Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have allegedly abducted five persons at Odo Eku camp in Odo-Eku community, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident happened on Wednesday. The hoodlums were said to have stormed the community shooting sporadically, grabbed the persons and moved them to an unknown location.
Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the development, adding: “Immediate deployment has long taken place; the Police, alongside the vigilante, are on a rescue mission”.
She added: “The Kwara Police Command is aware of an incident that occurred at about 0115hours of 15/01/25 at the Odu-Eku Camp in Odueku Community of the Isin LGA of Kwara State; where 5 persons were kidnapped. Two males and three females have been moved to an unknown location.
“Immediate deployment has long taken place; the Police, alongside the Vigilante, are on a rescue mission.”
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled attempts by suspected smugglers to move 139 bags of foreign parboiled rice into Kwara state.
The contraband which were conveyed in two vehicles, were seized by troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade along the Shao-Jebba Expressway in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday.
According to the Army, the troops were conducting “operation checkmate” when they stopped the vehicles, said to be headed to an undisclosed destination.
“The vehicles, a Mazda sedan with registration number LNR465AL and a Premacy wagon with registration number RA264AA, were stopped by vigilant troops manning a checkpoint.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the drivers were heading to an undisclosed destination when they were apprehended,” the Army said.
Handing over the bags of rice and vehicles to the Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, Faith Mathew Ojeifo, the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Maj.-Gen. Oluwafemi Williams, said the seizures and handover were in line with the vision of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
Comptroller Ojeifo expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their synergy and collaboration, noting that the partnership had significantly boosted operational success across Kwara State and environs.
“This development underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and ensuring compliance with customs regulations,” Ojeifo said.
Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB) said it has shortlisted 1,811 applicants for employment following the recent process involving at least 55,713 applicants from across the state.
The breakdown of the successful applicants included 1,500 teachers, mostly from STEM subjects and 311 non-teaching staff comprising drivers, security guards and office assistants for schools in the 16 local government areas.
“Successful applicants with valid phone numbers have since been contacted for their letters. Documentation started on Monday, January 6, with successful applicants from Kwara North, Tuesday, January 7, is for new hires from Kwara South, while Wednesday, January 8, is for successful candidates from Kwara Central,” according to a statement by the KWSUBEB Chairman Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja.
“Documents required during documentation include original and two photocopies of all credentials; two file jackets and tags; citizenship certificate; two passport photographs; bond signing; biodata form to be filled, among other things,” the statement added.
Adaramaja said the process focused more on hiring persons who would stay in their place of assignment, underscoring why the board sought nominations of competent and qualified hands from rural communities to bridge the manpower need in the hinterlands.
She also said 141 elderly people got N10,000 each with food, adding farmers were given input like sprayers, etc.
She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and gifts received. She lauded Igbomina rulers, and indigenes for their support. Titles were given to two non indigenes for their help to humanity.
Dr Isaac Amao was conferred Otunba Mayegun, while Chief Olayinka Latinwo got Iya Oba General.
Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Solomon Oloyede, urged the sponsor and title recipients to continue to help humanity.
The Gbenga Hashim Foundation has reinforced its commitment to grassroots development by distributing an additional N12.5 million to small business owners across Kwara State.
This latest disbursement raises the foundation’s total cash empowerment in Kwara for 2024 to nearly N100 million, providing significant support to entrepreneurs and bolstering local economies.
Extending its reach beyond Kwara, the foundation has executed similar initiatives in Osun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underlining its dedication to fostering economic self-reliance nationwide.
In Kwara State alone, the 2024 program empowered 1,000 small business owners across all 16 local government areas, equipping them with critical funding to enhance their livelihoods and expand operations.
At the disbursement ceremony held at Sity Inn Hotel, Ilorin, Gbenga Hashim, represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely.
He emphasised that responsible utilization could pave the way for even greater support in the future.
“If you use this small grant well and show us the result of your engagement, you will qualify for another phase which will be bigger,” he stated.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which many described as a lifeline for struggling businesses.
