₦airaland Forum

DECLARATION OF A NEW ERA: ALIU MOSHOOD AJAO FOR ILORIN EAST CHAIRMANSHIP

Fellow citizens of Ilorin East,

Today, I, Aliu Moshood Ajao, stand before you to declare my candidacy for the office of Chairman of our beloved Local Government. This decision is born out of my passion for the growth and development of our community, and my conviction that together, we can achieve greatness.

As a former student leader, entrepreneur, and devoted public servant, I have dedicated my life to serving our community. My record of service includes leadership roles in the National Association of Kwara State Students and the Ilorin Emirates Students Union, as well as co-founding the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq Victory Group, a vibrant youth wing of our great party.

My vision for Ilorin East is built on three pillars:

Youth Empowerment: We will create opportunities for our youth to thrive, through skills training, mentorship, and support for entrepreneurship.

Economic Growth: We will attract investments, promote local businesses, and enhance our infrastructure to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Infrastructure Development: We will upgrade our roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions to ensure a better quality of life for all citizens.

All these agenda remain the priority of our leader, HE Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and I remain committed to support him to achieve all in our dear Ilorin East.

My fellow Ilorin East citizens, I offer myself as a leader who will listen, who will work tirelessly, and who will deliver results. Let us join hands to build a brighter future for Ilorin East. Together, we can make our community a beacon of hope and prosperity for all.

Join me on this journey to transform Ilorin East. Let us rise above the ordinary and achieve the extraordinary.

Thank you.

*AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq: The Pioneer Of Modern Kwara*

5 years of administration, Mall AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON has initiated the following;

* Ilorin Conference Center
* Garment factory
* Industrial Park
* Ilorin Innovative Hub
* Virtual Art Center
* Film Factory
* KWASSIP
* Kwara Learn
* Appointment of person living with disability
* Kwara Education Trust Fund
* Nootia Radio Station
* China investments in Agriculture, and mining
* E-governance
* social audit
* Smart city
* construction of dental clinic
* Smart schools
* International market, Gbugbu
* Flower garden recreational center
* Access to portable water in every community of Kwara State
*Infrastructure development*
* Tanke Flyover
* Unity Flyover
* Revenue House
* construction and rehabilitation of road across 16 local governments
* Construction and rehabilitation of schools across 16 local governments
* Rehabilitation of all water dams
* provision of modern equipment and solar system across all hospitals
* ongoing remodeling of Kwara State indoor sports hall
* New tennis arena, rehabilitation of handball, volleyball and swimming pool complex
* Provision of operation vehicle to the security agencies

*Citizens' welfare*
* Prompt payment of salary
* Prompt payment of pension and gratuity
* prompt promotion
* increment in health workers salaries
* Good working environment
* Built relationship with international agencies e.g WHO, UNICEF
* Prompt payment of students' scholarships and bursary
* provision of palliative measures
* Provision of more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs
* Facilitated multi-billion naira companies to Kwara
* Low maternal mortality rate
* Reduced open defecation
* Reduced out- of- school children

Mall AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON transparency, prudence and accountability agenda have built trust and put Kwara State on the global map in the aspect of tourism, innovation and investment destination.

_Compiled by: Olufemi Oguntokun (Omo Alhaja) as part of the 5th year celebration of Mall AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON as the Executive Governor of Kwara State_

•Commends Gov AbdulRazaq, Prince Fagbemi for the trust and confidence reposed in the committee.


The Bagudu-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC, under the leadership of Prince Sunday Fagbemi to address the internal wranglings within the party has submitted its report recommending far-reaching resolutions to avert similar conflicts in the future.

Submitting the report at a mini ceremony held at the Conference room, APC's secretariat in Ilorin the committee Chairman, Hon Alhassan Yahaya Bagudu appreciated the Leader and Governor of the state, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, and the party Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi and the State Working Committee (SWC) for the confidence reposed in the committee and the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

Hon Bagudu explained that the committee received a total of twelve complaints/petitions from aggrieved wards/LGAs and individuals in Kwara Central and Kwara South Senatorial districts. No complaint/petition was received from Kwara North. He noted that rifts or conflicts among party members is normal in politics, he however added that the most important thing is how the party is able to explore its internal mechanism to resolve any impasse. He said that all the aggrieved persons were invited to make oral presentations.

Responding, the Kwara APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi commended the committee for what he described as a thorough and selfless job, pointing out that the members of the committee have sacrificed their time and energy to salvage the party from implosion stressing that their efforts would not go unrewarded. The Chairman concluded that the party is satisfied with the work of the committee and assured that appropriate attention will be given to the recommendations

Other members of the Committee include Bar. Raphael Ashaolu (secretary), Hon Abdulganiyu Kure (Spokesperson), Alh Suleiman Mohammed, Mrs Falilat Ronke Mohammed, Alh Abdulmumeen Ore and Hon Akinjide Ogunyemi.

The Kwara Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted a seven man IlInvestigative, Peace and Reconciliation Committee to wade in and unravel the circumstances responsible for the crisis rocking the party with the aim of finding peace and foster unity within the rank and file of the party in the state.

In a statement released through the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro said, "part of the crisis has seen party members seeking redress in court, coupled with the incessant flow of suspension of members in many wards and local government of the state".

The state PRO said, the Ruling Party could no longer continue to watch the rift degenerate further to worrisome level.

