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  • Farmer decries attacks in Kwara

    Farmer decries attacks in Kwara

    Chief Executive of Versa Farms, Nigeria’s largest tomato farm, Ibrahim Toyeeb, has condemned attacks sweeping in Kwara State, warning that the violence threatens to cripple the economy of Kwara South.

    Toyeeb, whose farm is a huge employer of labour, said the killings and mass displacement s “painful,” stressing intervention is needed to protect lives and livelihoods.

    His comments followed coordinated assaults on communities in Kwara South and neighbouring areas, including Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government, where scores were killed, injured and others abducted.

    “If action is not taken, Kwara South could be economically dead. Investors will flee, livelihoods vanish, and families will be in ruins.”

    The farmer voiced frustration at the inadequate response from key representatives: Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, and Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, chairman of House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

    “Silence from those elected to protect us is not neutrality, it is, to us, abandonment. Why has this situation not been mentioned boldly on the floor of the National Assembly? Representation without advocacy is no representation at all,” he declared.

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    Calling for leadership and immediate action, Toyeeb outlined a series of measures he said could stem the crisis: targeted security deployments, identification of vulnerable points, a joint federal-state security task force, humanitarian assessments and relief for displaced families, a transparent investigation into the attacks, and a published action plan.

    He also urged the Kwara State Government and security agencies to sustain recently announced security measures and to prioritize intelligence-driven operations. While welcoming calls for increased military presence, he stressed that any deployment must be paired with local engagement and direct relief for victims.

    Beyond the human cost, Toyeeb warned of the devastating economic impact. “Insecurity is destroying Kwara South’s investment potential. If farms close and businesses pull out, poverty deepens and the area becomes economically crippled,” he said.

    Versa Farms, which employs hundreds, stands as an example of the region’s potential, Toyeeb added. “We are proof of what is possible if safety and stability are assured. This is why I am raising my voice: to protect not just farms, but futures.”

  • 2027: Youths drum support for Kwara North, Central candidate

    2027: Youths drum support for Kwara North, Central candidate

    Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum (KNCF) and Kwara Central Youths have unanimously agreed that the governorship seat should shift to Kwara North in 2027.

    KNCF urged all the political parties in the state to zone their governorship tickets to Kwara North for the district to push forward its best candidate.

    Both Kwara North and Kwara Central said this during a dialogue in Ilorin, the state capital.

    KNCF’s Chairman, Abduldayan Haruna said: “This dialogue is not an accident of history. It is a deliberate and well-thought-out continuation of the private visits and engagements we in the forum have had with various associations, youth groups, community leaders, stakeholders, and opinion shapers in Kwara central.

    “In each of those engagements, one truth has consistently emerges: our brothers and sisters in Kwara Central stand firmly on the side of equity, justice and fairness. Their voices have been clear and their position unwavering; that in 2027, the governorship seat of the state should rightly and justly be zoned to Kwara North senatorial district.

    “We believe that unity among our youths across senatorial lines is the strongest foundation upon which the 2027 aspiration rests.

    “If we could support the current Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq in 2023 for his second term bid, it is incumbent on Kwara central to reciprocate the gesture in 2027 by supporting a Kwara North aspiration of governing the state.

    “All that we are asking for is that every political party in the state should zone its governorship ticket to our senatorial district in 2027. Then it is left for us to decide who to present that is capable.”

    Keynote speaker, Mohammed Abdullahi who hails from Kwara central, also harped on unity of the Kwara northerners.

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    The theme of the dialogue was “Kwara North governorship aspiration: A path to a more united and prosperous Kwara.”

    Abdullahi added that had not come to the meeting to campaign for Kwara North but to support justice.

    “Kwara North deserves the chance to also aspire for the highest office in the state.

    “We have returned to democracy since 1999. By the time this administration finishes in 2027, Kwara central would have occupied the seat for 20 years. Kwara South has done it for eight years.

    “Since 1999 Kwara North has not had it. What we are saying is that it is time for equity, fairness and justice which religion of Islam preaches. We need to give the district the chance to take a short at the seat.

    “But, we must not base our support on sentiment, they must be able to unite among themselves to give us a qualified candidate that deserves to be on the seat.”

