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Tag: Kwara State

  • Court remands man, 70, for alleged N2.2m job scam

    A Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday ordered that a 70-year-old man, Ibrahim Akande, be remanded at Oke-kura Prison for alleged N2.2 million job scam.

    Akande, who lives at 57, Olaniya Compound, Ilorin, is charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy and advance fee fraud.

    Senior Magistrate Abdulrahman Dasuki who gave the order, adjourned the case till May 6, for further mention.

    Prosecuting Inspector Folorunsho Zacheous told the court that on April 4, the office of the Inspector-General of Police X-Squad, Ilorin, received a letter of complaint from a lawyer, Olatunbosun Moses, who represents I.D. Hammed & Co of 10B, Ammilegbe Road, Ilorin.

    Read Also: Court dissolves 9-year-old marriage over deceit

    He alleged that the defendant, who was a member of Powerful Prayer Bible Church, Unity Road, Ilorin, sometime in August 2017, conspired with Oyetunde Abayomi, now at large and defrauded some members of the church to the tune of N2.2 million.

    Zacheous alleged that the N2.2 million was paid into the defendant’s First Bank account by unsuspecting youths who were promised employment with the Federal Road Safety Corps in Abuja

    The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 97 of the Penal Code Law and Section 3(1) of Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences, 2006.

    The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge.

  • Seven dead in Kwara State road accident

    A ROAD crash yesterday claimed the lives of seven persons in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East local government area of Kwara State.

    It was gathered that the dead include three men and four women. The injured were 34 women and 24 men.

    Also injured were 12 children, comprising six boys and six girls.

    The ghastly motor accident was said to have happened at about 9:40am at Osi Bridge, Apado area on old Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa road.

    Kwara State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Uchechukwu Wihioka confirmed the incident.

    Read also: FG distributes relief materials to orphanage homes, IDPs in Kwara

    He said the auto crash involved a Toyota Dyna with plate number FA 655 NAS and Toyota Hiace with plate number LSD 919 SR.

    Wihioka attributed the cause of the crash to dangerous driving and wrong overtaking.

    The FRSC boss said the Dyna truck driver could no longer control the vehicle after finding himself in the dangerous condition.

    “The driver flung his passengers in different directions on the road,” Wihioka said.

    He said a combined team of FRSC officials and men of the police came to the scene on time to render necessary assistance.

    Wihioka cautioned commercial drivers and other road users to always drive with caution.

    The sector commander also urged passengers to drive along with commercial drivers, so that they could caution them when driving recklessly.

    Wihioka added that passengers have the right to do that, adding that lives would be saved when everyone is involved in road safety.

     

     

  • FG distributes relief materials to orphanage homes, IDPs in Kwara

    Federal Government on Tuesday distributed relief materials and food items to inmates of orphanage homes and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kwara state.

    Nigeria Custom Service distributed the materials on behalf of the Federal government.

    The materials distributed were seized perishable items that were kept at the government warehouse in Ilorin, state capital.

    The chairman of the sub-committee for the distribution of the seized items, Comptroller Yakubu Salihu said the exercise was sequel to a directive from the presidency.

    Read Also: CSOs to govts: IDPs suffering

    He added: “Nigeria Custom service got presidential approval to distribute perishable items like rice, vegetable oil, used cloths, spaghetti etc to alleviate the suffering of the masses. And the service was asked to make sure it is distributed to recognised and registered orphanages and IDPs.

    “The exercise started from Lagos which comprises of south west states of Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Ogun states. The committee was charged with the responsibility of decongesting all government warehouses all over the country.”

    Salihu told newsmen that he led the team of the committee to recognised orphanages across the state for verification and confirmation of those that are operational.

    He said that the committee has guidelines and procedure for identification and verification of recognized orphanage homes.

  • Accident victims die as a result of poor handling, says FRSC

    Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kwara state, Uchechukwu Wihioka on Monday said many have died due to poor handling by road users rendering assistance to accident victims.

    He said that proper enlightenment among road users can save lives of accident victims on Nigerian roads.

