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Coalition backs Oloriegbe for 2027 Kwara governorship

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Ilorin, March 25, 2026 (NAN) A coalition of support groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara has endorsed Sen. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Spokesperson of the coalition, Mr Adigun Adebowale, made the endorsement on Wednesday in Ilorin, saying the group comprised party faithful, professionals, community leaders, youth groups and grassroots mobilisers drawn from the three senatorial districts.

Adebowale said the decision to support Oloriegbe was based on his track record, experience and capacity to sustain and advance ongoing development in the state.

He noted that Kwara was at a critical transition point and required deliberate leadership choices to consolidate existing gains and accelerate progress.

According to him, the administration of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has laid a solid foundation through fiscal discipline and institutional reforms, adding that the next leadership must build on the achievements.

“Oloriegbe stands out as the most prepared and competent aspirant to carry forward the progressive mandate of the party,” he said.

Adebowale said the senator’s performance in the National Assembly, particularly within a single tenure, demonstrated measurable outcomes despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He attributed to Oloriegbe key contributions to health sector reforms, including expansion of access to health insurance and strengthening of institutional frameworks.

The Spokesperson added that the lawmaker facilitated the establishment of federal institutions in Kwara, including a neuropsychiatric hospital in Budo-Egba, a National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office and facilities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

He also cited the establishment of the Idi-Isin Comprehensive Health Centre in collaboration with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, as well as renovation of schools and primary healthcare centres across communities.

Adebowale said the senator’s interventions extended to provision of electricity and potable water, as well as empowerment programmes targeting youths, women, artisans and vulnerable groups.

He further said Oloriegbe facilitated over 350 federal employment opportunities for indigenes of the state across ministries, departments and agencies.

“These achievements, though delivered at the senatorial level, have had statewide impact and set benchmarks for legislative performance,” he said.

He also highlighted Oloriegbe’s contributions to party development, including financial and material support for party structures, welfare for executives and provision of operational vehicles for party leaders.

He said the coalition’s position was not against any individual or group, but aimed at promoting unity, continuity and effective governance.

The spokesperson urged party leaders at the state and national levels to prioritise competence, experience and capacity in the selection of the party’s candidate.

He added that the coalition’s consultations across stakeholders indicated a preference among Kwarans for continuity, stability and improved governance.

“Kwara cannot afford regression or disunity. The moment demands responsibility and the right leadership choice,” Adebowale said.

NIHTE Annual lecture calls for urgent Integration of Maritime Transportation into the Nation’s Freight Network

NIHTE Annual lecture calls for urgent Integration of Maritime Transportation into the Nation’s Freight Network.

The Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Port Harcourt Chapter has sounded a bold alarm on the structural imbalance at the heart of Nigeria’s Freight transportation system.

At the 7th Engr. Fyne Chima Ogolo annual lecture organized by the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Port Harcourt Chapter held in Port Harcourt with the theme “Integrating Maritime Transportation into Nigeria’s Multimodal Freight Network: An Imperative for Sustainable Transportation Logistics gathered Engineers, transport planners and industry stakeholders gathered to confront a persistent and costly reality of Nigeria moving the overwhelming majority of its freight by road and the consequences are being felt across the entire economy.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Associate Professor of Marine Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Rivers State University Engr. Kombo Theophilus -Johnson painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s current freight landscape, one dominated almost entirely by road transport.

“Despite the country’s extensive network of inland waterways and the strategic positioning of ports such as the Onne Port complex and the Port Harcourt Maritime Transportation remains woefully underutilized in the movement of goods across the country.”

Engr. Johnson stressed the imperative of private sector participation, port efficiency reforms and investment in inland dry ports and intermodal terminals as critical enablers for a functional multimodal system, as without these, integration would remain an aspiration rather than a practical reality.

“Nigeria’s Maritime sector accounts for over 90 per cent of International trade, with major ports such as Apapa, Tin can island, Onne, Calabar and the Lekki Deep Sea Port handling millions of metric tonnes of cargo annually despite relying heavily on the Maritime sector for imports, the country’s logistics network remains overwhelmingly dominated by road transport, which currently accounts for about 61.35 per cent of freight revenue share”; he stressed.
He further disclosed that the country is losing an estimated $5 billion annually due to its failure to fully harness its multimodal transportation potential.

