Kwara Govt commends RHHF for service to humanity

Service
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Ilorin, Aug. 13, 2026 (NAN)The Kwara Government has commended the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF) for its outstanding service to humanity and contributions to healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.

The Kwara Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, gave the commendation in Ilorin while delivering his address at the 20th Years Anniversary of RHHF in Ilorin.

The theme of the programme is entitled: “Empowering Youth , Igniting Enterprise, Seeds Planted, Futures Harvested”.

The deputy governor who was represented by the Kwara Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru said the government recognizes and appreciates the humanitarian interventions of civil societies in the State, particularly in reaching vulnerable and underserved populations with healthcare services.

Alabi observed that RHHF has consistently demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of people through its various programmes, including medical outreaches, health advocacy, and partnership with other development organizations in delivering life-saving interventions.

According to him, the activities of the Foundation align with the state’s health agenda of ensuring accessible, affordable and quality healthcare for all, especially women and children.

The deputy governor assured that it will continue to create an enabling environment for NGOs, civil society and development partners like RHHF to thrive and support the state’s drive for inclusive development.

In her address, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafico, said for the past two decades, RHHF has demonstrated commitment, integrity and grounded in solid values.

Mafico noted that UNFPA has supported activities of the Foundation, especially their bold vision in ending violence and promoting right to healthcare, education, dignity and protection.

“That vision cannot be achieved by a single organisation. Partnership is what glues everything together.

“What started as a small idea, has become a success. Reducing maternal mortality, addressing violence, everyone should live in dignity. These are noble aspirations that require partnership,” she said.

The UNFPA boss appealed for the support of traditional leaders to support organisations and the government in bringing development activities to the communities.

“We cannot have brilliant ideas, it takes the communities to carve access to that opportunity,” she said.

Mafico encouraged the RHHF to brace-up to do more for the country and by extension other parts of the world.

Earlier in her welcoming address, the Board Chairperson of RHHF, Hajia Raliat Olatunji explained that the programme is a celebration of purpose, impact, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity.

According to her, the Foundation has partnered with several reputable national and international development partners on humanitarian activities.

Olatunji said part of activities for the anniversary includes Health walk, medical outreaches and opening of Adolescent and Youth Friendly Space at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH).

She explained that the initiative provides dedicated space where young people can access health, counseling services and support, while describing it as a safe and welcoming environment.

In his Goodwill message, the Emir of Songa, Dr Haliru Yahaya commended the Foundation for impacting the country through their various interventions for the past 20 years.

He pledged that traditional leaders will continue to give necessary support to the Foundation in their various humanitarian activities in the State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/

Digital divide: Club trains 51 girls in Kwara on AI/data science

The Tech Girls Club, a Non- Governmental Organisation, has commenced a digital training for 51 secondary school students in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Programme Manager, Te Club, Wonderful Osalor, said the training, tagged “AI/Data Science for Her,” was meant to close the digital divide for females and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

She said the target audience for this bootcamp is secondary school students in JSS 3, SS 1, and SS 2, holding from Monday to Friday.

“The goal is to empower them with skills, tools, and experiences in data science, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy.

“We also plan to encourage and inspire them to pursue careers in technology or, better still, to solve problems depending on their career using technology.

“We are looking at how to teach them to not just be people that complain about the problems in the society, but how can they be equipped with the skills necessary to solve these problems,” she said.

Osalor said the students would be taught Microsoft Excel, Python programming, AI, machine learning, and also starting off with digital literacy skills.

“This is to ensure that at the end of this bootcamp, we hope that the students would gain interest in data science, in machine learning, in artificial intelligence for the purpose of solving problems.

“We encourage them that regardless of their careers, whether they are in science, they’re in arts, they are in commercial or accounting class, we are encouraging them to use technology as a tool for problem-solving,” she said.

The project manager said the programme would be held in the six geopolitical zones, starting from the North Central Zone, to train 300 girls in total.

“We are starting with Ilorin, then to Port Harcourt, Nsukka, to Yola, Zaria and Ibadan.