He said this prompted the decision of the party to set up a high profile seven man committee to be chaired by Alhaji Alhassan Yahya Bagudu, the Secretary is Barrister Raphel Ashaolu, while Kure Yusuf AbdulGaniyu will serve as the committee spokesperson.

Other members are, Alh Sulaiman, Hajia Falilat Ronke Muhammed, Akinjide Ogunyemi and Alh Ore AbdulMumin.

The State Chairman of the Ruling Party APC, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, charged the committee to look into all matters of disputes among members in all the Local Government Area of the state and make unbiased recommendations in the interest of the party.

The chairman of the committee, Alh Bagudu in his statement, calls on all aggrieved members to utilise the opportunity given by the party to present their grieviances for amicable settlement, as he assured all party members of fair hearing and unbiased judgement based on the provision of the party's constitution.

Saheed Abdullahi here undertakes a postmortem analysis of the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Kwara State, pinpointing factors that contributed to the utter loss of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Build up to this just concluded general elections in Kwara State, I wrote to predict where pendulum would swing, pointing out candidates that may likely win and lose in the polls. The piece was titled "2023 elections: How it will be won and lost ". In the said article, I x-rayed Kwara State Senatorial districts, indicating who would take what and who would be severely flogged. In my final analysis in the write-up, I predicted the success of All Progressives Congress, APC and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as well as the state House of Assembly elections.

When I circulated the article, I was confronted and challenged by some persons in opposition and even some political watchers didn't spare me breathe. I was queried and questioned: "Who told you Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would win reelection?" And I replied: "He would win based on his state-wide achievements in terms of ongoing physical capital projects, human capital development, youth empowerment and civil servants' welfare. They vehemently disagreed with me, saying, "you better find something better to say instead of indulging in wrong predictions".

Kwara North

I observed that gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Shuaib Yaman Abdullahi, was a wrong candidate from Kwara North, having being picked from Edu local government area. I had projected that the axis of the PDP flag-bearer would not be a smooth ride for Governor AbdulRazaq and APC as the Nupe-speaking community would queue behind their own.

Unfortunately, checking the governorship and state House of Assembly elections' results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the state, the outcome did not smile to him, indicating that he was even nowhere to be found in his country home. I predicted that Alhaji Shuaib Yaman Abdullahi would be defeated in his Edu-Pategi axis, which had come to pass. Governor AbdulRazaq has now beat him to stupor in his geographical enclave. This is pretty bad for him. So, Yaman could not demonstrate he owns his territory by winning Edu-Pategi axis and indeed Kwara-North?

I initially suggested PDP should pick its governorship candidate from Baruten-Kaiama area to counter the influence of the incumbent Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Engineer Yakubu Danladi Salihu and Senator representing Kwara North, Senator Umar Sadiq. But it is obvious now that if PDP picked its gubernatorial candidate from there, it would still be trashed and crushed. Governor AbdulRazaq really punched Yaman Abdullahi in the entire Kwara North. How come? Also APC won all the State House of Assembly seats in the senatorial district. Not even one was conceded to PDP or any other opposition party in the area.


Kwara South

Sadly, in my analysis of Kwara South in the piece, I wrongly predicted Social Democratic Party, SDP, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would win the senatorial election and some House of Assembly seats. I stated that our House of Assembly would be clearly polarized by lawmakers from PDP and SDP extraction from Kwara South. As fate would have it, only one PDP House of Assembly candidate scaled the hurdles from Odo-Ogun Constituency, Otunba Taiye Afolabi, defeating arrogant incumbent lawmaker, Atoyebi Musa. I credit the PDP Candidate for his doggedness in sending Atoyebi packing. Otunba Taiye Afolabi is a hero to be reckoned with having being the only PDP lawmaker-elect in the impending 10th Assembly in the state.

The question to ask is: Why is it that only Musa Atoyebi did not return among his peers, who secured return tickets? Well, that is the question crying for an answer. Also, I was surprised that the PDP Kwara South Senatorial Candidate, Dr Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, was not reelected. This is because he performed while serving as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He had used his position to benefit a lot of his people. I am aware of his gigantic empowerment and employment opportunities he facilitated for his people. Can one say he contested under a wrong Political Platform?

Additionally, I am highly disappointed at the House of Representatives' Candidate, Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Saheed Adekeye Popoola of SDP for losing the election despite his outburst on Radio, So, this is the best he could offer? I am one of his chronic followers that was concerned about his election but his poor performance in the election raised a lot of unanswered questions. Similarly, the shellacking defeat of SDP Kwara Senatorial Candidate and former Special Adviser to the Governor on Health caught my attention. I never knew he would be this easily beaten to the ground. It should be noted that for Governor AbdulRazaq to have cleared Kwara South is an indication that he is quite political juggernaut, a leader of repute.

Kwara Central

My initial prediction was that Kwara Central would be shared by PDP, APC, YPP, NNPP. Fortunately, nothing to share as the Governor earned substantial votes from his home senatorial district alongside all House of Assembly candidates in the four Local Governments within the central. The emergence of Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha as the Kwara Central Senator did not come as a surprise. The Senator-elect had wetted the ground and it is expected that he would walk without falling by the way side. He has demonstrated high level of benevolence to the people.

The Turaki can be best described as a booster for the APC with the love and affection of the people of Ilorin Emirate for him and coupled with Governor AbdulRazaq sterling performance in office. These factors largely led to the victory of the unknown House of Assembly and House of Representatives candidates in Kwara Central. It should be noted that the poor outing of former Commissioner for Education in the state and ex-Minister of Youth and Sports was envisaged as he is perceived as a political figure with no impact on the downtrodden in the Emirate and the state as a whole.

