A group under the auspices of Harmony Progressive Forum (HPF) has hailed the establishment of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu reconciliation committee.
The forum is a coalition of ex-Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) local government chairmen of the Kwara state All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state.
The forum also cautioned the Tinubu-led committee to be wary of individuals that might be out to derail its activities to for personal and selfish reasons.
Addressing reporters in Ilorin, Chairman of HPF, Alhaji Musa Umar said: “We appreciate the setting up of a reconciliation committee to settle amicably identified rifts among members of APC in the country. The choice of Tinubu as the team leader is highly commendable in view of his track record of managing political issues.
“The outcome of the committee’s assignment should therefore be guided only by its objectives and verifiable submissions and not allow sentiments and primordial issues to becloud their work. Kwara must change for better and the time to act is now.
“While we call on all our loyal members to continue to work hard for the political victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo come 2019. we equally call on our committed members to be wary of pending political appointments in the state that may be loaded with questionable intentions.”
Alhaji Umar expressed the legacy parties’ frustration and marginalization under the current APC leadership in the state.
Said he: “Our frustration has more than ever before made us more united in our coalition’s efforts of electing in the state only progressively minded people that can be scolded as at when due as against the present unfortunate order where elected representatives are answerable only to an individual outside their constituencies.
“The national leadership of APC should avoid any disastrous outing of APC in 2019 in Kwara state by quickly reorganizing the party in the state.
“Our marginalization coupled with few nominal party positions ‘awarded’ to a select few of our legacy members shall no longer be tolerated.
“The legacy groups of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), CPC, ANPP with the nPDP in the state was window-dressed believing that proper and effective integration will take place after the 2015 general elections. Thing suddenly took a dramatic turn and the PDP leadership in the state exhibited what they are best known
for-politics of exclusion, discrimination, marginalization and hatred.
“The group suffered all these in the distribution of almost all elective as well as appointive positions in the state. This was extended to the federal level where state influence took precedence on
Kwara quota.
“Recent utterances and statements credited to prominent chieftains of APC in the state is becoming worrisome to any loyal and committed party member.
“There are ongoing gullible plans to desert the state APC after being rendered impotent, unusable and unattractive to would-be ‘investors.”’
Tag: kwara
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Kwara group hails Tinubu’s reconciliation committee
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Varsity launches campaign against bush burning in Kwara
Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Monday inaugurated a sensitisation campaign against bush burning to celebrate the 60th birthday of Pastor Faith Oyedepo, the wife of the institution’s Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo.
Reports say that Faith, born on February 5, 1958, is the Vice-President, Education, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.
The campaign was jointly organised by Landmark University Community Development Impact Initiative ( LMUCDII ), College of Agricultural Sciences and Omu-Aran Fire Service Outstation.
The campaign, which involved distribution of hand bills to educate residents on the danger associated with bush burning, took the team to schools and markets in Omu-Aran and other designated areas in Eleyin and Ipetu-Igbomina communities in the state.
Read also: Four feared dead in Kwara community
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Adeniyi Olayanju, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, said that the campaign was in line with the institution’s corporate social responsibility.
Olayanju, who decried the negative impact of bush burning on humans, soil and environment, said the menace had become a stumbling block to the socio-economic development of communities.
He noted that the regulatory responsibility against incessant bush burning, especially at the grassroots, had gone beyond what the government alone could shoulder and advocated a collective effort to achieve the desired results.
Olayanju also said there was the need to check the activities of some hunters whom he accused of deliberately setting bushes on fire.
He listed the negative consequences of bush burning to include depletion of soil nutrient, environmental pollution, reduction in farm yield and income, rendering farm harvest unsafe for consumption as well as destruction of the ecosystem.
“Consequences of bush burning also include serious eye and respiratory infections as well as breathing problems among others.
” It is on this basis that we are spearheading the anti-bush burning campaign in Nigeria to tackle the menace head on,” he said.
Prof. Charity Aremu, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, said the campaign was informed by the need to save both humans and the environment from bush burning-induced attack.
Aremu extolled the virtues of the celebrator, commending her commitment to spiritual devotion and restoration of the dignity of the black race.
“These activities are geared toward honouring a woman of immense spiritual values who detests human oppression in all its ramifications,’’ she said.
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Tension in Kwara over discovery of 2 corpses
The discovery of two corpses in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara following exchange of gun shots between members of a local vigilance group and some gunmen has heightened tension in the council area.
DSP Ajayi Okesanmi, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara Police Command, has already confirmed the recovery of the two corpses.
Okasanmi said five suspects had been arrested and were assisting the police in their investigation.
The local vigilance group in the area recorded casualties in an attempt to dislodge the gunmen from their camp at the centre of the 50- kilometre National Park located in the area.
A source told NAN that the gunmen often dispossess residents of the communities in the area of their belongings, particularly food, livestock and cash.
The source, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that the hoodlums attack people in Tungan Maje, Woro and Nukku after mounting a road block.
The source said the weapons used by the gunmen were more sophisticated than the ones used by members of the local vigilance group.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, told NAN that deployment of members of the local vigilance group was for surveillance to prevent further attacks on communities in the area.