“So, we are looking at impacting them, and for them to go back to their schools, the society, and impact other girls to basically learn about STEM and also solve problems using STEM,” she said.

The Lead Facilitator for the “AI Data Science for Her programme”, Dr Wilson Sakpere said the programme idea was conceived due to the fact that female children are limited by the education they have access to.

Sakpere said the programme as sponsored by Neural Information Processing Systems, involved students from both private and public schools in Kwara.

He said the goal was to ensure the girls are open to STEM, AI, and data science from secondary school level, so that as they grow from there, they become confident and can compete favourably with their counterparts.

The Desk Officer, Girls and Gender, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs. Felicia Bamidele said the programme couldn’t have come at a better time due to the advancement of digitalisation in the present world.

“It is a privilege for our girls to know more about AI, which will boost their education performance Club bridges digital gap by training 51 Kwara girls on AI/Data science

A Non- Governmental Organisation, the Tech Girls Club has started a digital training tagged “AI/Data Science for Her” for 51 secondary school students in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Programme Manager, Tech Girls Club, Wonderful Osalor, said the programme was meant to close the digital divide for females and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

She said the target audience for this bootcamp is secondary school students in JSS 3, SS 1, and SS 2, holding from Monday to Friday.

“The goal is to empower them with skills, tools, and experiences in data science, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy.

“We also plan to encourage and inspire them to pursue careers in technology or, better still, to solve problems depending on their career using technology.

“We are looking at how to teach them to not just be people that complain about the problems in the society, but how can they be equipped with the skills necessary to solve these problems,” she said

Osalor said the students would be taught Microsoft Excel, Python programming, AI, machine learning, and also starting off with digital literacy skills.

“This is to ensure that at the end of this bootcamp, we hope that the students would gain interest in data science, in machine learning, in artificial intelligence for the purpose of solving problems.

“We encourage them that regardless of their careers, whether they are in science, they’re in arts, they are in commercial or accounting class, we are encouraging them to use technology as a tool for problem-solving,” she said.

The project manager said the programme would be held in the six geopolitical zones, starting from the North Central Zone, to train 300 girls in total.

“We are starting with Ilorin, then to Port Harcourt, Nsukka, to Yola, Zaria and Ibadan.

“So, we are looking at impacting them, and for them to go back to their schools, the society, and impact other girls to basically learn about STEM and also solve problems using STEM,” she said.

The Lead Facilitator for the “AI Data Science for Her programme”, Dr Wilson Sakpere said the programme idea was conceived due to the fact that female children are limited by the education they have access to.

Sakpere said the programme as sponsored by Neural Information Processing Systems, involved students from both private and public schools in Kwara.

He said the goal was to ensure the girls are open to STEM, AI, and data science from secondary school level, so that as they grow from there, they become confident and can compete favourably with their counterparts.

The Desk Officer, Girls and Gender, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs. Felicia Bamidele said the programme couldn’t have come at a better time due to the advancement of digitalisation in the present world.

“It is a privilege for our girls to know more about AI, which will boost their education performance in their various schools,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Charity Ogbeba from Chapel Secondary School, Gaa Akanbi said she is hoping to develop on the knowledge she has on AI and also learn about software development.

Another beneficiary, Zainab Modibbo, from Government Day Secondary School, Tanke said she expected to learn more about AI and also data science and using them in a beneficial way.

One of the teachers from Government Day Secondary School, Agbabiaka, Mrs Grace Adebayo said the programme would be an eye opener for the students and also enable them to compete favourably with their counterparts. their various schools,” she said.

Security: NOA strengthens partnership with NSCDC in North Central

By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

The North Central Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has pledged a strengthened partnership with the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat insecurity in the zone.

The Zonal Director, Dr Priscilla Gondoaluor made this known on Thursday in Ilorin, while on a working visit to the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin.

She said security is the responsibility of all and not for the security agencies alone, and while the security agencies handles the force, the NOA brings in sensitisation of the populace.

“Security is top on the list of our priorities as a nation and the NSCDC plays a vital role in achieving this .

