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Tag: Kwara State

  • Kwara records 39 new cases of COVID-19

    Kwara records 39 new cases of COVID-19

    Kwara Government says it recorded 39 more COVID-19 cases, while seven patients who tested negative twice have been discharged.

    Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and Spokesman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin.

    According to him, this brings the total to 1,379 confirmed cases, with 1,179 patients discharged and 32 deaths.

    “As at 10:20p.m on Saturday, the number of active cases are 168 and 1,179 patients have so far been discharged, while 32 deaths recorded,” Ajakaye said.

  • U.S. Elections: Kwara Gov hails Owolewa’s victory in US polls

    U.S. Elections: Kwara Gov hails Owolewa’s victory in US polls

    …commends KSANG for support

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated Democrat Oye Owolewa on his victory as a shadow US Representative for Washington DC, describing his emergence as a pride to homeland Kwara and Nigeria.

    “On behalf of the people and government of our state, I felicitate with Democrat Oye Owolewa, from homeland Omu-Aran (Kwara State), on his deserving victory at the poll.

    “His victory is a reflection of his outstanding personality as a young man with a purpose.

    “I also specially congratulate the Kwara State Association of North America (KSANG) family, especially Alhaji Lateef Amolegbe, for their unflinching support for candidate Owolewa,” the Governor said in a statement.

    “In my engagements with Mr. Owolewa in the run up to the ballots, he came around as a fine gentlemen, a goal-getter, and a patriotic Nigerian-American with an eye fixed on the ball. I therefore congratulate him, KSANG and the entire Nigerian community in the Washington DC for this feat.”

    “For Mr. Owolewa and others like him, the sky is just the beginning. I am certain that his reassuring victory will offer better representation for his constituency and spur more Nigerians, especially younger people, to get more involved in the political system here in homeland Nigeria or in the diaspora.”

  • 2023: Zakari declares for Kwara Governorship

    2023: Zakari declares for Kwara Governorship

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Zakari Mohammed has declared intention to contest the 2023 governorship election to hold in Kwara State.

    Zakari, who represented the Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly declared his ambition, stressing that Kwara deserves more than a “school cert” governor.

    In an exclusive interview, the former House of Representatives member said he has what it takes to move the State forward than the incumbent Governor.

    Zakari, who believes that with his wealth of experience in various fields in public service, he is qualified to lead the State to the Promised Land, said Kwara deserves a better deal than what’s happening.

    “For me, come 2023, I’ll contest the governorship election in the state. Power comes from God, and He gives it to whoever He wills.

    “With God by my side and the support of Kwarans, in 2023, God sparing my life, as long as I’m alive, hale and hearty, I will contest for the Governor of the State.

    “Having a “school cert” as our Governor is a big slap on our faces. This is not the Kwara of our dream,” he declared in the chat with moonlightnewsng.com.

    The former lawmaker also noted that commissioning culverts, reroofing of classrooms, fencing of established schools, tarring one kilometre of road are projects for local councils and ministries and should not be for a Governor.

    The journalist turned politician said having been a former exco member, journalist, criminologist, football administrator, SA, Commissioner and many more, he has what it takes to be the next Governor of the State with the support of the people.

    “It is certainly not what Kwara bargained for. Selling my credentials to the people of Kwara, I believe they will look at it and say, let’s go for a young and vibrant leader for a better Kwara,” Zakari said.

    Speaking on why the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lost Kwara North, Zakari said it was an unprecedented protest votes from the zone against the party

    He said the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has not done anything to justify more than the 85% votes he got from Kwara North.

    “The zone felt betrayed having been promised the Governor’s slots since 2011 without fulfilment. They felt relegated and abandoned,” he alluded.

  • Uncertainty surrounds appointment of new CoS in Kwara

    Uncertainty on Monday surrounded the appointment of an Ilorin prince, Alhaji Mahe Abdulkadir as the new Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara.

    Recall that news of the appointment, went viral on social and prominent online media in the country.

    The media was agog with the report that Abdulkadir had been appointed to replace the former Chief of Staff, Adisa Logun, who died from complications of COVID-19 on July 7.

    Abdulkadir, a retired Permanent Secretary in the state and son of the immediate late Emir of Ilorin, Aliyu Abdulkadir, is said to be a close ally to the AbdulRazaq family.

