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  • Kwara Gov, Minister, DG commend PRNigeria Centre, young communication fellowship

    Kwara Gov, Minister, DG commend PRNigeria Centre, young communication fellowship

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, have praised PRNigeria for its noteworthy initiatives aimed at mentoring and equipping the next generation of communicators.

    The commendations were given during the unveiling of the new PRNigeria Centre in Ilorin, capital of Kwara, and the inauguration of the second batch of the Young Communication Fellowship Programme.

    AbdulRazaq and Malagi recognised the efforts of Image Merchant Promotion Ltd (IMPR), PRNigeria and Economic Confidential publishers, for its dedication to providing young Nigerians with essential modern communication skills.

    Represented by Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, the governor stressed the importance of empowering young minds in the communications sector, highlighting the changing landscape of digital media and public relations.

    Urging the fellowship participants to display creativity and integrity, AbdulRazaq stated, “It fills me with pride to see so many bright and passionate young individuals gathered here, ready to become the future storytellers and media strategists who will shape the narrative of their communities.”

    Represented by Jibrin Ndace, Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malagi said the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship would hugely contribute to the country’s development goals. He charged young professionals to embrace technological innovation and become credible sources of information.

    “This Centre is a beacon of hope for the younger generation. It provides them with the knowledge, skills and tools that will enable growth and success in a rapidly evolving communication landscape,” Malagi added.

    In keynote address, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strategic communication.

    Represented by Dr. Falilat Olaitan Jimoh, Head of Innovation & Digital Inclusion, NITDA South-West, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa acknowledged AI’s revolutionizing effect on how information is communicated and consumed. “AI is reshaping industries, especially in communication,” he stated.

    The DG elaborated AI’s benefits for PR professionals, noting that tools predict trends, understand audience sentiment, and enhance message-tailoring through technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP). “AI equips communicators to navigate today’s complex media environment,” he noted.

    In his address, the IMPR Chief Executive Officer, Yushau Shuaib, thanked those who supported the project as he underlined PRNigeria Centre’s commitment to youth development through training in journalism, public relations, fact-checking, and publishing.

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    “We appreciate the assistance of the state government, the Ilorin Emirate, and Alhaji Kale Kawu Agaka (Daniyan Ilorin). In three years, the organisation has equipped more than 280 journalists/writers to navigate the digital journalism landscape and empowered about 1,400 young Nigerians with vital skills.

    “Our collaborations with esteemed organizations like NITDA, the Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), and the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) have been instrumental in enhancing our capacity for innovation and diversification.

    “Our trainees are making strides in various fields, showcasing the profound impact our programs have on their careers. There is a need for continued investment in youth development within the communications industry. We remain dedicated to nurturing talents,” Shuaib added.

  • LG polls: Saraki cannot speak for Kwara masses, says govt

    LG polls: Saraki cannot speak for Kwara masses, says govt

    Kwara State Government has faulted the  comments of former Senate President Bukola Saraki on the outcome of the recent local government elections. 

    The government said Saraki’s PDP not only tried to frustrate the conduct of the election through the court but also mobilised to disrupt the process.  

    “It took the popular will of the people to cast their ballot. The government has done well enough to win the trust of the people, and that was what played out, regardless of the noise from Saraki’s men. 

    “It is bewildering that Saraki’s party is confused between floating the narrative that no election took place and claiming a victory from an election it said was never held. 

    “That is the lot of a confused, desperate people that Senator Saraki leads,” a statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Communications Mrs Bola Olukoju stated. 

    “We also find it incredible that Senator Bukola Saraki was talking about people’s welfare. As far as people’s welfare is concerned, Saraki lacks the moral standing to talk. 

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    “He is a bald hairdresser recommending his unfailing hair restorer. He is a snail claiming a championship in a community of horned animals. The world is facing serious economic challenges. Nigerians have not been immune to the same.

    “In addition to the efforts of President Tinubu to ease things, not only is the Kwara State Government committed to public welfare, as is evident in its many programmes, it continues to execute different infrastructural projects and social protection programmes that strengthen the purchasing powers of the people. 