“Security is the responsibility all; the person protected also have to play his/her role, and this is where the NOA comes in.

“People needs to be regularly sensitised to join actions with the security agencies to reduce insecurity to the barest minimum.

“This is because everyone needs to be keyed in and be part of the government’s efforts on ensuring the safety of everyone,” she said.

Mrs Gondoaluor commended the corps for performing beyond expectations as against the initial complaints of duplication of duties with other security agencies.

She expressed optimism towards more fruitful partnership and collaboration between the agency and the corps.

In his response NSCDC Kwara Commandant, Commandant Abbas Mohammed said the need for reorientation of citizens cannot be overemphasized, as the citizens needed to be kept abreast of government policies.

He commended NOA for bridging the communication gap between the government and the citizens, in terms of government policies and programmes.

“I think if the citizens know what the government is doing, it will go a long way to reduce their agitations.

“Most times most of the government policies are not being propagated and there is a disconnect between the government and the masses.

“But, with NOA, this gap is being bridged, a lot of information is being disseminated on government policies, and these have gone a long way to reduce these agitations,” he said.

The NSCDC commandant however urged the agency to intensify its sensitisation as the electioneering period is near and unrest tends to increase.

“As you know that we are in an electioneering period, and the rate of civil unrest or criminalities will be on the high side.

“So, we want to implore you to do more and assure you that we will continue to partner with you in any way we can.

“We have a wide reach just like you, we are everywhere, both local government and wards. I assure you, we will give you a 100% partnership anytime you call us,” he said.

The NOA state Director, Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim also commended the corps for its efforts in combating insecurity and also pledge the state office’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the corps

HYPPADEC commends FG’s N80bn flood intervention, seeks more funding

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Managing Director of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, has commended the Federal Government for approving N80 billion to mitigate the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities across the country.

Yelwa described the intervention as a proactive step toward addressing the annual flood challenge, while calling for additional funding to enhance flood control and protect at-risk communities.

He stated this while speaking with journalists after the commission’s quarterly management meeting in Ilorin, where directors and senior officials reviewed ongoing projects, assessed programme implementation and discussed strategies to improve service delivery across HYPPADEC’s member states.

The managing director said the meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate the performance of departments and divisions, identify operational challenges and obtain feedback from field offices to strengthen project implementation.

According to him, HYPPADEC has sustained its annual flood preparedness campaign through early sensitisation programmes in flood-prone communities, months before the onset of the rainy season.

“We work closely with state governments, traditional institutions and the media to educate residents on impending flood risks and encourage those living in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer locations,” he said.

Yelwa added that the commission had also commenced the construction of resettlement houses in some communities expected to be severely affected by flooding.

He praised the approval of N80 billion by the National Economic Council (NEC) to address anticipated flooding, describing it as the Federal Government’s first major proactive intervention in recent years.

“The amount may not be sufficient considering the magnitude of the challenge, but it is better to begin than to do nothing at all.

“I commend President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for taking this initiative and hope that additional resources will be made available to further protect vulnerable communities,” he said.

Yelwa, however, said the commission had continued to discharge its statutory mandate despite funding constraints.

He noted that HYPPADEC was yet to fully access its statutory funding, particularly the 10 per cent revenue from power generation, adding that its operations were currently sustained mainly through Federal Government budgetary allocations and contributions from member states.

According to him, the consistent support from member states has enabled the commission to continue implementing critical development projects across its areas of operation.

On the enforcement of the Federal Government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy, Yelwa said the measure was aimed at promoting discipline, accountability and productivity in the public service.

He said staff members who absented themselves from duty without valid reasons should not expect to receive salaries while their colleagues continued to perform their responsibilities.

The managing director assured member states of improved project delivery, stronger collaboration with state governments and increased stakeholder engagement.

He said the commission planned to deepen partnerships with state governments through joint funding arrangements and, where necessary, involve beneficiary communities in financing selected projects to promote ownership, sustainability and proper maintenance of public infrastructure.

