TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kwara

  • Kwara Govt evacuates street beggars from Ilorin metropolis

    Kwara Govt evacuates street beggars from Ilorin metropolis

    The Kwara Government on Wednesday commenced the evacuation of street beggars from the Ilorin metropolis.

    Speaking at one of the locations of the exercise, Mrs Kemi Afolashade, Kwara Commissioner for Social Development, said the areas affected are: Tipper Garage, Tanke, Offa Garage, Geri-Alimi and Challenge in Ilorin.

    She said that these were areas where the street beggars were domiciled, adding that the exercise was one of the core mandates of her ministry.

    Afolashade said the leadership of Gov. Abdulraham Abdulrazaq prohibits street begging and  therefore beggars are  prohibited to stay in these areas.

    According to reports, during the exercise, the commissioner rescued a mentally challenged woman sleeping under the bridge.

    The commissioner who provided food and other needs  to the mentally challenged woman also offered to rehabilitate and empower her with a vocation of her choice.

  • Kwara Govt gifts family of late NAF officer, Nanpon, N5m

    Kwara Govt gifts family of late NAF officer, Nanpon, N5m

    Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has presented a cheque of N5 million to the family of LCpl Goselle Nanpon, a Nigeria Air Force (NAF) officer, who was killed during an operation early this year.

    Late Nanpon was a gallant NAF officer whose life was cut short by a truck after losing control in Ilorin.

    The brief presentation ceremony was held on Thursday at the 303 Medium Airlift Group, Nigerian Air Force, Ilorin.

    The governor said the gesture was to provide succour to the immediate family of the deceased, whose pain cannot be quantified.

    AbdulRazaq, who was represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliu, said Nanpon’s death represents a huge loss to the country as a whole and to Kwara in particular.

    The governor, who had earlier expressed his sympathy over the incident, encouraged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a worthwhile life.

    Responding, the Commander, 303 Medium Airlift Group, Nigerian Air Force, Captain Dan Apyeyak, appreciated the governor for the gesture, saying it explains his administration’s recognition of selfless service of uniform men.

    “I want to thank His Excellency most sincerely for always remembering us. His Excellency has been very worthy, upright, and standing by us to make sure that we don’t lack in command.

    “Today, he has further shown us that he is ready to support us in any way, especially with the presentation of the cheque of N5 million to the next of kin of our personnel who died in active service.

    “On behalf of the family, we are conveying our heartfelt appreciation and a million thank you to His Excellency for this wonderful gesture.

    “What His Excellency has done has further reinforced that people out there fighting know that they are not fighting in vain,” he said.

    The Air Force Commander said the mandate of the command was to ensure that the state and the country at large are secured, saying there will be development in a society where there is peace and security.

    The younger brother and next of kin to the late officer, Nantip Goselle, received the cheque on behalf of the family.

  • Police rescue 4 kidnapped victims in Kwara

    Police rescue 4 kidnapped victims in Kwara

    The Police Command in Kwara has confirmed rescue of four kidnapped victims, abducted in Isin Local Government Area of the state.

    The Spokeperson of the command, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin.

    The statement said the victims were rescued by a combined team of policemen, hunters and vigilantes on the directive of the state Police Commissioner, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi.

    “However, acting on the directive of the state Police Commissioner, the command’s anti-kidnapping unit stationed within the Isanlu-Isin axis, assisted by hunters and vigilantes, swung into action and gave the abductors a hot chase.

    “In the process, the kidnappers abandoned the Sienna bus conveying the victims at the time of the incident and one of them, Oke Olatunji, was rescued by the team.

    “The CP personally led another special tactical team on search and rescue operation into the forest within Isin town and in the process, another victim identified as Femi Ajayi, with bullet injury, was rescued.

    “He was taken to the health center in Isanlu-Isin where he is currently receiving medical attention.

    “Another two persons were rescued by the police on Saturday night July 15,” the statement read in part.

    Recalled that on July 13, four victims Dipe Ajayi, Kunle Abolarin, Femi Abolarin and Femi Ajayi were abducted at about 5 p.m in Isanlu-Isin.

    The victims all hailed from Oke-Arin, Isanlu-Isin in lsin local government area of the state.

  • Kwara boat mishap: NIWA threatens to prosecute culpable officials

    Kwara boat mishap: NIWA threatens to prosecute culpable officials

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has threatened to prosecute any official found involved in the Patigi boat mishap where over 100 persons lost their lives in Kwara.

    The NIWA Managing Director, Dr. George Moghalu, made the threat in a statement issued by the authority’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Jibrin Darda’u, in Lokoja on Wednesday.