    Mr. Wihioka said this in Ilorin, the state capital at the second emergency and first responder trauma training programme among officers and selected members of the public.

    He said that the training was organized by the FRSC in conjunction with Australian agency which specialized in trauma management.

    He added that it was aimed at training people on safety measures to take when accident occurs and which will not make them cause more harm to injured victims of road accidents.

    “Safety requires a collective measure. It is not for road safety officials alone. It’s for everybody. So, we should be knowledgeable on what to do when on the road. With this, we’ll reduce deaths from road crashes and know the right thing to do not to damage what had already been damaged.

    “When you find yourself at scene of a road crash, don’t be in a hurry to leave the scene. Stop. The moment you stop, you may save a life. With the knowledge already garnered from a seminar like this, you can always package the victim to safety. We should all be safety conscious and be willing to render informed assistance”, he said.

    The FRSC boss, who said that road accidents had been reduced in the state by 45 per cent in the first quarter of the year, added that the record was achieved in collaboration with assistance of members of the press and public.

    Read Also: FRSC pledges to reduce traffic crashes on highway

    “We’ve also intensified on high powered monitoring on our highways, for instance, Oloru-Bode Saadu-Jebba road. We’ve also introduced camp measures with our officials always there to calm down traffic and road users among other safety measures.

    In a remark, the state commissioner for Works and Transport Aro Yahaya, said that the state government had partnered FRSC in carrying out road safety activities aimed at reducing crashes on the road.

    He said that road safety activities can only be carried out in collaboration with other concerned stakeholders, hoping that the seminar would help make road safer and reduce carnage on the roads by 20 per cent.

    He said that the state government was committed to improving on road infrastructure in the state, particularly, the ongoing Gerin Alimi Diamond Underpass and Sango-UITH dualization road, Ilorin, among all other critical ongoing road projects in the state

    “In the event that we’re unable to complete these ongoing projects, I call on incoming administration to complete and put these unique and strategic projects in the state to use for benefits of Nigerians and Kwara”, he said.

     

  • Kwara revenue service targets N5b monthly

    Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) said on Thursday that it is targeting monthly revenue of N5 billion for the state government.

    KWIRS added that it has raked in N6.279 billion to the coffers of the state government in the last three months.

    Executive chairman of the revenue agency Prof. Muritala Awodun spoke with reporters in Ilorin, the state capital.

    According to Awodun, the agency generated N2.16 billion in January; N1.76 billion in February and N2.38 billion in March 2019.

    The KWIRS boss said the revenue agency was yet to achieve its target of generating annual revenue of N60 billion for the state.

    Awodun added that the service had been developed to a point that it would not make less than an average of N2 billion every month.

    He said the agency started with N17.2 billion annual revenue generation in 2016, and N19.6 in 2017 and generated N23.1 billion last year.

    He said inauguration of the agency in 2016 had prevented abandoned projects in the state with monthly contribution of N500 million into the state infrastructure fund (IF-K) for completion and initiation of new infrastructural projects.

    Read Also: Kwara teachers accuse leaders of sell-out

    Prof. Awodun, who said the state government had augmented monthly Federal Allocation with proceeds of the revenue agency to pay workers’ salary, added that the measure was made possible through ingenious financial engineering of the agency.

    On the delay in completion of ongoing under-pass project in the Ilorin metropolis, Awodun said the delay was brought about by complications that were not initially factored into the project, including 2019 electioneering activities.

    He said some heavy underground water pipes were discovered on the construction site, adding that the contractor had to depend on other experts for technicalities before work could resume on the project.

    He also debunked allegation on the invitation of some of the staff of the revenue agency by the Economic and Financial Crime and other related offences Commission (EFCC) over financial malfeasance, saying that no staff of the agency was invited or arrested by the anti-graft agency.

     

  • Ahmed: we’re bequeathing legacy of peace, service in Kwara

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Tuesday said his administration is bequeathing a legacy of service, peace and good governance to the incoming administration.

    He added that his administration is leaving the state better than he met it.