    “The government is also not denying people their wages while its appointees enjoy the perks of office as the Saraki-inspired government did.”

  • Kwara two civil servant in dock for alleged N14.6m fraud

    Kwara two civil servant in dock for alleged N14.6m fraud

    Kwara State Upper Area Court in Ilorin, the state capital has put in the dock two civil servants for alleged N14.609 million fraud.

    The suspects, Adeyemi Olarewaju and Tajudeen Alao, are members of staff of the Kwara State Printing and Publishing Corporation, publishers of The Herald.

    They were accused of fraud in the Cooperative Society being operated in the media organisation.

    According to a complaint from the corporation’s New Hope Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, the duo are the past Chairman and Secretary of the cooperative society, who could not account for N14,609,100 after their tenure, which was between 2012 and 2022.

    He stated: “However, after the tenure of the duo, the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperative officials audited the account of the cooperative and slammed N1 million penalty on the defendants for their poor management of the account of the society but the defendants failed to pay the penalty uptil date.

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    “The defendants also failed to refund N14,609,100 misappropriated, despite repeated demands, hence this application.”

    In his bail application, counsel to the defendants, Mr Bisi Adedayo of Onaolapo Chambers, prayed the court to grant his clients bail in liberal terms assuring the court that they would provide reliable sureties that would stand for them before the court and that they would not jump bail.

    The complainant counsel, Hawawu Nana Abubakar of Manzuma Issa & Co., did not oppose the bail application.

  • Abdulrazaq swears in six new judges, says Kwara to build court complex

    Abdulrazaq swears in six new judges, says Kwara to build court complex

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq inaugurated six new judges for the State High Court on Friday, urging them to discharge their duties with “diligence, impartiality, and overriding interest of the community and national security”.

    The new judges are Ibijoke Olabisi Olawoyin; Fatimah Funsho Abdulrasaq; Oluwatosin Adenike Adeniyi; Yusuf Diko Adebayo; Olalekan Osuolale Ajayi; and Muritala Folohunsho.

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Government House Ilorin, Abdulrazaq congratulated the judges on their appointment and expressed confidence that they will remain committed to the administration of justice for all.

    He called the development another milestone as it was the first time six judges were sworn in at the same time in the state.

    “This also makes a total of eleven (11) High Court Judges that I have administered their oath of office within five years in office,” he said.

    “I congratulate the newly appointed Judges and their families. I also celebrate your hard work and other noble qualities that brought you here. Today, you have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of upholding justice and ensuring that the rights of every citizen are protected.

    “As you take on this noble task, remember that your decisions will shape the lives of individuals and the fabric of our society. Let me remind you of the remarkable words of Usman Dan Fodio, who said that ‘a kingdom can endure unbelief, but it cannot endure with injustice’.”

    The Governor said he will continue to support the judiciary, recalling how the administration has renovated and remodelled several courts within the state.

    “Recently, I approved the reconstruction of the former Revenue Court at GRA Ilorin to serve as court rooms for more Judges, while also creating a more befitting environment for the Revenue Courts in the State,” he said.

    “It is our desire that this will be followed, all things being equal, with the construction of a new court complex to ensure the State has befitting court rooms.”

    Joined by Kwara Chief Judge Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, the Governor also presented new SUVs to the new judges.

    “A seamless working relationship between the two arms of Government has ensured timeous payments of allowances and entitlements to the Judicial officers, among other things,” the Governor said.

    “I commend the judiciary, legislature, and the security agencies for the collaborative approach we have adopted in the development of Kwara State, and peaceful coexistence and safety of its people. Let us remain united in the pursuit of a greater Kwara State and Nigeria.”

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    Justice Adebara said the ceremony was a milestone in the state’s administration of justice, saying it injects ‘new minds, new perspectives, and new energy to the State Judiciary’.

    He commended the Governor’s commitment to the rule of law, and expressed confidence that the addition of the new judges will enhance speedy delivery of justice to the people.

    “Your Excellency, we are grateful for your commitment to the Judiciary of our dear State and the Rule of Law. Right from the inception of the appointment exercise leading to this swearing-in ceremony of today, you have stood with us in spite of the many challenges that came our way before the appointment came to fruition,” he said.