Even my humble self as an ardent fan of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi got disappointed in his outing. Abdullahi is a vibrant journalist whom many cherished and looked forward to emulate but he was obviously overwhelmed with Mallam Saliu Mustapha's spending-spree posture to better the lots of his people. The saying out there is that "If the former Minister had assisted some people, as Commissioner for Education, and later Minister of Youths and Sports, such would have worked for him."

Sincerely, as a lover of BJ, as Mallam Abdulganiyu Bolaji Abdullahi is fondly called, it has been reliably gathered that he has to embark on aggressive humanitarian gesture to win the love of the people. Huge number of ordinary indigenes of Ilorin people do not know him and those that know him do not like him. It is trite to appeal to him to be more accessible to people to correct the wrong impression about his personality.

Social Democratic Party House of Representatives Candidate, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Cook Olododo, slugged it out with famous politician, Alhaji Abdulwahab Issa and Alhaji Yinka Aluko. It was initially projected that either Alhaji Cook Olododo of SDP or Alhaji Abdulwahab Issa of PDP would win the battle of Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency election due to their street credibility and acceptability. Consequently, Alhaji Abdulwahab Issa credibility was anchored on his performance during his first time of representing Ilorin-East-South Federal Constituency between 2007 and 20011.

Whenever Wahab Issa's name is mentioned, the expression that often follows is "Wahabi Issa is a good man". He provided job opportunities for people when he was there." Unfortunately, the House of Representatives seat was won by Alhaji Yinka Aluko. Alhaji Aluko popularly referred to as Esho is just a beneficiary of Governor AbdulRazaq and Mallam Mustapha's unbeatable positive contributions to Ilorin Emirate and the state at large.

To lay facts bare, the people of Ilorin Emirate are saying Alhaji Yinka Aluko does not deserve the House of Representatives seat he won. He was able to sail the shores on the popularity of Governor AbdulRazaq, Mallam Saliu Mustapha and the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Esho has been in government for about 20 years now (date back to 2003 when he was the Special Adviser on Security to former Governor Bukola Saraki for 8 years, he retained same position for two years under former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and later served as Special Adviser on Special Duties to the incumbent Governor AbdulRazaq for about three years) without any meaningful impact on the people.

Another person worthy of note is a young and dynamic Muktar Tolani Shagaya of APC, who won his first attempt as a contestant to the House of Representatives. He is to represent Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency. Fortunately, I didn't doubt his victory. I predicted he was going to dwarf his closest challenger, Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia of PDP, which had since become a reality. Some even asked who would vote for that small boy as they were unaware he is a small boy with resounding intellect. A lot was said against the innocent Muktar Tolani Shagaya but his haters are now disappointed.

Muktar Shagaya's first shot at political scene was realized as a result of his numerous empowerment programmes and indeed close relationship with the people, though, Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia is a young and coolheaded individual, who had served the nation as a Police officer prior to his resignation to join politics. But findings showed that he was affected mostly due to his affiliation with Saraki political dynasty. Alhaji Ajia is also a philanthropist in his own right.

It should be emphasized that Governor Abdulrazaq's political strength was doubted owing to the crisis of supremacy that erupted in his party after the 2019 gubernatorial contest, which led to the exit of some APC bigwigs to other political parties. Surprisingly, a few days to the governorship election, Governor AbdulRazaq wooed huge number of opposition to his camp.

It got to a stage that people were asking: how was the Governor able to attract strong members of opposition such as Waziri Yakub Gobir of Young People's Party (YPP), Senator Sulaiman Makanjuola Ajadi of ADC and Alhaji Abdulwahab Issa of PDP to support him for his reelection bid? With the just concluded governorship election's permutation, Governor AbdulRazaq has proven his worth as a silent grandmaster of Kwara politics.

When APC crisis in the state was at its peak, some people thought the conflict would consume him unknown to many that Governor AA is a very calculative political strategist, who has broken the jinx of winning his first and second term elections with no intervention of a godfather. No political godfather in Kwara State can claim Governor AbdulRazaq's victory. This could be attributed to his achievements across the state. Governor AbdulRazaq sweeping the entire 16 local government areas of the state is a testimony to his spread of good governance across the state.

It is enamoring to see Governor AbdulRazaq visiting some members of opposition like Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem of NNPP and Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, and for extending hands of fellowship to them. The statesmanly act and spirit of sportsmanship of the governor are highly commendable. The governor is therefore urged to redouble his effort in ensuring good governance and transparency in the state. Truly, for him, "one good turn deserves another" and we have given him another mandate again to further consolidate on his first term achievements.

Also, the three Senators, six House of Representatives members and 24 House of Assembly members that triumphed in the polls should see their victory as a clarion call to serve the entire people of Kwara State. Their election does not call for merry-making but time to reflect on the determination of the people that stood under the terrifying hot sun to cast their ballots for them. The electorate should not be taken for granted by delivering on their campaign promises. Any empty promise noticed from any elected official will be instantly treated with disdain. No room for deceitful actions in Kwara anymore.

Saheed Abdullahi is of Radio Kwara, Ilorin

An Ilorin Chief Magistrate Court, on Thursday February 16, 2023 remanded one Mohammed Lawal Ismail (suspect) to Nigerian Correctional Center Ilorin for the offences of Criminal Breach of Trust and Obtaining Money by False Pretence contrary to Section 312 of Penal Code Law and Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act 2006.

