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Gov AbdulRazaq wishes Kwarans a blessed Eid-ul-Fitri

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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has extended warm wishes to the Muslim community as they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitri, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed his heartfelt joy on the occasion and congratulated the Muslim faithful for successfully completing the month-long fast.

The Governor also commended the leader of the Muslim community in Kwara, Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for his leadership during the fasting period.

AbdulRazaq encouraged Muslims to continue embodying the virtues practiced during Ramadan, such as alms giving, abstaining from negativity, and maintaining good conduct, beyond the holy month. He emphasized the importance of integrating these noble activities into their daily lives.

Furthermore, Governor AbdulRazaq urged unity among the Muslim community, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could diminish the rewards of their fast or raise questions about their sincerity as devotees.

In his concluding remarks, the Governor prayed for Allah’s blessings on everyone, wishing them a joyous Eid and prosperity in the years ahead, filled with unwavering faith.

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EducationFeaturesGovernance

Putting Kwara education infrastructure in proper perspective

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I write to address the recent disinformation triggered by a recent report in the BBC on the Kankan LGEA School in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

I understand that the BBC report was a standalone story, which did not delve into the context of the peculiarity of the Kwara situation as a result of our history. The Honourable Commissioner for Communications Mrs Bola Olukoju has done justice to the story, and it is hoped that the BBC and our other friends in the foreign media are properly guided on the issue and related ones.

One of the biggest issues His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confronted in 2019 is the mismanagement and stealing of education intervention funds during the previous administration.

Upon assuming office in 2019, however, the Governor addressed the mismanagement of funds that led to the official blacklist of the state from accessing UBEC funds for six consecutive years. His Excellency first paid N450m, which was the balance of the 2013 FGN-UBEC/SUBEB Matching grant diverted by Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed led administration, and this led to the lifting of the ban on the state.

After paying matching grants of N7.1bn in 2020, Kwara State received a substantial intervention fund totalling 14.2 billion naira, representing 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. This was utilized for the construction, renovation, and remodelling of facilities/structures across 605 schools, including provision of both teachers and students furniture, WASH facilities, and digital literacy centres across all 16 local. government areas. 33 schools were also fenced to prevent land encroachment and provide safety for our children.

Having said this, it is important to clarify that only 605 schools out of a total of about 2,187 basic schools in the state benefited from the interventions. Definitely, there is still more work to be done, and this point has been made several times.

The tangible results of these interventions are evident in the significant improvements witnessed in the infrastructural improvement of our basic schools throughout Kwara State when compared with the pre-2019 era.

These interventions can be seen in all the 193 wards across the 16 LGAs.

Notwithstanding the above, the government remains committed to steadily addressing the outstanding deficits in the sector. In 2023, Governor Abdulrazaq again fulfilled the state’s counterpart fund obligation for 2020, amounting to 1.4 billion naira, which was allocated for the construction and remodelling of additional 105 classrooms across the state. More teachers and pupils furniture, with WASH facilities( toilets and motorised boreholes with solar panels), were also provided for our schools.

Furthermore, His Excellency has recently approved the payment of 2021-2023 counterpart funds. The implication of this is that infrastructural upgrades will get to more schools soonest. Kankan LGEA School in Asa LGA and many more schools have been captured.

A Governor who has done this much should deservedly be given his flowers because not only did the administration before him fail to commit funds to the sector, but it, in fact, stole the little grants it received from the Federal Government.

We urge members of the public to continue to support the Governor and his administration as he continues to rewrite the story of basic education for posterity.

Prof. SHEHU Raheem Adaramaja
Executive chairman, KWARA SUBEB
April 8, 2024

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GovernanceNewsPolitics

Kwara Govt not behind ex-Gov Ahmed’s trial: Commissioner … Speaks on BBC story

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Kwara State Government has refuted claims that it is behind the current corruption trial of former Governor Abdulfatahi Ahmed, saying the burden of governance does not permit any distractions or targeting of anyone, including former public officials.

In a statement on Thursday, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications Bola Olukoju said the trial of the former Governor is the exclusive prerogative of the anti-graft agencies who may have found against him following their own investigations of different transactions involving his administration.

“We find the accusation of the opposition party as cowardly, baseless, and wrong-headed. The right place to prove the innocence of anyone accused of wrongdoing is the court of law, not on the pages of newspapers or through shadow-boxing. They should leave us out of the issue,” she said.

“This administration has moved on from whatever happened in the past, except where historical references are inevitable. Our task is so enormous that we are left with no time to waste.