    Justice Ibijoke, who spoke on behalf of other new judges, said they will uphold and give effect to the ideals of justice, fairness and equity while dispensing justice to all and sundry.

    She thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for taking swift actions for Kwara to meet all the requirements set by the National Judicial Council regarding their appointment by the State Judicial Commission.

    “We were aware that when hope of this appointment was fading, Your Excellency took swift action by making resources available at the crucial time that enabled the State to meet the many conditions set by the National Judicial Council before considering the recommendation by the Kwara state Judicial Service Commission for our appointment,” she said.

  • Kwara govt, KWSIEC urge court to dismiss PDP’s suit against LG poll

    Kwara govt, KWSIEC urge court to dismiss PDP’s suit against LG poll

    The Kwara government and the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) have asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aiming to stop the local government elections scheduled for September 21 in the state.

    The request is contained in two notices of objection and a counter affidavits they filed against the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1061/2024 now before Justice Peter Lifu.

    They are equally praying the court to issue an order either dismissing or striking out the suit for allegedly constituting an abuse of court process and being statute barred.

    Johnson Usman (SAN), lawyer to KWSIEC, hinged his client’s objection on five grounds including the question of territorial jurisdiction as it applies to whether a court in Abuja could hear a case relating to LG election in Kwara State.

    Usman noted that the suit was predicated on LG election to be held Kwara State on September 21 and argued that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked the territorial jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit “which deals with Kwara State Local Government Election being not election conducted or recognised under the Electoral Act, 2022.”

    He further argued that the PDP lacked the necessary locus standi to file the case, which he also described as being incompetent.

    Attorney General (AG) of Kwara State, Ibrahim Sulyman (SAN), sued as the third defendant, also raised similar issues in his notice of objection and counter affidavit.

    Other defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the  Inspector General of Police (IGP)  and the State Security Service (SSS).

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    The PDP is contending among others, that the  KWASIEC was in grievous contravention, breach and violation of sections 9, 28, 29 and 106 of the Electoral Act 2022, Sections 20 (1) and 21 (1) of Kwara State Local Government Electoral (Amendment) Law, 2024.

    The PDP claimed that all the conditions and precedents stipulated in Local Government Electoral laws in Kwara State were allegedly deliberately ignored by KWASIEC under unacceptable circumstances.

    It alleged that KWSIEC had applied to INEC for the register of voters in Kwara to use the same in the conduct of the LG polls.

    The party said the action was in breach and violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Kwara State Local Government Electoral (Amendment) Law, 2024.

    Justice Lifu had on July 29, upon an ex-parte motion by the plaintiff, issued an order restraining INEC from releasing the national voters’ register to KWSIEC pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    On Friday, Justice Lifu struck out all the documents INEC filed in the case upon an application by its lawyer, Adamu Bello.

    Lawyer to the PDP,  Ademola Abimbola informed the court that his client just forwarded to him a letter dated August 28 addressed to Kwara State PDP Chairman, inviting the party to a peace meeting despite an injunction restraining parties from taking any step pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

    Abimbola said: “There are two things I can deduce here. The 2nd defendant (KWSIEC) is in contempt of court. Therefore the 2nd defendant cannot be heard in this case.”

    Responding, Usman faulted Abimbola, arguing that there was no evidence the court establishing  any disobedience to the order of the court.

    Usman added: “My lord, speaking from the inner bar, I am hearing this allegation for the first time and my learner friend owe me a duty to inform me to confirm from my client.

    “All the facts alleged are concrete facts that cannot be given by a lawyer in the bar. It must come by way of an affidavit and that has not been done. Therefore, his application cannot be granted.”

    Usman, who objected to move by Abimbola to read the letter in court, challenged the PDP lawyer to file a formal application in relation to his allegation of contempt.

    After listening to lawyers to parties, Justice Lifu ordered the PDP to file a formal application on the issue of alleged contempt and adjourned till September 11 for the  hearing of all pending applications, including the substantive suit.