According to the First Information Report, FIR, Mohammed Lawal Ismail, Male, 47 years old of No 36, Elelu street, Alanamu area in Ilorin sometimes in December 2021 approached an Ilorin-born cleric, Alhaji Muritala Kareem to help him source for fund in the region of Twenty Five Million Naira to execute a contract project he claimed to have recently gotten.

The FIR reads:
"On 03/01/2023 at about 1100hrs the above captioned case was reported to the Commissioner of Police Ilorin, Kwara state command through a letter of complaint, written by Mr. Muritala Kazeem 'm' of No 25 Kamaldeen street Okekere Ilorin, Kwara state. That sometime in December 2021, you Mr. Mohammad Lawal Ismail 'M' of No 36 Elelu street Alanamu area Ilorin, who claimed to be a supplier approached him that you needed money to execute your project. That you wanted to supply Nigeria communication commission (N.C.C) chairs and you will need up to twenty five million naira only(#25,000,000.00k), in which he transferred the total sum of twenty five million naira only(#25,000,000.00k) into your account and other accounts that you presented to belong to your co-workers"

"He stated further that you, Mr. Mohammad Lawal Ismail 'M' went behind to collect the sum of four million naira only (#4,000,000.00k) from the complainant's friend that he introduced you to, one Alhaji AbdulRauf Idilobe in his name. That after receiving the said amount of money you disappeared to thin air and all effort to retrieve the money proved abortive"

"Investigation conducted at the Surveillance section of state (SCID)Ilorin, revealed that you Mohammad Lawal Ismail 'm' defrauded the nominal complainant and collected the money sum of twenty five million naira only (#25,000,000.00k), from the complainant and also collect the sum of four million naira only(#4,000,000.00k) from his friend and fraudulently converted the said money to your personal use. You thereby committed the above offences"

Ismail is being charged for criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretense contrary to section 312 of Penal Code Law and Section 1 (3) of Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act 2006. Ismail is also alleged to have used fake contract award letters to swindle the Complainant.

The case against Ismail at the Chief Magistrate's Court has now been adjourned to 6th March, 2023 for further mention.

:oKwara State House of Assembly today received the 2023 Appropriation Bill of 189.4 Billion Naira from Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Presenting the Bill at the plenary before the lawmakers and other members of the public who have come to witness the yearly exercise, Gov AbdulRazaq explained that the size of the budget which is tagged "Budget of Economic Expansion and Sustainable Development is N189,436,248,054.00, with a recurrent expenditure of 49.1% and capital component of 50.9%.

Gov AbdulRazaq explained that with the support of the Assembly and the good people of Kwara State, his administration has delivered on key campaign promises in education, healthcare delivery, provision of potable water, agriculture, poverty reduction, gender mainstreaming, youth and women empowerment among others.

The Governor who listed ongoing and completed projects of his administration, therefore solicited the support of the House for consideration and passage of the 2023 appropriation bill.

In a remark, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu
commended Gov AbdulRazaq for sustaining the zeal in fulfilling the obligations of the State Government to counterpart fund in all sectors which he noted has resulted in visible improvement in every sector such as Basic Education, Rural Road, water supply, and health among others.

Engr. Danladi-Salihu affirmed that with the magnitude of ongoing projects, some completed and others nearing completion as well as the equitable spread of same in all parts of the State, the Governor has gone a long way to rescue the State from the wide infrastructural gap bequeathed to it by previous administrations.

The Speaker, therefore assured Governor AbdulRazaq of the readiness of the House to work hard to ensure timely passage of the 2023 Appropriation Bill while also ensuring that the Budget is carefully and meticulously scrutinized as constitutionally required for the benefit of the people of Kwara State.

The presentation of the 2023 Appropriation Bill had in attendance members of the State Executive Council, All Progressives Congress APC members and supporters, heads of government agencies, and traditional rulers among others

A socio-cultural group, Ogo Ilorin has issued quit notice to all traditional and other idol worshipers to stay clear of Ilorin Emirate and environs to avert a religious crisis

A video clip of some Osun worshipers carrying out a procession in Ilorin surfaced on social media a few days ago and generated mixed reactions.

The National President of Ogo Ilorin, Alhaji Muritala Bolaji Kareem popularly known as Babanbariga sounded the warning when he led other executives and members of the group to the spot where traditional worshipers, Osun worshipers in particular were sighted in a viral video worshipping their deity in Dada Community, Alagbado area of Ilorin Emirate.

Babanbariga who was ably represented by Sheikh Sulyman Agbaji otherwise known as Amirul Jaish explained that Ogo Ilorin would not fold arms while some people no matter how highly placed insult Ilorin Emirate's psyche and sensibility by practicing anything alien to the pristine Islam brought to the city by Shehu Alimi.