One of the beneficiaries Mariam Ajao, shared her experience: “I came because I have benefited from the Gbenga Hashim Empowerment. They credited the support to our account since last week, and when I heard this event was coming up, I felt I had to be here even though it is not compulsory.”
Alhaja Aladi, a long-time associate of Gbenga Hashim, commended his integrity and leadership.
“Gbenga Hashim is a man of integrity and a leader who carries everyone along. I encourage all attendees to imbibe his values in the course of their business,” she said.
Representing other coordinators, Ilorin East Local Government Coordinator, Kolapo Olaitan, highlighted the unique structure of the programme, noting that beneficiaries were credited before the event.
“We are here as representatives of larger beneficiaries to commend the foundation for this initiative. Gbenga Hashim Foundation did not ask people to converge here to collect empowerment; everyone had already received their funds,” he explained.
Promoted by prominent politician and former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim, the foundation continues to champion small business empowerment and economic growth.
With its ongoing efforts, the Gbenga Hashim Foundation is setting a benchmark for sustainable grassroots development and nationwide economic transformation.
The Gbenga Hashim Foundation has reinforced its commitment to grassroots development by distributing an additional N12.5 million to small business owners across Kwara State.
This latest disbursement raises the foundation’s total cash empowerment in Kwara for 2024 to nearly N100 million, providing significant support to entrepreneurs and bolstering local economies.
Extending its reach beyond Kwara, the foundation has executed similar initiatives in Osun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underlining its dedication to fostering economic self-reliance nationwide.
In Kwara State alone, the 2024 program empowered 1,000 small business owners across all 16 local government areas, equipping them with critical funding to enhance their livelihoods and expand operations.
At the disbursement ceremony held at Sity Inn Hotel, Ilorin, Gbenga Hashim, represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely.
He emphasised that responsible utilization could pave the way for even greater support in the future.
“If you use this small grant well and show us the result of your engagement, you will qualify for another phase which will be bigger,” he stated.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which many described as a lifeline for struggling businesses.
One of the beneficiaries Mariam Ajao, shared her experience: “I came because I have benefited from the Gbenga Hashim Empowerment. They credited the support to our account since last week, and when I heard this event was coming up, I felt I had to be here even though it is not compulsory.”
Alhaja Aladi, a long-time associate of Gbenga Hashim, commended his integrity and leadership.
“Gbenga Hashim is a man of integrity and a leader who carries everyone along. I encourage all attendees to imbibe his values in the course of their business,” she said.
Representing other coordinators, Ilorin East Local Government Coordinator, Kolapo Olaitan, highlighted the unique structure of the programme, noting that beneficiaries were credited before the event.
“We are here as representatives of larger beneficiaries to commend the foundation for this initiative. Gbenga Hashim Foundation did not ask people to converge here to collect empowerment; everyone had already received their funds,” he explained.
Promoted by prominent politician and former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim, the foundation continues to champion small business empowerment and economic growth.
With its ongoing efforts, the Gbenga Hashim Foundation is setting a benchmark for sustainable grassroots development and nationwide economic transformation.
The Gbenga Hashim Foundation has reinforced its commitment to grassroots development by distributing an additional N12.5 million to small business owners across Kwara State.
This latest disbursement raises the foundation’s total cash empowerment in Kwara for 2024 to nearly N100 million, providing significant support to entrepreneurs and bolstering local economies.
Extending its reach beyond Kwara, the foundation has executed similar initiatives in Osun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underlining its dedication to fostering economic self-reliance nationwide.
In Kwara State alone, the 2024 program empowered 1,000 small business owners across all 16 local government areas, equipping them with critical funding to enhance their livelihoods and expand operations.
At the disbursement ceremony held at Sity Inn Hotel, Ilorin, Gbenga Hashim, represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely.
He emphasised that responsible utilization could pave the way for even greater support in the future.
“If you use this small grant well and show us the result of your engagement, you will qualify for another phase which will be bigger,” he stated.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which many described as a lifeline for struggling businesses.
One of the beneficiaries Mariam Ajao, shared her experience: “I came because I have benefited from the Gbenga Hashim Empowerment. They credited the support to our account since last week, and when I heard this event was coming up, I felt I had to be here even though it is not compulsory.”
