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2027: APC elder caucus make case for Kwara North

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara has resolved that the 2027 governorship ticket of the ruling party should go to Kwara north senatorial district in the interest of fair play, equity and justice.

The Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, Mr Kunle Sulaiman, disclosed this during a news conference at the NUJ press centre in Ilorin on Friday.

Mr Sulaiman who was flanked by other members, said that the Kwara Central and Kwara South had spent 20 years and eight years, respectively, as governor in the state.

“You may wish to recall that on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 at this same venue, this caucus addressed the press and made its stand known on the issue of zoning arrangements for the APC gubernatorial candidature that the then incumbent, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq from Kwara Central, be allowed to have another shot to complete two terms of eight years.

“Which would make Kwara Central senatorial district to have spent 20 years all together as chief executive of the state, while Kwara south senatorial district has also produced governor for eight years.

“In the same vein, we posit that it is in the interest of fair play, equity and justice that we members of the Kwara APC elders caucus, unanimously agreed that the next gubernatorial candidate for our great party should emerge from Kwara north senatorial district,”the Chairman said.

Sulaiman who commended Gov. AbdulRazaq for making them proud with his great performances across the state.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for setting Nigeria on a recovery course from her dwindling economy.

Listing the governor’s developmental achievements across parts of the state, Sulaiman , however , regretted that, “some of these achievements have evoked some negative comments and reactions from some members of the opposition political parties.

“It is obvious that every developmental policy, programme and project, may pose initial but temporary discomfort,” he said.

He emphasized that developmental efforts of the government in Ilorin, the capital city, are in line with the Urban Renewal Project, under the New Ilorin City Master Plan.

“Therefore, we would like to advise opposition parties to display a sense of patriotism by supporting and joining hands with the laudable programmes of this administration for the progress of Kwara state,” he added.

He advised the residents and indigenes affected by the ongoing urban renewal drive of the governor to related with government agencies, rather than be used by the opposition to foment crisis.

“For those aggrieved members of the public, who might have complained on the effects of the ongoing Urban Renewal Programme, they are advised to seek redress through appropriate quarters of government, rather than allowing themselves to become agent of opposition”, he said.

He appealed to eligible voters in kwara who are yet registered and obtained voters card or whose voters card is lost or whom have relocated to the state to take advantage of the ongoing voters registration exercise by obtaining their voters card .

NOA launches nationwide sensitisation campaign on student loan scheme, others

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has flagged off a nationwide sensitisation campaign on key government policies, programmes and national re-orientation initiatives, with a focus on student loan access, flood preparedness, security awareness, values re-orientation for youths, and the Nigerian identity project.

Speaking on Friday at a press conference in Ilorin, the Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Civic, Value and Democracy Education, Mrs Olukemi Afolayan, said the campaign will cover all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the 774 local government areas.

Issa-Onilu explained that the campaign would allow citizens to interact directly with government representatives, ask questions, and receive clarity on policies affecting their lives.

According to him, the campaign will highlight five thematic areas: which is government programmes and social investment initiatives.

“These include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed over ₦59 billion to more than 600,000 students in public tertiary institutions; expansion of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme to over 2 million households; Trader Moni and Farmer Moni interest-free loans.

“The renovation of 700 rural schools under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund; the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) with ₦110 billion to support 150,000 youths; and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), SUPA project for upskilling artisans”, NOA boss said.

He noted that poor drainage systems and indiscriminate dumping of waste have worsened flood impacts across states like Niger, Kogi, Rivers, Bayelsa and Anambra.

He urged Nigerians to pay attention to NiMet’s early warning advisories, while recalling that the Federal Government had released ₦3 billion per state in 2024 for flood mitigation and drainage clearance.

He said that the National security awareness under the Renewed Hope Security Architecture, the Armed Forces have deployed drones, armoured vehicles, and surveillance technologies, with over 15,000 new personnel recruited nationwide.

