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  • Kwara signs partnership deal with IHS Towers on innovation hub

    Kwara signs partnership deal with IHS Towers on innovation hub

    Kwara State Government has struck a deal with global telecoms giant IHS Towers to effectively deploy the Ilorin Innovation Hub to deliver on its core objectives of making the state the go-to place for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship as well as drive rapid socioeconomic growth.

    “Today’s MOU signing represents a dream come true for our administration,” Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said on Saturday shortly after signing the deal in Ilorin, the state capital, at an event attended by top government officials and IHS leaders led by its chief executive officer Mohammed Darwish.

    “In an age increasingly dominated by digital natives whose lives revolve around technology as well as digital naturals who live the realities of technology and the advantages it offers, we saw a need to lead in giving necessary skills and support to these important cohorts and leverage the same to build a stronger economy. Our objectives are to offer the tools, resources, and the environment that innovators and startups require to flourish, especially in the realm of digital and tech skills. By this, we see a future where Kwara sees job creation, poverty reduction, and improved well-being of the people.

    “But having the right partnership and technical support to run this tech space is critical to achieving these objectives, efficiency and sustainability. This is why I am excited about this strategic partnership with the global tech giant IHS Towers to drive the project. With its proven expertise and legacy of innovation, HIS fits into our vision for this initiative.

    “This is a partnership of huge mutual benefits. IHS is offering technical and organisational support in the operations, maintenance and management of it in exchange for certain benefits such as use and operation of the hub for the delivery of IHS training and ancillary programmes as well as branding rights, among other things.

    “We strongly believe that public private partnership offers the right incentives for sustainability and economic growth. Even so, we are committed to preserving the interest of the people and the state as owners of these investments.”

    The facility is envisioned to be a leading centre for technology and innovation in Nigeria, focusing on fostering disruptive ideas and supporting startups.

    Temi Kolawole, the Innovation Hub’s Managing Director, remarked on the synergy between the two entities: “This partnership has identified a mutual focal point in our shared passion for innovation, digital skill enhancement, and job creation. We’re committed to ensuring the Hub’s sustainability and leaving a legacy, fuelled by Governor AbdulRahman’s vision for youth development that will trigger state and national development.”

    Kolawole also mentioned the upcoming collaboration of the Ilorin Innovation Hub with the Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy on various programmes, with IHS Towers as a mutual partner.

    This partnership is anticipated to further enhance the Hub’s offerings and extend its impact, he added.

    Darwish commended Kwara State’s progressive digital policies, particularly the free Right of Way for Fiber Optic Cable deployment, which is critical in facilitating the growth of the digital economy in the state.

    “With the MoU in place, our focus is on transforming the Ilorin Innovation Hub into a reality by the second quarter of 2024,” he said.

    Darwish said IHS Towers is firmly established in Nigeria, including Kwara State where it has laid more than 500 kilometres of fibre optic cable aside from connecting many local communities to its telecommunications networks.

    “We have a system that we have deployed in rural areas and communities where they hitherto had zero coverage,” he added.

    Engr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, said: “Your Excellency sir, I just want to say a big thank you for the good work you are doing in Kwara state. As Chairman of the association of telecom providers in Nigeria, the report we have received is that Kwara is one of the most friendly states for network operators. So, on behalf of the association, I want to thank you for being such a good leader. Kwara is not just on a globe map but Kwara is a state of reference for good governance and good leadership. 

    “They also told me that your cabinet has a number of young people, and is gender sensitive, and this is something that is very unusual not only in the history of the state but also in the country. Once again, I thank you.”

    Kazeem Oladipo, Vice President of IHS Towers, said the Governor has shown good vision for the state, and that is paying off already in different areas.

    “I want to remind His Excellency of the meeting we had about two and a half years ago, where you signified interest to do a fibre and told us to proceed with deployment. That meeting has brought a lot of positive developments to the state. Today, Kwara state has perhaps one of the top five deployment volumes that we’ve done in the entire country. And we are still doing more. As we speak, we are deploying additional fibre in the state. We have a plan to connect more locations, and we will see that through. With the innovation hub coming on board as well, we will provide additional connectivity infrastructure to the state. 

    “And to add to what Muhammed (CEO IHS) said about rural telephoning, you will also recall we came to you, you gave us land in different local government areas, and we have deployed in those rural networks. And that helps to bring internet and telephoning services to communities that previously had zero access to connectivity services. We will work with the team to continue to look at places where gaps exist.”

    The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art innovation facility initiated by the Kwara State Government, is designed to foster a conducive environment for youth, facilitating the learning of digital skills and supporting the growth of businesses through innovation and startup entrepreneurship.

