on the part of every youth, that we have duties not just to ourselves but to the nation as well.

    “Duties we shouldn’t grudgingly accept but seize gladly. Duties to learn and unlearn something’s, teach and get to work, to open new doors of opportunities for ourselves and the future generations in order to restore prosperity and grow the farming business. I hope we can start these duties today.”

     

  • Kwara denies alleged deductions from workers’ salaries

    Kwara denies alleged deductions from workers’ salaries

     

    The Kwara state government has denied alleged illegal deductions from its workers salaries.

    It added that only statutory deductions are made from the salaries of state and local government (LG) workers and pensioners.

    This follows claims that the local government workers in the state received reduced pay instead of the full January salary as previously announced by the LG authorities.

    Senior Special Assistant to the governor on media and communications Dr. Muyideen Akorede has said.

    Read Also: Providing a stable economic platform for Kwara

    According to him other deductions are for loans and cooperatives as supplied to the payment consultants by the state ministry of funance and LG treasurers as a well as a N200 monthly charge agreed and endorsed by all labour unions in the State including the NUT, NLC, JNC and NULGE.

    Akorede also pointed to the position of the Kwara State Chapter of the Association of

    Local Governments of Nigeria ( ALGON) that the January salary was paid in full and that no one is making unauthorized deductions from the monthly entitlements of LG staff and pensioners in the state.

    He explained that it is the same platform used for paying state workers that is utilized for LG workers and pensioners in view of its efficiency and cost effectiveness.

     

  • NBC cautions broadcast stations on political programmes

    NBC cautions broadcast stations on political programmes

    The National Broadcasting Commission ( NBC ), has called on all broadcasting stations in the country to be fair, balanced and ensure equity in the presentation of political programmes.

    The Commission’s Zonal Director, Mrs Francisca Aiyetan made the call on Monday during a sensitisation visit to the Management of the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation.

    She said that the broadcast stations have the power to air political programmes.

    According to her, broadcast stations cannot be stopped from carrying political programmes, saying that broadcasters are agents of the society, not politicians, but must tread with caution.

    Adesanya, however cautioned broadcasters, especially presenters against inflammatory and provocative words or statements, urging them to rise above subjective mind-sets.

    The NBC Zonal Director said as the fourth estate of realm, the broadcasting stations must play their roles in the society by holding public office holders accountable to the people.

    She stressed the need for them to pay attention to issues affecting the society and be guided by the code of conduct of the commission in carrying out the social responsibility.

    Responding, the General Manager of the station, Alhaji Abdullateef Adedeji, said the station would continue in its drive in broadcasting responsibly and fairly balanced in its reportage.

    Adedeji also assured the commission that the management of the station, staff and all broadcasters of the station would continue to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    NAN

  • 10,000 apply to Offa Poly for admission

    10,000 apply to Offa Poly for admission

    About 10,000 candidates applied for admission at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara state during the 2017 and 2018 academic session, Rector of the school, Dr Lateef Olatunji has said.

    He added however that only 3,624 got admission.

    The Rector said this in Offa, at the 2017/2018 matriculation ceremony, saying “let me proudly inform you that you are fortunate to be admitted into this polytechnic.”

    “For 2017/2018 academic session, a total number of 5,145 applied for higher national diploma (HND) admission, 1710 were admitted. Also 4,462 applicants applied for National Diploma (ND) through Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) while only 1,914 were admitted.

    “This, I hope should be the basis for you all to justify your admission be dedicating yourselves to the already established tradition of academic excellence and professional discipline which the polytechnic is known for.”

    Read More: Poly students seek Buhari’s intervention in crisis

    Dr Olatunji continued: “My dear students, your presence here is a testimony of your ambition and determination to become somebody important in future and from this day forth, you shall be ambassador of this polytechnic.

    “You need to continually remember that the distance between today’s ceremony and convocation is not wide and it is important that the journey ends successfully. For this to happen, you need to be regular in attendance at lectures, carry out all your assignments, shun deviant behavior and other vices that can expose you and others to dangers.

    “The Polytechnic has zero tolerance for cultism, any form of hooliganism, cheating during examination or continuous assessment, stealing, physical and sexual assault. I need to further advise you to show respect to your colleagues and staff in the polytechnic to make your stay here fruitful and productive. Be modest and decent in your dressing and approach to issues”

  • Cancer : Gov’s wife urges women to adopt monthly breast self-examination

    Cancer : Gov’s wife urges women to adopt monthly breast self-examination

    Wife of the Kwara state Governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, has advised sexually active females to adopt monthly breast self-examination as a precautionary measure against breast Cancer.

    Mrs Ahmed made the call on Monday while addressing students on an advocacy sensitization visit at the Kwara State College of Technology, Offa, and the College of Education in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area.

    According to her, cancer has become wide spread, caused massive morbidity worldwide,while new cases of the deadly disease are expected to increase by about seventy per cent over the next two decades.

    She said her foundation had set up LEAH Anti-cancer Clubs both in secondary and tertiary institutions in the state to reach out to adolescents and young adults on breast and cervical cancer prevention.

    READ ALSO: Doctors: cancer treatable

    The governor’s wife called for the inclusion of breast and cervical cancer screening in pre-admission medical check-ups and the establishment of basic cancer screening centres in the institutions.

    The Provost, College of Technology Offa, Malam Aliu Abdu-Rauf, attributed the high rate of cancer deaths to Ignorance and called for more research on ways to curb the disease.

    Also, the Provost, College of Education Ilemona, Alhaji Kunle Oyewale, said the sensitization initiative was a major contribution to the fight against the disease.