The NOA said its security sensitisation drive would reach over 3 million Nigerians per state through media engagements, market and motor park rallies, town hall meetings, and advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders.

He added that the National values re-orientation aspect will focus on instilling patriotism and discouraging “extreme graduation practices” among students and youths.

He stressed that the Nigerian identity and national symbols sensitisation will promote understanding and respect for the National Anthem, the flag, the Naira, the Nigerian passport, and other national symbols.

The NOA boss emphasised that the agency had expanded its communication tools to reach diverse demographics, including an AI-powered virtual assistant “CLHEEAN” on its website, alongside weekly e-journals, documentaries, jingles, and extensive media partnerships with over 185 radio and TV stations nationwide.

Issa-Onilu reaffirmed that the agency’s ultimate goal is to strengthen citizen engagement with government, rebuild trust, and promote unity and patriotism across the country.

Gov AbdulRazaq engages citizens as 2026 budget preparation begins

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Tuesday encouraged citizens to give constructive feedback on government’s activities, including on how to serve them better.

Speaking at the forum in Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara, AbdulRazaq explained that the initiative brings government closer to the grassroots and gives citizens the opportunity to shape development priorities.

He noted that the exercise would strengthen accountability, promote wider participation, and ensure smooth implementation of the 2026 budget.

He said the government is open to being told what to improve upon.

“I am glad to be back in Moro today and for this large turnout. This session is good for our development because it helps us to plan well.

“This commitment will ensure that information about the budget process is made available to citizens in an accessible and timely manner so that citizens can make inputs across the budget cycle.

“The reason for this meeting is to hear from the horse’s mouth, so that the citizens will make input in the budget process”, he said.

The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Arinde, assured that citizens will continue to play a central role in the state’s annual budgeting.

She emphasized that Gov. AbdulRazaq remains committed to open governance, transparency, and inclusive development.

In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of Moro Local Government, Hajia Mariam AbdulWasiu, commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for sustaining the yearly involvement of citizens in budget preparation.

She assured that the exercise will not only be fruitful but will also help the administration address the real needs of the people of Moro and its surrounding communities.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. John Bello, praised the Governor for his vision and mission in transforming Kwara to enviable heights.

For his part, the All Progressive Congress Party Secretary of Moro, Mr Mohammed Nura, commended the governor for sustaining the town hall meeting to meet the people at the grass root and know their needs.

He thanked the government for the completion of water works and construction of some township roads.

He appealed to the government to help with the construction of roads and electrification of some area which include Oloko-nla, Jidogari, Lanwa , Abati, Alara, Eleme and Molete.

Mr Olatunji Adebara of Jebba called on the government to establish a School of Nursing at Jebba to deepen access to quality healthcare service.

The Director of Planning, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Samsudeen Aregbe, who gave a breakdown of the budget performance for 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, said the administration has performed excellently.

The town hall meetings drew participation from civil society organizations, traditional rulers, professionals, and community leaders, all tasked with making meaningful contributions to the 2026 fiscal plan.

2027: New APC Support Group Emerges in Edo

A new support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Grassroots Mass Mobilisation Support Group (GMMSG), has formally emerged in Edo State, with a clear mandate to strengthen the party’s base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, which Edo State leadership was inaugurated over the weekend in Benin, declared its readiness to work with the party at all levels to ensure APC’s victory in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for July 2026 and in subsequent national polls.

Speaking at the inauguration, the National Chairman of GMMSG, Hon. Faisal Mohammed, said the group’s mission extended beyond immediate elections, stressing that it will play a key role in delivering the 2.5 million votes promised by Governor Monday Okpebholo for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“We have seen what the governor is doing in this state which is in line with the president’s desire for the people. We are very happy with him. This group is for everybody.

“The party has promised to always carry us along in the affairs of the party. The local government election is coming and we want the APC to win every seat available,” Mohammed said.

