Crime

Police Smash Kidnap Ring, Arrest Notorious Bandits

By Web News 575

The Nigeria Police Force has scored a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara States.

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command, arrested the suspects on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a covert operation along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Police identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, aged 30.

Operatives apprehended both men at Komen–Masallaci village during the operation.

Items recovered from the suspects included a brand-new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, valued at ₦1.85 million and allegedly bought with ransom proceeds; ₦500,000 cash believed to be unspent ransom money; and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate terrorising communities across the North-West and North-Central regions.

Police further disclosed that the gang supplies arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.

The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to help track down other members of the syndicate and recover more weapons.

Police also confirmed that Abubakar Usman was recently identified in a viral social media video where firearms and large sums of money were openly displayed.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks, curb banditry and kidnapping, and guarantee public safety nationwide.

The Police urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing operations.

Vanguard/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Security

Governor AbdulRazaq Launches Safer Kwara Security Committee

By Web News 383

By Ali Rabiu (Ilorin)

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has set up a cabinet-level security committee to develop short- and long-term measures aimed at preventing further security breaches and enhancing public safety under the “Safer Kwara” initiative.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, the committee will engage key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to design a Kwara-specific security strategy.

It will submit its report to the governor within four weeks for consideration and action.

The statement added that the security committee’s recommendations are expected to strengthen the state’s understanding of nationwide security challenges from a local perspective.

The committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, with Mrs Olufunke Shittu from the Office of the Head of Service serving as secretary.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Religion

Prioritize well-being of citizens – Cleric charges politicians

By Web News 114

By Mojisola Oladele

Political office holders have been urged to prioritize the well-being and future of citizens.

The Grand Chief Imam of Offa Town, Kwara State, Sheik Muideen Salmon made the call during the annual Ramadan lecture of Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, lecture titled, ”Duties of Leaders and Followers”, held at the assembly premises, Osogbo.

Sheik Salmon explained that a leader is expected to be selfless, who inspires and energizes followers, fostering a positive and productive work environment, setting positive examples among others.

He advised leaders in various political offices to lead followers to the promised land.

The Chief Imam pointed out qualities of followers which entail obeying leaders, rules guiding the society, humility and courage among others.

In a remark, OSHA Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun implored well-meaning individuals to assist the needy during and after the period of Ramadan.

Prince Egbedun also called on the faithful to seek forgiveness from God and achieve their desires.

Highlights of the programme were prayers for the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun, members of Osun State House of Assembly, the state and Nigeria as a whole.

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Security

Selfless service of Armed Forces will always be appreciated – Gov. AbdulRazaq

By Web News 424

By Rasheedat Iliyas (Ilorin)

Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have been commended for their relentless and selfless service to the defence of the sovereignty of Nigeria despite hostilities.

Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq gave the commendation at the commemoration of the Nigeria Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ilorin.

Governor Abdulrazaq who described the armed forces as an epitome of patriotism, assured them that their sacrifices to the nation will always be appreciated.

He implored Nigerians to always support the Armed Forces and contribute generously to efforts to assist families of fallen heroes and retirees.

Earlier, the Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs Opeyemi Afolashade said the state government had set aside some interventions for families, officers and men of the armed forces and urged them to remain steadfast in their services to the nation.

Some veterans thanked God for being alive to celebrate yet another Armed Forces Remembrance Day and called for the lump sum payment of their retirement benefits as against the piecemeal they are currently being given.

Widows of fallen heroes at the event commended the government for the assistance so far given to them but called for more interventions from the Federal Government as their membership has continued to increase due to insurgency.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Kwara State was attended by representatives of all armed forces, members of the Nigerian Legion, widows of fallen heroes, top government functionaries, captains of industries and members of the public.

The event witnessed the ceremonial laying of a wreath in honour of fallen heroes, a three-gunshot salute and the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace and unity in the country.