The quarterly management meeting brought together directors and senior officials of the commission to review ongoing programmes, address operational challenges and outline strategies for more effective project implementation across HYPPADEC’s member states.

Lack of knowledge, a challenge facing contemporary Muslims — Islamic scholarKnowledge

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

An Islamic Scholar, Malam Ibrahim Agboola-Gambari has identified lack of knowledge as one of the challenges of contemporary Muslims in Nigeria.

Agboola-Gambari stated this on Monday in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen at the 6th Graduation Ceremony of the Madaris Daril Qur’anil Kareem Was-Sunnah for Islamic and Arabic Teaching.

The scholar who is the proprietor of the school spoke on the theme: “Challenges Facing Muslims in Our Time”.

He explained that seeking knowledge is considered a duty in Islamic belief, adding that the very first revelation was “Iqra”, meaning “read”.

According to him, a lack of knowledge creates significant challenges for both individuals and communities.

Agboola-Gambari said the numerous challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah could be overcome through adherence to the teachings of Islam and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The Islamic scholar explained that the school has produced a total of 60 memorisers of the Quran since 2001.

He noted that the 2026 graduation ceremony included 23 graduands, among which 13 students have memorised the Quran.

Agboola-Gambari added that the school comprises the Junior Secondary (Idaadiyyah) and Senior Secondary (Thanawiyyah) sections, with students drawn from various tertiary institutions, including the University of Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic.

In his lecture, a cleric, Dr Khaleel Al-Qorowiy, said the challenges facing Muslims are the result of a lack of knowledge and straying from the path of Allah.

He observed that many adherents have become weak in worship and religious practice, relying instead on amulets promoted by misguided religious leaders.

According to him, when basic Islamic knowledge is missing, people may pray, fast, or give zakat without understanding the tenets.

“Islam gives guidance on family, business, finance, health, and community. Without knowledge, marriages break down due to ignorance of rights and responsibilities.

“Business deals fall into riba (interest) because people don’t know halal alternatives. Lack of knowledge makes it easier for people to follow misled teachers, superstition, or extremist ideas.

“When someone doesn’t know the authentic teachings, they can be convinced that amulets, charms, or un-Islamic practices are religious. This ignorance leads to shirk or bid’ah,” he warns.

Al-Qorowiy therefore urged Muslims to remain united and avoid division, adding that Islam warns against excessive pursuit of worldly possessions at the expense of the hereafter.

Beyond Silence: Why Peace Requires Justice and Inclusion

By Odunola Esther Owolabi 

A community may have no gunshots. Children may still walk safely to school each morning. Markets may remain open, and neighbours may exchange greetings as though everything is normal. Yet, peace may still be missing.

That was one of the most profound lessons from a recent peacebuilding training organised by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria) in Abuja for young women leaders and gender equality allies.

For many participants, conflict had always been synonymous with violence – burning houses, armed attacks, broken bottles and heated confrontations.

But by the end of the training, they had come to understand that conflict often begins quietly, long before anyone throws a stone or pulls a trigger.

It starts when voices are ignored, grievances dismissed, opportunities denied and entire groups excluded from decisions that shape their lives.

For Oreoluwa Fatuyi, the training fundamentally changed her understanding of what peace really means.

“I used to think that it was only when there was violence that there was no peace in a community.

“Now I know that when all groups are not included, there is no peace. I will apply this knowledge in my work to make a difference,” she said.

Her reflection captures a reality that peacebuilding experts say is too often overlooked.

Communities rarely descend into violence without warning. Long before conflict becomes visible, warning signs usually exist beneath the surface – unheard voices, unresolved grievances, unequal access to opportunities and persistent exclusion.

When these issues are left unattended, frustration deepens, trust erodes and divisions widen, creating conditions in which conflict can flourish.

One of the facilitators, Nsikat-Abasi Kenneth Umoh, challenged participants to rethink the very meaning of peace.

“Peace is more than the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities for all,” she said 

Her message was clear: sustainable peace cannot be achieved simply by ending violence. It requires addressing the conditions that allow conflict to emerge in the first place.