  • Kwara tribunal members take oath

    Kwara tribunal members take oath

    Kwara State Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Adebara, yesterday swore in two sets of members of local government election petitions tribunal ahead of the forthcoming elections.

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    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the election petition tribunal has three members each in the two sets, with two chairmen.

    Speaking during the swearing-in in Ilorin, the Chief Judge urged the tribunal members to deal with election cases speedily.

  • State Police: Kwara, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, FCT delay decision – NEC

    State Police: Kwara, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, FCT delay decision – NEC

    The National Executive Council (NEC) has given the states yet to submit their reports on the proposal for the creation of state police to do so on or before Monday, September 9.

    It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had on Thursday, February 15, 2024, agreed with the need to establish state police as recommended by state governors to curb rising insecurity in the country.

    States were thereafter directed to submit their reports to the council for deliberation and action.

    Disclosing the NEC’s ultimatum on the matter to journalists at the end of the Council’s 143rd meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the acting governor of Oyo state, Bayo Lawal, said failure by the four states yet to bring in their reports by Monday would mean whatever decision the Council arrives at would be imposed on them.

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    Though Lawal refused to mention those states involved, the investigation revealed that they were Adamawa, Sokoto, Kwara, Kebbi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    He said: “An update on the establishment of State police was considered and this was as a result of the security situation challenges that we have across the nation in Northeast, Northcentral, southwest, Southeast and south-south.

    “So that we would have robust security in our nation, for that purpose sometime last year NEC considered the establishment of state police and asked states to make submissions of considerations

    “Today all the states were supposed to submit for consideration of the NEC. Incidentally, four states couldn’t submit for that purpose. NEC decided that those states must make their submissions on or before Monday 9th September otherwise whatever decision NEC takes on the establishment of State police is binding on those states that refused to submit.”

    Details shortly…

  • Kwara pensioners decry govt’s eviction plan

    Kwara pensioners decry govt’s eviction plan

    Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Kwara State has decried the plan of the state government to evict it from its secretariat in Ilorin.

    They urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and rescind the decision of quit notice by Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KGIS) to the union to vacate its state secretariat.

    The government has for some months embarked on urban renewable projects.

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    In a statement signed by Kwara NUP Chairman Saidu Oladimeji and Secretary, Abraham Gana, the union implored the government to temper justice with mercy by rescinding its decision of quit notice. The statement said the union should be given an alternative place to operate pending the time it would build a secretariat.

    “The union does not say it will not quit, but all it is saying is that an alternative building should be provided for its operations, while a piece of land should be allocated for the construction of a secretariat.’’

  • Kwara uncovers illegal dumpsite in Ilorin

    Kwara uncovers illegal dumpsite in Ilorin

    • Arrests police inspector for complicity

    Kwara State Government said it has uncovered an illegal dumpsite in Ilorin, the state capital.

    The state government said the illegal dumpsite  was discovered along General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in the metropolis, “where some commercial waste collectors and other residents had been dumping their refuse in violation of the state environmental law.”

    State Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, who led an enforcement team to the area, said the team discovered the site after putting the waste collectors on surveillance.

    Hajia Buge said that the team arrested one Police Inspector Adamu Usman attached to the Airport for allegedly aiding and abetting the illegal activity.

    Read Also: Kwara reiterates committment to decent living for workers, retirees

    “As you can see, we just discovered this illegal dump site that was created by some unidentified people. For instance, we found out that the majority of commercial waste collectors dump their refuse here.

    “We have always warned them against mismanaging their waste, and we let them know the penalty involved if any of them are caught,” she said

    “Fortunately yesterday, we caught one of them. We traced him from the airport road down to this place around 11 pm. That was how we discovered this massive illegal dump site.

    “This place is very dangerous. You can see the dump site is located beside the airport and the Aviation College. A plane just took off now. This place does not meet the criteria for a dump site. We have an approved dump site around Oko Olowo Expressway, Sokoto Aiyekale precisely. But this place is dangerous for the airport and even the dwellers.”

    She announced the revocation of the license of the erring waste collector, adding that he would also be made to pay a fine of N250,000.

