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  • Isese: Probe Kwara CP to prevent crisis, Traditionalists’ Council urges IGP

    Isese: Probe Kwara CP to prevent crisis, Traditionalists’ Council urges IGP

    The parent body of all traditionalist groups and associations in Africa, Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council (ARSADIC) has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to probe the Commissioner of Police in Kwara over the crisis between Osun devotees and Islamic fateful in the state.

    Read Also; Subsidy removal: Gombe govt approves N10,000 increment in workers’ salary

    The president of the council, Dr Ifagbenusola Atanda, after a meeting held in Ile-Ife, cautioned that extremists should be prevented from causing further unrest and harassment to his members.

    His words: “The IG should probe and investigate the CP. We opined that the CP was biased in handling the matter. If he is found wanting, he should be punished and removed from the state. We are not happy with the way the CP handled the matter. We are calling the attention of the IG over the matter before it snowballs into a major crisis in the state.

  • Kwara begins phased distribution of 25,000 bags of rice

    Kwara begins phased distribution of 25,000 bags of rice

    From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

    Kwara State Government yesterday began phased distribution of rice palliatives to the most vulnerable persons in the state, as directed by the Federal Government, to mitigate pains of fuel subsidy removal.

    The palliatives distribution committee in the state headed by Police Commissioner Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi said it would share at least 250,000 ten kilogrammes of bags in the first phase.

    In a bid to ensure non-partisanship, fairness and equity, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq about two weeks ago inaugurated the 12-man committee to coordinate the distribution of the palliatives purchased with the N2 billion so far received from the Federal Government.

    At the launch of the distribution in Ilorin, the governor said the palliatives are only a show of empathy with the people, as more sustainable initiatives are being implemented in phases.

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    He was represented by the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu.

    The governor said: “This is only a fraction of what we have done to identify with the people at this very critical moment of our national life. Palliatives are a stop-gap measure to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on the most vulnerable among us.

    “Over the last few weeks, our government has rolled out different palliative measures to support the people in the formal and informal sectors. Also, we had earlier distributed the five trucks of rice we received from the Federal Government. We acknowledge the limits of this distribution in terms of the reach.

    “Today, we are launching the distribution of the first consignments of rice we purchased with the N2billion so far received from the Federal Government. We are distributing at least 250,000 10kg bags of rice in this phase.

    “Beneficiaries will be identified on a non-partisan basis by the committee of eminent ‘Kwarans’. This committee has continued to consult with different blocs of our communities as well as evidence-based registers of vulnerable people domiciled with key agencies of government such as the health insurance, primary health care agencies, as well as the World Bank. Distribution will be done in accordance with the timetable and logistics of the committee.

    “For me, the most important aspect of today’s event is not the quantity or the sheer reach of the grains to be distributed. The most significant thing is the spirit of empathy that is behind what we are doing. The government at all levels empathises with the people across all social strata of our society. We are committed to taking every step possible to help the people cope with the inconveniences of this time.

    “Huge investments are being made to boost the manufacturing sector, strengthen local production of food through commercial agriculture, local production of CNG and electric vehicles, and mass employment for young people in different aspects of the economy.

    “We are a resilient people. I have no doubt that we will emerge from this tough situation much better and stronger as a nation.”

    The event was attended by members of palliative committee and beneficiaries of the first batch, including representatives of Persons living with disabilities; WOWICAN; marketmen and women group; Hausa community; Igbo Community; South-south community; Youth Council; NANS; Youth CAN; Orphanage; NUT; NUJ; TUC; FOMWAN; Non-indigene community; NURTW; NLC and Artisans groups.

  • Kwara distributes 250,000 bags of rice palliatives in first phase

    Kwara distributes 250,000 bags of rice palliatives in first phase

    Kwara Government on Wednesday flagged off the distribution of rice palliatives to the most vulnerable persons in the state, with the committee saying it would share at least 250,000 10kg bags in the first phase.

    In what was an attempt to ensure non-partisanship, fairness and equity, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on August 22 inaugurated the 12-person committee to coordinate the distribution of the palliatives purchased with the N2bn so far received from the Federal Government.

    At the flag off of the distribution in Ilorin, the state capital, the Governor said the palliatives are only a show of empathy with the people as more sustainable initiatives are being implemented in phases.

    He was represented by Kwara Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu.

    The Governor said: “This is only a fraction of what we have done to identify with the people at this very critical moment of our national life. Palliatives are a stop-gap measure to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on the most vulnerable among us.