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Religion

Cleric Charges Government on Enabling Environment For Jobs Creation

By Web News 273

By Ali Rabiu (Ilorin)

Governments at all levels have been urged to create an enabling environment for job creation to ensure economic prosperity in the country.

The Bishop of Diocese of Kwara (Anglican Communion) and Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Branch, Right Reverend Sunday Adewole made the call while delivering his Christmas sermon titled, “Behold The King” at the Cathedral of St. Barnabas, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin.

He said government should make provisions for the citizens to farm or venture into private enterprise that will make them self-reliant.

Right Reverend Adewole advised Christians and other Nigerians to shun laziness and work hard to feed their families.

According to him the era of searching for scarce white-collar jobs has gone, adding that everyone needs to start a trade before it is too late.

He advised Christians to have faith in God and serve him with all sincerity.

Right Reverend Adewole assured them that God will change the situation in the country for the better.

In his remarks, shortly after the church service, the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr Kayode Alabi advised Christians and other Nigerians to love one another and live in peace.

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Lifestyle

Kwara Governor Greets Christians at Christmas

By Web News 425

By Ali Rabiu (Ilorin)

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated Christians in the state on the occasion of Christmas which represents the birth of Christ.

In a statement issued in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq said the birth of Christ heralded hope.

He urged people of faith to act in accordance with the message of truth, love and peace that the Christ preached.

Governor AbdulRazaq then wished everyone a happy celebration and the best of the season.

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Human Angle

Man Dies Fleeing from Dog

By Web News 1119

A man identified as Mohammed Faworaja met his untimely death in Ilorin, Kwara State capital while running away from a dog.

The incident occurred around Asa Dam, the Warah-Osin area in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said “The dog, a German shepherd, got loose and chased the deceased who hit his chest on an electric pole. He died of internal bleeding and the canned fish (Sardine) which he went to buy dropped and was seen beside the pole at the scene of the incident.

“He was a very friendly man and cannot be more than 33 years of age. He was the breadwinner of the family. The police are involved in the matter.

You need to hear the dad speak during one of the prayers organized for his repose. The father, having retired from service, handed everything over to him. The family is devastated.”

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident.

“The owner of the dog has been arrested and the matter is being investigated,” the police spokesman added.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Economy

Govt. Approves 10,000 Monthly Palliative for Workers

By Web News 1479

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved N10,000 monthly palliative for workers.

The N10,000 monthly palliative is to help workers cope with the recent fuel subsidy removal and its attendant economic impacts.

The government’s decision was announced at a press conference addressed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, at the Government House, Ilorin on Monday.

Ajakaye said, “On top of the palliatives is a cash support of N10,000 for every public sector worker in the State, which will begin this month (July) and last until a new minimum wage is introduced to enable workers to cope with the economic shocks created by the subsidy

“In deference to the new advisory of the National Economic Council for states to design their own independent responses to the development, the Governor has directed the leadership of the civil service to continue a staggered work schedule — not exceeding three days a week — to reduce transportation expenses for workers,” he said.

Kwara had earlier introduced a 3-day work schedule for its civil servants but suspended it in deference to an earlier advisory of the NEC for states to await a more holistic response to the development.

The staggered work plan will not cover ‘essential workers, the Governor’s spokesman clarified.

“The Governor has similarly approved the payment, from this month, July, of new hazard and skipping allowances, and 100% CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors under the government’s payroll.

“He also approved a new regime of allowances for nurses working for the State government. The whole essence is to check attrition rate in the health sector, and attract and retain medics and specialists to provide improved, qualitative healthcare services for the people of the state,” he added.

“The governor has also endorsed immediate cash-backing of 2019 and 2020 promotion for Teaching Service Commission workers. The administration had earlier cash-backed arrears of promotion for TESCOM for the years 2015-2018.

“In the same vein, he has approved cash-backing for the 2021 promotion exercise of teaching and non-teaching staff of SUBEB and restoration of steps to all of them. This is a policy response to the yearnings of SUBEB workers since 2016 when SUBEB workers no longer had steps.