    Moghalu, who commiserated with the families of the victims and government and people of the state, described the incident as “very unfortunate” and “worrisome.

    “Giving the circumstances, we will, in line with extant laws and regulations, investigate this callous incident and prosecute those found culpable.

    “Preliminary investigations through the authority’s Area Manager in Minna/Kwara Area Office revealed that the boat driver and wedding guests were on the ill-fated voyage at about 2.30 a.m, which speaks volumes about the disregard for the laws regulating Inland Waterways navigation.

    “NIWA as an Authority will not fold its arms and allow reckless boat operators flaunting our safety guidelines and killing innocent commuters.

    “The Management of NIWA is deeply saddened by the boat mishap that occurred on June 12, along the Jebba Lake channel in the Lafiagi-Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara in which about 103 passengers are feared to have died.

    “We condole with the families of those that lost their loved ones, and are particularly concerned with the huge number of casualties,” he lamented.

    According to him, this accident is clearly an unfortunate and avoidable one.

    He argued that for a wooden boat to have allegedly been carrying more than 200 passengers at once without using life jackets and sailing in the night was certainly gross-overloading and misconduct.

  • Kwara gov. emerges new NGF chairman

    Kwara gov. emerges new NGF chairman

    Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has been elected as chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

    In his acceptance speech made available after his election on Wednesday, Abdulrazaq said that he would continue the tradition of maintaining a close and cordial relationship with the President, arms of government, among other nation’s stakeholders.

    The new chairman of the NGF also promised to ensure regular consultation with all member governors in order to arrive at consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest.

    “I want to thank Allah, exalted is He, for the historic event in which my brother Governors bestowed upon me the Chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). The significance and the huge responsibilities of this office are not lost on me.

    “I hereby pledge to uphold the ideals and vision of the NGF whilst recognizing and appreciating the eminent track record of the institution as a most credible, authoritative, influential and effective inter-party platform for consensus building and peaceful resolution and advancement of pan-Nigeria goals, interests and aspirations.

    “l will ensure regular consultation with all members in order to arrive at consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest, peace, progress, and stability of the nation.

    “As a body, we will also continue our tradition of maintaining a close and cordial relationship with His Excellency the President, the National Assembly, all Federal and State institutions, the business community, the civil society, media, and development partners.

    “Finally, l wish to thank my dear colleagues for the confidence reposed in me as the new Chairman of NGF”.

     

     

  • AbdulRazaq mourns as Elerin of Erin Ile joins ancestors

    AbdulRazaq mourns as Elerin of Erin Ile joins ancestors

    Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has commiserated with the people of Erin-Ile on the passing of the Elerin of Erin Ile, Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Olusokun II, describing the development as the end of a fine era.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, on Sunday in Ilorin.

    The governor extolled the late traditional ruler as a statesman and a great leader of his people under whom Erin-Ile recorded many developmental strides.

    “I send our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families of the late first class monarch as well as the good people of Erin-Ile and Oyun Local Government Area on this sad development.

    “We are comforted by the great legacies of the monarch.

    “Our prayers are with the family and the good people of the community at this time and always.
    “We pray Allah, exalted is He, to grant Aljannah to the Elerin of Erin Ile and comfort his family,” the governor said.

  • N/Central yet to speak on NASS zoning – Kwara Gov

    N/Central yet to speak on NASS zoning – Kwara Gov

    Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, says governors from the North Central zone have not made any public statement on the zoning formula for parliamentary positions.

    The governor debunked a media report quoting them as rejecting the position of the APC leadership on the issue.

    This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye on Tuesday in ilorin.

    AbdulRazaq said the governors, being party leaders from the region, would not adopt confrontational posture against the party’s position.

    He said they were holding strategic meetings with different stakeholders to secure a better deal for the North Central.

    “Media reports that we reject the APC  position are therefore a stretch of our approach.

    “They are not factual. We have our channels of communication and that is what we are exploring.

    “We are party people and will not make any public statement or do anything that will rubbish our leadership or cause avoidable tension in the polity. That is not our way,” he said.

  • Kwara Reps member joins race for Speaker

    Kwara Reps member joins race for Speaker

    Rep. Abdulraheem Olawuyi (APC-Kwara) has joined the race for the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 10th National Assembly.

    Olawuyi, who represents Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun, and Oke-ero Federal Constituency of Kwara, confirmed that he would officially declare his intention on April 4, in Abuja.

    Olawuyi, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, said this in a statement he personally issued to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

    The lawmaker said he has consulted widely on his intention to contest the position and expressed delight at the feedback.

    Olawuyi, a third termer and ranking member in the House of Reps, said he believed he possed the needed experience to make the office of the speaker better, if elected by his colleagues.

