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Tag: Kwara State

  • SAD! Ex-Kwara State MILAD, Latinwo, is dead

    SAD! Ex-Kwara State MILAD, Latinwo, is dead

    Ex-Military Governor of Kwara State, Group Captain Salaudeen Adebola Latinwo (retd), is dead.

    He reportedly died at the age of 80 in the early hours of Saturday, August 12 in the United Kingdom (UK) after a protracted illness.

    Latinwo, a retired Group Captain in the Nigerian Air Force, who was born on 12th July 1943, served as military governor of Kwara State between January 1984 and August 1985 under the Military Government of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

    Born in Offa, Latinwo was part of the pioneering sets of officer cadets recruited into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963, under the First Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, Colonel Gerhard Kahtz, who was on secondment to the Nigerian Air Force as Head of the German Air Force Assistance Group (GAFAG).

    Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of the state, especially the Offa community, over the death of a former military administrator of the state, retired Group Captain Salaudeen Adebola Latinwo.

    In a statement on Saturday, Governor AbdulRazaq called the death a sad occurrence and a big void in the crop of great statesmen whose well of wisdom and experience is invaluable.

    “On behalf of the AbdulRazaqs, the government and the people of Kwara State, the Governor sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late military administrator, the Offa community, and the military establishment on this development,” according to a Government House statement.

    “The Governor prays to Allah to repose the soul of the former leader in Al-Jannah and uphold his family and the community he left behind.”

  • Kwara governor, AbdulRazaq approves payment of N10,000 to tertiary institution students in the state

    Kwara governor, AbdulRazaq approves payment of N10,000 to tertiary institution students in the state

    Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the payment of N10,000 for every student in the public-owned tertiary institutions in the state.

    He has also approved a stipend of N10,000 each for some categories of security agents defined as the first line of defence, which would be disbursed through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) Office.

    The approval of 10,000 for each student is different from the annual bursary being given to final year students already in tertiary institutions in the state.

    This was disclosed via a statement by governor Rahman’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Tuesday.

    The Governor had raised a bursary award from the age-long N5,000 to N10,000 for final year students.

    The special support will be coordinated by a government committee to be headed by Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB).

    He will be supported by officials from the Ministry of Tertiary Institution, bursary department, Ministry of Finance, and a representative each from the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Kwara State.

    “The committee will publish a web link through which all students eligible for State bursary would apply for the support within dates to be announced, filling required information and documents,” the statement added.

  • Kwara records 2 fire incidents in 2 days, properties worth N42.8m destroyed

    Kwara records 2 fire incidents in 2 days, properties worth N42.8m destroyed

    A shopping complex of 20 shops located at Fufu Street, Sabo-oke area in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, was gutted by fire on Saturday destroying properties worth several millions of naira.

    The incident which occurred around 6:00 am, affected a shop with goods worth millions of naira.

    This is the second fire incident in the state within two days after a Thursday inferno destroyed a four-bedroom flat and ten shops in Offa Local Government Area.

    A total of N42.8m were destroyed in both incidents which resulted from a power surge according to the spokesman of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle on Saturday.

    He said the director of the service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, urged the citizens to always cultivate the habit of switching off their electrical appliances even before bedtime.

    He added that such a move would help to prevent the chances of fire outbreaks in homes, offices and shops.

  • Kwara NGOS, CSOs demand to be part of fuel subsidy palliatives committee

    Kwara NGOS, CSOs demand to be part of fuel subsidy palliatives committee

    Twenty-four Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and NGOs came together in Kwara on Saturday to demand that they be made part of organisations to distribute government’s palliatives on fuel subsidy removal.

    They formed a coalition with Mr Abdurrahman Ayuba as convener and Mr Musa Aliyu as co-convener.

    The organisations declared in a statement signed by the duo that they formed the coalition and made the request early to avoid a repeat of the experience of the COVID-19 palliative distribution.

    They noted that the CSOs and NGOs were initially not included among monitors and distributors of COVID-19 palliatives, but were later “inadvertently co-opted’’.