“Regardless, the truth is that the administration still grapples with the burden of fixing the most basic things, including those that should have been done but had resources meant for them blatantly stolen by these PDP officials. An example is the UBEC funds, which were brazenly stolen. We reported a case of a particular N1bn UBEC intervention funds that were withdrawn cash and stolen. The evidence is damning. This barefaced and irresponsible conduct led to the blacklist of Kwara by UBEC and set the state back for many years in education infrastructure and many other sectors. As if that was not enough, there had not been any meaningful investments in the basic education until our administration came up in 2019. It is not surprising, therefore, to see a Kankan LGEA School in some parts of the state, in spite of the huge funds we have pumped in the sector. This was the essence of the government’s public communication dated July 24, 2022 and titled ‘Next Time You See an Oke Apomu LGEA School.’

“Even so, our focus has been governance. This is why we feel scandalised by the lack of context in the recent BBC report on LGEA School Kankan in Asa local government. The media owe the public not just a duty to tell a story but to give appropriate context to such stories for lessons to be learnt. Kankan LGEA School, like many of it across the state, did not just get there. They have all been documented, and steps are being taken to put them in shape in phases.

“Between 2019 and now, this administration has paid for and accessed UBEC counterpart funds for years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 to fix school infrastructure in more than 600 locations in the state. This has been confirmed by UBEC itself, and they were done to specifications in the UBEC-SUBEB work plans.

“Yet the gap is understandably huge that it will take many years of such consistent investments to bridge. To date, we have paid counterpart funds for eight years, whereas we have only spent less than five years in the saddle. What this means is that we shoulder the burden of fixing school infrastructure that should have been done since 2014 or earlier. But the funds were stolen under the same people now in the PDP who are accusing the EFCC of witch-hunt.

“This is the context to the Kankan story. While we do not deny that it is our responsibility to fix the deficits and we are indeed doing same, we reject any report that lacks the context to tell the full story and guide public understanding of the issues”.

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GovernanceNewsPoliticsReligion

Lack of Godly Leaders is the problem of Insecurities, economic challenges in Nigeria -Shaikh Jumu’a

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A Popular Islamic Scholar, Shaikh Dr. Kolawole Jumu’a has said that, the problem Nigeria is facing is lack of Godly leaders.

According to him, the lack of Godly leaders leads to issues of Insecurities, economic challenges Nigeria is currently facing.

Shaikh Jumu’a disclosed this in an interview with Journalists immediately after his Ramadan Tasfir lecture, organized by Islamic Welfare Foundation, Kwara State Chapter,held at Owoniboys situated at Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin.

The Islamic Scholar Hammered on the lack of Godly leaders in the country, attributing the current insecurities to the leadership Problem Nigeria is facing.

He pointed out that the political leaders in the country do not seem to be conscious of Allah, their creator, or the day of Judgement.

He said further that, the hereafter is designed by Almighty Allah as a check and balance for individuals in their lives, social interactions, political decisions, and economic activities.

“Only those who believe in the accountability of the afterlife will be motivated to maintain a moral and righteous leadership. They will fear Allah in their activities among others.

“The lack of belief in the hereafter by the current political leaders was cited as a major reason for their actions and decision-making.

“Their disbelief in the day of accountability leads them to prioritize their interests over the well-being of the country.”

The Shaikh emphasized that a good leader must have a belief in Allah, the day of Judgement, and the concept of accountability to effectively lead a nation.

He warned that as long as the country continues to be led by individuals who lack these beliefs, the problems, and insecurities facing Nigeria will persist.

The Islamic Scholar, while hammering on Insecurity in Nigeria pilot, he explained
with a powerful analogy, stating that” if the head of a country is sick, the entire nation will suffer. The only issue we are facing in Nigeria is insecurity issues and the blame will be put on the leaders because they are not doing what expected of them to do. Despite all the different of security outfits, We are still facing insecurity challenges such as kidnapping, Robbery among others.

“So, If the head suffers from mental derailment, all part of the body will be paralyzed. The only solution to these issues is to ensure that the leaders of Nigeria are true and Godly individuals who prioritize the welfare of the people above all else.”

Meanwhile, he urged the Muslims to continue praying for the betterment of the nation, noting Allah will surely answer Nigerians prayers one day.

The shaikh also prays for guidance of Allah for the leaders and take control of their heart for them to govern the people according to Allah’s direction.

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BusinessCommunityGovernanceNews

Food security: Kwara is under pressure – Cadre Harmonize Report

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Cadre Harmonize on Thursday in Ilorin disclosed that Kwara is among states in Nigeria that are under pressure on food security.

The Cadre Harmonisé is a unifying tool that helps to produce relevant, consensual, rigorous, and transparent analyses of current and projected food and nutrition situations.

Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, the Kwara Coordinator of Cadre Harmonize stated this at the March 2024 Analyses Result Presentation on Food Security.