Rather than focusing only on the visible consequences of conflict, communities must confront its underlying causes.

The message resonated deeply with participants. Onome Atunusha said the training made her realise that she often focused on people’s reactions rather than the issues that triggered them.

“I’ve learnt to know the root cause. Sometimes I tend to respond to people based on the effects without looking at the root cause,” she pointed.

For Eunice Chukwueze, the lesson offered practical guidance that extends beyond peacebuilding.

She said conflict should never be approached at face value.

“There is a need to dig deep to know the root cause,” she said, noting that the knowledge would help her manage workplace disagreements, community disputes and situations involving survivors of gender-based violence more effectively.

Their reflections reinforce one of the fundamental principles of conflict analysis: visible disputes are often only the symptoms of deeper social, economic or political challenges.

Whether those underlying issues involve exclusion, discrimination, inequality or competing interests, peacebuilding practitioners maintain that lasting solutions begin with understanding why conflict exists before deciding how to resolve it.

Chief Dr. Bridget Osakwe, National Coordinator of WANEP-Nigeria, urged participants to see themselves not merely as trainees but as future peacebuilders capable of shaping how their communities respond to differences and disagreements.

Her message underscored an important reality: peacebuilding is not reserved for governments or security agencies.

Families, schools, workplaces, religious institutions and communities encounter conflict every day.

What distinguishes resilient communities from those that slide into crisis is not the absence of disagreements but the willingness to listen, embrace inclusion and address grievances before they become entrenched.

By the time conflict becomes obvious to everyone, it has often been developing quietly for far too long.

The training therefore leaves behind a simple but powerful message: lasting peace is not built by silence alone. It is built through justice, inclusion, dialogue and the deliberate choice to prevent conflict before it erupts into violence.

ICAN Ilorin inaugurates 17th district chairman

By Bushrah Yusuf

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ilorin District and Society, has inaugurated Dr Abdulrasheed Abdullahi as its 17th District Chairman.

The investiture ceremony took place on Thursday in Ilorin, where Mr Shehu Abdullahi administered the oath of office to the newly elected district chairman.

In his inaugural address, Abdullahi pledged to consolidate the achievements of previous administrations while strengthening the district’s role in advancing the accounting profession.

He assured members that his administration would sustain existing initiatives and improve them through innovation, collaboration and effective leadership.

“We will not abandon the good works already initiated but rather consolidate, strengthen, improve and expand them,” he said.

Abdullahi outlined priorities including membership growth, students’ development, digital transformation, professional excellence and improved public sector accountability.

He also identified strategic partnerships, members’ welfare, greater visibility for ICAN and the development of young accountants as key objectives.

“Our administration shall maintain an open-door policy and constructive criticism shall always be welcomed.

“We shall be guided by one simple philosophy of ‘Together we build a stronger, inclusive and globally competitive District Society’,” Abdullahi told members.

The chairman urged members to work closely with the new leadership to achieve sustainable progress and strengthen the district society.

Outgoing Chairman, Mrs Bosede Fagbile, encouraged members to continue working together to advance the accounting profession across the district.

She urged members to mentor younger accountants while preserving the dignity, integrity and professional standards that define the institute.

Fagbile also appealed for continued support for the district society through unity, dedication and unwavering commitment to its shared vision.

ICAN President, Hajia Queensley Seghosime, urged the newly inaugurated executives to uphold the integrity and ethical standards of the accounting profession.

Represented by ICAN Offa Chairman, Mr Monsur Olurebi, she challenged the leadership to sustain the district’s culture of innovation.

She urged the executives to remain faithful to the oath of leadership they had taken and discharge their responsibilities with commitment and accountability.

The newly inaugurated executive committee includes Mr Toyin Alabi as Vice Chairman and Dr Kabir Hamzat as General Secretary.

Other officers are Mr Ibrahim Muritala as Treasurer, Mr Afolayan Babajide as Social, Welfare and Public Relations Officer, and Mr Isiaq Sadiq as Financial Secretary.