The national chairman underscored the need for unity, grassroots mobilisation, and strategic voter engagement, saying GMMSG would function as both a political and social force to rally support for the ruling party.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of GMMSG, High Chief Patrick Chime Onyejiuwa, clarified that membership of the group was strictly for card-carrying APC members.

He urged leaders and supporters to spread the message across Edo’s towns, villages, and wards, adding that the new APC constitution now formally recognised support groups.

“The group is only available to card-carrying members of the APC,” he said, calling on members to “take the message to every nook and cranny of the state.”

In her inaugural speech, the State Coordinator of GMMSG, Princess Omoyemwen Adeyinka-Afolabi, said the Edo State chapter would immediately deploy its members into communities through local government coordinators, noting that the group’s mandate was anchored on grassroots participation.

“The vision of GMMSG is clear: to galvanise the strength of the people at the grassroots, to amplify their voices, and to ensure that no one is left behind in the democratic and developmental process,” she said.

Adeyinka-Afolabi emphasised that GMMSG was not just about electoral mobilisation but also about strengthening democracy by building trust between the people and their leaders.

“Our mission as the Edo State chapter is simple yet profound — to mobilise our people for greater participation in governance, foster unity across communities and local governments, support credible leadership that prioritises the welfare of the masses, and champion causes that promote social justice, equity, and development at the grassroots.

“We recognise that true power resides in the people, and that the grassroots are the foundation of every thriving democracy. It is from the villages, towns, and local communities that strength flows into the larger system.

“That is why GMMSG is committed to being a platform where the concerns, aspirations, and talents of our people are not only heard but acted upon,” she said.

Oba Adekeye promises to work for peace, unity while seeking cooperation of his people

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Ilorin, Aug. 16, 2025(NAN) The new Alagunji of Agunjin Land in lfelodun local government area of Kwara, Oba Isiaka Adekeye lll, has promised to work for peace, unity and progress of his communities.

The new traditional ruler solicited the cooperation and support of his subjects for more development to be attained in Agunji in particular and Kwara as a whole.

This is contained in a statementby his Spokesperson , Mr Oluwatoyin Adekeye on Saturday in Ilorin.

He promised to work for peace and unity in order to complement the state Governor’s efforts on peacekeeping and general well-being of the citizens.

He pledged to further promote peace and understanding among his subjects, whose support he described as key to achieving communities of their desire.

He thanked the state government and the people of his communities for the confidence reposed in him.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) recalls that the 3rd class traditioner ruler from was newly presented a staff of office by Gov. AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman on Aug. 14 in Ilorin.

“Ascends the throne of Agunjin Land
a new dawn breaks over Agunjin, a moment etched in gold in the annals of history pass the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home.

“With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.

“The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari,The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba Ismail Bolaji Yahaya,Olupo of Ajase Ipo among others”, he said.

REV FRANK OMOBUDE EXTOLS VIRTUES OF SECRETARY TO EDO STATE GOVERNMENT, MUSA UMAR IKHILO

The chairman, Edo State Christian pilgrims welfare Board, Rev Frank Omobude has described the secretary to Edo State Government,Umar Musa Ikhilo as a Astute Administrator, and consummate of human potentia whose professional skills is imparting positively in the Good Governance of the state.
Rev Omobude in a congratulatory message to the secretary to the state Government on the Auspicious occasion of his birthday, described the SSG as a fine gentleman whose accomplishment as a Legal icon and youth mobilizer has endeared him to all.
Rev Omobude recalled the pivotal role being played by SSG as a strategist , philanthropist,and strong pillar in promoting Good Governance in the state.
He prayed God to continue to protect,preserve and inspired the SSG to attain greatness.in all his dealings.

FG to impact 3.4 million beneficiaries on Agro-Climatic

By: Mujidat Oyewole

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has initiated 3.4 million direct beneficiaries, out of which 1.68 million will be women.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ACRESAL project is a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative, supported by the World Bank to tackle land degradation and climate change challenges in Northern Nigeria.