"We are here as executives and members of Ogo Ilorin under the umbrella of our father, Mai Martaba Sarkin Musulumi Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR to express our displeasure at what happened here a few days ago. Ilorin is a peaceful city of the religion of Islam and we would not allow anyone to fan the ember of religious crisis by practicing anything alien to this ancient city such as the Osun worshipers we saw in the viral video"

"It is part of our mandate to work with relevant government and religious bodies as well as traditional institutions to protect the sanctity of Ilorin as bequeathed to us by our founding fathers and also promote the heritage of scholarship, religiosity, amity among others that Ilorin is known for"

"Not only that, but our group is also at the forefront in the fights against all practices that are not known with Islam such as money ritual and other fraudulent practices that are antithetical to what Islam and Ilorin are known for. I, therefore, call on government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to assist us in our mission to rid Ilorin of intruders under whatever guise"

The group also visited the Imam of Akorede Mosque, Ile Budo Epo, Imam Hanafi, and other stakeholders in Dada Community to further interact with them and tasked them to spread them across the nook and cranny of the area.

In the entourage of Ogo Ilorin were Sheikh Sulyman Agbaji, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Olororo, Ustaz Bellow Ibrahim Ashukuti, Mallam AbdulRasheed Jaramose, Kalifa Yanmo Olohun, Mallam AbdulWaheed Kajola, and Abdulkadir Yusuf.

The Kwara State House of Assembly says it has effectively and efficiently perform the function of law making, representation and oversight with adherence to principles of equity and accountability in the last three years.

Speaker of the House, Engineer Yakubu Danladi-Salihu who stated this while delivering a keynote address to commemorate third anniversary of the Ninth Legislature in the state said a cordial relationship with the executive has also been established.

He maintained that Bills and other matters that deserve legislative attention are promptly attended to in the area of Agriculture, Health, Education, Social security, Youth employment, and Commerce including Women affairs.

According to the speaker, the Ninth Legislature has in the last three years passed a total of 25 Bills, considered 50 Motions, 41 matters of general public importance and 38 reports.

Engineer Danladi-Salihu said their primary role as lawmakers had continued to compliment the developmental efforts of the State Government by facilitating infrastructure at various Constituencies under the Grassroots Development initiative which commenced in 2020.

The speaker reiterated modest achievements of this 9th Assembly in the last three years to the cooperation of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq stressing that they look forward to more hand of fellowship in the incoming legislative year.

The event had in attendance former members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Jibril Mamman, Commissioners and other top government functionaries.

The Financial Secretary-elect of the All Progressives Congress, APC Kwara Chapter, Hon Abdulganiy Tola Kure has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for nominating Hon Ibrahim Akaje as a cabinet member of his administration.

Hon Kure in a statement he personally signed in Ilorin the state capital described the nomination of Hon Akaje as one that further confirms and affirms Gov AbdulRazaq's trust in the capacity and ability of youth to deliver for his administration.

"The appointment of my good old friend and brother, Hon Ibrahim Akaje by the working Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a confirmation that he is truly a youth-friendly governor and his believe in the capacity of youth to deliver especially given that the nominee is a goal getter, highly intelligent, resourceful and loved by people across the divide"

"One thing is certain by this appointment, the Governor is writing his name in the book of history by this unprecedented engagement and involvement of youth constituency in his administration and by the time he finishes in six years time (Insha Allah) a new Kwara would have been delivered (many of his landmark projects that put Kwara on the world map would have been completed and delivered)"

"I want to assure my amiable and charismatic Governor that if leopard doesn't change its skin, Hon Akaje that I know for more than two decades now, would be an asset to this Government considering his wide experience at the grassroots and national politics the recent being his chairmanship of the Appeal Committee of our party in Lagos state".

The Kwara APC State Financial Secretary-elect concluded by urging kwarans to continue to support Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in his quest and ambition to make Kwara a better place for all.

Mine is 8580mah Blackview bv6600, I use it heavily for 18hrs

Alot of reactions have trailed the defection of Chief Femi Fani Kayode to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Most people seem to be bitter or disappointed over his past political standings and views. These they believe put a question on his integrity.

First, everyone needs to understand that politics is not a game of emotion. Anywhere in the world, the philosophy of politics is a matter of personal principle and interest. It is when our personal principle and interest align that we can have a collective interest or ideology.

APC and PDP are the two major parties we have in Nigeria and it is home to every serious minded politician. Any other party is a waste of time or a joke when talking National politics. Both parties are platforms for people to further their interest under the United Nigeria.

One important fact I want us all to understand is that the PDP of 2015 is different from the PDP of today. The leadership of every party at every period reflects the kind of people within. Let me put it in simpler form, during the time of Goodluck Jonathan as the leader of the party, some people like Saraki, Tambuwal, Atiku and others led a bitter rebellion against the then leadership and did everything to remove Presodent Jonathan from office which ofcourse led to the exit of the PDP from power. The then PDP was the PDP that Femi Fani Kayode felt comfortable with, i.e the PDP under GEJ.

Now as it stands, the same people that destroyed the PDP are today in firm control of the party after they had defected back from the APC. Serious political observers must agree that even the former President Goodluck Jonathan is one of the "friends" of the APC today, even to a point of a speculated defection.

The PDP is going into 2023 with a clear path to be determined by Atiku, Saraki, Tambuwal, Wike and few other minor interest. Now ask yourself, how does any of these power blocs protect the interest of Femi Fani Kayode.

We must learn how to remove emotion and do away with pedestrian way of analysing advanced politics. Your emotion is not needed in politics, just your clear mind and reasoning.

The National Chairman of the APC, Mai Mala Buni has attracted alot of PDP bigwigs and Governors not just Fani Kayode. This is advanced negotiation and clear desire to strengthen an already strong ruling party ahead of the 2023 election. When PDP lost power in 2015, five Governors left for APC. Now PDP, instead of attracting and receiving APC Governors, they have lost 3 Governors to the ruling party again. This only shows one thing- PDP has no hope to reclaim power in 2023. That is the bitter truth. If care is not taken, more Governors are still going to defect to the APC.