“There should be strategic investment in Maritime Infrastructure, rail systems and inland waterways to create a seamless multimodal freight network capable of driving economic growth while reducing environmental pressure on road infrastructure “; Engr Johnson emphasized.

He also challenged transportation engineers to move beyond the silo thinking and advocate for freight solutions that transcend any single move.

The National Chairman of NIHTE, Engr. Francis Oriakhi emphasized that the Nigeria’s overdependence on road transport for freight movement continues to undermine the competitive and efficiency of the nation’s logistics ecosystem disclosing that the deplorable situation has led to massive revenue losses, road congestion, deterioration of highways and rising transportation costs .

“Integrating Maritime transport with road and rail systems would significantly improve cargo evacuation from ports, reduced pressure on highways and enhanced the overall economic productivity, Nigeria’s vast maritme potential can be leverage through coordinated multimodal transport systems critical in addressing persistent logistics bottlenecks and unlocking new economic opportunities”; he said.

Engr. Oriakhi the importance of the annual lecture series describing it as promoting professionalism, intellectual discourse and solutions to national issues affecting highway and transportation systems.

“The theme of this year’s lecture is both timely and significant, particularly as Nigeria continues to seek innovative and sustainable solutions to its transportation and logistics challenges “;.

Also, the Chairman of NIHTE, Port Harcourt Chapter Engr. Emmanuel Osileme Ekwulo in his welcome address said the annual lecture was instituted in recognition of Engr. Fyne Chima Ogolo for his sacrifice and immense contribution to the engineering profession at the chapter, branch and national levels.

“This event is a yearly ritual every March , the annual lecture which has become an annual ritual in this chapter is in recognition of the immense contributions of the honouree towards the growth of the engineering profession at the chapter, branch and national levels, the choice of the honouree Engr. Fyne Chima Ogolo JP, FNSE, FNIHTE, FNICE, is a well deserved honour, having served the engineering profession in various capacities, including Port Harcourt branch, Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, we are proud of you Sir and wish you many years of fruitful celebrations”; he disclosed.

In the same vein, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Engr. Ali Rabiu represented by Engr. Beniah Ojum in his goodwill message eulogies Engr. Ogolo describing him as a trailblazer whose professional life continues to inspire engineers Nigeria.
Engr. Ojum opined that the lecture theme underscored the growing need for Nigeria to adopt a more integrated transportation framework to enhance efficiency and sustainability in freight movement.

The honouree Engr. Fyne Ogolo commended the lecture in addressing a critical national issue, pointing out that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on road transport exert pressure on highways.

As Nigeria’s continues to grapple with the demands of a growing economy and an expanding trade agenda, the message from NIHTE, Port Harcourt Chapter was clear, sustainable freight logistics cannot be built on roads alone.
The sea, the Rivers, and the rails must all have a seat at the table.

Eid-el-Fitr: IBEDC urges customers to observe safety precautions, celebrate responsibly

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc., has enjoined customers to celebrate responsibly by observing safety precautions in the use of electricity and remaining vigilant in protecting power infrastructure within their neighbourhoods.

He felicitated the Muslim Ummah across its franchise area on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha, on Thursday in Ilorin.

He said the company joined millions of Nigerians in thanking Almighty Allah for the grace, strength and spiritual renewal experienced during the fasting period, and prayed that the blessings of the season would usher in peace, prosperity and sustained unity in the country.

He urged customers to uphold the enduring values of Ramadan, including discipline, compassion, humility and generosity, and to allow these virtues guide their daily conduct.

He noted that the essence of the holy month extends beyond fasting, promoting peace, unity, tolerance and a renewed sense of responsibility towards one another.

He advised that any suspicious activity or acts of vandalism should be promptly reported to the appropriate security agencies.

Recognising the importance of electricity during the festive period, IBEDC said it had positioned its technical teams on standby to respond swiftly to faults and service-related issues.