“The Governor also approved the extension of free bus rides for students of tertiary institutions in the State, while modalities for occasional distribution of food to poor and most vulnerable households are to be activated in the next few days.

“This shall be nonpartisan and would be coordinated by a government team to be supported by respected stakeholders who would get inputs from traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organisations to generate the lists of beneficiaries and disburse accordingly.

“The whole idea of these interventions, which gulp billions of naira of public funds, is to show empathy and deploy as much resources as the state can afford to support the people at this special time.

“The Governor has also approved the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to activate N500m worth of conditional support for petty traders and MSMEs in the State.

“The State government will receive fertilisers and grains from the Federal Government and pay for same. It is not free. Modalities for the handling of these will be made available later. This is to boost farming outputs and food security in the State.

“The government, meanwhile, will be setting up a committee to interface with marketers on the need to curb extortionist tendencies as seen in the arbitrary fixing of prices of foodstuffs” he said.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Transportation

Father, 4 Children, Others Die in Kwara Boat Accident

By Web News 743

No fewer than 100 persons, including a father and his four children, have lost their lives in a boat mishap at Egbu village, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Newsmen gathered the incident happened on Monday when the deceased was returning from a marriage ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State.

It was also gathered that river waves took the boat and hit a tree, leading to the boat capsizing and leaving many people dead.
The entire Egboti community has been thrown into mourning as no fewer than 50 bodies have so far been recovered from the incident at press time.

Sources in the village told newsman that the deceased persons had taken off from Kpada village to be part of the marriage ceremony at Egboti village.

Sources also said the boat was carrying over 300 passengers on a return trip from the venue of the marriage ceremony when it went under at Egbu village.

The people, who gave details of the incident, said 69 persons lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi council of the State.

When contacted, the state police command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Okasanmi Ajayi, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said the state police command had dispatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi council to get more information on the incident.

He said there was a scanty report of a boat that capsized carrying about 100 people in a village in Patigi, adding: “I will give you details on the incident as soon as I get more information.”

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

Court Imprisons Two over Defamation

By Web News 442

 A Magistrate court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State capital has sentenced two persons namely Gidado Shuaib and Olufemi Alfred to three months imprisonment over a case of criminal conspiracy and defamation levelled against them. 

The convicts, who were given an option of a fine of N100, 000.00 each were arraigned in court on a First Information Report dated  November  2019 for offences of criminal conspiracy and defamation contrary to sections  97 and 392 of the penal law.

Their arraignment followed a petition written against them by  Hillcrest Agro- Allied Industries Limited located at Kilometre 4, Ajase -Ipo road, Amberi village, Kwara state over a published article in News Digest  “titled Inside Kwara factory where Indian hemp is legalised “.

The article, according to the petitioner, portrayed the company, which is into rice production as a place where Indian hemp is being smoked freely by workers.  

Vanguard/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Education

Tertiary Education: Kwara Signs Wage Agreement with Negotiating Council

By Web News 625

Kwara State Government has signed an agreement with the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council on the implementation of Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS)

This is contained in a statement by the Head of Service, Modupe Oluwole in Ilorin.

She said the deal provides that government shall, in subsequent wage reviews, include representatives of Joint Academic Staff Unions of Tertiary Institutions (JASUTI) in the committee, for negotiations on behalf of members.

“It also provides for flexible moderate subvention payment process that will enable the payment of academic workers of the tertiary institutions as and when due.”

The Nation/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

17-Year-old Commits Suicide in Offa

By Web News 491

A 17-year-old student of Offa Grammar School, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, identified as Adegoke Adeyemi, has reportedly committed suicide as a result of his failure to gain promotion to the next class in his school.

Adegoke, who was found hanging on a tree, according to police sources, decided to take his life because of his failure to pass his promotion examination from SS1 to SS2.