“Unfortunately, when the vigilance group members approached the gunmen in their camp, they killed one vigilance group member while three others are missing,” he said.
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Tension in Kwara LG over discovery of 2 corpses
The discovery of two corpses in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara following exchange of gun shots between members of a local vigilance group and some gunmen has heightened tension in the council area.
DSP Ajayi Okesanmi, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara Police Command, has already confirmed the recovery of the two corpses.
Okasanmi said five suspects had been arrested and were assisting the police in their investigation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the local vigilance group in the area recorded casualties in an attempt to dislodge the gunmen from their camp at the centre of the 50- kilometre National Park located in the area.
A source told NAN that the gunmen often dispossess residents of the communities in the area of their belongings, particularly food, livestock and cash.
The source, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that the hoodlums attack people in Tungan Maje, Woro and Nukku after mounting a road block.
The source said the weapons used by the gunmen were more sophisticated than the ones used by members of the local vigilance group.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, told NAN that deployment of members of the local vigilance group was for surveillance to prevent further attacks on communities in the area.
“Unfortunately, when the vigilance group members approached the gunmen in their camp, they killed one vigilance group member while three others are missing,” he said. (NAN)
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Suspected gunmen kill four in Kwara
Suspected gunmen have allegedly killed four vigilance group members in some Kaiama, Kiana local government area of Kwara state.
The gunmen who attacked the villages also injured several others.
But the state police command confirmed the death of a member of the local vigilante group.
It added that three others were missing.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar said that the gunmen mounted a camp in the National Park to move from one community to another to terrorize the residents.
The affected villages, he said, were Tunga Maje, Nukku and Woro.
The National Park covers about 50 kilometre of land between Kaiama local council in Kwara and Borgu local government area of Niger state.
Abubakar added that the hoodlums would enter the villages robbing the residents of their belongings particularly foodstuff, cows and goats and then return to the camp to survive on it.
The council chair added the complaints of the attacks made the council to deploy its members of the local vigilante to place surveillance on the place.
“Unfortunately, when the vigilante approached them in their camp, they exchanged fire to the extent that they killed one of the vigilante men and three others are missing.“We don’t know their whereabouts and for now and nobody can go into the bush and start searching for the dead body”, he said.
The council boss stated that the armed hoodlums were fond of blocking the roads at night to dispossess people of their money.
“One of our vigilante men is confirmed dead. While three others are missing, several other vigilante men were injured,” said the council chief.
He, however, noted that the state government has taken charge and that about 50 soldiers have been deployed from the 222 battalion to comb the bush.
Spokesperson of the Kwara state police command Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident.
He said that the state command had deployed mobile police men into the area and the Commissioner of Police had ordered an investigation into the issue.
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Residents groan as water scarcity hits Ilorin
Residents of Ilorin and its environs are apparently groaning following perennial water scarcity which has resurfaced in the city.
The residents of Ilorin town would have to walk a distance to fetch water for drinking and for other domestic use.
Many residents are sourcing water from motorized borehole drilled by the privileged individuals in their areas.
Some residents at Emir’s road, Balogun Fulani, Taiwo road, Okelele, Gambari and Baboko among others said that the pitiable situation had become a recurring decimal in the Kwara capital.
They asserted that the state government was doing little to ameliorate the suffering of the people.
Read also: LWC urges Lagosians to use water wisely
“No sooner that dry season sets in; we begin to experience water scarcity in earnest.
“It has become a perennial experience that government will need to urgently address with short and long term measures”, Ronke Asekunlowo said.
Dr Oba La’aro, a staff of the University of Ilorin, decried situation where water supply in the capital was receding into a village size supply.
According to him, substantial number of the residents would have to troop out in search of water every morning and evening.
Mr Abdulrazaq Akorede, the state Commissioner for Water Resource while reacting, said the problem of water shortage in Ilorin would soon be resolved once the ongoing water reticulation project is completed.
He expressed optimism that with the level of works done so far, saying that the project would be completed in the next four to five months.
The Commissioner, however, lamented that some facilities of the water project were being destroyed by some vandals, which he said was affecting the progress of the project.
He explained that both the state and the Federal Governments had carried out interventions on some water projects in the state.
According to him, there was an ongoing expansion of Malete waterworks and Agba Dam waterworks, which is almost completed.
The construction of the Malete waterworks, he said was facilitated by the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and would be completed soon and inaugurated.
He added that the state government would also work on the Oyun waterworks.
He said that the government appreciated the patience of people of the state while the project lasts.
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Stay away from drug abuse, NAFDAC warns women
The National Food and Drugs Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ) has warned women against drug abuse.
Mrs Roseline Ajayi, the Deputy Director and Kwara State Coordinator of NAFDAC gave the warnings while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Ilorin.
According to her, the abuse of drugs is becoming prevalence among women.
“I have heard the story that drug abuse is quite prevalence among ladies and I think it is about the environment where they live.
Read also: Why hard drugs, crimes ravage Nigeria
“In an environment where alcohol is consumed freely, where you have frustration, joblessness and pressure in the home-front, people tend to take solace in something and they go after doing something that will make them forget about their sorrow,’’ she said.