    The commissioner said the state would not relent in its efforts to stop indiscriminate refuse dumping, revealing that no less than 124 offenders have so far been prosecuted.

  • Kwara reiterates committment to decent living for workers, retirees

    Kwara reiterates committment to decent living for workers, retirees

    Kwara State Government said it is committed to improving the well-being of its workforce and creating an atmosphere for them to live a decent life after retirement.

    Declaring its support for the realisation of the Seventeen World Sustainable Development Goals, the government said part of these goals centre around ensuring decent work for people and growing the economy.

    “The era where Kwara civil servants retire and have nothing to do has passed. What the administration is trying to focus on is to make sure that after you retire you have something to fall back onto,” Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi told reporters in Ilorin during the maiden Kwara SDGs Convention (1st Kw-SDGs). 

    Alabi urged participants to see the convention as an opportunity to make necessary inquiries and network towards building a solid foundation for a better tomorrow.

    Organised by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Hon. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, the Convention featured lectures and panel discussion. 

    It was attended by some government officials, Permanent Secretaries,

    and other top civil servants on Grade Level 15 to 17, including Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru; and Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology Hon. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun.

    Among the Speakers were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation Ishola Kayode; founder, Tamirah Entrepreneurship Center (TEC), Rukayat Yahaya; a serial entrepreneur with focus on Water, Education and Agriculture, Gegele Yahya Olushola; Managing Director, CNN Limited, Nelson Daramola; and an associate Professor of Enterprise Creation, Incubation and Development (ECID) at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Dr Rahman Oladimeji Mustapha.

    “The state government is in support of the SDGs which is a blueprint for the global future. We are creating an atmosphere where an average retiree can say ‘yes it paid me when I was working with the government and I have something meaningful to be doing afterwards’,” the Deputy Governor said.

    He was represented by the Commissioner for Communication Bola Olukoju.

    SSA to the Governor on SDGs and convener of 1st Kwara SDGs Convention, Nnafatima, said they organized the programme to equip participants with relevant skills and strategies needed to harness opportunities and thrive in agriculture, entrepreneurship and ICT.

    “Our goal is to explore vital topics that will not only help us navigate the present but also ensure a prosperous and secure future for everyone, especially those approaching retirement in the Civil Service,” she said.

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    “We aim to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to harness opportunities in agriculture, information and communication technology, entrepreneurship, and other related fields of endeavor, so you can thrive both professionally and personally which is in line with SDG Goal 8, 9, 11 and 12.”

    She said they conducted surveys and realized that many civil servants usually develop phobia when going for retirement, adding that they need enlightenment on how to cope after leaving the Service.

    “We are focusing on civil servants because after conducting surveys we realized some sorts of retirement syndrome that come up when civil servants are about to retire,” she said. 

    “From the survey we are able to find out that they need an enlightenment programme like this so that they don’t have a phobia and they can move on even after retirement. Let it be an incubation period for them to carry on smoothly.”

    She said the training will be a continuous exercise, adding that the plan includes introducing how the trainees can access loans, international grants and other skills for them to grow.

    Ishola, in his lecture, spoke on some of the opportunities in digital innovation, including how it enables the government and participants to diversify the economy.

    He said the digital world offers a lot of opportunities that the retirees can leverage to network their businesses and meet their economic needs.

    “For us to be able to bring life into Sustainable Development Goals in our state and in our country, we have to leverage digital innovation. In the hall, we have retirees, government officials, people from the civil society groups speaking on collaboration, accountability and transparency. These are key things that can only be driven through adoption of digital innovation,” he said. 

    Olushola Gegele, whose lecture was titled “Agricultures: Sustainable Practices and Opportunities for Retirees”, dwelled on how participants can harness the potentials of organic waste to create wealth and become self-sufficient. 

    He said sawdust and rice shafts, after burning and left for a period of time in a container, can generate mushrooms, whose waste he said can be used as manure for farming.

    “Let’s go for waste management if we want to harness the future. Using what we have locally to create economic prosperity. This is where the World is going. Retirees can look at what they see as waste around them and strive to turn it into what can give them income,” he said.