    Also speaking, Talba of Lafiagi Salihu Suleiman, a Kwara northerner, said that “all we want is equity, justice, fair play and inclusiveness.

    “The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has clearly stated that it is the right of the Kwara North to aspire to govern the state in 2027.”

  • Kwara begins new roads in southern region as council okays contracts

    Kwara begins new roads in southern region as council okays contracts

    Kwara State Executive Council on Thursday approved construction of projects across different sectors to boost Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s drive for a stronger and inclusive future anchored on solid infrastructure and human capital development.

    In what signalled the major takeoff of the Kwara Smart City project, the council has approved the construction of a four-storey administrative/senate building for the Kwara State University of Education (KWSUED).

    Following a presentation on the tender process by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Dr. Segun Ogunsola, the construction work for the Senate building was awarded to M C & T Limited at the cost of N11.9bn for a duration of 15 months.

    Ogunsola said the building will house Senate/Council Chambers, Conference Rooms, and office accommodation for key management personnel such as the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrar, Bursar.

    The building will also provide office spaces for routine university’s administration such as Finance, Registry, Student Affairs, Examination, and Records, among others, according to the commissioner.

    The council also considered and approved the construction of the Ojoku-Ilemona Bye-Pass Road Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, a 15km project with significant impacts on the communities in the axis.

    The road directly connects traffic from the axis to the 49km tax credit-funded Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road.

    The work was awarded to Construction Products Nig. Ltd. at N6.4bn for a duration of 19 months.

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    After a presentation by the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, the cabinet also considered and approved a N2bn contract for the construction of Alabe-Oreke Road in Ifelodun, connecting the area with other agrarian communities in the rocky terrain.

    The job, which completes the long stretch from Owode Ofaro end and links Ifelodun to Isin Local Government Area, is awarded to Wallyson Ventures for a completion period of 12 months.

    These approvals came as contractors have been mobilised to begin construction works on the Offa and Lafiagi Stadia, strengthening public access to standard sports facilities in every part of the state.

    Both stadia, now approved for rehabilitation, had been moribund for several years.

  • Massive turnout as Kwara APC sensitises members on voter registration, security strategies

    Massive turnout as Kwara APC sensitises members on voter registration, security strategies

    Kwara’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend sensitised party faithfuls across the state on the need to actively partake in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

    The party also educated members on the security efforts of the present administration in the state and the roles they are expected to play as citizens to collectively defeat the criminal elements.

    Held at the Arca Santa Arena in the capital city, the event attracted the National and State parliamentarians, senior government officials, party leaders and stalwarts, including House of Representatives’ member for Edu/Patigi/Moro Federal Constituency, Hon Ahmed Saba; Speaker Kwara House of Assembly Rt. Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi.

    Others were Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Mamman Saba Jibril; Local Government Chairmen; former PDP Chieftain and Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2019 general elections, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola; Chairman of Governing Council for Kwara State University (KWASU), Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali; Vice Chancellor, KWASU, Prof Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, and Deputy VC, Prof Moshood Mahmud Jimba.

    Kwara APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, said voters’ registration is not just a routine civic duty for the people of Kwara but a foundation upon which to consolidate the resounding winning streak of the APC in Kwara and across Nigeria.

    He said anybody, who does not possess a voter registration card is not eligible to become a member of a political party.

    “As APC faithful, your mobilization for voter registration will amplify the gains of our administration, ensuring our victory in 2027. Let us go forth, register voters, and secure a brighter future,” he said.

    “I charge each of you to ensure that at least 20 more persons register to vote through your own efforts. It is doable. That is the way to thank the President and the Governor for their commitment to sustainable development in our state”.

    Fagbemi said the party’s dominance is no accident but stems from a proven track record of transformative governance under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “We have delivered impressive strides in infrastructural development, human capital empowerment, rural transformation, while laying strong foundations for the future through massive investments in education, health care, agriculture, commerce, digital economy, tourism, creative industry, justice system, and social protection programmes,” he said.

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    Both leaders have exemplified unparalleled statesmanship in managing public resources with prudence and prioritizing the welfare of our citizens, the Chairman added.