    “Over the last few weeks, our government has rolled out different palliative measures to support the people in the formal and informal sectors. Also, we had earlier distributed the five trucks of rice we received from the Federal Government. We acknowledge the limits of this distribution in terms of the reach.

    “Today, we are flagging off the distribution of the first consignments of rice we purchased with the N2bn so far received from the Federal Government. We are distributing at least 250,000 10kg bags of rice in this phase.

    “Beneficiaries will be identified on a nonpartisan basis by the committee of eminent Kwarans. This committee has continued to consult with different blocs of our communities as well as evidence-based registers of vulnerable people domiciled with key agencies of government such as the health insurance, primary healthcare agencies, as well as the World Bank. Distribution will be done in accordance with the timetable and logistics of the committee.

    “For me, the most important aspect of today’s event is not the quantity or the sheer reach of the grains to be distributed. The most significant thing is the spirit of empathy that is behind what we are doing. The government at all levels empathises with the people across all social strata of our society. We are committed to taking every step possible to help the people cope with the inconveniences of this time.

    “Huge investments are being made to boost the manufacturing sector, strengthen local production of food through commercial agriculture, local production of CNG and electric vehicles, and mass employment for young people in different aspects of the economy.

    “We are a resilient people. I have no doubt that we will emerge from this tough situation much better and stronger as a nation.

    “On that note, I have the honour to flag off the distribution of these palliative. I urge our people to trust the committee to do justice to the assignment, bearing in mind that the whole essence of this modest effort is to show concern to the plight of the people, especially the most vulnerable among us.”

    The event was attended by members of palliative committee and beneficiaries of the first batch, including representatives of Persons living with disabilities; WOWICAN; Marketmen and women group; Hausa community; Igbo Community; South-south community; Youth Council; NANS; Youth CAN; Orphanage; NUT; NUJ; TUC; FOMWAN; Non-indigene community; NURTW; NLC and Artisans groups.

    The committee chairperson CP Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi said the flag off marked the beginning of the exercise, which would see the palliatives being taken to all the 16 local government after agreeing the modalities with all the stakeholders and interest groups.

    “The committee has the mandate to distribute approximately 250,000 bags of 10kg rice and advise the government on effective deployment of the N1bn worth of maize from the Maize Reserve (SMR) through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Livestock Farmers across the state,” she said.

    Read Also: Bayelsa palliatives: If you ask me…

    The committee has since started its assignment by directing Director of Personnel Management (DPM) of the local government area to collaboratively work with Primary Healthcare Development Agency in a bid to generate a list of potential beneficiaries and vulnerable indigenes across the nooks and crannies of the state, she added.

    Representative of Persons with disabilities Alfred Oluwole; representative of FOMWAN Hajia Bilqees Oladimeji; representative of WOWICAN Mrs Kehinde Awe; and the President, Kwara State Artisans Congress Alhaji Jimoh Adeshina applauded AbdulRazaq for this initiative aimed at cushion the effects of fuel subsidy.

    “We know the cost of a bag of rice in the market today. So, we thank the Federal and the state government for this initiative. We really appreciate our able and unique Governor for his passion in improving the welfare of the citizenry,” Adeshina said.

    Some beneficiaries took turns to commend the government for the palliatives.

  • Isese: Court admits two to bail in Kwara

    Isese: Court admits two to bail in Kwara

    After 29 days on remand, a Kwara State Magistrates’ Court in Ilorin yesterday granted bail to two traditionalists, accused of defamation of character.

    Abebi Efunsetan Yakubu aka Olorisa and Obalowu Jimoh had been held on a court order at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre following their arraignment by the police.

    The police acted on a petition by a lawyer, Ademola Ajasa on behalf of his client, Alfa Nla Okutagidi of No. 105, Pakata Road, Okutagidi.

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    According to the police report, Okutagidi said he saw a video Olorisa posted on the internet, claiming to have helped him some years back in preparing spiritual sacrifice for his first wife before and after she gave birth to a child.

    The police alleged that Iya Abebi (Olorisa) and Obalowu Jimoh conspired and defamed Okutagidi’s character to incite disturbance of public peace.

  • Kwara Gov names UK-trained administrator Garment Factory MD

    Kwara Gov names UK-trained administrator Garment Factory MD

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has appointed a United Kingdom-trained administrator Olubukola Kifayat Adedeji as the pioneer Managing Director of the Kwara Garment Factory Ltd, one of the signature projects of the administration conceived to boost economic productivity and employment generation. 