The sources said that the Senior Secondary School student was asked to repeat the class but was ashamed and hence decided to take his life.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Kwara Command, Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed the development in a statement in Ilorin on Wednesday night.

He said, “The victim who was later identified as Adegoke Adeyemi ‘M’ aged 17years, a student of Offa Grammar School, who was believed to have hanged himself as a result of his failure to pass his promotion examination from SS1 to SS 2, which necessitated his being asked to repeat the class.

“Information was received by the Divisional Police Officer, Offa, at about 15:34hours of 2/8/2022 to the effect that, a boy’s lifeless body was seen hanging on a tree behind Ariya garden hotel, Offa. A team of policemen from the Divisional headquarters was swiftly drafted to the scene.

“The corpse of the deceased student was removed from a tree behind Ariya Garden Hotel, Offa, by a team of policemen from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa, at about 15.34hours on Tuesday.

“The corpse was taken to the Offa General Hospital for autopsy, while an investigation has been launched into the matter.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Education

Kwara Govt Reopens Oyun Baptist High School, Harps on Peace

By Web News 551

The Kwara State government has directed the reopening of Oyun Baptist High School, Ijagbo that was closed over the use of Hijab crisis.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Kemi Adeosun said all Muslim school girl desirous of wearing Hijab in government schools should be allowed to do so.

The statement also  directed  all teachers and students  to return to their classrooms  from 3rd of June this year .

The statement explained that the state  government white paper committee will be allowed to conclude it’s work to address pending issues relating to the recent disturbance in the school.

The statement noted that the Ministry’s decision to reopen the school is one of the government’s approaches  to return normalcy to the school. 

The statement urged all  stakeholders in the area to  ensure peaceful coexistence and respect the law.

Ali Rabiu

Politics

2023: INEC Begins Staff Training on IVED in Kwara

By Web News 1130

As part of preparations for 2023 General Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Kwara State has begun training of its Registration Area Officers on use of the IVED machine.

The one-day training held at the INEC State office, Ilorin had in attendance all the registration officers across the sixteen local government areas of Kwara State.

Addressing the participants, Kwara State Resident  Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Garba Attahiru Madami said that in line with the recently amended Electoral Act, INEC has a mandate to conduct the coming elections using the necessary technological equipments hence, the need for officers to know how the machines should be handled for optimal performance.

Mallam Madami who noted that issue of network had been a setback in elections conducted in recent time, announced that INEC had resolved the issue and that the training would enable participants make use of the IVED machine in the absence of network.

The INEC REC commended the officers  for their dedication to duty in the Continuous Voter  Registration, CVR, exercise and charged them to be attentive during the training as well as get clarifications to ensure that they master the machine for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

Our correspondent reports that Electoral Officers have also been scheduled for the same training.

Rasheedat Iliyas

News

Communities Mourn Death Of Stray Elephant

By Web News 1670

Time for people to stop doubting the death of the big elephant that reportedly strayed into some communities in Oyo and Kwara states early this year but rather wait to know details and circumstances surrounding its sudden death.

This is because the conservator – general, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni has reacted briefly to the news of the animal’s death.

Dr. Goni who spoke with our correspondent on phone on Sunday morning expressed disappointment over the incident, saying an official statement would soon be made.

Meanwhile, residents of various communities where the elephant lived last in Kwara and Oyo states have mourned the elephant’s death, including local farmers who earlier alleged destruction of their crops by the late animal.

According to them, the elephant would be mostly missed for its friendliness and tourist attraction to their area.

It would be recalled that the elephant after it was reportedly captured by a team of officers from the University of Ibadan zoological garden in collaboration with Saki West local government was translocated to the zoological garden on the 16th of February but died on the 17th of February,this year.

This is even as a postmortem activities had been carried out on the wildlife.