It added that customers could reach the company through its dedicated customer care line, 07001239999, which would remain active throughout the holiday period.

IBEDC wished all its customers a peaceful, safe and fulfilling Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Ramadan: Politicians should beware of making false promises, warns Islamic Scholar

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

An Islamic Scholar, Prof. Ibrahim Otuyo of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin has advised Nigerian politicians against making false promises to the citizens.

Otuyo stated this on Monday in Ilorin during the 2026 Annual Ramadan Tafsir organised by the Igbomina Ekiti Muslim Forum (IEMF) themed: “Kwara Igbomina Ekiti and National Development”.

The don who is a professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies warned politicians to stop making false promises to citizens, especially with the 2027 general elections looming.

While citing the Holy Quran, Otuyo said, breaking promises and trusts is considered a grave sin in Islam.

According to him, Allah frowns upon such actions, and leaders who break their promises will face consequences, while stressing the importance of honesty and keeping promises.

The Islamic Scholar added that corruption in whatever form is totally forbidden in Islam and every leader will account for their leadership and what they have ammased in their lifetime.

He enjoined leaders to be righteous and exercise patience with their citizens, while making allusions with the story of Prophet Yunus (Job) who abandoned his people due to their transgressions.

Otuyo explained that Prophet Yunus was swallowed by the whale due to impatience, after he ran away from his people.

“But by turning towards Allah and repenting of his sins, Allah forgave him and saved him from the whale.

“Be patient in all your dealings and do not ascribe lies to Allah on what He has not commanded you to do.

“We should celebrate the praise of Allah and ask for forgiveness always,” he advised.

Also in his address, the Chief Missioner of IEMF, Alhaji Salaudeen AbdulQuadri said Muslims should endeavour to consume what is Halal and avoid Haram.

He explained that this is not limited to food and meat alone but in all their daily endeavours and businesses.

AbdulQuadri also tasks Muslims on brotherhood, unity and community building.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Forum, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim similarly urged all adherents in Igbomina Ekiti to hold steadfast their faith and work towards the development of the community.

He reminded them on peaceful co-exiatence and to hold the lessons of Ramadan at all times.

NGO trains 40 youth on digital storytelling, photography to amplify community voices

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Saving African Youth Dream Initiative has trained 40 young people in digital storytelling, documentary filmmaking and photography to help amplify community voices and preserve cultural heritage.

The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Abdulateef Abdulkareem, said the training was designed to bridge the gap in documenting and sharing stories from local communities.

Abdulkareem said many African communities were culturally rich but their stories were not adequately shared beyond their immediate environment.

“Within our communities, there are many untold stories and talented young people who are interested in telling them but lack the tools and skills to do so effectively.

“What we are doing is to equip them with digital storytelling skills so they can document their communities through short stories, documentary films, photography and other media practices,” he said.

He explained that the programme also involved older participants to enable intergenerational learning and ensure that young storytellers benefit from the experiences and perspectives of elders.

According to him, the training has 40 participants drawn from diverse backgrounds including photojournalism, media practice, documentary filmmaking and digital content creation.

Abdulkareem said the initiative aimed to inspire participants to produce stories that would promote social change and highlight realities in underserved communities.

“At the end of the training, we expect participants to create stories that will inspire change in their various communities.

“We want them to amplify their voices using digital tools in an ethical way while also showcasing the rich cultural heritage we have,” he said.

Abdulkareem who was also the founder of the initiative, said the programme was part of the Build Deck Project supported by the Hadis Foundation and funded by Illuminate.

He added said the training would empower both young and older participants to document real-life issues affecting people in their communities.

“The aim is to enable them to document everyday realities, especially in underserved communities, and share those stories with the world,” he said.

One of the facilitators, a documentary photographer, Mr Abubakar-Sadiq Mustafa, said the training was also focused on teaching participants how photography could be used as a powerful storytelling tool.

Mustafa, whose works focus on climate change, displacement, identity and culture, said many people often view photography only as a tool for social events such as weddingsand naming ceremonies.