    NAN

  • 16 arrested in Ilorin as butchers, drivers clash

    16 arrested in Ilorin as butchers, drivers clash

    No fewer than 16 people were Wednesday arrested in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital as truck drivers and butchers clashed at the popular Mandate Market around Adewole area of the metropolis.

    During the free-for-all about two personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were wounded.

    Sources within the market claimed that the clash arose as a result of protest by some butchers against the way some trucks were parked as they pointed out that it was obstructing their customers from accessing them.

    During the fracas, truck drivers were alleged to have drawn out their knives and attacked a butcher while associates of the victim also rose to his defence.

    “In the process all hell was let loose”, said a woman who said merely escaped being a victim. It was feared at a point that the fight would escalate into an ethnic conflict as most of the truck drivers are from the north while the butchers are mainly Yorubas.

    Although initial reports claimed one life was lost to the mayhem, security sources later denied the report. Market stalls and shops were hurriedly closed during the mayhem even as motorists plying the route stayed back until normalcy was returned to the area.

    The situation was brought under control by the arrival of men of the NSCDC who began to shoot into the air to scare the warring groups.

    They were said to have helped several women trapped between the fighting groups to escape and it was in the process that two of them were injured.

    Spokesperson of the corps in the state Henry Bilesanmi confirmed the development as well as the reported cause of the incident.

    “As I am talking with you I have just returned from the hospital to see our wounded men”, he said and assured that the corps would continue to work for the peace and stability of the state,” he said.

  • Impeachment plot against Saraki will fail, says Baraje

    Impeachment plot against Saraki will fail, says Baraje

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member of the party’s board of trustees (BoT), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje yesterday said the alleged plot to impeach Senate President Bukola Saraki will not stand.

    He asked those hatching the plot to be wary of their machination as it may boomerang.

    Baraje, a one-time acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spoke with reporters inc, the Kwara state capital at the sideline of a prayer session to commemorate his 67th Birthday.

    The politician said he was aware of the ongoing gimmicks by certain forces but warned that those behind the impeachment plot should tarry because of the dire consequences.

    He stated that the Saraki’s camp would be watching to know the length with which the plotters would go to achieve their target.

    The political associate of Senator Saraki added that the former governor of the state has had a firm grip of the upper chamber of the National Assembly like never before, insisting that he cannot be intimidated owing to the fact that he enjoys the confidence of his colleagues.

    He recalled that a group within the Senate, who vehemently resisted Saraki leadership at inception, had aligned and stood solidly behind him.

    He maintained that the President of the Senate was brilliant and full of hope and dream for Nigeria, warning that such lofty hope should not be destroyed on the altar of politics.

    Read Also: Separation of powers key to survival of democracy – Saraki

    Said he: “Many of us helped to build APC. I’m one of them, he (Saraki) was and still one of them. We are still building the party. I think the party has not made a statement about the so called threat to impeach him. We only learnt from the news that we read and from hearsays. And I think very sincerely, there must be ground before you impeach somebody like him, and they (Senators) have their own rules and regulations and we all have constitutions that guide impeachment.

    “If the Senate President is seen to have violated such rules, why not? But sincerely as of today and to the best of my knowledge, I don’t think any Senate President in the past, in the immediate-past or long past, has held the Senate like Bukola Saraki has been holding it. He has been seeing to be a team player, he has been seeing to be leader that carries the Senate along and he has been seeing to be somebody, who can endure, give and sacrifice for this nation.

    “Remember that he got to that position like a war, as if he was fighting a war. Today, even those people, who opposed him, are the most fanatical people, who are his supporters today. So, what reason do you want to say you have to want to impeach such a person.

    “I’m aware there is lot of gimmicks, but the worst one that would boomerang against anybody who is planning anything, is to say they want to impeach Bukola Saraki. That Senate is solid as I have never seen. I believe it would keep bouncing. There are other ways that the gimmicks are going, let us all keep watching. We can only wish Nigeria well.

    “But I only hope and pray that Nigerians will not be destroyers of their hope. Bukola Saraki is young that is what I mean by hope; he has age on his side; he is brilliant; he knows Nigeria; he has dream for Nigeria. If today, we now stand to say we want to destroy such people, then that is why I said I hope and pray that Nigeria will not destroy its own future.”

  • Yellow Fever vaccination: Irepodun targets over 200 communities

    The Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has said the ongoing Yellow Fever immunisation targets people in over 200 communities across the council, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The Local Immunisation Officer, Mrs Felicia Oguntoye, disclosed this on Saturday in an interview with NAN in Omu-Aran, the council headquarters.

    Oguntoye said the ten-day long exercise, which was being carried out in the 66 units of the 9 wards of the council, was for people from nine months to 49 years old.

    She said that yellow fever still remained prevalent among the populace as thousands were dying from the disease, especially in the remote communities.

    She urged parents, traditional rulers and religious leaders to give necessary support to ensure that every eligible people benefitted from the exercise.

    “To be fully protected against yellow fever, it is important that residents from nine months to 49 years of age are vaccinated within the ten days period of the exercise.

    “To avoid yellow fever outbreak, children and adults in every village and community should receive routine vaccinations from the designated centres,” Oguntoye said.

    She described the disease as capable of causing damage to vital human organs as well as death.

    According to the officer, some of the symptoms are fever, muscular pains, fatigue and vomiting.

    She pledged the council’s readiness to meet the set target, saying that the council had purchased adequate vaccines for the routine exercise.

    Oguntoye listed some challenges of the exercise to hindrance through religious belief and difficulty in locating Fulani settlers in remote areas.

    She also decried inadequate manpower, facilities and logistics to enable the health workers cover the targeted recipients.