The coordinator said that the agency discovered that soft drinks were being laced with drugs such as tramadol and codeine cough syrup before being taken.
“Because of the stigma that women might face if they come out openly that they take drugs, they do it clandestinely by lacing soft drinks with hard drugs to prevent people from suspecting them,’’ he said.
Ajayi said the agency had stepped up its awareness campaign against drug abuse and misuse through enlightenment on dangers and consequences of drugs abuse.
According to her, the agency is ready to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ) to effectively combat drug-related offences.
She urged Nigerians to uphold family ties and values, adding that parents should watch and relate well with their children while giving them the needed support.
Ajayi also spoke on the need for government to step up effort to stem the rate of unemployment so that the rate of drug
abuse could reduce.“When youths are gainfully engaged, they will be busy; their minds will not go into illicit drugs consumption,’’ she said.
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NAFDAC warns women against Drug abuse
The National Food and Drugs Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ) has warned women against drug abuse.
Mrs Roseline Ajayi, the Deputy Director and Kwara State Coordinator of NAFDAC gave the warnings while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Ilorin.
According to her, the abuse of drugs is becoming prevalent among women.
“I have heard the story that drug abuse is quite prevalent among ladies and I think it is about the environment where they live.”
“In an environment where alcohol is consumed freely, where you have frustration, joblessness and pressure in the home-front, people tend to take solace in something and they go after doing something that will make them forget about their sorrow,’’ she said.
The coordinator said that the agency discovered that soft drinks were being laced with drugs such as tramadol and codeine cough syrup before being taken.
Also Read: Court to NAFDAC: Warn consumers against taking Fanta, Sprite with Vitamin C
“Because of the stigma that women might face if they come out openly that they take drugs, they do it clandestinely by lacing soft drinks with hard drugs to prevent people from suspecting them,’’ he said.
Ajayi said the agency had stepped up its awareness campaign against drug abuse and misuse through enlightenment on dangers and consequences of drugs abuse.
According to her, the agency is ready to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to effectively combat drug-related offences.
She urged Nigerians to uphold family ties and values, adding that parents should watch and relate well with their children while giving them the needed support.
Ajayi also spoke on the need for government to step up effort to stem the rate of unemployment so that the rate of drug
abuse could reduce.“When youths are gainfully engaged, they will be busy; their minds will not go into illicit drugs consumption,’’ she said.
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Kwara Govt. vows to jail child traffickers, pedophiles
The Kwara Government has warned that jail-term awaits people caught in child-trafficking, child or pedophiles in the state.
Dr Asiata Saka, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, gave the warning on Saturday during the 2018 New Year party organised for orphans from various reception centers in Ilorin.
She said that the government was currently taking care of some children abused by a pedophile father as well as abandoned triplets.
She explained that the young girl that was sexually abused by her father went through depression, but currently being rehabilitated by the state government and the father arrested.
The commissioner said that three other cases of child abuse were currently being handled in various courts.
“We have about 22 children in the state’s reception centres and 40 abandoned babies with the Life Empowers Anchors Hope (LEAH) Foundation belonging to Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, Kwara Governor’s wife.
Saka, who represented Mrs Ahmed at the party, also stressed the need for children to be adequately catered for and protected.
She explained that the ministry had various departments such as the orphanage, juvenile delinquent and child-trafficking departments to take care of children’s affairs in the state. (NAN)
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Kwara committee orders cut in Poly tuition fees
Kwara state Joint Executive-Legislative Committee on alleged hike in the tuition fees of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has recommended a reduction in fees.
The new fees will affect both indigene and non indigene students of the institution.Addressing reporters on Thursday in Ilorin, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, said that the decision to reduce the tuition fees was based on need to reflect policy of the state government on making education affordable to students.
The students of the institution had staged several protests against authority of the polytechnic and the government over the hike in the tuition fees, just as the state government announced a reduction of N5,000 on the fees as a way to address the situation.
However, the state government had to form a joint committee of both the executive and legislative arms to find a lasting solution to persistent protests by the students.
The Speaker, who said that the joint committee had directed the school to revert to schedule of fees as approved by the committee for the 2017/2018 academic session, added that the fees were much lower than what the management was to charge and what indigene students paid during 2016/2017 session.
“Thus, some students will now pay as much as N19,000 less than what they would have paid”, he said.
He also said that all students that had paid over and above the 2017/2018 fees, as just approved, shall be refunded by the school, adding that the decision superseded all earlier decisions on the subject matter.
Read Also: Kwara poly fee hike: Saraki wades in
The speaker, however, said that students had up till the end of January 2018 to fully pay their newly approved tuition fees, adding that the council and representatives of students should be carried along and all due process followed before any future increase in tuition fees.
The joint committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, said that it was reminded of the state policy by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on December 4, 2017, ” when he bemoaned the increase as beyond the reach of ordinary parents.
Said he: “Nothing shows the commitment of Kwara state to this age long policy than the constitution of this joint committee itself. A joint committee of two arms is not common, indeed it is impossible in some presidential systems. But the major consideration of all officials is the finding of a lasting solution to the fee increase saga dictated this extreme scenario.”