    Olubukola, who is from Offa, was educated at the University of Hull, United Kingdom; Merton Adult Education London; University of Ilorin; Ahmadu Bello University; and Kwara State College of Technology; among others. 

    A member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, she holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) and has held several leadership positions in firms in Nigeria and United Kingdom, including Managing Director of Premium Procurements Limited and Director of Growth at MCE Ltd. She was an administrator at Northeast Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT) Ewell, Surrey, United Kingdom; and Project Coordinator at Kent & Medway Networks Ltd, Folkestone, United Kingdom.

    One-time Administrator for Family Care Support Care Planning Team at the London Borough of Sutton, the appointee was the Risk Asset Manager at Intercity Bank Plc, Kaduna; Principal Consultant at Business Solutions International Ltd, Abuja; and Operations Manager at Gamji Bank Plc, Abuja; among several other professional experience.

    Olubukola’s appointment will kickstart preliminary activities at the garment factory, which is now completed. 

    The Governor also appointed Dr. Tejidini Toyin Olayinka, a university teacher, as the new Acting General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP).

    Tejidini, a deft political operative from Ilorin, holds a doctoral degree in sociology and comes to the job with administrative experiences spanning years.

    Read Also: Isese: Court summons IGP over detained Kwara traditionalists

    He was educated at Government High School Ilorin; Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; and University of Ilorin.

    Dr. Tejidini also holds a certificate in social administration, and has attended academic conferences in Nigeria and abroad. 

    He is a thoroughbred administrator, especially in the academic community where he has held several leadership positions. His work experiences cut across University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, and Kwara State Polytechnic.

  • Kwara police CP declares man wanted over threat to lives of Isese adherents

    Kwara police CP declares man wanted over threat to lives of Isese adherents

    Kwara state commissioner of police, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, has declarer one Salam Ayodeji wanted for allegedly threatening the lives of a couple believed to be Isese adherents (traditionalists) in Ilorin, the state capital

    Ayodeji in a viral video on social media had met one Tajudeen and his wife, in their shop located at Alaran compound, Ilorin, where the couple sell TV sets.

    In the video, the suspect claimed to have the backing of the state police command, accusing the duo of being Isese adherents.

    Speaking during a meeting with families of the suspect and that of the traditionalists, the CP directed the family of Ayodeji to produce the suspect for alleged terrorism and defamation of character.

    The police boss, who chastised the Ayodeji’s family for not enlightening their son against his criminal behaviour, said his attitude was capable of causing breakdown of law and order.

    She said: “Is it because Tajudeen’s wife is from Osun state. Does that mean she’s a traditionalist? Or is there no Muslims in Osun state.”

    Read Also: Kwara pays N150m for girl-child education

    The commissioner also berated Alaran’s family for driving the couple out of the area and for refunding the rent of the shop to the couple against their wish.

    She asked the family of Ayodeji to look for their son and produce him to the command from wherever he might have run to on or before Wednesday, August 30.

    The CP added that the command had begun manhunt for him.

    In their reaction, the members of Ayodeji’s family said that they had been looking for the suspect since Friday last week, saying that his phone line had not been reachable.

    Tajudeen, who said that he had resigned to faith and put the whole matter in God’s hands, added that the family of Ayodeji had pleaded with him for forgiveness.

  • Kwara Gov hands 1,000 life jackets to Patigi, restates commitment to safe water travel

    Kwara Gov hands 1,000 life jackets to Patigi, restates commitment to safe water travel

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday handed at least 1,000 life jackets to residents of Patigi to prevent drowning and death in the event of a boat mishap during water travel.

    AbdulRazaq handed the life jackets to the Etsu Patigi Alhaji Umar Bologi II shortly after a meeting with some first class monarchs who had come to brief him on some issues of security and general well-being of the people. 

    The Governor said a similar gesture will be extended to Edu local government and other riverine areas to promote safe water travel in the state.

    “This is only a phase of donation of lifejacket to people of Patigi Local Government. We will also move to Edu Local Government to make sure we have adequate life-saving equipment for our people along the banks of River Niger and within the riverine communities in the state. It is a continuous process and health and safety issue concern being addressed,” he said.

    The brief ceremony was attended by the state Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Jide Asonibare; Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Etsu Patigi Alhaji Umar Bologi II;

    Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye; Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar; and Olomu of Omu Aran Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti.