“Photography goes beyond documenting private events. It can be used to tell stories, raise awareness and influence social change,” he said.

He added that participants were also being trained on the ethical use of photographs to prevent misuse that could fuel misinformation or conflict.

Mustafa said photography had historically played major roles in shaping global narratives, including documenting wars and humanitarian crises.

He noted that photographers could also contribute to preserving culture by documenting traditional practices that might eventually disappear.

According to him, such documentation will enable future generations to experience and understand their cultural heritage through digital archives.

Mustafa encouraged participants to also explore photography as a means of livelihood.

“Photography has been my source of livelihood and it has transformed my life.

“I believe it can also help many of these young people build sustainable careers,” he said.

Islamic cleric says shunning corruption is a collective duty

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

An Islamic Cleric, Malam Mukhtar Isale-Koto, of the Musliu Alkali Mosque in Ilorin has advised Nigerians that shunning corruption is a collective responsibility for every citizen.

Isale-Koto made the call while delivering a Lecture at the 2026 Reunion Conference and Honours’ Day organized by the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA).

The theme of the lecture is entitled: “Rebuilding National and International Confidence Through Leadership and Folowership Reforms”.

He said that Nigerians and the leaders must believe in justice, equity and fairness, while appealing for transparency in all our dealings.

The cleric tasks Nigerians to evaluate their own actions, while reminding Muslims that Allah will hold them accountable for their actions.

Also speaking, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu-Ali SAN observed that Nigerians need personal orientation in imbibing deep family values.

He urge Nigerians to shun corruption and inculcate a guiding culture, while enjoining parents to exhibit good character for their children to imbibe later in life.

“We need to go back to the basics and revamp our values from the family level, if that happens, the society will be beneficiary of it,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji AbdulRahman Balogun, an Executive member of UNIFEMGA pointed out that the association is an assemblage of Muslim graduates of Obafemi Awolowo University to boost brotherhood.

“The association inculcate unity among those in the country and in diaspora. This is a foremost Muslim gathering in Nigeria that is formidable, cohesive and unifying as UNIFEMGA,” he said.

Earlier in his welcoming address, Alhaji Muhammad Busari, the National President of UNIFEMGA explained that the association is marking 16 years of establishment.

He described the theme of the programme as apt, saying that the concept of trust lies at the heart of sound leadership and governance.

Quoting the Holy Quran, Busari said:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and, when you judge between people, to judge with justice,” he said.

He appealed to leaders to exude confidence through competence, disciplined leadership, excellence and integrity.

Similarly, Busari pointed out that the 2026 Honours is to celebrate outstanding members who have distinguished themselves while imbibing these qualities in their various spheres of influence.

“A good legacy is built intentionally through service, humility, and integrity. It is measured not by the wealth you may amass, but by the lives you touch, the institutions you strengthen, and the values that you uphold,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association awarded 28 members for excellence and service to humanity.

Insecurity: Ex-presidential aspirant urges Edo govt to protect citizens, not criminalise protests

By Usman Aliyu

Former presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Patience Ofure-Key, has raised the alarm over worsening insecurity in Ekpoma, urging the Edo Government to prioritise the protection of citizens rather than criminalising protests born out of fear and desperation.

In a statement issued in Benin on Monday, Ofure-Key said recent protests by residents and youths, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were triggered by repeated cases of kidnapping and growing threats to lives.

These, she said, had plunged the university town into fear.

According to her, insecurity has disrupted daily life in Ekpoma, with parents afraid to sleep, students scared to attend classes, and entire communities feeling abandoned by those entrusted with their protection.

She stressed that safeguarding lives and welfare was the primary responsibility of government and security agencies.

She warned that perceived abandonment inevitably fuelled anger, tension, and public protest.

While condemning violence and lawlessness, Ofure-Key said citizens’ frustrations were understandable when peaceful appeals for safety were met with silence and inaction.

“People protest not because they want confrontation, but because they feel deserted,” she said, warning that social order weakens when communities feel unprotected and desperation deepens.

Ofure-Key expressed concern over reports that security operatives allegedly raided student hostels and arrested protesters, describing such actions as intimidation rather than genuine efforts to restore public safety.