Mr Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL said that the critical component of their plan was stakeholders engagement, guided by their evidence-based scientific justifications.

Umar, who was represented by Engr. Shettima Adam, Water Resources Specialist made this known at the opening of a 10-day workshop in Ilorin on Monday, saying that beneficiaries were the determinants of what, where and when activities are located.

“The objectives of this stakeholders workshop is to derive a shared vision for an ideal riparian catchment that will build and forestall peace in the catchment, also consider the opportunities and challenges.

“The ACReSAL project is a longterm transformation to restore dignity to drylands, rebalancing our ecosystems and strengthening the resilience of millions of people across northern Nigeria.

“”The SCMPs are our blueprint and roadmap for doing things differently and doing them right. Let us treat them as strategic tools as we can not build what we have not planned,” he said.

The National Project Coordinator said that ACRESAL uses an integrated catchment management approach to leverage the use of state-of-the-art disruptive technology in accounting for monitoring and evaluating her activities.

“It focuses on ensuring that women and girl-child particularly benefit from the project and are integrated fully into society.

“Our plan will facilitate ACReSAL to meet its PDO and sustainably restore 1 million hectares of degraded land, making them cultivatable, habitable and usable for commercial, domestic or otherwise,” he said.

Hajiya Nafisat Musa-Buge, the state Commissioner for Environment, also the State Chairman of ACRESAL, said that the Strategic Catchment Management Plan was important especially as watershed management are lifelines of communities, economies and ecosystems.

“We are proud to host participants from six vital states in the region—Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Abuja, in a joint commitment to sustainable water and environmental resource management.

“Your presence here underscores the regional significance of catchment governance and our shared responsibility in safeguarding water bodies and ecosystems for future generations.

“This platform is to reflect, collaborate, and chart a strategic course towards integrated and inclusive catchment management that reflects the needs and aspirations of our people, especially with the environmental and climate challenges,” she said.

The Commissioner said that 9 SCMPs had been developed and validated, including Wase-Taraba, Shemankar-Katsina-Ala, and Hadejia-Jama’are among others.

She further said that the project team and other stakeholders would start 11 new strategic catchments, covering 7 ACReSAL states to develop plans for Malenda, Kaduna-Mariga, Gurara_Gbako (Abuja), and Oshin Oyi.

Technology key to educators’ survival – Provost

By: Mujidat Oyewole

An educationist, Prof. Aremu Mukaila-Ayanda, Provost of the College of Education, Oro, has said that the survival of educators, mentors and mentees in the education sector depends on technology.

He made the statement during the 12th Annual National Conference, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Journal of Educational Studies and Research, at the College of Education, Oro, Kwara.

Mukaila-Ayanda argued that technology had been highly beneficial to both teachers and learners, adding that it continues to generate new ideas and insights in the digital space.

“We have expanded infrastructure within our financial capacity, enhanced service delivery, ensured adequate financial compensation and revitalised the spirit of research and development within our academic community.

“We have also boosted the morale of staff and students, strengthened engagement with the college and host communities and restored the confidence of all stakeholders connected to the college,” he said.

The provost stated that the college would continue to embrace innovation, research and collaboration.
“Let us intensify our efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry, the traditional divide between ‘town and gown’.

“Let us also foster a culture of lifelong learning and encourage our staff members and students to become global citizens who contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

Earlier, the keynote speaker, Dr Amos Ojebisi, Deputy Director of Academic Planning at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, said there was a need for quality education.

He noted that education equips students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing world, with a focus on critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, as well as digital literacy and adaptability.
He, therefore, emphasised the need to leverage digital tools, online resources, and smart classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.

“Since the teacher is the coordinator and moderator of the interaction between instructional components, they are in a strategic position to apply digital technology,” he said.

Expert calls for conducive school environment for effective learning

By: Mujidat Oyewole

Dr Balqis Popoola, Department of Educational Guardians and Counselling, Al-Hikma University, Ilorin has called on school owners to provide a conducive learning environment for children to learn effectively.