    Read Also: Kwara Assembly confirms 18 commissioners-nominee

    Etsu Bologi II thanked AbdulRazaq for taking “wonderful steps” to protect his subjects, adding that this will go a long way to avert recurrence of boat mishap in the area.

    “On behalf of myself and entire people of Patigi Emirate Council, we want to sincerely thank His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for this wonderful donation of lifejacket to our people at riverine areas who are mostly farmers and fishermen,” he said.

    “Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and we pray Almighty Allah to guide and protect you and continue to uplift your government and see you succeed.”

    The Government had recently sent a team to the Lagos Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as part of its ongoing efforts to boost water travel and safety. 

  • Kwara Assembly confirms 18 commissioners-nominee

    Kwara Assembly confirms 18 commissioners-nominee

    Kwara State House of Assembly has confirmed the 18 nominees forwarded to it by Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq as commissioners. The assembly also confirmed one person as commissioner 2 for the Civil Service Commission.

    The confirmation followed successful screening of the commissioners-designate.

    The exercise lasted for three legislative days.

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    The names of the commissioners-designate are  Abdulganiy Abdulazeez Kola (Asa LGA), Aliyu Kora Sabi  (Baruten  LGA), Shehu Ndanusa Usman (Edu LGA), Afolashade Opeyemi Kemi (Ekiti) and Dr. Segun Ogunshola (Ifelodun).

    Others are Abdulquawiy Olododo (Ilorin East), Saadatu Modibbo Kawu (Ilorin South), Ibrahim Suleiman (Ilorin West), Hauwa Nuru (Ilorin West), Damilola Yusuf (Isin LGA), Oloruntoyosi Thomas (Isin), Bola Olukoju (Irepodun), Abubakar Abdullahi Bata (Kaiama), Bello John Olarewaju (Moro), Dr. Amina El-Imam (Offa), Dr. Mary Arinde (Oke-Ero), Olaitan Buraimoh (Oyun)  and Usman Yunusa (Patigi LGA). Mrs. Jemilat Adamu Bake is the confirmed  Commissioner II in the Civil Service Commission.

  • Kwara governor alive to workers’ yearnings, says colleges

    Worker’ unions in Kwara State Colleges of Education have hailed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his prompt resolution of the crisis that had affected the schools for the last four years, describing him as “being alive to the yearnings of workers”.

    The unions, in a statement by their chairman Imam Abdulkadir and scribe Muritala Sulauman, said: “The entire members of staff of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin; College of Education, Oro; College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi; and Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin; under the auspices of Committee of Unions in Tertiary Institutions (CUTI), wish to express gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for his quick intervention on the challenges facing the colleges.

    “The unions appreciate Governor Abdulrazaq’s prompt release of Accreditation Grants to College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi, and College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies as well as the fulfilment of his promise towards prompt payment of monthly subvention to the Colleges. The governor is no doubt alive to the yearnings and aspirations of the workers of the state-owned tertiary institutions with a view to repositioning the education sector of the state.”

    Read Also: A college’s many challenges

    The state-owned tertiary institutions have for the past four years suffered serious neglect during the tenure of the immediate past governor.

    The unions have appealed to the governor to pay the remaining arrears of salary owed them by the last administration, release accreditation funds for Colleges of Education in Ilorin  and Oro, and implement some other agreements the past administration struck with the workers of the colleges.

    AbdulRazaq recently met with the leadership of the schools to listen to their complaints, following which he released N50 million for the payment of their salaries and re-accreditation of at least two of them after many years of crisis that had grounded the institutions.

  • Kwara governor mourns ex-Offa Poly Rector Kawu

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday condoled with the Offa community over the death of the former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Offa, Dr. Muftau Olatinwo.

    “The death of this fine administrator came as a shock. We commiserate with the entire Olatinwo lineage, the Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II and the academic community over the sad demise of Dr. Olatinwo,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye.

    The statement said Dr. Olatinwo would be remembered for his outstanding community service and contributions to make a positive difference during his years as Rector of the FedPoly Offa.

    Read Also: Pray for Kwara, AbdulRazaq urges pilgrims

    “We pray the Almighty God to forgive his shortcomings and comfort his family and the Offa community at large,” the statement added.

    The governor also condoled with the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu on the death of his sister, Hajia Dupe Kawu.

    “Her death is one other sad incident too many and we can only pray to the Almighty Allah to halt further depletion of our young ones,” the statement said.