    Ahmed said challenges facing the nation’s economy affected his eight years administration.

    The governor spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, during inauguration of a 24-member transition implementation committee on hand-over of power to a newly elected government.

    Read Also: Ahmed sets up 24-member transition panel

    “As you are aware, most of the eight years of our administration were marked by challenges in the national economy. Nevertheless, we leveraged our resourcefulness to modestly fulfil our pledge to uplift our people and our state while laying a solid foundation for its current and future sustenance.

    “Indeed, I make bold to state that we are leaving Kwara State better than we met it as we are bequeathing to it a legacy of service, peace and good governance,”  he said.

    The governor said the exercise is aimed at assisting the incoming government to settle down for governance quickly, imploring residents to extend similar hands of cooperation and support given to his administration to the incoming government “so that Kwara can continue to toe the path of development and progress”.

    The terms of reference of the TIC, he said, include: putting in place all necessary machinery for the smooth take-off of the in-coming administration; ensuring full liaison with all officially assigned representatives of the incoming administration for the appropriate briefing on the activities of Government towards providing a solid footing for the new government; any other matter the committee may find worthy for the effective discharge of its mandate.

    Ahmed urged members of the committee to bring to bear qualities that recommended their appointment in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    He added: “While I am confident that you will perform creditably, I therefore implore you to justify the confidence reposed in you by government and the good people of Kwara State.”

  • Ahmed sets up 24-member transition panel

    KWARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has put in place a-24 member transition implementation committee (TIC).

    The committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Isiaka Gold, would be inaugurated today by the governor.

    Permanent Secretary Political, Cabinet and Special Services, Tunde Shuaib Aremu, will serve as the secretary of the committee.

    Other members of the committee include Mrs. Susan Modupe Oluwole, Head of Service, Alhaji Wahab Yusuf Baba, Chief of Staff, Government House, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Balikis Oniyangi and Finance Commissioner Demola Banu.

    Others are Works and Transport Commissioner Alhaji Aro Yahaya,  Information and Communications Commissioner Alhaji Ishiak Mohammed Sabi, Commissioners for Energy Alhaji Eleja Taiwo Banu and Health Commissioner Alhaji Usman Kolo Rifun.

    The committee members also include Special Adviser, Government House Alhaji Ibrahim Kayode Adeyemi, Executive Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) Prof. Muritala Awodun, Special Adviser Political Alhaji Toyin Olookoba Sulyman, Chairman SUBEB Lambe AbdulKareem, Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy Prince Tunji Moronfoye, Chairman, Harmony Holdings Limited Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi and Director General, Bureau of Lands, Alhaji Salman Ibrahim.

    Read also: Kwara election tribunal to lawyers, parties: Be wary of fraudulent agents

    Also part of the committee are  former Education Commissioner Musa Yeketi, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Communications Dr. Muyideen Akorede, former chairman, Civil Service Commission Alhaji Salman Adelodun Ibrahim, Chairman, Teaching Service Commission Rasaq Ibrahim, former permanent secretary, general services Muritala Shehu and Elder  David A. Adesin.

    In a statement, Gold said the committee members will interface with the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition.

    The statement added that “the government TICs inauguration follows the completion of the administration’s handover notes by a separate committee headed by Kwara State Head of Service, Mrs. Susan Modupe Oluwole and comprising cabinet members and other government officials”.

     

  • Abdulrazaq to rehabilitate ‘good boys’

    Kwara State Governor-Elect, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq at the weekend said he would use his first 100 days in office to rehabilitate and empower street urchins otherwise known as ‘good boys’ in the state.

    He promised to help continue their education and give them vocational training if they voluntarily renounce their antisocial behaviour.

    The governor-elect also revealed his plan to give amnesty to youths engaging in illicit activities popularly known as ‘good boys’.

    Abdulrazaq said this in Ilorin, the state capital at dinner Organized by Liberation Movement O2 (Otoge! Otope) to celebrate the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at the polls.