Alhaja Aladi, a long-time associate of Gbenga Hashim, commended his integrity and leadership.
“Gbenga Hashim is a man of integrity and a leader who carries everyone along. I encourage all attendees to imbibe his values in the course of their business,” she said.
Representing other coordinators, Ilorin East Local Government Coordinator, Kolapo Olaitan, highlighted the unique structure of the programme, noting that beneficiaries were credited before the event.
“We are here as representatives of larger beneficiaries to commend the foundation for this initiative. Gbenga Hashim Foundation did not ask people to converge here to collect empowerment; everyone had already received their funds,” he explained.
Promoted by prominent politician and former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim, the foundation continues to champion small business empowerment and economic growth.
With its ongoing efforts, the Gbenga Hashim Foundation is setting a benchmark for sustainable grassroots development and nationwide economic transformation.
The Gbenga Hashim Foundation has reinforced its commitment to grassroots development by distributing an additional N12.5 million to small business owners across Kwara State.
This latest disbursement raises the foundation’s total cash empowerment in Kwara for 2024 to nearly N100 million, providing significant support to entrepreneurs and bolstering local economies.
Extending its reach beyond Kwara, the foundation has executed similar initiatives in Osun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), underlining its dedication to fostering economic self-reliance nationwide.
In Kwara State alone, the 2024 program empowered 1,000 small business owners across all 16 local government areas, equipping them with critical funding to enhance their livelihoods and expand operations.
At the disbursement ceremony held at Sity Inn Hotel, Ilorin, Gbenga Hashim, represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely.
He emphasised that responsible utilization could pave the way for even greater support in the future.
“If you use this small grant well and show us the result of your engagement, you will qualify for another phase which will be bigger,” he stated.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which many described as a lifeline for struggling businesses.
One of the beneficiaries Mariam Ajao, shared her experience: “I came because I have benefited from the Gbenga Hashim Empowerment. They credited the support to our account since last week, and when I heard this event was coming up, I felt I had to be here even though it is not compulsory.”
Alhaja Aladi, a long-time associate of Gbenga Hashim, commended his integrity and leadership.
“Gbenga Hashim is a man of integrity and a leader who carries everyone along. I encourage all attendees to imbibe his values in the course of their business,” she said.
Representing other coordinators, Ilorin East Local Government Coordinator, Kolapo Olaitan, highlighted the unique structure of the programme, noting that beneficiaries were credited before the event.
“We are here as representatives of larger beneficiaries to commend the foundation for this initiative. Gbenga Hashim Foundation did not ask people to converge here to collect empowerment; everyone had already received their funds,” he explained.
Promoted by prominent politician and former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim, the foundation continues to champion small business empowerment and economic growth.
With its ongoing efforts, the Gbenga Hashim Foundation is setting a benchmark for sustainable grassroots development and nationwide economic transformation.
Members of Oro community in Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara State have appealed to Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq and the state police commissioner to caution their monarch, Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Oyatoye against intimidation of his subjects.
They said the monarch’s actions could lead to a breakdown of law and order. They expressed their grievances in a petition addressed to the state government, the Commissioner of Police in the state, the Inspector General of Police, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 8, Lokoja, Kogi State.
The petition which was jointly signed by the Baale of Oro, Chief Raphael Olateju Afolabi, the President of Oro Community Association, Prof. James Bababode Bojuwoye and seven others was made available to newsmen by Adebayo Olodan, the National Publicity Secretary of Oro Community Association.
The petitioners said Oba Oyatoye, during his recent visits to their communities engaged in acts of intimidation aimed at provoking the peace-loving people into violent reactions.
The community stated that several court judgments including the final proclamation of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2019, have upheld the independence of Oro, from the rulership of the Oloro of Oro kingdom or Oloro of Oroland.
They said Oba Oyatoye had flagrantly disregarded several rulings in their favour and instead continued to trespass on their sacred places of worship.