Leadership is very key to the progress and otherwise of any party. So instead of crying over Fani Kayode, PDP sympathisers and observers of our democracy should charge the PDP to provide itself a sound leadership and play the role of a strong opposition with seriousness to take power.

Lanre Sulyman is an APC Chieftain in Kwara State

• Says the Congresses Demonstrate Unity in the Kwara APC

The Kwara State APC New Media wishes to commend the entire Kwara APC members for its resolute, commitment and dedication towards a peaceful ward congress in the State despite the plans from some quarters to abuse the mind of the public through frivolous sponsored lies in some sections of the media that the ward congress scheduled for today has been postponed indefinitely.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Focal Person, Kwara APC New Media, Usman Yunusa and his Deputy, Yusuf Amasa in Ilorin the state capital.

Recall that the Kwara State High Court had restrained those parading themselves under the guise of 'APC LOYAL', a presumed fraction unknown to the Constitution and the leadership of the APC under the capacity Chairmanship of Governor Mai Bala Buni from conducting the planned illegal parallel congress across the State.

The peaceful conduct of the Kwara State APC Ward congresses has further demonstrated the party's unity, focus and poised determination to consolidate on the many achievements of the APC Government in the State led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The Kwara APC New Media has also noted that the oneness of purpose that characterized the exercise has further proven that the APC, under the current leadership of Alhaji Abdullahi Sanmari is one indivisible family, made up of patriots, whose only interest is the stability and development of the State.

We congratulate all the newly elected Ward Chairmen and other Executive members-elect for their emergence through a credible and transparent process at the congresses across the sixteen LGAs in the State.

Finally, we urge all our leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters in the State to continue to work together in the collective quest to uphold the ISENLO mantra for the benefit of all Kwarans home and in the diaspora.

HomeNews
NEWS
Emir Sulu-Gambari Appoints Sheik Onikijipa As New Grand Mufti Of Ilorin
By Maxilensnews On Jul 22, 2021
0
Share


The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has appointed popular Islamic Preacher, Sheik Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa as the new Grand Mufti of Ilorin.

The Emir announced the appointment, Thursday in Ilorin, Maxilensnews gathered.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also confirms the appointment the founder of Darulkitab Wa Sunnah College, Ilorin, Dr. AbdulKadir Oba-Solagberu, as the new Mallam Ubandoma of Ilorin.

Others appointed are; the elder brother to the Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq (Mutawalle of Ilorin), Sheikh Yakub Aliagan (Sarkin Mallami of Ilorin) Waziri Yakubu Gobir (Dawaki of Ilorin) Alhaji Saka Onimago (Shetimma of Ilorin), Mallam Saliu Mustapha (Turaki of Ilorin) Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje (Tafida of Ilorin), Alhaji Kawu Agaka (Dan Iya of Ilorin)

Credit:
https://www.maxilensnews.com/emir-sulu-gambari-appoints-sheik-onikijipa-as-new-grand-mufti-of-ilorin/

• The roots of party crisis explained
•How donations by Govs, Ministers were cornered
•Kwarans own the freedom struggle
 
 
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has offered rare insights into the protracted crisis rocking the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), tracing it to his refusal to fund a campaign structure that was formed without his prior knowledge or input as the governorship candidate.
 
Speaking on Saturday at the launch of a book titled 'Otoge' in Ilorin, the state capital, the Governor also said some cabals within the party who received hundreds of millions of naira as donations for the Kwara struggle from far and wide did not deliver a kobo to him.

Represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, AbdulRazaq said party officials were equally barred from campaigning with him until the presidential election had been won and the pendulum was clearly swinging in his favour.
 
“Since this book is about history, I feel it is important to set the record straight on a few things. First, the 'Otoge' is the struggle of our people and it did not necessarily start in 2019. Every Kwaran of good conscience owned and worked for that struggle in various ways. We were only positioned by providence to lead the final lap of the breaking of the jinx that dated back many decades,” he said, in what was the first public statement made by him on the issues within the party.
 
“However, permit me to assert here that contrary to some claims out there, the battle cry 'Otoge' and its adoption were a product of a statewide field research that I commissioned shortly after the primaries in October 2018. If anyone could lay claim to its copyright, it has to be the Hook Nigeria, a communications outfit owned by very young people. One of them, Toyyib, is a Kwara South prince. I had held meetings with various PR outfits but I found their own presentation most strikingly catchy and reflective of the Kwara struggle. We ran our campaign with that slogan and it quickly resonated with our masses. So popular was it that even motorcyclists and trailer drivers adopted it in their honking. It became a household refrain. To God be the glory and we thank the people of Kwara for this.
 
“I also need to set the record straight about the party crisis. It did not begin after the election or swearing-in. It is safe to say that those who claimed to own the party in the state at that time practically disowned me until after the President had won his election and the coast became clearer back home. Here is the story. Shortly after the primaries in October, the party told me they have set up a campaign structure. Nobody consulted me before doing that, even though I was the governorship candidate. They asked me to fund the campaign structure that I was not privy to. Of course I declined it. I would later lead my own small campaign team across the state. It is on record that the party officially boycotted my campaign tours. Party officials got the instruction not to attend my campaign. A few of them can testify to this. I went round the whole of Kwara North without the party. However, they stylishly joined the campaign after the presidential election when it was clear Kwarans had decided in our favour. I am not aware of any decent democracy where a candidate would not be given the privilege of shaping the direction of his own campaign. It is even worse that my campaign was boycotted because I refused to be led by the nose. 
 