The executive also includes Dr Lawal Tajudeen as Technical Secretary and Dr Shuaib Abdulhakeem as Assistant General Secretary.

Mrs Bosede Fagbile will serve as Ex-Officio I, while Hajia Bilikisu Lawal, Mrs Adeyemi Victoria and Mrs Erhabir Joy will serve as Ex-Officio members

Kwara Govt distributes over 14,423 Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation–Commissioner

The Kwara Government has disclosed that over 14,423 Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) were distributed during the recent Maternal, Neonatal Health Child Health (MNCH) Week.

The Kwara Commissioner for Health Dr Amina El-Imam stated this on Thursday in Ilorin during the State-Level Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) Costed Implementation Plan Development Workshop.

The programme is a collaboration of Kwara Government, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and development partner; Vitamin Angels.

Similarly, the Commissioner also disclosed that a total of 172,762 bottles of MMS had been supplied to Kwara between 2021 and 2026.

She explained that the workshop aligns with the National Roadmap for Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (2025–2029).

According to her, the programme seeks to ensure equitable access to MMS for every pregnant women as part of routine antenatal care services.

The commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi observed that it aimed at strengthening maternal nutrition and improving pregnancy outcomes across the state.

“The MMS has been proven to reduce maternal anaemia, low birth weight, preterm births, and other poor pregnancy outcomes,” she said.

El-Imam reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to supporting evidence-based interventions that advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

According to her, the state has continued to record significant progress in maternal and child health through investments in primary healthcare, immunization, maternal health services, health insurance coverage, and health system strengthening.

“Thousands of pregnant women continue to access skilled birth attendance services across health facilities, while the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme has expanded access to essential maternal and child healthcare services,” she said.

The Commissioner emphasized that despite these achievements, challenges relating to maternal nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies persist, making the introduction and scale-up of MMS both timely and necessary.

In her welcome address, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, described the workshop as a critical step towards securing better health outcomes for mothers and children in the state.

Elelu who was represented by the State Nutrition Officer, Dr. Bankole Olugbenga, highlighted ongoing efforts by the agency, including the integration of MMS into antenatal care services and free distribution of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA).

Other activities, she said, includes MMS during Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Weeks, training of healthcare workers on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition, and the implementation of the “Eat a Rainbow” campaign.

“The four-day workshop is designed to develop a state-specific, costed implementation plan aligned with the National MMS Roadmap, ensuring adequate resources, proper budgeting, and effective implementation across the state.

Presenting the objectives of the workshop, the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Desk Officer, Dr. Ola Ahmed, stated that participants would review the National MMS Roadmap (2025–2029) and its implementation framework, adapt the national policy and framework for implementation in Kwara.

“It will also assess the state’s readiness for MMS rollout and scale-up within antenatal care services, and develop a realistic state-specific implementation plan and budget.

“Other objectives include defining the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders at state and local government levels and identifying financing options for sustainable implementation.

“It also helps in developing indicators for monitoring and evaluating MMS implementation outcomes,” she said.

In her goodwill message, the Technical Specialist, Vitamin Angels, Dr. Gloria Ode, noted that MMS was first introduced in Kwara by Vitamin Angels as a cost-effective intervention aimed at improving the health of pregnant women.

She explained that the programme has proven beneficial in reducing maternal mortality, anaemia, and low birth weight among newborns.

Ode commended the government for its unwavering commitment and support towards the successful implementation of the programme.

She also expressed confidence that the continued scale-up of MMS would further improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

Jurists, Lawyers shower enconmiums on Justice Oredola at book presentation

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Eminent jurists and legal practitioners on Tuesday poured encomiums on a retired justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Massoud Oredola for what they described as his legendary contributions to the legal system in Nigeria and beyond.

The jurists and the senior lawyers spoke during the presentation of a book titled: “Trends of Contemporary Issues in Law, Sharia and Jurisprudence for Good Governance in Nigeria”.

The book presentation was put together by the Ilorin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), in Ilorin.