    Dignitaries at the Dinner include Barr Kunle Sulyman, Alhaji LAK Jimoh, Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, Barr Iyiola Oyedepo, Comrade Musbau Esinrogunjo, among others.

    He noted that his administration would not tolerate youth restiveness, cultism and other social vices, saying ‘it’s no longer business as usual. You must work to earning a living’.

    Abdulrazaq stated that bad governance, poverty, poor education system, nepotism and lack of political will for genuine Youth development led to youth restiveness.

    Read Also: I’ll run people-centred govt, says AbdulRazaq

    He however promised to introduce sustainable youth empowerment and development programmes after his swearing-in.

    Abdulrazaq reiterated his commitment to run all inclusive government where youths, women and every stratum of the society will play key role.

    Earlier, the Coordinator of Liberation Movement, Alhaji Hassan Owoyale said the Dinner was organized to appreciate stakeholders for their contributions to APC victory during 2019 general elections in Kwara State.

    Alhaji Hassan Owoyale urged the incoming administration to prioritize youth development and give them significant role in government.

    Earlier, leader of Kwara North Elders, Senator Ahmed Mohammed implored Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to involve youths in his administration because they contributed immensely to the liberation of the state from old political order.

     

  • I’ll run people-centred govt, says AbdulRazaq

    Kwara state Governor-elect AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said yesterday his administration will be a complete departure from the old order.

    He added that he would run a government that serves the best interest of the people.

    He said this at the inauguration of the 80-member transition committee in Ilorin, the state capital.

    The frontline businessman turned politician said: “For the past 16 years, they have been running government in their own style.

    “We have put this committee in place to engage the outgoing government to know how much we are owing and know the state of our infrastructure. We cannot walk blindly into office and succeed.

    “The huge margin of our victory at the polls suggests that our people are fed up with the status quo and want a new approach to governance. We, therefore, have a historic duty to serve their best.

    Read also: Kwara election panel to lawyers, parties: be wary of fraudulent agents

    “To do that, we must understand the current governance structure in the state; we must know how the current system works to be able to know where to begin, what current policy would be retained and what policy must go. We also need to know what is in the books in terms of financial receipts, obligations, contracts and other things.

    “This is why we have taken our time to nominate some of the best hands around – in terms of competence, credibility and maturity – as members of this committee, with proper accommodation of the various political tendencies in our political party. In essence, the most crucial work of this committee is to ensure we hit the ground running on May 29th.”

    Hailing their credibility and commitment to serve the state, AbdulRazaq urged the committee to discharge their duties in a way that would help the new government to serve the people.

    Chairman of the committee Aminu Adisa Logun said their job is to bridge the gap between the outgoing and the incoming governments.

    “The Transition Committee is not a scouting committee to suggest or recruit personnel for the governor. Ours is to highlight what needs to be done in line with the change mantra of the government. Our duty is mostly technical such as gathering and interpreting data for the new government in its bid to serve the people of the state,” Togun said.

     

  • AbdulRazaq sets up 80-member transition committee

    Kwara State Governor-elect AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has set up 80-man transition committee.

    AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the committee members will be inaugurated today in Ilorin, the state capital.

    The chairman of the 80-member transition committee is  Aminu Adisa Logun, an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru.

    Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni is deputy chairman and a one-time permanent secretary and former clerk, Kwara State House of Assembly, Muhammad Razaq Umar, will serve as secretary.

    Other members of the committee include the state APC Chairman Bashir Bolarinwa; the three senatorial district party chairmen; former governorship aspirants or representatives; party chieftains and elders.

    Also included in the committee are representatives of youth, women, labour, experts and professionals in different fields of human endeavour, including retired military and security officers.

    Read also: AbdulRazaq promises to place premium on youth empowerment

    He expressed great optimism on the capacity of the committee members to deliver on their assignment, given their pedigree, track record, competence and evident public testimonials on their integrity, patriotism, and passion to serve the state.

    AbdulRazaq urged the committee members to be sensitive to the high expectation of the electorate and the public to experience the desired positive change in leadership.

    He also appealed to the masses to support the committee with relevant information and memoranda where necessary.