“I have told these stories of the slogan and of the party issues to disabuse the mind of Kwarans or friends of Kwara who may not have had this information. In doing so, I am not claiming sole credit for the success of the struggle. Far from it. I have done so simply to clear the air, and this book launch offers the right platform to speak up. And for Ministers, Governors, party supporters and friends of Kwara who I later heard donated hundreds of millions of naira to support the 'Otoge' struggle in Kwara, I want to say that I did not receive a kobo of that fund. But how that money was managed or stolen is a story for another day!”
 
The Governor congratulated the author of the work Tony Oyeyiola, describing it as a commendable effort and directing the purchase of 100 copies for the government.
 
“I believe efforts as this are necessary to research and document history and the various roles played or purported to have been played by various stakeholders. I congratulate the author for the work,” the Governor said, adding that the 'Otoge' revolution brought a lot of lessons for everyone, including current office holders.
 
“Let me make it abundantly clear that we are guided by lessons of history. On our part, we are working within available resources and realities of our state to be on the right side of history. This explains our efforts in spreading development and making huge investments in basic amenities of life. While we are not perfect, we have facts and figures to assert that our state is better than we met it on all indices.”

The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu has described the death of Oludofian of Idofian, Oba Zubair Agboola Adeyeye Oyesoro II as a great loss.

Engr Danladi-Salihu in a condolence message noted that the late Oludofian was a great monarch who wielded enormous influence and contributed significantly to the development of his town and her people.

"We are saddened by the death of our Royal Father, Oba Zubair Agboola Adeyeye Oyesoro II, indeed it is a great loss. We will always remember the late Oba Oyesoro II because he contributed significantly to the development of his people"

"On behalf of the Ninth Legislature, I commiserate with the family, of Oyesoro II, Idofian and Ifelodun local government, Kwara South Traditional Council and the entire people of the state and prayed Allah to admit the late monarch into Aljanat".

Late Oludofian of Idofian who died today 18th June ascended to the throne of his ancestors on the 11th day of May, 1965.

See more at https://www.maxilensnews.com/kwara-speaker-describes-oludofians-death-as-a-great-loss/[/quote]

[b][/b]The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu has described the death of Oludofian of Idofian, Oba Zubair Agboola Adeyeye Oyesoro II as a great loss.

Engr Danladi-Salihu in a condolence message noted that the late Oludofian was a great monarch who wielded enormous influence and contributed significantly to the development of his town and her people.

"We are saddened by the death of our Royal Father, Oba Zubair Agboola Adeyeye Oyesoro II, indeed it is a great loss. We will always remember the late Oba Oyesoro II because he contributed significantly to the development of his people"

"On behalf of the Ninth Legislature, I commiserate with the family, of Oyesoro II, Idofian and Ifelodun local government, Kwara South Traditional Council and the entire people of the state and prayed Allah to admit the late monarch into Aljanat".

Late Oludofian of Idofian who died today 18th June ascended to the throne of his ancestors on the 11th day of May, 1965.

See more at https://www.maxilensnews.com/kwara-speaker-describes-oludofians-death-as-a-great-loss/

By Lateef Adewole 

It was a great delight watching the budget defence of Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He made his defence, which blew everyone away. He got what is equivalent of a “standing ovation”, in praises. The committee members, Senators and Honourable members could not stop eulogising him. He was appreciated and showered with encomium based on the professor’s unprecedented performance in a very short time, just about 3 years since he was appointed to that office.

Indeed, Professor Oloyede has continued to distinguish himself in public service, displays exceptional leadership capacity, competence, integrity and he represents the leadership of our dreams for our country, Nigeria. His activities since taken over the leadership of JAMB, a critical examination body to attaining higher education in Nigeria, which shapes the future of the youths, have been nothing but revolutionary. It is ingenious to us, to our country.
His appointment was followed with scathing criticisms, majorly based on religious jingoism, as it is usual with us in Nigeria. Some even derided him as being not suitable to head such a “sensitive and technical” body, being not an expert in that field (technocrat). That he Certificate in Arabic and Islamic studies from the University of Ibadan in 1976/77, to the professorial level (UNILORIN), all achieved within the supposed “dysfunctional” education system in Nigeria. Not Havard, not Cambridge, Not Oxford, not Yate! All from Nigeria. Yet, he has proven his detractors wrong.

He has shown all of us, friends and foes alike, that tribalism or religious inclinations have no bearing on competence. He has been exemplary and phenomenon.

But, what has he done to deserve all these accolades? At that Tuesday budget defence, he revealed “uncommon” strides in Nigeria. He shocked everyone present when he told the public that JAMB is now fully self-funded, with all their capital expenditures and overheads completely taken care of by the body without collecting a kobo from the federal allocations. Despite that, they are remitting 3 billion naira to federation account, apart from another 2 billion naira, which the FG has approved for their capital projects, all from their internally generated revenues of 2019 only. Also, that was in spite of the reduction in the cost of the JAMB registration by 30% for the same year 2019.

The biggest shock happened after he conducted the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), following his new appointment in October 2016. The results were released in an unprecedented record time of within few days (less than one week) of conducting the exams. This was a departure from the past when candidates had to wait like forever, just to know their scores. He then went ahead to declare a surplus money in excess of 5.1 billion naira! From just one examination?