    When NAN correspondent visited the ancestral residence of Abdulkadir on the Princess road in Ilorin, friends, family members and well-wishers, besieged the place rejoicing.

    Mr Taofik Uthman, who spoke with NAN, said that Abdulkadir had received a letter of appointment and would resume immediately.

    However, the state government was yet to issue any official statement on the appointment.

    When contacted, Malam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, urged the public to disregard any information related to government that had not come through official channels.

    “We have official communication channels.

    “We urge the media and members of the public to ignore anything related to the government that has not been communicated through such channels,” Ajakaye said.

  • Ilorin, Calabar NCC’s Emergency Communications Centres ready for use

    Ilorin, Calabar NCC’s Emergency Communications Centres ready for use

    The Ilorin and Calabar Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs), built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), are ready to be put to judicious use.

    The ECCs were inaugurated by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami alongside other nine projects under the Ministry scattered across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The ECC projects made it possible and easier for people of Ilorin and Calabar to dial 112 Emergency Number to get help during emergencies from appropriate emergency response agencies.

    NCC had built ECC in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

    Over 19 of the ECCs had been activated while efforts were ongoing to extend it to other states.

    In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, pledged the commitment of the commission toward implementing the digital economy mandate of the government.

    The projects are: Emergency Communications Centre (ECC), Ilorin, Kwara State; Emergency Communications Centre (ECC), Calabar, Cross River State; School Knowledge Centre (SKC), GDSS, Gombe State.

    They include: Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC), Delta State University, Abaraka; Virtual Examination Centre, University of Maiduguri: Information Technology Innovation Centre, Kogi State University; and Information Technology Capacity Building Centre, College of Education, Jigawa.

    The others are: Information Technology Capacity Building Centre, FUTO, Imo State; e-Health/Data Sharing Centre, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi; New Neighborhood Post Office, Delta State and Remodeled National Mail Exchange Centre, Mbiama, Bayelsa State.

    The projects are aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s agenda of enhancing security of lives and property in the country.

  • Court orders Police to investigate allegations of certificate forgery against Kwara lawmaker

    An Abuja Area Court in Karmo on Monday ordered the Police in the FCT to investigate allegations of certificate forgery against a Kwara lawmaker, Ahmed Ndakene.

    When the matter which was slated for ruling on report from the Utako Divisional Police investigation report came up, the Judge, Inuwa Maiwada said he had studied the submissions of both counsel in support and against the police request for extension of time to submit its investigation report.

    He said in the spirit of Section 1 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ( ACJA), 2015, he agreed with the defence since their issue was on avoidance of further delay in order for the suit to be speedily disposed of.

    He, therefore, ruled in favour of the defence counsel, Alex Edim in his submission for the police to be given the one week it requested, to conclude its investigation.

    He thereafter made orders directing the Utako Divisional Police to transmit all documents and investigation pertaining to the case to the FCT Police Commissioner.

    The Judge, in addition, ordered that the Command should authenticate, ratify and conclude if any its report and submit same to the court within seven working days.

    He concluded by adjourning the matter until July 15, for ruling on the report from the FCT Police Command.

    On the last adjourned date, Labio Oji, the complainant’s counsel frowned at the police submission requesting for one week to conclude its investigation and urged the court to use its discretion to refer the matter to a higher police station.

    Oji premised his application on Section 1 ( 1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 .

    According to him, the section advocated and ensured speedy dispensation of justice.

    He further said the court was not a dumping ground as the police station which was given two weeks to submit the report of its investigation could not deliver on the responsibility assigned to it.

    In addition, Oji told the court that since it was a court of summary jurisdiction, it should use its discretionary power to refer the matter to a higher police station.

    In his argument, he equally said he felt the station had obvious challenge and could not meet up with the two weeks given by the court, hence his application.

    He concluded by saying that the failure of the police to submit its report within the stipulated time had amounted to justice been delayed, which he said was justice denied.

    Alex Edim, the defence counsel in reply to Oji’s application objected on grounds that the section cited by Oji at a cursory look was in favour of the defence position.

    He argued that to refer the matter to another police station will take more time as they will commence on the investigation all over.

    Edim also refuted Oji’s submission that the matter be referred to a higher police station as according to him all police station were headed by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO).

    The counsel in addition said the application of his learned colleague was design as a ploy to further delay the proceedings of the court.