Speaking with our correspondent who visited the zoological garden to see the animal,, the Acting director, zoological garden, University of Ibadan, Dr Kehinde Popoola, said the entire organs in the elephant were examined by Veterinary Pathologists of the institution, adding that the experts in the veterinary Pathology department, FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE were in the right position to give adequate information on the cause of the death of the animal.

Dr Popoola said though efforts were made to rescue the animal through the provision of right diet, it however died eventually.

The U.I acting Director of zoological garden said the tusks of the elephant had been deposited in the custody of relevant security agencies pending further decision on them.

Dr Popoola who said about forty elephant were currently discovered to be roaming between Ogun and Lagos States said government should intensify efforts to rescue the animals which he said constituted threat to farming activities in the region.

Our Correspondent observed that the elephant had been disemboweled while a grave had already been dug around it for burial.

Kayode Oguntona/Rotimi Famakin

Lifestyle

Petrol Tank Installer Suffocates To Death In Ilorin

By Web News 522

A -twenty nine year old tank installer and maintainer simply identified as Ahmed has lost his life while working on a petrol tank at a popular filling station on Offa garage road, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the victim suddenly suffocated while they were carrying out the maintenance work inside the petrol tank at the filling station and he eventually died.

However, firemen from the Kwara State Fire Service were able to evacuate the body from the tank and handed over to his boss, Mr Abdulbasit Oladimeji.

It was learnt that the deceased was careless as he embarked on the work without putting on the necessary safety gear.

Reacting on the incident the Director, Kwara State Fire Service, John Falade urged the general public to be more safety conscious, adding that workers should always endeavor to use safety equipment at all time to save their lives.

FRCN /Abuja

News

Auto Crash: Pregnant Woman, Eight Others Die In Ilorin

By Web News 870

A pregnant woman and eight others were reported burnt to death in a multiple auto crash in the Ilorin metropolis, the state capital of Kwara state.

Radio Nigeria gathered that, the multiple fatal accident, which occurred at the Ilorin International Airport road on Ilorin-Ogbomoso expressway involved a commercial passenger bus and a private vehicle.

One of the vehicles involved in the crash was said to have carried kegs filled with petrol.

The vehicles involved are Ash colour Toyota Corolla car and a white colour Toyota Hiace commercial bus, whose drivers had no national driver’s licence.

A total number of 20 people which included eight males and 12 females were said to have been involved in the crash.

Confirming the incident, the state sector commander of the FRSC, Jonathan Owoade, said the crash was caused as a result of over speeding.

Anthonia Akanji /PR

News

Strange Elephant Dies

By Web News 619

The strange elephant that reportedly wandered into some areas of Oyo and Kwara states last month is dead.

Our correspondent who has been monitoring development on the elephant reports that a team from the University of Ibadan made efforts to translocate the animal today after sedating it.

One of the sources who pleaded anonymity said the animal, which had remained friendly all along had its legs chained and dragged to a waiting vehicle after sedation.

Details of the exact location and reaction from relevant quarters later as Radio Nigeria Correspondent keeps trying to get official comments from the conservator – General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni.

The elephant had been sighted on Monday,31st of January,
roaming the forest in a boundary community between Oke Ogun in Oyo State and Kwara state

It was sighted by farmers in Gobo who were clearing the land in preparation for the next planting season.

Gobo also shares boundary with Benin Republic.

Villagers there said they had been seeing the elephant around in the last 3 months.

Kayode Oguntona.

Crime

Police Nab 2 Suspected Ritualist with Fresh Human head in Kwara

By Web News 933

Nigeria Police Force, Kwara state command has nabbed two suspected ritualist in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of the state with fresh human head.