    He said the party has done so much under Governor AbdulRazaq that it is asking Kwarans to enlist as voters in sustaining the gains.

    Rt. Hon Danladi, in what appeared to be a legislative proceeding, engaged the party members in “Aye and No” verbal voting to ascertain their level of awareness and acceptance of the resolution at the gathering.

    He urged them to give the voter registration exercise the needed  seriousness in the interest of the party and the state at large.

    Enlightening the gathering, Alhaji Muhammed Babatunde Yusuf, who is a former INEC staff, commended the ruling APC in the state for sensitizing people on their civic duty, saying that complements the work of INEC. 

    He urged all party faithfuls to accept the calls to support the INEC officials by mobilizing their eligible people to partake in the exercise before the close of its first phase on 10th December, 2025.

    Describing the voter registration as an integral part of elections, Yusuf said INEC reopened its portal to accommodate those who were not up to age 18 or were not around during the last registration exercise; those whose cards are lost or damaged; and those who want to transfer their polling units.

    Commissioner for Works, Engr Abdulqowiyu Olododo, Chairman, Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, and Chairman, Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, took turns to sensitize participants on the topics of discussion, and speak on some of the developmental projects of Governor AbdulRazaq administration. 

    Olododo touted the administration’s scorecards on road infrastructure in the last two years and refuted the claim in some quarters that most of these road projects were awarded to non-indigenes.

    He said 70 percent of road projects executed so far were awarded to local contractors.

    Alakawa enjoined people of voting age to take the advantage of the ongoing voter registration, and to obtain their PVCs, describing the process as a weapon to elect leaders of their choice.

    He however said that security is everybody’s business and urged Kwarans to be vigilant and always assist security agencies with useful and intelligent information to nab criminals.

    Aliyu said various measures have been put in place by government to check security challenges and restore peace in the affected parts of the state.

    He said plans are at the advance stage to recruit and equip a total of 2600 security guards under Nigerian Forest Guards who will be working in synergy with the security operatives to ward off crimes in the hinterlands.

    Adaramaja said as of Friday, a total of 89,056 Kwarans have successfully registered online, while 10,547 have so far completed their physical registration.

    He said about 70,000 of those who registered online still have to visit INEC office to complete their registration, asking them to hurry up.

  • Foundation ends 2025 summer lessons, awards scholarships in Kwara  

    Foundation ends 2025 summer lessons, awards scholarships in Kwara  

    The Prof. Adaramaja Education Foundation has concluded its 2025 Summer Lessons programme at L.G.E.A. Primary School, Otte Oja, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The initiative, spearheaded by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, brought together pupils across different levels of basic education for academic engagement during the long vacation.

    At the closing ceremony, scholarships were awarded to the best-performing pupils in each class category. The Foundation also paid the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) fees for outstanding students identified in this year’s edition of the programme.

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    The scheme is the 5th edition, and is part of Prof. Adaramaja’s ongoing efforts to promote access to quality education and to support parents in meeting the educational needs of their children.

    Prof. Adaramaja, widely regarded for his contributions to the development of basic education in Kwara State, has over the years championed several interventions, including school rehabilitation, teacher training, and scholarship support for indigent pupils.

    Community leaders, parents and beneficiaries present at the event commended the Foundation for sustaining the annual summer lessons and for providing direct incentives to encourage academic excellence.

    The occasion also offered an opportunity for commendation of the broader leadership in the state. Speakers at the event did not fail to appreciate the enabling environment provided by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom they hailed as a leader who empowers his lieutenants to deliver. Prof. Adaramaja, they observed, is a reflection of the Governor’s vision for a knowledge-driven, inclusive Kwara.

    In a society where many children risk being left behind due to economic challenges, the Prof. Adaramaja Education Foundation stands as a reminder that targeted, community-driven interventions can change destinies. Year after year, it demonstrates that education is not merely a classroom experience, but a shared responsibility — one that requires the combined will of government, leaders, and communities.

    As the sun set on the 2025 edition of the Summer Lessons, one message rang clear from Otte-Oja: education remains the surest path to empowerment, and when leaders rise to the occasion, communities flourish.