    The CSOs and NGOs also declared in the statement issued in Ilorin that their interest was specifically in food distribution to the poor and to the vulnerable and the distribution of fertiliser and grains to farmers.

    “We also have interest in the N500 million support to petty traders and MSMEs and in the committee to interface with marketers on the need to curb arbitrary fixing of food prices.

    “Already feelers from CSO colleagues in other states suggest the steps taken by Kwara are highly commendable and pregnant with positive results,’’ they noted.

    The CSOs and NGOs added that they looked forward to a proactive response from government and assured that they remained a dependable partner in the development of Kwara.

    Kwara government announced on Monday that it would distribute food palliatives to the poor and the vulnerable periodically to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    The government also approved for the Kwara State Social Investment Programme to activate a N500 million worth of conditional support for petty traders and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

    It also announced that it would receive fertilisers and grains from the Federal Government for distribution to farmers to boost food output and security.

    The government declared that it would set up a committee to interface with marketers to curb extortionist tendencies as seen in arbitrary fixing of prices of foodstuffs which imposed hardship on residents.

  • ‘American Sugar Mummy’ jailed for cybercrime in Kwara

    ‘American Sugar Mummy’ jailed for cybercrime in Kwara

    Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 convicted 24-year-old Francis Stephen Oke Eghele for representing himself as a female American to defraud unsuspecting victims.

    Francis, fronting as ‘American Sugar Mummy’ to defraud unsuspecting victims, was convicted alongside one Adeniyi Adekunle Aliyu from Iworoko, Ado Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State over a similar offence.

    The duo of Francis and Adeniyi were arraigned on separate charges by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    The duo pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

    Following their guilty pleas, Anselm Ozioko (Jnr) and Isabel Adeniran who represented the EFCC, urged the courts to convict the defendants based on their pleas and the evidence tendered before it.

    In her judgment, Justice Akinpelu sentenced Francis to six months imprisonment each on count 1 and 2 with option of fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) on each count.

    The court also ordered that one Infinix phone, which the convict used to perpetrate the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    In the same vein, Adeniyi was sentenced to six months imprisonment with option of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only).

    The court ordered that one Nokia phone, Hp laptop, Infinix phone used to commit the crime and the sum of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only), which he benefited from the unlawful activities be forfeited to the Federal Government.

  • EFCC arrests 13 Chinese nationals in Kwara

    EFCC arrests 13 Chinese nationals in Kwara

    Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 13 Chinese nationals for offences bordering on illegal mining in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 1( (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983, according to the EFCC.

    The suspects, which comprise of a female and 12 male, were arrested on Wednesday July 12, 2023 at the Government Reserved Area, G.R.A Ilorin following credible intelligence about their activities which included but not limited to, illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.

    The suspects are Guo Ya Wang (36), Lizli Hui (42), Guo Jian Rong (36), Lizh Shen Xianian (37), Lishow Wu (26), Guo Pan (38), Lia Meiyu (53), Guo Kai Quan (36) Lin Pan (50).

    Others are Ma Jan (38), Wendy Wei Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29), and Xie Zhinguo (53).

    Prior to their arrest, discrete investigations on the activities of illegal mining operators in Kwara State revealed that the operators have different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

    Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to be workers of a Chinese Company known as *W. Mining Global Service Limited* situated at Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    It was gathered that the company was using the illegally mined granite to produce marble for sale locally in Nigeria. Findings also revealed that some of the suspects working in the said company were without _*‘work permit’*_ , but only entered Nigeria with visitor’s visa.

    The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigations.

    Recall that, the Acting Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulkarim Chukkol had on Thursday, July 6, 2023 during a one-day media training for journalists in Kwara State lamented the activities of illegal mining operators, describing it as grave threat to local and national economy.

    Within the last 8 months, no fewer than 80 illegal operators had been arrested by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC and 24 truckloads of assorted minerals impounded.

    The Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC had on September 10, 2022 arrested a Chinese National, Dang Deng, managing director of Sinuo Xinyang Nigeria Ltd, for being in possession of 25 tons of assorted crude minerals and got him convicted on October 19, 2022 before Justice Mohammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin.