According to the press release signed by the spokesperson of the Command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi (anipr) said “Command wishes to call the attention of parents and guidance to the rising incidents of ritual murders among the youth for money ritual purposes”

“One of such killing was recorded on 14/9/2021 at about 1200hrs, when one Rianat Yusuf  of Amuyo area, Offa Kwara State left her home on errand to buy ‘Kulikuli’ which was to be used to drink Garri (cassava flour) and had since not been seen”

“A case of Missing person was reported at Offa Divisional Police Headquarters by her father, one Yusuf Taofeek of Amuyo area of Offa”

“Investigation however led to the discovery of a headless body of a young lady with her two hands missing, at an uncompleted building at Amuyo area Offa, which was later identified by the father to be that of the missing girl”

“In the cause of investigation, one Femi Adeniji of the same area was arrested and he confessed to be in possession of the head and hands of the deceased Rianat Yusuf.

 He confessed further that he had sold one of the hands to his accomplice who is presently at large for the sum of #20,000”

“Another arrested Suspect by name Shittu Abdulmalik Wale of Imam Compound, Offa also confessed to have used the second hand of the deceased for money making soap”

Police spokesperson, said that the Investigation into the matter is ongoing, the suspects will be charged to court at conclusion of investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Tuesday Assayomo, however warned the youth to shun the desire for quick and easy money, saying whoever that is caught will be prosecuted and be permanently accommodated in the Correctional facilities.

accuratenewsng.com

Education

Cultism, Drug Abuse, Social Vices, Danger To National Development – Don

By Web News 1106

Nigerians youths have been urged not to engage in cultism and other social vices.

A senior lecturer from Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Dr. Jimoh Ango gave the admonition at a two-day symposium facilitated by the member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ibadan North Federal constituency, Honourable Olaide Akinremi in conjunction with the Federal Polytechnic Offa, at Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.

Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ibadan North Federal constituency, Honourable Olaide Akinremi

Dr. Ango explained that cultism and vices such as rape, use of illicit drugs were inimical the progress of both to students who engaged in them and the society at large. 

Dr Ango, therefore, advised students everywhere to shun vices, which he noted were rampant among youths in the country. 

Speaking about what informed the symposium, a consultant to Honourable Olaide Akinremi, Mr. Olumide Adeniji, said it was borne out of the need to sensitize secondary school students about the dangers cultism along with other vices pose to their well-being and future.

Highlight of the programme was the presentation of gifts to schools present at the symposium.

Our correspondent reports that over forty secondary schools attended the programme.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Health

Kwara Begins Distribution Of 2.3 Million Insecticide-Treated Nets

By Web News 1594

Kwara State Government has flagged-off the distribution of 2.3 million pieces of free insecticide treated mosquito nets, to be distributed to households across the 16 local government areas of the state.

At the flag-off ceremony, held at the open space of the Kwara State Government House, Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahmàn AbdulRazaq explained that out of the 282 Million Naira his administration invested into counterpart funds to key into various basic healthcare programmes 82 million Naira of that amount was meant for the anti-malaria initiative of the Global Fund. 

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at a symbolic presentation of  insecticide treated net to households in Ilorin.

He said the returns are 2.3million insecticide treated nets worth over 3.3 billion naira, among other socioeconomic benefits attached.

Earlier, in his welcome ceremony, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Razak said the flag-off of the insecticide-treated net was as evidence that investment of the administration into health sector two months into the tenure yielded profitably.

He, however, said the nets were safe as they have been treated to repel mosquitoes, thereby reducing the prevalence of malaria in the state.

He explained that 5000 people would be involved in the distribution of the insecticide treated nets across the state, after a mop up training session.

Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engineer Danladi Yakubu commended Governor AbdulRazaq for changing the narratives of the health sector in the state.

There were goodwill messages from representatives of the Society for Family Health, Catholic Relief Services, all urging Kwarans to use of the nets for the purpose they were meant.

Lawrence Afolabi

Economy

FG’s Public Work: Kwara Committee Pledges Fairness in Selection of Beneficiaries

By Web News 686

The Kwara State Selection Committee for the Federal Government Public Work Programme, says it will ensure transparency in the selection of the 16,000 beneficiaries across the state.

The public work programme of the Federal Government was designated to provide 774,000 jobs across the 774 local governments in the country to cushion the effects of COVID- 19.