  • Displacement, waterborne diseases likely in Niger, Kwara, Kogi as NiMet predicts extreme rainfall

    Displacement, waterborne diseases likely in Niger, Kwara, Kogi as NiMet predicts extreme rainfall

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has predicted large-scale displacement and outbreak of waterborne diseases in Niger, Kwara and Kogi due to extreme heavy rainfall that the states may witness.

    The Agency also predicted damage to roads, bridges, loss of lives, injuries, reduction of visibility, and interruption of vehicular traffic during the rainfall. 

    This is contained in the high-impact-based forecast released on Monday by NiMet.

    The forecast reads: “On Tuesday 9th September, 2025 (0000-2359hrs), Extreme Heavy Rainfall is anticipated over parts of Niger, Kwara and Kogi States.

    “Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, parts of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Bauchi, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Southern Ondo states

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    “Light to moderate rainfall is expected over most parts of the country. Low rainfall with little or no risk of hydro-meteorological hazard is expected over parts of Northern Yobe and Borno state”.
    On the potential impact of thr heavy rainfall,”

    NiMet added: “Extreme heavy rainfall, flash flooding, riverine flooding, soil erosion, Thunder and lightning, strong winds.

    “Large-scale displacement of people due to floods, outbreaks of waterborne diseases, damages to infrastructures (roads, bridges), Loss of lives, injuries, reduction of visibility, interruption of vehicular traffic.”

    On Wednesday, 10th September 2025 (0000 – 2359hrs), the agency predicted light to moderate rainfall over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, Taraba, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

    On Thursday 11th September, 2025 (0000 – 2359hrs), it stated that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Nasarawa, Southern Kaduna and Cross River states.

    It added that light to moderate rainfall is expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Kwara, parts of Kogi, Rivers, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Bauchi and Jigawa states.

    The agency also predicted that in the next three days, moderate risk of hazards due to strong winds are likely over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, Yobe, Gombe, Kebbi and Niger States.

  • Reps member, senatorial aspirant disagree over insecurity in Kwara

    Reps member, senatorial aspirant disagree over insecurity in Kwara

    House of Representatives member representing Moro/Patigi/Edu Federal Constituency and 2027 Kwara South senatorial aspirant, Saba Adamu and Temitayo Abolarin have disagreed over the security situation in Kwara state.

    Adamu hailed Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of banditry and kidnappings.

    Abolarin however said that kidnappings and banditry are now commonplace in Kwara South.

     Abolarin said: “Kidnappings, killings, and violent crimes have become daily occurrences. Farmers are chased from their farmlands, traders are robbed, and innocent citizens are murdered in cold blood.

    “Families mourn without justice, and entire communities are abandoned to their fate. Under this government, Kwara South has been reduced to a hunting ground for criminals.

    “This is not the Kwara we once knew. When Baba Saraki and later Dr. Bukola Saraki were in charge, government meant protection, governance meant compassion, and the people could sleep with both eyes closed. Kwara South deserves better than negligence, incompetence, and propaganda.

    “As a son of this soil, I will continue to raise my voice until security returns to every village, town, and city in Kwara South. Enough is enough.”

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     However, Adamu applauded security agencies and Kwara state Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq’s ongoing efforts at riding the state of banditry and kidnapping.

    Adamu added that the current efforts of the governor to secure the state from criminals has shown he is a leader who takes the security of lives and property of the residents seriously.

    The lawmaker through his media aide Bello Hamidu, said: “Our governor and leader, is performing incredibly well in every aspect of life, and he needs to be seriously encouraged and commended to do more.

    “From the privilege information that I have ,the c  efforts and perseverance of his excellency in coordinating all the local and federal security agencies to rid our state of harmony of present banditry and Kidnappings challenges is  top notch, exactly what anyone would do to protect his own life and properties.

    “From time immemorial, I have not seen or heard a leader painstakingly taking efforts from all angles to fully secure, to truly confirm our status of state of harmony.

    “It is reasonable that the achievements he has recorded in the area of industrial revolution since he assumed office and urban renewal  shouldn’t be allowed to be tainted when residents are allowed to be troubled by banditry and kidnappings.