This was 10,000% increase over what the same JAMB declared for previous 7 years (2010 to 2016), which showed about ridiculous 50 million naira only (according to records). Seven years fah! How come? And those at the helms during those years are still walking around free. That is still being investigated. No wonder snakes, rats, lions and all kinds of animals, ate millions of naira in JAMB offices, as seen in the revelation from Benue JAMB office last year.

The following year 2018, he remitted 7.1 billion naira to the federation account after conducting the 2017 UTME. Several innovations have been introduced to curb the menace of cheating in the exams. It is now fully computer based test. He has said the candidates for 2020 exams must provide their National Identity Number (NIN), which is unique to individuals. This is to check the cases of double registrations and impersonations. Most of the whole processes have been computerised and automated for ease of administration. The system has continously been upgraded as well to protect it from cyber-attack. There is more efficiency now in the system.

I took time to x-ray all of these to exemplify what competent leadership can achieve. But how was he able to do all of these in the spate of 3 years? These are lessons we can all learn from there, especially many political office holders at all levels; federal, state and local government.

Is it not shocking to know that majority of the staff who were there in those “locust” years are still the same people who are running the organisation, with exception of some changes and the reorganisational postings? Then, what made all the difference? It is the leadership provided by Professor Oloyede! He made his personality and character to bear on the organisation he heads. The same old staff members realised that a “new sheriff” is truly in town, not a “pretender”.

While he faced the fight against corruption in the system head-on, he has been doing it “sincerely and holistically”, not punishing some people, while shielding others, based on their tribes, religion, nepotism or closeness to him. He does his fight without fear or favor. That is why it will be difficult to fault him in that respect. He recommends appropriate rewards and punishments based on the merits of each person’s case.

Inclusiveness in administration. While the rots discovered, and still being revealed, are enough to have him labelled the staff he met on resumption as corrupt, alienate himself from them or even mistreat them, he never did. All he showed them was that, things will no longer be business as usual. Those who shaped up, continued to enjoy robust relationship with him. Those who are recalcitrant are expected to be shipped out. He carried everybody along. This made those of his staff, who have no skeleton in their cupboard, to trust him.

Capacity. You cannot give what you don’t have, as they say. His “personal” abilities and character made all the difference. As Senator Egwu said at the budget defence, he turned around the administration of that institution. His legacies there endure till date. He also graduated with a First-Class in his first degree.

Self-discipline. A critical attribute that is lacking in many of us, especially our leaders, is self-discipline. They often forget the “temporariness” of power and office. They live and act recklessly many times, without a care in this world. When a leader cannot discipline himself or herself, he or she has no moral right to demand same from his or her subordinates or followers. But in Nigeria, that is not applicable. We, too many times, see cups calling the kettles black. Leadership should be by example rather than precept.

Focus. In spite of all the “shades” thrown at him after his appointment, Professor Ishaq Oloyede never got distracted. He has his mind set on his goals and he pursued them vigorously with all his might and being. Those working with him had no choice but to rise up to the occasion. That is the result of which we are seeing. He did not abandon his current responsibility and begin to blame all the past registrars of the body for everything that is wrong there. He simply moved on and faced his job squarely.

Shared commendation. I have listened to Professor Oloyede’s interviews a few times. While everyone talks about him and his achievements, he never missed any opportunity to publicly acknowledge the contributions, supports and dedication of all the members of staff of the organisation. Likewise his board members. He never took the accolades alone. This encourages his staff continue to do more.

In all of these, while it looks so bleak like Nigeria may never move forward, the time of Professor Ishaq Oloyede at the JAMB leadership shows that, if we resolve to make changes for better, Nigeria can actually move forward, even beyond our imaginations. And it all starts by always doing our best to put our best foot forward, whether for elective or appointive positions.

President Buhari got this one very right. We can only wish and hope that he will be guided while making many more appointments, going forward. The JAMB should be a case study and a temple for him. Many of his appointees were disappointment, while he continues to retain them or reappointed them for another term, more at the expense of the wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians. Current security situation in Nigeria comes to mind.

Professor Ishaq Oloyede is not without his own flaws, just like any normal human being, but, where those flaws are dwarfed by his good sides, the result will be positive.
May God continue to guide us aright.

God Bless Nigeria

Read more at https://www.maxilensnews.com/feature-oloyede-and-jamb-leadership-a-metaphor-for-possible-nigeria-lateef-adewole/#

lalasticlala
mydn44

One of the oldest traditional ruler on the throne in Nigeria, the Oludofian of Idofian, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Zubair Agboola Adeyeye Oyesoro, The Second is dead.

According to the family, the Oludofian died at the earlier hours of today at the age of Ninety six during a brief illness.

According to the Chief Imam of Idofian, Alhaji Tohir Ahmed Alao, the janaizah will take place at 4pm today at the Oludofian Palace, Idofian.

Oba Zubair Agboola Adeyeye Oyesoro, The Second, ascended the throne of Idofian on May 11th, 1965.

Meanwhile, a statement by the Chairman of Idofian Community, Chief Lanre Odofin and the Secretary, Mr Jimoh Kamaldeen directs that all activities at the popular Idofian market to be closed to mourn the late monarch.

See more at
https://www.maxilensnews.com/just-in-oludofian-one-of-nigerias-longest-ruling-monarch-passes-on/