    Read Also: EU, group, varsity to equip Kwara farmers with digital tech on climate change

    It is a testament to the government’s commitment to advancing technological proficiency and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, positioning Kwara State as a hub for digital innovation and economic development.

    IHS Towers, for its part, is the fifth largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared telecommunications infrastructure in the world by tower count. With a significant presence across multiple countries, the company specialises in building and managing telecom towers and related infrastructure.

    Renowned for its innovative approach, IHS Towers is famous for enhancing connectivity and supporting the expansion of wireless networks globally. The company’s achievements include significant contributions to the telecom sector, marked by the deployment of cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, making it a key player in the telecommunications infrastructure industry.

  • Kwara strikes partnership deals with NEXIM, attends IATF conference

    Kwara strikes partnership deals with NEXIM, attends IATF conference

    Kwara State Government has struck a partnership deal with the Nigerian Export Import Bank(NEXIM) to facilitate export-related industrialisation and investment promotions around local resources in the state.  

    The signing of the deal occurred on Monday in Cairo, Egypt on the sidelines of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) following briefings on the various economic projects of the State Government, especially the under-construction industrial park, the IDB-backed agroprocessing zone, sugar film factory, garment and Shea butter factories, solid minerals, and the visual arts centre, which is unique in West Africa subregion.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq signed the deal for Kwara while NEXIM was represented by its Managing Director Abba Bello. 

    The deal will qualify Kwara and private exporters of non-oil commodities operating in it for State Export Development Funds and other supports upon fulfilment of relevant terms.

    The MOU involves NEXIM offering financial and export advisory services, which may include working out financing arrangements, investment mix as well as facilitating export market off-take, especially for SMEs and businesses related to women and youth empowerment.

    The Governor said the government has invested in different projects and adopted policy initiatives that seek to diversify the local economy, including the reduction of the telecom right-of-way from N5,500.00 to N1.00.

    “That policy initiative has yielded significant results for the state. Some 500 kilometres of fibre optic cable have been laid as a result. This has tremendous impacts on internet penetration and connectivity,” the Governor said. 

    The Governor said the state has also secured financial commitments and strategic partnerships for its innovation hub from IHS.

    The state government’s team also held a brief meeting with the AfriEximBank during which Governor AbdulRazaq pitched the industrial park and other state-funded projects, saying the state is open to public private partnership arrangement to make the projects viable and sustainable for the interest of the people.

    Read Also: Kwara police arrest seven suspected kidnappers

    The deal signing was witnessed by members of the Kwara State delegation, including Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu; Commissioner for Communications Hon. Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology Hon. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun; and Commissioner for Solid Minerals Abdulquawiy Olododo.

    Kwara is one of the few Nigerian states attending the IATF 2023 which winds down on Wednesday November 15.

    Attended by over 4,000 delegates, exhibitors, and industry leaders, the IATF is the marketplace for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest free trade area which brings together African nations of the African Union and eight regional economic communities to create a single market for the continent.

  • Kwara police arrest seven suspected kidnappers

    Kwara police arrest seven suspected kidnappers

    Kwara state police command said it has arrested seven suspected kidnappers in the state.

    The collaboration of a formidable team, including members from the Counter Terrorism Unit, Anti-Robbery, Anti-Kidnapping, Anti-Cultism, Anti-Narcotic, Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), Police Mobile Force (PMF), and Police Medical, resulted in the apprehension of the suspects, according to the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya.

    The names of the suspects are Umaru Mohammodu aka Yellow, Mohammodu Mohammodu aka Kerimi, Garuba Abubakar, Iliasu Usman, Ibraheem Abubakar, Usman Haruna, and Umaru Bello.

    Mr Olaiya said that over N1.7 million “cash was recovered during a search of their hideout.”

    He added: “Seven suspects arrested in the operation and named above have been arraigned in court and presently remanded in prison custody.”

    Read Also: PSC chair to police: forestall any crisis after announcement of election results

    Said he: This singular effort helped resulting in the lull experienced in the activities of these undesirable elements until the incident of 10/11/2023.

    On that day ECWA Rev Father and one other were abducted in the Agbeku area, Ifelodun local government area.

    He said: “The command would not relent in its onerous and unmitigated pressure on the criminals until they relocate from the state.

    “The command’s team is committed to rescuing all victims sooner than expected as the command is hot on the heels of the criminals. Vigorous efforts are on to apprehend the perpetrators of this recent unfortunate incident.”