Those who extolled the virtues of Justice Oredola included the presiding judge of the Ilorin Division of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, the grand Kadi of Kwara, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, Prof. Yusuf Ali(SAN) and Barr. Adebayo Adelodun (SAN) amongst others.

In his address, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, the Chairman of the Occasion and the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, described Oredola as distinguished through diligence, intellectual depth, and unwaivering commitment to the rule of law.

“Today’s gathering is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is a celebration of an extraordinary life dedicated to the service of justice, scholarship, integrity, and humanity.

“It is a fitting tribute to a jurist whose contributions have left indelible footprints on the legal landscape of Nigeria and beyond.

“His Lordship served meritoriously on the bench of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal for over a decade.

“Upon his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2008 , Justice Oredola continued to distinguish himself as a jurist of exceptional learning and impeccable character,” he said.

Abdullahi explained that until retirement in 2019, Oredola delivered judgements that reflected profound scholarship, meticulous analysis, and a steadfast commitment to justice .

According to him, his decisions continue to guide legal practitioners, academics, judges, and students of law across Nigeria” .

The Chairman, NBA, Ilorin branch, Barr. SMH Kosemani said the choice of Oredola as honoree of this publication was informed by his exceptional record of service, his modesty and humility despite his towering achievements.

He added that Oredola has exemplary judicial career, marked with integrity and unwaivering commitment to justice .

Similarly, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen said the event was a celebration of a judicial titan, a consummate jurist, and an exemplary fine mind who has dedicated decades of his life to the pristine administration of justice in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, Barr. Adebayo Adelodun(SAN) said:” For a one time chairman of of the Bar in Kaduna, whose later judgements has helped in no small measure to advance the frontiers of learning and legal education, the NBA Ilorin branch is by this recognition giving honour to whom honour is due”.

Prof Yusuf Ali who coordinated the unveiling of the book described Oredola as a jurist of repute who never compromised ethics and standard.

In his response, Justice Oredola thanked God for making the event a reality and appreciated the Ilorin branch of the NBA for the honour done him.

” In life, whatever you do, just put in your best and leave the rest in the hands of God. We thank Almighty Allah for bringing us to the position on earth where recognition is accorded us not posthumously but while we are still alive,” he added.

GEM promises citizen-driven advocacy for Improved governance

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Golden Era Movement (GEM) was officially launched in Ilorin on Thursday as a non-partisan platform dedicated to fostering constructive dialogue, informed discourse, and proactive advocacy for good governance in Nigeria.

While briefing the journalist, the Convener, Dr. Seyi Adigun,said the movement was founded on the belief that Nigeria can and must function better for its citizens.

Dr. Adigun who was represented by Mr Habeeb Quadri, emphasized that GEM, also known as Force-24, is not a political party and is not affiliated with any political interests.

He described it as an open, inclusive movement committed to ensuring governance truly serves the people.

He expressed concern that many Nigerians feel disconnected from the policies and decisions that affect their lives, emphasizing that GEM aims to change this by transforming citizens from passive observers into active participants.

He stated that the movement will engage political actors, parties, and government institutions in a solution-oriented manner, focusing not on criticism for its own sake but on advocacy that delivers tangible improvements.

Adigun outlined GEM’s priority areas as policy development, institutional accountability, civic participation, and leadership quality, which he referred to as the pillars of sustainable progress. “GEM is not about noise. It is about impact,” he declared.

The Convener noted that Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its history, facing its greatest existential threat since the civil war, arguing that most political parties are focused on “capturing” power without concrete citizen-centered governance agendas.

He called on professionals, youths, leaders, and everyday citizens to join the movement with ideas, voices, and commitment.

He urged the media to hold GEM accountable and amplify solutions that matter.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Kwara Force-24, Mr Abiodun Salaudeen, stated that GEM’s vision is a united society where every voice matters and opportunities are accessible, aiming to empower citizens through inclusive dialogue, innovative policies, and grassroots action for social justice, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability.

Regarding membership, the movement announced that it is a national organization open to all Nigerian citizens and residents over 18 years of age, without discrimination.

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