    “As our leader, I stand with you, at this time and always as you forge ahead I’m advancing cause in securing the state while you consolidate on your achievements to leave a legacy that will last Kwara and indeed Nigeria a lifetime.”

  • Hoodlums kill two in Kwara

    Hoodlums kill two in Kwara

    Armed robbers on Thursday attacked the residence of one Oyetoyan Dare, a businessman in Kwara state.

    The hoodlums allegedly shot dead the private security guard of the businessman, named Wale Ajiboye.

    The unfortunate incident happened along Rore-Aradun highway, Ifelodun local government area of the state.

    In a separate incident, the hoodlums also killed a driver conveying farm produce from Osun state.

    Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the state police command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said that the incident occurred along Rore/Arandun highway, Irepodun LGA.

    “Armed hoodlums attacked the residence which his private guard, Mr. Wale Ajiboye aged 40 was fatally shot while resisting their attempt to gain entry into the residence.

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    “In a related development, the same gang ambushed a vehicle conveying farm produce from Ora in Osun state; the driver Mr. Taiye Yebi aged 38, who was unaware of the robbery incident, while driving pass was fatally shot, another passenger sustained minor injury.

    “Police operatives responded and recovered expended and live ammunition from the scene. The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue while investigations are ongoing.

    “The command has ordered a discreet investigation and reinforced patrols within the area to forestall recurrence. The command reassures the public that normalcy has been restored, and perpetrators will be apprehended.”

  • ‘Why Moro LGA may not be part of ‘Kwara North Agenda’ for 2027′

    ‘Why Moro LGA may not be part of ‘Kwara North Agenda’ for 2027′

     As the agitations continue towards elective positions in Kwara, different groups have begun to show interest in different positions while alignments and realignments are going on side by side. A doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a stakeholder from Kwara North, Moro LGA axis, Dr. Abolaji Afolabi, bares his mind on views of his people in this interview with Sam Anokam. Afolabi who also holds a postgraduate certificate in public health, is president/CEO of Bolaniks Consult Nigeria Limited, a food security/safety and public health consultancy outfit in Ilorin.

    YOU once described yourself as a professional in politics, what does that mean?

     I am a professional in my field; I am in politics only to contribute my quota to national development as a patriot; also to my state and by extension, my people at the local government level. I have done well for myself in my line of duty and professionalism. Now I want to pay back to my community.

     What informed your choice of party to belong?

     I am not new in politics. I have always been a technocrat in politics, a professional doing it along with my work. I am presently a member of the All Progressives Congress Party (APC). I joined APC because I see the progressives as the party to be in government. If you are a politician, you will understand that we do permutations and visualise where the pendulum swings. The then ruling party lost face, especially the PDP government in Kwara. Do you remember the Oto gee movement? I was an active part of the movement that brought about the victory we are enjoying in Kwara today.

     You are eminently educated, why are you not holding a political office? 

     Holding a political office is not the  only way to be an active member of a government. My party, the APC, is in government both in Kwara State and at the federal level. As a major stakeholder of the APC in Kwara State, there are always channels by which people like me can have access to contribute to the effective running of government, either at the state or federal level.

     Don’t you think you would make a better impact if you were part of the executives in power?

     You are right, but mind you, all of us cannot be in executive positions. For me, I like taking things step by step. I can still be called upon anytime as long as our party remains relevant and in power. As a matter of fact, I may soon take that step to contest a higher elective position; but for now building up for 2027 on how an elective position will come to my zone in Kwara North.

     Speculatively, Kwara North is settled about having the governorship ticket come 2027. It is also on record that the deputy chairman of the APC in Kwara said that the issue of governorship coming to Kwara North had been settled by you people.

    (Cuts in) That is where the problem lies. In APC there is no zoning; thus the site is open to all the zones. So we’ll all need to sit down in Kwara North and talk to issues on ground. Kwara North is made up of five local governments and four major tribes. We have Baruteen, Kaiama, Patigi, Edu and Moro local government areas. Baruteen and Kaiama are Bartonu and bokobaru speaking people; Patigi and Edu are Nupe while Moro is Yoruba speaking. Incidentally, Moro, despite being highly populated, is marginalised.