  • 100 years without water: Kwara community excited over’gift’ of solar-powered borehole

    100 years without water: Kwara community excited over’gift’ of solar-powered borehole

    Residents of Kuro Village, Moro Local Government of Kwara State were at the weekend full of joy and excitement at the ‘gift’ of a solar-powered borehole.

    The gesture, according to the villagers, put an end to over 100 years of sourcing water from streams which are about two miles away.

    The project is courtesy LG- Rhythms Foundation.

    Speaking with our reporter, Village Head Zakariyahu Magaji said that the Kuro community had existed for more than a century without any source of portable and clean water supply. 

    “This water project is the first of its kind since the over 100 years existence of Kuro. Before this intervention, we source water from streams about 2 miles away. We go to Yantomu and Eleyo rivers, where we even share water with cows. We used to even dig the rivers to get water during the dry season, as it runs dry.

    “We don’t know these people, we were surprised at their generosity towards us and them. God answered our prayers through them and we thank them most sincerely,” he added.

    Corroborating the village head, the Imam of the community, Olaoti Kuro, hinted that the water project would serve no fewer than five neigbouring that also lack potable water.

    Read Also: Kwara governor Abdulrazaq appoints 29 aides

    These communities, according to Olaoti include Olori, Aiyetoro, Onisapa, Owode, Kondo-Oke and Kondo-Isale, inhabited by different ethnic groups of Yoruba, Fulani, Tiv, Udoma and Igbos, farming in the communities.

    Representative of Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD), a Kwara-based anti-corruption civil society organisation (CSO), Hajia Fatimah Dikko thanked the foundation for the help to the community.

    She revealed that “Kwara has more than 500 communities still sharing stream water with cows, especially in Asa and Moro.

    In a remark, the Founder of LG – -Rhythms Foundation, Dr. Titus Ale said “The provision of water to the people of Kuro is God’s doing, we were only divine tools. As an NGO, we are a set of people who never believed in attacking the madness in this world with another madness, but with love.

    “As friends who came together to form an NGO, we don’t only come together to merry every year but also ensure we make people happy and it is our utmost fulfillment that we are able to make an impact  on the people of this village.”

  • Kwara set to benefit from SEC investor awareness

    Kwara set to benefit from SEC investor awareness

    As part of a strategic move to educate the general public on its mandate and the benefits of investing in the capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finalised plans to host one of its regional investor awareness and advocacy programmes in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as the statutory regulator of the Nigerian Capital Market, has a dual mandate to develop and regulate a dynamic, fair, transparent, and efficient capital market that contributes to the nation’s economic development.

     Dr. Akeem Oyewale, the Vice Chairperson of the Financial Literacy Technical Committee (FLTC) of SEC in promoting the event, stated that : “Our next regional investor awareness programme will be holding at the University of Ilorin Auditorium, Kwara State come Thursday, November 9th, 2023 by 8:00am with the theme; ‘INVESTOR EDUCATION FOR AN EMERGING ECONOMY.’

    Read Also: The whys of a university of education in Kwara

    This Conference is made possible through a  partnership with the KU8 Consortium, an organisation comprising 8 Universities in Kwara State (University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Summit University, Thomas Adewunmi University, Al-Hikmah University, Ojaja (Crownhill) University ,Landmark university,  Ahman Pategi University and  the University of Offa.

    The Vice Chairperson highlighted that the theme of the Conference is apt as it closes the knowledge gaps and addresses issues that affect the capital market. He  noted that in the near future, it is envisioned that a generation with improved financial decision-making skills will emerge, leading to better financial goal achievement and ethical decision-making when selecting insurance, loans, and investments.

  • Kwara orders hospitals to treat gunshot victims

    Kwara orders hospitals to treat gunshot victims

    Kwara state government has directed hospitals in the state to attend to gunshot victims.

    The state added that the directive is in compliance with the Gunshot Act of 2017. State Commissioner for Health Dr.Amina Ahmed El-lmam,  gave this charge to health workers in Ilorin, the state capital.

    She noted that the order became necessary to forestall unnecessary loss of lives of the innocent as a result of injuries sustained as a result of gunshots.

    The commissioner further  instructed health personnel that correspondences emanating from the office of Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun on the subject matter be given wide dissemination to the public, health practitioners, administrators and members of the communication industry.

    Read Also: Kwara Gov pleased with new dental clinic, ICU, other facilities at Ilorin General Hospital

    ”We cannot lay claim at ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the people, under the leadership of our amiable Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq without protecting the entire citizens and ensuring compliance with the enabling laws, especially this one that permits treatment of gunshot victims, without necessarily getting a police report first, as in the past,” the Commissioner explained.