    The EFCC had warned that it would be unrelenting in the fight against corruption just as it is leaving no stone unturned in breaking the rings of the illegal mining operators across the country.

  • Lawyer charged to court for allegedly defrauding Landmark University

    Lawyer charged to court for allegedly defrauding Landmark University

    Temidayo Eseyin a pastor with the  Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel has been arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Wednesday for allegedly defrauding Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, to the tune of N19.3 million.

    Eseyin, a lawyer and former member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch, was docked on a four-count bordering on dishonest misappropriation of funds belonging to the University before Justice Funsho Lawal of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.

    It was gathered that Eseyin during his time as the counsel/attorney to Landmark University was granted access to the institution’s properties, title documents and funds.

    However, it was discovered that Eseyin was allegedly  “cheating, defrauding, misappropriating and shortchanging his client to her utmost dismay”.

    Specifically in one of his alleged atrocities, the defendant, between 2014 and 2022 managed a property known as “Old Midland Building” belonging to Landmark University, situated along Emir’s/Obbo Road, Ilorin, which rents Eseyin collected for 8 years and could not produce when asked.

    The petitioner also alleged that Eseyin attempted to sell the property without instructions from the university, hence, the petition to the EFCC.

    Count three of the charge reads, “That you, Temidayo Eseyin sometime in the year 2021, in Ilorin Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Six Million, Sixty Four Thousand Naira Only (6, 064,000) representing payment of rent on property known as Old Midland Building belonging to Landmark University and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Law and Punishable under Section 309 of the same Law.”

  • Kwara boat mishap: 144 rescued as death toll rises to 106

    Kwara boat mishap: 144 rescued as death toll rises to 106

    Kwara State Police Command has said that 144 people have so far been rescued from the Monday Boat mishap which claimed many lives in the Patigi local government area of Kwara state.

    The police also put the death toll at 106.

    The Police in a statement signed by SP Ajayi Okasanmi Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) and made available to the press on Wednesday said that the boat which capsized between Ebu and Dzakan village in Patigi local government area was loaded with about 250 passengers out of which 106 people died.

    “Among the casualties were people from Ebu Village with 61 casualties, Dzakan Village with 38, Kpada Village with 4 dead, and three (3) other casualties from Kogi State, putting the total number of casualties at 106 and the total number of rescued people at about 144.

    “Information was received by the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi Divisional Headquarters to the effect that a boat accident occurred around the River Niger axis.

    “The Commissioner of Police Kwara State, CP Paul Odama psc+, immediately after receiving the information dispatched a team of policemen to join the policemen and other locals already on their way to locate the exact spot the boat accident happened to join in the rescue efforts.

    “The boat was said to have conveyed about 250 people from a village called Gboti via Patigi after a wedding ceremony to Ebu Village and Dzakan Village, all within Patigi’s local government area.

    On leaving the shore, one part of the boat by the engine side collapsed where water penetrated the boat, which ultimately led to the boat capsizing.

    “All efforts to draw the attention of the villagers hosting the wedding ceremony for assistance by the persons in the boat proved abortive, leading to the deaths of about 106 people.

    Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman of Patigi Local Government area, Alhaji Ibrahim Liman who said that the accident might have been caused by Water that leaked into the boat stated that the volume of water that entered into the boat affected its movement which made it to capsize.

    Liman said that all the people who survived the accident swam to the bank of the river by themselves adding that “All the people that survived the accident knew how to swim and they swam to the river bank by themselves.

    Meanwhile, Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) Managing Director, Mallam Abubakar Yelwa blamed the high rate of death in the accident for the non-use of life jackets by the passengers in the boat.

    Yelwa while speaking at a programme organised by the Commission in Ilorin on Wednesday said that the commission spent billions of naira to purchase life jackets for the people leaving in the area covered by HYPPADEC.

    “High death rate in the early Monday morning boat mishap in the Patigi local government area of Kwara state has been blamed on the negative attitude of people of the area in the use of life jackets whenever they travel by water.”