    He further said by the counsel’s application, the court would need time to research on authorities in order to deliver a ruling on his application, thereby leading to further delay.

    Edim therefore urged the court to dispense of the matter within a short time as the prolonged continuation of the matter will continue to affect the performance and duties of his client because of the criminal allegation hanging on him.

    The counsel cited Section 36 ( 6) of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution ( as amended).

    He concluded by urging the court in the interest of justice to grant the police the time requested for and deny Oji’s application.

    Oji, in reply referred the court on its order made on June 11, which assigned the case to Utako Police Station to investigate the matter and report back within two weeks.

    According to him, the failure of the police to submit the report within the stipulated time constituted an offence already.

    The court had earlier directed the Utako Divisional Police Station to conduct an investigation into the allegation brought against Ndakene by way of direct criminal complaint by Mahmud Babako.

    Babako, who was a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election that Ndakene emerged as winner, on the platform of the APC had alleged that the defendant forged his certificate.

    Babako alleged that Ndakene, who represents Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency of Kwara, had criminally breached the provision of Section 88(1), 89(3) and 109c of the Administrative Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    He alleged that Ndakene forged his certificate and presented same to the Independent National Electoral Commission in the form he used to contest for the 2019 election.

    He also alleged that the defendant deposed on oath to facts which were not true and his occupying the seat of his constituency was based on false information and forged documents.

  • Bridge collapses in Kwara, 3 drown, 2 bodies missing

    Bridge collapses in Kwara, 3 drown, 2 bodies missing

    Three persons of the same family lost their lives on Sunday when the car they were traveling in plunged into a river following the sudden collapse of a bridge during a downpour in Ilorin.

    The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday on Okoerin road, off lbrahim Taiwo road, in the llorin metropolis.

    Eye witness accounts revealed that the incident occurred during a heavy rain which lasted for more than four hours.

    It was gathered that there were five people in the Toyota car with registration number LRN-978FE when the accident occurred.

    The bridge which had been in existence for over two decades suddenly collapsed during the rain when the car reached the place and the car plunged into the flowing river under the bridge.

    Two out of the five occupants of the vehicle were said to have escaped without any injury.

    The car was still trapped in the river at the time of filling this report.

    The State Director of Fire Service, Mr Abdulwaheed lyanda-Yakub, who spoke with NAN at the scene of the incident, confirmed that three persons of the same family’ lost their lives in the accident.

    He disclosed that the state Fire Service was able to recover only one dead body and had yet to recover the bodies of the other two victims.

    “We are still searching for the remaining two bodies since the river is flowing one, we are making effort to secure the other two dead bodies,” the Fire Director said.

    The state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr Rotimi Iliasu, while speaking with NAN after he visited the collapsed bridge described the incident as unfortunate and commiserated with the family of the dead.

    Iliasu attributed the bridge’s collapsed to constant dumping of refuse under the bridge which he said impeded free flow of water.

    He called on residents of the state to desist from dumping refuse under bridges and water ways to avert disasters.

    The Commissioner, who emphasised the importance of the road, said the Ministry had begun repair works on the bridge.

    ”Consequently, the Okoerin road has been blocked while some personnel from the state traffic Management Authority are at the scene of the collapsed bridge to monitor diversion of traffic,” he said.

  • Kwara explains rise in COVID-19 cases, restates need for test centre

    Kwara explains rise in COVID-19 cases, restates need for test centre

    The Kwara State Government on Wednesday in Ilorin explained the reason behind the sudden increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the State.

    Rafiu Ajakaye Spokesman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19 gave the explanation in a statement.

    He said it was due to deliberate effort of the committee to contact-trace and test all persons and health workers that had contact with two Coronavirus positive persons that recently sneaked into the state.

    “They were already in isolation before the test result as they had long been identified as “persons of interest” on account of their close contact with a pregnant woman who sneaked in from Zamfara and later tested positive.

    “The woman was briefly treated at the Ilorin General Hospital and later at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital where she underwent an operation and later tested positive,’’ he said.

    Ajakaye noted that the incident led to contact tracing and testing of no fewer than 180 persons.

    “Various precautionary measures have since been taken at the two hospitals, including disinfection of relevant wards, relocation of other patients to some other wards and testing of all the contacts.

    ”There is also a renewed emphasis on the need for healthcare workers to treat every patient as a potential COVID-19 case.