Three Fulani leaders in Kwara state have petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), raising alarm over an alleged plan by a group to incite unrest and urging the security agency to intervene promptly.
The leaders—Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmed (Ga’a Federal), Abdullahi Arisekola (Ga’a Erin and Jowuro), and Muhammad Jowuro of Omu Aran—claim that a group led by its leader is attempting to create a leadership crisis that could destabilize the state.
In their petition, submitted through their lawyer, H.O. Buhari of Buhari, Oguntoye Associates, the trio accused the group’s leader of refusing to recognize Alhaji Jimoh Adam Ojonla, who was recently turbaned by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as the new Ardo Fulani.
They alleged that the group’s leader plans to install another individual in opposition to Ojonla, who was turbaned on November 15, 2024.
The petition, received by the DSS on November 25, 2024, stated: “After the said turbaning, some disgruntled elements among the Fulani, led by their leader, sought to cause confusion by planning to install another Ardo of Fulani for Kwara state.
“This individual has gone on air and directed his supporters to purchase and wear ‘Ankara clothes’ for the installation of a new Ardo to challenge the Emir of Ilorin’s decision.
“We feel duty-bound to inform you and other security agencies about this. The actions of this group’s leader could cause confusion and a breakdown of law and order in Kwara State.”
The leaders emphasized that their petition was intended to alert security agencies and prevent potential mayhem within the Fulani community and the wider society.
University of Aberdeen, the United Kingdom (UK), in partnership with Kwara State Government, is training 160 teachers in peace and security strategy in schools in the state.
Co-Lead Education for Peace and Security Initiative (EPSI), Dr Manu Lekunzeco, told reporters in Ilorin at the stakeholders’ engagement/launch of education for peace and security.
The programme was organised by the Office of the Governor’s Wife, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.
Lekunzeco, a lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations, Aberdeen University, the United Kingdom (UK), said the training was part of the partnership the university had with Kwara State Government on how to achieve peace and security in schools, including primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
The other partner is Citizens Common Advocacy International.
Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Tuesday received 20 gas-powered buses and 20 tricycles from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to ease mass transit in the State.
Speaking in Ilorin at the handover ceremony of the vehicles, the Governor said the initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the populace.
AbdulRazaq thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the PCNGi, and his own team for making steady progress in this regard.
“As our country navigates the gradual shift to cleaner energy in the wake of fuel subsidy removal, we are today taking delivery of 20 gas-powered buses and 20 tricycles from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI),” he said.
“This is another strategic partnership between our government, private sector players, and the Federal Government to bring ease to our people.
“These 18-seater shuttle buses and tricycles will be deployed to support the public transport system at a discounted cost to the people.”
The Governor said the government is also partnering with B-One Mobility Limited, which is setting up an assembly plant for gas-powered tricycles in the state.
The partnership offers huge socioeconomic benefits for the people of the state in the area of job creation, poverty reduction, and affordable and clean transport system, the Governor added.
Zubair, for his part, said Kwara is one of the states that have keyed into the CNG initiative and assured the state of the federal government’s strong partnership, especially with huge investment in the establishment of more conversion centres.
He said the target of the federal government was to convert about 1 million vehicles from petrol to CNG and appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for being one of the pillars behind the transformative agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Saraf said the programme will create 5,000 direct and 9,500 indirect employment opportunities, adding “our vision extends far beyond job creation. We are introducing a holistic mobility ecosystem solution that includes utility vehicles, garbage tippers, ambulances, and fire fighting equipment- CNG tractors”.
He commended the President’s vision and unwavering belief in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, saying “his forward-thinking approach has created the enabling environment for such transformative investments”.
A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been burnt to death in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital
The fire also destroyed five out of the 35 rooms of the house he lived in.
The incident happened a few minutes past 2am, at No 158, Ile Alaparun, Alore area of Ilorin.
The Kwara State Fire Service source attributed the incident to an explosion from one of the rooms housing inflammable materials.
Spokesperson of service Hassan Adekunle told our correspondent that “preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by spontaneous ignition in a room storing combustible materials, including petrol, batteries, and a tire inflator engine”.