She said democracy could not restore calm by treating frightened citizens as enemies, nor could trust be built by arresting young people who were demanding their fundamental right to live safely.

According to her, while allegations of criminality should be properly investigated, authorities must not respond to legitimate security concerns with harassment, intimidation, or indiscriminate arrests.

Ofure-Key, who is also an erstwhile governorship candidate in the state warned that persistent failure by government often pushed communities toward dangerous self-help measures.

She insisted that leadership must prioritise security, justice, and accountability over mass arrests.

She explained that peaceful protest was not a crime, urging security agencies to focus on criminals rather than victims, and called for the immediate release of students and residents arrested solely for protesting.

Ofure-Key also demanded an urgent and clearly defined security action plan for Ekpoma, including measurable interventions, timelines, and transparency in the use of security allocations.

Questioning the effectiveness of recurring “security votes,” she said Edo citizens deserve clear accounting, measurable outcomes, and regular public reporting on how funds meant for security are spent.

She called for immediate patrols, joint campus-community security arrangements, emergency reporting systems, protection of identified hotspots, regular public briefings, and strict accountability for any abuse by security operatives.

Ofure-Key urged the Ed Government, security agencies, AAU management, and community leaders to act decisively, protect Ekpoma residents from kidnappers, and restore confidence in public safety.

She cautioned students and residents to remain disciplined and law-abiding, warning against allowing criminals to hijack legitimate protests for safety and accountability.

However, she maintained that the duty of government is non-negotiable, warning that Edo must not suppress citizens’ cries instead of confronting insecurity, and stressing that Ekpoma must not become another tragic headline.

“Nigeria cannot build prosperity on fear,” she said, noting that security was the foundation of education, investment, and development, and insisting that Edo State must prove it can protect lives.

Al-Hikmah Varsity secures NUC approval for Distance and E-Learning

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC), to commence academic activities through its Centre for Distance and e-Learning, in line with its mission to expand access to higher education.

The Vice- Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdulateef Oladimeji, disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with journalists as part of activities marking the convocation ceremony in Ilorin.

Oladimeji said that the approval, granted on Dec. 11, 2025, followed a successful NUC resource assessment visit to the university for its B.Sc. Computer Science programme under the distance learning mode.

According to him, the university will begin admissions into the programme in the 2025/2026 academic session.

“The development underscores the institution’s commitment to technology- and innovation-driven education.

“In furtherance of this goal, Al-Hikmah University recently established the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology, which currently comprises the Departments of Computer Science, Data Science and Information Science.

“The university is also at an advanced stage of introducing new professional degree programmes in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

“These programmes are designed to address critical manpower needs and produce graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills for the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

“Meanwhile, assessment teams from the NUC, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) recently visited the university to evaluate its MBBS and Law programmes.

“The regulatory bodies expressed satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure, staffing, and curriculum coverage, affirming the university’s adherence to professional and regulatory standards”, he said.

He noted that university that the accreditation exercises have strengthened its academic outlook, improved teaching quality, and enhanced its capacity to deliver quality higher education.

Speaking on the security the Vice- Chancellor, assured the parent the university has put in place security measures to safeguard the student and staff of the university.

Military Chiefs honours frontline Troops with Christmas luncheon

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen.Waidi Shaibu, on Sunday honoured frontline troops with a special Christmas luncheon at Daban Lema in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara .

Shaibu said that the celebration was in recognition of the troops’ dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area of Responsibility.

Shaibu who was represented by the Commander of Signal Corps, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Abdullahi, extended warm christmas greetings to the troops, expressing delight at celebrating the yuletide season with personnel of operations.

He urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, reminding them that criminal elements often seek to exploit festive periods to undermine peace and security..

He reassured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, enhance healthcare, and support families of fallen heroes.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief, for his steadfast support to military operations nationwide.

“To personnel serving in various theatres who we not be celebrate this yuletide season with their families due to demand of duty . I salute your courage, discipline and sacrifice.

“Your unwavering support to safeguard our territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians is deeply appreciated.