She made the call while delivering a Keynote address on the theme: Child Upbringing: Collective Effort and Responsibility of the Home, School and Society at Large, at Al-Ikhlas Schools, Ilorin on Sunday.

Popoola said that the school could be a conducive learning environment by employing qualified teachers, stressing that apart from certificates, teachers should have morals.

“We have seen scenarios where male teachers molest female students and there should be security cameras in school to monitor what is happening in the school environment.

“Every members of staff in the school should work hand in hand, including the security guards who should prevent student from sneaking out of the school,” she said.

The expert defined upbringing as the process by which a child is nurtured, educated, guided, protected as well as the development of children.

“The two parent should be ready before going into marriage, let alone having children, because if they are not ready mentally, psychologically, physically and financially, it will be a problem.

“The parents should be ready to take good care of their children and provide them with their basic needs, like shelter, water food and education,” Popoola said

She called on parents to educate their children and wards on the importance of their existence, the need to worship their creator and be of good conduct.

The expert highlighted four parenting styles; authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and neglectful, adding that authoritative style was the best.

“Authoritative style of parenting is the combination of warmth, discipline and flexibility. They are parents who don’t neglect their children and are always around to correct them.

“Neglectful parenting are not even around to know what is happening, while permissive parents are negatively present in the lives of their children, giving them everything and allowing them to do whatever they like.

“Authoritarian parents dictates everything for their children, without allowing their children to think or express their feelings, which should not be,” she said.

Dr Tahjudeen Bolaji, Proprietor of Al-Ikhlas Schools, Ilorin said that the school celebrates 26 grandaunts in Basic 5, 40 students in junior secondary school, while 21 graduated from senior secondary school.

Bolaji said that the school has participated in different inter-school competitions in which they performed wonderfully well and had been engaging the students in entrepreneur activities to make them more productive.

He mentioned some challenges the school battles with, such as late coming, late payment of school fees and transportation, due to fuel hike, but efforts are ongoing to solve the issues.

Salaudeen charges Nigerians to ensure sustainable future for generations to come

A staff member of the African Development Bank (AfDP), Mr Musa Salaudeen,has charged Nigerians to ensure sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

Salaudeen disclosed this on Saturday during the 58th anniversary and 4th Memorial Prayer of AGF AbdulRazaq, organised by Old students Association of Government High School Adeta Ilorin.

He said that the sustainability and future generations should be moral responsibility of the present generation in Nigeria.

Salaudeen who is also member of Alumini defined sustainability as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, has become a global concern.

“For Nigeria, it is a perosing issue with ethical, environmental, and social implications.

“As Africa’s most populous and one of the most resource-rich nations, Nigeria faces the critical challenge of managing rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and social inequalities.

‘The current generation has a moral responsibility to mitigate environmental damage, promote renewable development, and ensure an equitable future for generations to come.

“This responsibility is not merely abstract but must be grounded in actionable frameworks and local examples. Ilorin and Kwara State, in particular, offer instructive case studies of how local governments and communities are responding to sustainability challenges through policy, innovation, and civic engagement.

“Promoting accountability in sustainability demands that we center education, innovation, and community engagement, ensuring responsible leadership and fairness to future generations.

“In this regard, development partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) have made significant contributions, supporting Nigeria through investments in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, renewable energy, and urban development programs that align with national and local sustainability goals”, he said.

He stressed that to address the challenges facing the Nigeria’s moral obligation to future generations the
regulatory agencies such as NESREA and state ministries must be empowered to halt illegal sand mining, refuse dumping, and unregulated construction.

He commended the Kwara government for the Ilorin Smart City project and neglect flower garden in 2023 transformed into a green oasis.

The President of the Association, Mr Muhammed Atolagbe Raji, commended the member of their association for their support. adding they should continue with the legacy of the out going executives.

He urged the incoming executives to renovate the dilapidated structures especially the old auditorium of the school.