The chairman of the state’s Selection Committee, Oluwasegun Oyewo gave the assurance in Ilorin during the distribution of forms to the beneficiaries.

He explained that the programme was meant for the unskilled, poor and vulnerable persons in the country.

Some of the wards visited for distribution of forms by the committee included Ogidi Ward in Ilorin West Local, Balogun Fulani Ward in Ilorin South Local Government, Sango ward in Ilorin East Local Government,

Ogele community in Asa Local Government and Pake Area in Ilorin East.

Ali Rabiu

News

COVID-19: NCDC Designates Kwara as Test Centre

By Web News 661

Kwara State has officially been designated a test centre for COVID-19 pandemic by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Chairman of the State’s Medical Advisory on COVID-19 Dr Femi Oladiji in a statement says the NCDC has approved the automated GeneXpert laboratory, which is stationed at the COVID-19/Infectious Diseases Centre, Alagbado Ilorin.

The GeneXpert tests would enable quicker decisions about whether to quarantine or isolate individuals who show up with or without potential symptoms related to COVID-19, while Hospital management staff will also be able to make rapid decisions about the best way to use resources, such as respiratory equipment.

Dr. Oladiji says certification of the GeneXpert facility by the NCDC will go a long way in the fight against the pandemic in the State.

He says another COVID-19 molecular and research laboratory is proposed at the Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre which will utilise Reverse transcription and PCR in real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Lawrence Afolabi.

Crime

NSCDC Intercepts 70 Northerners in Ogbomoso

By Web News 1033

Men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has intercepted seventy northerners coming into Oyo state through Ogbomoso end of the state.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria, Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun said the people were apprehended through intelligence report early this morning pointing out that they were coming from Jigawa and Kano states.

According to the commissioner, majority of the people were heading to Ibadan, the Oyo state capital while others were moving to Sagamu in Ogun and Lagos states.

Dr Olatunbosun however noted that the people intercepted at the Ogbomoso end would be escorted to Kwara boundary so as to return to their various states in accordance with Inter states movement lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Iyabo Adebisi

Yoruba

Àjọ NÓÀ pè fún àmúlò òfin tó wà fún òmìnira lílo àkọsílẹ̀ ìjọba

By Web News 706

Àwọn tọrọ kàn ti pè fún àmúlò òfin tó wà fún sìsámúlo àwọn àkọsílẹ̀ láìsí ifoya.

Ọ̀rọ̀ yi ló jé jáde níbi ìpàdé apero tí àjọ tó wà fún itaniji ará ìlú sí ojúṣe wọn NOA gbé kalẹ nilu Ilorin ńipinle Kwara.

Oga agba àjọ NOA, ńipinle Kwara, Ogbeni Olusegun Adeyemi ṣàpèjúwe sìsámúlo òfin yí bí ohun tó jé alabala méjì nítorípé bí àwọn ará ìlú kò bá bèrè ọ̀rọ̀, ìjọba tàbí àwọn lajolajo kò ní lee dáhùn.

Ogbéni Adeyemi ní àjọ NOA fún nkan bíi ọdún mẹsan sẹ́yìn tí ńlewaju nìdi rírọ àwọn ènìyàn láti máa samulo àwọn àkọsílẹ̀ àti rírọ àwọn ilé isẹ ìjọba àti lajolajo láti máa pèsè àwọn àkọsílẹ̀ yí fún lílo.

Alábòójútó foro ìròyìn ńipinle náà, Alhaji Murtala Olanrewaju ẹnití ìgbàkejì oga lèka ilaniloye ará ìlú Arábìnrin Christiana Ashonibare ṣojú fún ní sìsámúlo òfin yí ní anfaani tó pọ̀ lára rẹ ni ibasepo tó gunmo láàrín ìjọba àti àwọn ará ìlú.

Yẹmisi Dada/Kẹmi Ogunkọla