    Marginalised by who?

    By the rest of us in Kwara North. If not, this issue of positions coming up ought to be discussed between us all; but only the other two tribes sat to discuss as alleged. There was never a platform or space where a meeting was held and we concluded on which post goes to which area. We have a governorship slot, we have a Senatorial seat and a House of Representative seat; how these seats are shared among all the three tribes is a factor that will either make us have the governorship or lose it.

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    Is that a threat to the other tribes in the Kwara North?

    It’s not about a threat but the reality. You don’t shave someone’s head in his absence. How can someone say, ‘we all in Kwara North agreed to a thing’ when nobody agreed over anything. How does that sound?

    But politics is about numbers; will such an arrangement as described by you be seen as democracy?

    This is part of political consultations, we need to marry interests, place all options and opportunities on the table and be equitable about it. This is to make us to be on the same page as a zone on the issue and allow us to move together to lobby the other two zones for a seat because all of us are entitled to it.

    So how do you want the positions shared in the interest of peace and success of the party?

    When we get to the bridge, we shall cross it. And that bridge is a meeting of all representatives of the four tribes and interests that are in the Zone. It will be progressively just and fair if the Yoruba, Nupe Bartonu and Boko people get adequately represented in the scheme of things. It will be most unfair if major tribes in Kwara marginalise Kwara North, and within our enclave we are also marginalising ourselves. It would be the most unfair thing to do to our people but only a roundtable discussion would guarantee success. From 1999 to date, all the other four local government areas have each produced a senator and House of Representative members, except Moro, a Yoruba speaking.  Presently, Kaiama LGA has the Senatorial seat, Baruteen, Edu/Patigi also has a House of Representatives while we don’t have anything from Moro LGA. This is not acceptable to us.

    This arrangement is within your party, the APC; do you know what other opposition parties are planning? How prepared are you?

    Definitely, every other serious-minded politician and political party must be strategizing and having permutations on where their flag bearer would come from. Some will work to counter our own plans; some will be outright against our plans. What matters most is that as we are getting closer to 2027, all hands from Kwara North must be on deck to ensure we get the governorship ticket and ensure the party wins and Kwara North also wins.

    Rounding off, what’s your message to your people?

    It’s simple, for now Kwara North as it stands is most disunited. We are not yet united on the issue of governorship for Kwara North but we can still be united.  Let us sit at a roundtable to fashion out how the various available seats would be shared within us. That’s the only way we can unite over the Governorship seat coming to Kwara North.

  • Bandits attacks: Kwara South youth groups urge government to impose curfew on communities

    Bandits attacks: Kwara South youth groups urge government to impose curfew on communities

    Community-Based youth groups in Kwara South have decried the spate of attacks by bandits in the district, urging the state government to impose a 12-hour curfew on the affected communities.

     The groups, including the Igbomina Youth Assembly (IYAss), Kwara South Youth Development Organization (KWAYORG), Kwara South Consultative Youth Forum (KSCYE) and all Kwara South community-based youth associations described the attacks as worrisome.

    Bandits recently launched bloody attacks on Oreke, Babanla, Ganmu-Alheri, Bankole, Shagbe, Ologomo communities in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

    Spokesperson of the groups, who is also the President of IYAss, Ajibola Olugbenga, during an interaction with reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, demanded ” the immediate and heavy deployment of military forces into Kwara South to restore order, dislodge bandits, and secure our communities.

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    “This must include a full military base in the affected axis, not just occasional patrols; emergency security operations to be treated as a matter of national urgency, with military surveillance, air support, and combing of forests where terrorists are hiding: provision of modern arms and logistics to community hunters and vigilantes who remain the first fine of defense for our people, and “declaration of a 12-hour curfew (6:00 pm-6:00 am) in the most affected communities to allow military operations to flush out these criminals,” he said.

     Olugbenga also demanded ” the creation of a joint security task force with federal, state, and local involvement, alongside youth representatives, to ensure coordinated response and accountability and swift federal intervention programmes to rehabilitate displaced persons, rebuild destroyed communities, and prevent further mass migration.”

    He added that the attacks had made farming activities difficult in the Kwara South axis.