    He said other lawmakers, serving and newly elected members of the House of Reps would be in attendance at his official declaration.

    “I assure you that, if elected, I will strive to promote policies that will benefit all Nigerians from various backgrounds and will work with all parties to unite the country.

    “I am genuinely looking forward to meet fellow lawmakers, share my vision with them, and listen to their ideas on how to improve the lots of the people, if elected as the speaker,” Olawuyi stated.

  • EFCC nabs cleric, 27 others in Kwara over internet fraud

    EFCC nabs cleric, 27 others in Kwara over internet fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, arrested 28 persons including a cleric suspected to be “Yahoo-Yahoo boys” in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

    The arrest, which was effected at Mandate Area, Ilorin, by operatives of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Command, followed intelligence on the activities of fraudsters operating in the area.

    The anti-graft agency said preliminary investigation revealed the identity of the suspects to include a cleric, twin brothers, 6 students of various tertiary institutions, mining operators and a host of other specialized private individuals.

    Those arrested according to a press statement signed by EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwuajaren, included Toheeb Albarka, a cleric; Lambe Kehinde and Lambe Taye, twin brothers; Francis Stephen, Olabode Yusuf and Musbaudeen Akorede who trade in dog selling respectively.

    The statement said that six undergraduates of various tertiary institutions in the state including Moshood Okunola, Kayode Aderemi, Ayobami Olorunfemi, Paul Ayomide, Agboola Marvellous and Adebisi Olatunde were also arrested.

    Other suspects, the statement said, also included Olaleye Solomon, Miner; Akinade Samuel, Computer Technician; Damilola Shagaya, Real Estate Developer; Muhammed Awal, Graphic Designer; Adam Mubarak, Anti-Money Laundering Analyst; Ogundiran Nathaniel, Tiler; Jamiu Ishola, Printer; Dauda Tunde, Plumber; Abdullahi Sikiru, Bet Naija Agent; Kasali Afeez Adegoke, Website Developer; Jordan Adeyinka, Wears/Shoe Dealer and a driver, Ojeniyi Boluwatife.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the rest were Adedamola Samson, Olarewaju Adisa Taofeek, Adewale Oloro and Omogbolahan Ibrahim

    Items recovered from the suspects upon arrest included 10 exotic cars, different brands of laptops and cell phones, printer among others.

    He said that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations by the EFCC.

  • Why I will not congratulate AbdulRazaq – Yaman, Kwara PDP flagbearer

    Why I will not congratulate AbdulRazaq – Yaman, Kwara PDP flagbearer

    Alhaji Shuaib Yaman, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 governorship and House of Assembly elections in Kwara, says he will leave the outcome of the elections to God.

    Recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared that the PDP flagbearer came second in the polls won by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, incumbent Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    The final results from INEC showed that the APC polled 273,424 votes while the PDP got 155,490 votes and the SDP came third with 18,922 votes.

    Speaking with journalists in between series of meetings with the PDP members in Ilorin on Monday, Yaman said that he would not congratulate AbdulRazaq because the poll was fraught with electoral malpractices.

    The PDP flagbearer also said that he would keep the decision to continue in politics or not within himself for now.

    Yaman however disclosed that he would be returning to Kaduna to face his business.

    “For the fact that political thugs were used calls for concern among Nigerians, especiall, among our people and relevant stakeholders.

    “Voters apathy in the last governorship election was far greater than before, while the number of voters was greater than the presidential elections.

    “And I think INEC has questions to answer on the electoral process too.

    “Security forces were used against people and I wouldn’t know if they are real security operatives used against the people, while the APC monetised the elections.

    “Our collation offers were chased away in many places. It is not even about the result declared by the INEC.

    “I know one thing for sure that evil victory is temporary while that of the Almighty God victory is permanent. We leave everything to God,” he said.

    Yaman, who was emotional and closed to tears while addressing the party supporters, also chastised some party members in some senatorial districts for their alleged acts of betrayal and anti-party activities.

    He, however, admonished the PDP members and supporters in the state to keep hope alive, praying that God will repay their good intentions with good rewards.

    “The spirit that keeps us should be kept alive. God will not repay your good intentions for bad. We need to recover from dark evil. We cannot afford to be led by incompetent and people who do not know what to do to lead. One day, our efforts would be beneficial to us or our children.

    “Kwara will rise up again and our group will thrive. This is a moment to retreat and ponder. This is not the end. Let’s prepare for battle ahead. It’s not over yet.

    “I know for sure that they must account for all the votes because they only ambushed people for election. These are people who had kept mute on what their plans are for people or for the state to benefit, but were only distributing money to buy people,” he said.