    “As a matter of fact, we need to ensure that both government and private hospitals are duly aware of the law guiding compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots as contained in the Act,” she added.

     Dr El-Imam therefore enjoined medical practitioners to be more compassionate and empathic while discharging their duties.

  • Ex-Kwara gov returns to social scene

    Ex-Kwara gov returns to social scene

    After a seeming hiatus from social appearance years after leaving office as the Governor of Kwara State, Dr Abdulfatai Ahmed seems to have returned to the social scenes and gathering.

    The soft spoken Abdulfatai was spotted at Ara town during the chieftaincy ceremony of Sodium Group boss, Bisoye Fagade as the Aare Asoju Oba of Ara Kingdom.

    The ex-governor appeared calm as usual as he exchanged greetings with friends, associates, and admirers. He was spotted wearing a white flowing agbada with a cap to match. He took his time and mingled with his associates before taking his leave.

    Read Also: The whys of a university of education in Kwara

    The chieftaincy ceremony was conducted at the palace of the Alara of Ara Kingdom, Oba Olubayo Adesola Windapo, who presented an instrument of office and certificate to Fagade and his wife.

    According to the monarch, Fagade, who doubles as an experiential marketer, brand specialist and politician was found worthy of the honour because of his invaluable contributions to humanity.

    Also spotted at the event were Kunle Afolayan, Rotimi Ajanaku, Steve Ayorinde, Yomi Fash, Lanre Alfred, and Akinwale Akinwole. In the same vein, Tolu Obey and the Adunni Nefertiti thrilled guests and attendees with their electrifying performances.

  • The whys of a university of education in Kwara

    The whys of a university of education in Kwara

    By Rafiu Ajakaye

    In one of his many writings on leadership which he titled ‘Six Studies in World Strategy’, Ameri​ca’s all-time diplomatic czar and statesman Henry Kissinger said ‘leaders think and act at the intersection of two axes: the first, between the past and the future; the second, between the abiding values and aspirations of those they lead. Their first challenge is analysis, which begins with a realistic assessment of their society based on its history, mores, and capacities. Then they must balance what they know, which is necessarily drawn from the past, with what they intuit about the future, which is inherently conjectural and uncertain. It is this intuitive grasp of direction that enables leaders to set objectives and lay down a strategy’.

    The above was what came to my mind as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq set the ball rolling for Kwara to own a state university of education — for a start. It is interesting to note that the report of the transition implementation committee (in 2019) that gave the Governor some preliminary insights into the whats, the hows, and the wheres of the state had specifically mentioned a need for Kwara to own one.

    A few persons have asked why Kwara should have a university of education. A few others have scoffed at the initiative. What I observe is that most of the critics appear to not know what the issues are.

    At this moment in history, our colleges of education in Nigeria are grasping for breath. Many of them hang on government’s subventions and bailouts, such as were again recently approved for our Colleges in Kwara to offset their salaries. In response to some of the challenges that colleges of education now face nationwide, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed Federal Colleges of Education Act 2023, which, among other things, empowers Federal Colleges of Education to run NCE and related degree programmes concurrently. The Act, which repealed the one of 2004, states its objectives to include provision of legal basis for the award of diplomas and degrees and give the Colleges the powers to expand the scope of the curriculum of the Colleges to degree-awarding institutions.

    Stakeholders in the colleges of education call it dual mode, and have hailed the President for assenting to the bill. At an audience with them on August 21, 2023, the leadership of the Joint Academic Staff Unions in Tertiary Institutions (JASUTI) appealed to the state government to domesticate the Federal Colleges of Education Act in Kwara State. Another request of JASUTI on that day — and always — is for the government to convert one of the COED to a university of education. When the government set up visitation panels to the three COED in Kwara State, their terms of reference included to examine and recommend how the state can draw inspirations from the new College of Education Act 2023.

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    Colleges of Education were, to an extent, the successor institutions to the old Teachers’ College or Training Institute. But times have changed. Enrollment in the colleges has dropped drastically. For instance, as of November 2, 2023, the total number of students at the College of Education Ilorin is 2,751, which is hardly a fraction of Year One students in some universities. Ironically, the staff strength of the same college stands at 604, more than half of them being non-academic. Of the 604, the academic staff are just 163, representing a paltry 26.9% of the people on the payroll.

    Reforms are inevitable, and the setting up of the visitation panels is the first step. The public should note that the early years of the administration were spent stabilising these colleges following several months of crises, which the new administration had since resolved.