  • Tragedy as 103 marriage guests die in Kwara

    Tragedy as 103 marriage guests die in Kwara

    Police Command in Kwara has confirmed that 103 persons died in a boat accident at Egbu village, in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara.

    The Spokesperson of the Command, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.

    The deceased reportedly met their end after the boat conveying them while returning from a marriage ceremony capsized.

    The tragic incident has cast an ominous cloud of sorrow and despair on the village.

    Okasanmi said the names of the survivors would be published soon.

    The Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Patigi, Alhaji Mohammed Liman, put the number of passengers that died in the accident at 110.

    Liman, while quoting from a statement by one Alhassan Bala Mohammed, a community leader in the area, said, “About 110 people died in the boat mishap in our area.

    “We’re going to tell you about the tragedy and unforgettable memory that occurred to my people from our village and other neighbouring villages close to us.

    “Our village people went to a wedding ceremony in another village called Gboti and the boat carried about 270 people, and almost 110 people were lost.”

    “This is an unforgettable memory and tragedy in the history of our village,” he said.

    Kwara Speaker sympathises with Patigi people over boat mishap

    The Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has sympathized with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, and the people of Patigi over the Monday’s boat mishap.

    In a statement by the Speaker on Wednesday, he condoled  the families of the dead and identified with those still missing, praying to God to forgive the deceased and give the families fortitude to bear the loss.

    The boat conveying people from Egboti in Niger State en route to Kpada in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara, capsised on Monday night, leaving several people dead and others still missing.

    “Our heart goes out to the people of Patigi, especially those in Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi over the boat mishap that claimed dozens of lives and left others missing.

    ”We also condole the Etsu Patigi over the unfortunate development; we pray to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    The speaker also tasked the Fire Service and the rescue team to do everything possible to ensure the recovery of those still missing alive.

  • 38-year-old Salihu re-elected Kwara Speaker

    38-year-old Salihu re-elected Kwara Speaker

    Mr Yakubu Salihu, has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly for the 10th Assembly.

    This followed a motion for his nomination moved by Mr Halidu Danbaba (APC/Kaiama/Wajibe) and seconded by Mr Arinola Lawal (APC/Ilorin East) during Tuesday’s inauguration plenary.

    The 10th legislature of was inaugurated following issuance of Proclamation by Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in compliance with Section 105, Subsection 3 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended

    The 38-year-old Salihu was the Speaker of the 9th Assembly and was unanimously reelected by the House.

    In the same development, Mr Ojo Oyebode (APC/Oke-Ogun) was also elected unopposed as the Deputy Speaker.

    Oyebode was nominated by Razaq Owolabi (Share/Oke-Ode), while Shaba Gideon (APC/Edu) seconded.

    Salihu and Oyebode were thereafter sworn-in by the Clerk of the House, Hajia Halimah Kperogi, at the hallowed chamber of the house.

    Danladi was born in Gwanara, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara on May 31, 1985, into the family of Salihu Gwanara.

    His early education began in 1988 at BLGEA Primary School where he earned First School Leaving Certificate in 1993.

    He attended St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin, and finished in 2001 before attending Kaduna Polytechnic, where he received a National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering between 2003 and 2008.

    In 2016, Danladi earned B.Eng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Federal University of Technology, Minna.

    He was a lecturer in the same university before he resigned to contest to represent his people in 2019.

    On his part, Oyebode attended Baptist LGEA Primary School, Ipee, and Jamaatu Nasril Islam Secondary School, Owu–Isin before attending the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.

    He served as a Councillor in Ipee between 2007 and 2010.

    Other Principal Officers of the House are the House Leader, Oba Abdulkadir Magaji (APC/Ilorin Central), and Deputy House Leader, Medinah Abdulrahman (APC/Lanwa Ejidongari).

    Also Abdulganiyu Gabriel of (APC/Ekiti) emerged as Chief Whip, while Mariam Aladi (APC/Ilorin South) clinched the position of Deputy Whip of the House.

    Out of the 24 members, only one was elected under the platform of PDP, while five of them are women.

    Eight of the members sworn-in are re-elected, while 16 are new members.