    “For the record, the rise in the cases was a result of government’s proactiveness in rounding up all contacts and testing all of them.

    “Insinuations about the lack of PPEs or shortage of same are unfounded and reckless,” he explained.

    He added that 23 new cases recorded included that of a contact of a deceased person whose corpse was brought into Kwara from neighbouring Ekiti State.

    “The government has, therefore, despatched a Rapid Response Team to begin an aggressive contact tracing of the case in the affected community for another round of tests.

    “So far, 75 per cent of our cases were imported. There is no record of community spread yet in Kwara.

    “While we commend the security agencies for what they are doing, we urge them to do much more to secure our borders and prevent influx of people into the state.

    “The 23 new cases, as many before now, were a backlash from porous borders.

    “In times of pandemic and other emergencies, it is a crime for anyone or entity to undermine a system put in place to protect the people.

    “The government, therefore, warns that any action that purports to kill the morale of our health workers and those in the frontline of this national emergency will not be tolerated,” the statement said.

    It called on the Federal Government to expedite action on setting up of at least a COVID-19 test centre in the state to strengthen the capacity to test more samples while urging people to come up for voluntary testing.

  • Digital connection: Kwara State slashes right of way charges

    Digital connection: Kwara State slashes right of way charges

    Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has directed the slashing of the Right of Way (RoW) fee for telecommunications firms from N5,500 per linear metre to N1 per kilometre of fibre.

    A linear meter is a standard unit of length, symbol m, which is equal to one metre in length.

    This was made known on Sunday in Ilorin in a statement by the Commissioner for Communication, Alhaji Murtala Olanrewaju.

    Olanrewaju, who said the fee was the second lowest in Nigeria after Kaduna, added that the reduction was with immediate effect.

    He added that until now, telecom firms were paying N5,500 per linear metre as the fee for laying fibre cables in the state to strengthen their digital connections.

    The Commissioner said Gov. AbdulRazaq had directed that the RoW fee be slashed to N1 only per kilometer.

    This decision, he said was designed to deepen digital penetration in Kwara, jerk up the state’s ease of doing business ratings, and ease people’s access to the internet and other digital communication even in the remotest parts of the state.

    “Apart from driving up investment in the sector, the long-term effects of this significant step such as strengthening access to digital communications and bringing more businesses to the hinterlands cannot be quantified,” the commissioner said.

    Internet and broadband penetration had been known to have a direct correlation with economic development.

    A study carried out by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), on Africa reported that a 10 per cent broadband penetration would lead to a 2.5 per cent increment of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The National Economic Council (NEC), had recently resolved to encourage technological advancement as a way to fast track economic development in Nigeria.

    The resolution was hinged on the need to create a favourable business environment for telecommunication companies and to further deepen broadband penetration for social and economic development.

  • COVID-19: Kwara Monarch postpones 10th year coronation celebrations

    COVID-19: Kwara Monarch postpones 10th year coronation celebrations

    The Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buari, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, has postponed all activities for his 10th year coronation anniversary celebrations until further notice.

    Dr Monisoye Afolabi, the National President, Omupo Descendant Union (ODU), announced the postponement of all activities in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin.

    According to him, on the 12th day of June 2010, Oba Yakubu Buari (Ilufemiloye II) was formally enthroned as the Olomu of Omupo Land in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara.

    “Consequently, June 2020 marks a full decade of that auspicious event in the life of the people of Omupo Land, which thus calls for a big celebration of thanksgiving for a peaceful and progressive reign.

    “To all intents and purposes, plans for the celebrations had commenced.

    “However, in view of the prevailing global health challenges, arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant advisories by the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant international organisations, it has become expedient that the celebrations could not be held as planned,” he said.

    Afolabi, however, stated that to mark the occasion, and to show his love for the wellbeing of his people, the Olomu of Omupo will carry out some of the following activities which include formal launch of the ‘Omupo People’s Empowerment Programme’.

    According to the National President, the monarch will also distribute the second round of palliatives to his subjects living in Omupo.

    Afolabi prayed the Almighty God to grant the traditional ruler long, peaceful and prosperous reign, and to all residents happy celebrations.

    The monarch was also quoted to have wished all his subjects happy Eid-el-Fitr, saying they should imbibe the lessons of the Ramadan, which included love, sacrifice, perseverance, tolerance, among others.