    Despite resolving the crises that spanned different periods of the former administration through 2019, the colleges remain at a critical intersection of history as the pressure for reforms and modernisation mounts. Many of them, especially CoED Ilorin and Oro, are now affiliated to some universities within and outside of Kwara State. It is a survival strategy, not something they willingly do. The affiliation offers their students an opportunity to upgrade their NCE to a university degree. This is a money-spinning initiative by the benefiting university at the expense of the Colleges. All the colleges benefit in this arrangement is to keep their NCE students.

    On top of this is the persisting infrastructural deficits and lack of enough access to research grants now worsened by a new federal government policy that pegs the slots that Colleges of Education have in the Tertiary Education Trust (TETFUND).

    Hunkering down for reforms that accommodate the current economic situation, the administration has decided, for a start, to make one of the three COED a university of education and the mechanisms for doing that have been set in motion with the committee led by Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem. That way, new and expectedly more enrollees are coming in either for double honours degrees, diplomas, or the traditional NCE. With more students come more revenues and the colleges (and their alumni) are saved the dishonour of dying off. The schools would no longer need affiliations to some other universities to keep their NCE students. And the colleges (now university) will have a stronger footing in the club of TETFUND beneficiaries for research grants and infrastructural development.

    Methinks the burden of initial investments that would naturally be made will pale into insignificance when the hard work and the ingenuity of the government bear great fruits for all.

    • Rafiu Ajakaye is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kwara State

  • Old students renovate five classrooms, toilets in Kwara

    Old students renovate five classrooms, toilets in Kwara

    Some old students of Cherubim and Seraphim College, Ilorin, Kwara State have renovated a block of five classrooms and four toilets of their alma mater.

    The students graduated from the mission school in the year 1999.

    The erstwhile students of the college have been carrying out their humanitarian gesture under the name 99 Impact Makers Foundation.

    Chairman and Secretary of the association, Shola Afolayan and Bunmi Onare, told our correspondent that the foundation started in 2018 and had assisted scores of indigent students of the college.

    They said that “in a remarkable display of Benevolence, we generously had provided cash donations and scholarships to 10 underprivileged students still attending Cherubim and Seraphim College, thus lighting the path towards a brighter and more promising future for these young scholars.

    “In May 2023, the foundation unveiled its most ambitious project yet -the renovation of a block of five classrooms and four toilets at the same college, with 24-hour water supply.

    Read Also: Kwara Gov pleased with new dental clinic, ICU, other facilities at Ilorin General Hospital

    “This transformation was made possible through the foundation’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to its community.

    “In addition, we have also distributed essential writing materials to students at the college ensuring that education remains a priority.”

    The duo said that over the years “we have celebrated Christmas with children at an orphanage, providing not only food but also clothing, making the holiday season truly special for those less fortunate.

    “We had also embarked on a visit to a Muslim children’s home, where we presented not only food items and clothes but also monetary support.”

    “With each visit to an orphanage, every scholarship granted, and all the compassionate gestures they have extended, we have sown the seeds of change,” they claimed.

  • Kwara Gov pleased with new dental clinic, ICU, other facilities at Ilorin General Hospital

    Kwara Gov pleased with new dental clinic, ICU, other facilities at Ilorin General Hospital

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday paid a visit to some of the medical facilities being put in place at the state General Hospital Ilorin to inspect the level and quality of work done so far.

    The administration has since embarked on a comprehensive redesign and renovation of the dental clinics and eye care centre, new intensive care unit, and construction of some VIP wards at the hospital to improve healthcare service delivery for the citizens.

    The Governor expressed satisfaction at the standards of the facilities. 

    “We have delivered several projects across different sectors for the use of the people. For us, it is not about commissioning. And we may, of course, commission some of these projects from time to time, and they are quite many as you have seen in this hospital alone. Our priority is service delivery. This visit is to see things for myself and make sure our people have the right equipment and personnel in  place,” AbdulRazaq told newsmen after the facility tour in Ilorin.

    Read Also: Hoodlums kill one, kidnap two women in Kwara

    The Governor was conducted round by the Executive Secretary State Hospital Management Board Dr AbdulRaheem Malik and the Chief Medical Director of the hospital Dr Ahmed Bola Abdulkadir. 

    He pledged that the government will also give the right attention to the other General Hospitals at Offa, Omu-Aran, Kaiama, and other parts of the state one after the other.

    “From what I have seen so far, it is excellent. The standard is very good. I am impressed with what I have seen. We intend to build on this. We will also go to Offa, Omu-Aran and Kaiama and the likes, and make sure that they meet the standards,” the Governor added.