“As will step into the new year let us strengthen our unity as one formidable and disciplined force, as well as continue to uphold the trust placed upon us by the President, C in C , the government and good people of Nigeria”, he said.

In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 2 division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Christopha Nnebeife, said that the luncheon was organised by COAS to interact and appreciate the troops in all theatres of operations for their outstanding performance.

He stressed that the presence of COAS ably represented by Maj-Gen. Abdullahi is a testament to is resolved towards addressing the welfare of troops no matter where are deployed.

“Sir, on behalf of officers and soldiers of 2 division, I respectfully convey our sincere appreciation to the COAS for this moral boosting which is firmly rooted in his command philosophy”, he said.

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said that the significant event as it underlines the importance that the Nigerian state attaches to the wellbeing of the troops in the frontlines who are engaged in various campaigns to keep the peace and eliminate all threats to national stability.

“Our presence this afternoon shows that the civilian authorities stand in full solidarity with the troops and we do not take lightly the fact that you are here on behalf of everyone of us. We are grateful.

“I thank the COAS for this important outreach to the troops at the frontlines, and we are always happy and ready to support the army and all our security forces every step of the way”, the Governor said.

Kwara Governor Presents ₦644bn 2026 Budget to State Assembly

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N644,004,816,893 to the state House of Assembly on Monday.

Presenting the bill on the floor of the House, Gov. Abdulrazaq said 65.98% of this fiscal plan goes to capital expenditure, while 34.02% takes care of recurrent spendings.

”The fiscal plan will focus more on finishing the ongoing capital projects, and break the grounds for new ones that align with strategic needs of the state.

”We will focus more on completing ongoing projects and invest in areas of urgent needs such as security hardwares, vehicles, and technologies to enhance our response to kidnapping and activities of bad faith actors.

“A few other projects are also planned to consolidate Kwara’s position as the strongest service, creative, and tech economy in Northern Nigeria.

“The budget of Consolidation and Sustained Growth is built around the following national economic outlook for the year.

”That is the oil price of US $64.85; daily oil production estimates of 1.84m barrels per day; exchange rate of N1,400 per US dollar; and GDP growth of 4.68%,” he said.

The governor expressed the confidence that the projects, once completed, will expand the economic base of the state, make the environment more conducive for business and provide fertile grounds for job creation.

“We believe in the wellbeing of every segment of our state and this is evident in not just the size of the plan that goes into Economic Affairs (26.46%) but also in the pragmatic inclusion that defines our administration.

”For instance, I have recently approved an adjustment to what the Medical Officers earn to attract and retain professionals for the good of our people.

“A new Teachers Salary Allowance (TSA) will be implemented in 2026 to further support our teachers and complement our infrastructural upgrades across health and education sectors.

”Also, we are making massive investment in Alfalfa Estate to reduce the herder-farmers clash, support food security, and empower thousands of our people in the value chain,” the governor said.

He however noted that the previous budgets has never been a mere proposal and his administration has consistently delivered on the promise to leave Kwara far better than it was met.

Kwara Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu commended the governor for demonstrating a high level of fiscal discipline by strictly adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability in the utilization of public resources.

”This commitment has further strengthened public confidence in government and reinforced the Legislature–Executive partnership for good governance.

”We are particularly encouraged by the numerous projects and programmes being executed across the State under your leadership.

”There are visible progress in infrastructure especially in education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship, the completion of legacy projects.

”Also, the newly approved salary increase of workers all points to your administration’s determination to promote sustainable growth and development, as well as improve the quality of life of the people of our dear State.

”We commend you for your swiftness in mitigating the insecurity situation that had almost made life difficult in the State especially in Kwara North and in Kwara South.

“Your commitment to the welfare of the citizens and absolute resolve to protect their lives and property and to serve with utmost dignity is undoubted and well appreciated,” he said.

The speaker said the House remained committed to giving the budget proposal the necessary attention it deserves.

”My colleagues and I shall diligently scrutinize the Appropriation Bill and engage relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure that the final outcome aligns with the collective interest of the State.