He explained that foods are very expensive and increasingly becoming out of reach of the very poor in Kwara.

According to him, half of the population in the state are currently under stress, as it is difficult to get food, but people are still managing to eat somehow.

“People are having minimal food consumption, they sell thier assets so as to get foods. Despite the bumper harvest of rice in Kwara North, everything is exported out of the state to other state such as Lagos.

“Key drivers of these problem are the hike in fuel prices, and massive purchase of foodcrops from the state by other states,” he said.

The Cadre Harmonize coordinator observed that more farmers are increasingly diversifying from foodcrops to cashcrops.

He pointed out that some are leaving foodcrops auch as yams for cashcrops such as soyabeans.

According to him, there is need to step up dry season farming, while observing that more is needed to be done in area of peace and dialogue between farmers and herders.

IMG 20240314 WA0030

“The Kwara Government need to create market and mop up most of the farm produce from farmers. This will ensure that the food stays in the state and people get access to it at subsidize rate from the government,” he said.

He called for the need to balance food crops production and cash crops, so that one does not suffer for the other.

Oyawoye warned that lack of food is the beginning of insecurity, adding that everything revolves around food security in the country.

Speaking also, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, the Senior Special Adviser to Gov. AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq of Kwara pointed out that the state is still relatively peaceful when compared to other states that are facing endemic insecurity.

He noted that though there have been records of some disturbances in some local government, but the security operatives were able to curb them down.

“The state governor has lots of passion for the Agricultural sector by creating enabling environment for farmers in the state.

“A committee was created comprising of community leaders, herders and farmers to ensure issues or confrontations are neutralised.

“Over 300 vigilantes and hunters are in government payroll to ensure they are part of the security network in the state. The government is working assiduously to ensure peace prevails in the state,” he said.

Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Environment lamented on the devastating effects of climate change on the environment which have adverse effect of farming.

She warned against felling of trees, and burning them for charcoals, while enjoining people to increase tree planting.

Ibrahim disclosed that state government is embarking on land resuscitation and all stakeholders must support it.

In his presentation, Dr Habib Lawal, the Kwara Coordinator of Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, assert that food security comes first, while every other intervention is secondary.

“When people have access to nutritional food, it will serve as protection against malnutrition,” he said.

Lawal warned that children who are stunted will never achieve thier potential in life, adding that the future is shaky with these kinds of future population.

Mr Ishiaq Olorukoba, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara Ministry of Agriculture, and Rural Development pointed out that all hands must be on deck to ensure food security in the state.

He warned that everyone is not safe, adding that a time is come when people will be burgling houses to get staple foods for survival.

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GovernanceHealthNews

Funding: Health group partners Kwara on disease control

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The Vaccine Network for Disease Control, a Non-Governmental Organisation has reiterated commitment to partner Kwara Government on disease control and its eradication across the 16 Local Government Area.

Mrs Chika Offor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, stated this on Friday in Ilorin, during an On-boarding Meeting with Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam.

She explained that the initiative known as Partnership To Reach Zero-Dose Children (PREACH) affords strategies to eradicate Childhood-killer diseases.

According to her, the meeting is one of the planned advocacy activities of the Vaccine Network in line with their objectives on the PREACH project.

Offor explained that the project is a
Global Alliance for Vaccines Initiative (GAVI)-funded project through Global Health Advocacy Initiative (GHAI).

She stated that the goal is to redeem, expand and sustain multi-stakeholder commitment to investment in immunization and primary healthcare.

The aim, she said, is to reach zero-dose children and increase immunization coverage in Nigeria.

“The specific objectives includes increase domestic resource mobilization for Immunization, efficient allocation use, accountability of domestic resources and timely release of vaccine financing, including GAVI co-financing obligations,” she said.

The CEO of the Network stated that this project is geared towards supporting the government to sustaining and up-scaling the immunization financing responsibility.

According to her, it will also ensure that the state of primary healthcare is strengthened.

She reitearted resolve of working with the Kwara Government and relevant Agencies to develop effective strategies to mitigate funding gaps, strengthen the PHC system, and address other critical issues.

In her response, Dr Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner of Health commended the Network team and assured them of her support.

She explained that with this partnership, she would love to see “impactful progress, statistically significant improvements in the health of citizens of Kwara”.

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GovernanceHealthNews

Funding: Health group partner Kwara on disease control

by Editor
written by Editor

The Vaccine Network for Disease Control, a Non-Governmental Organisation has reiterated commitment to partner Kwara Government on disease control and its eradication across the 16 Local Government Area.

Mrs Chika Offor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, stated this on Friday in Ilorin, during an On-boarding Meeting with Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam.

She explained that the initiative known as Partnership To Reach Zero-Dose Children (PREACH) affords strategies to eradicate Childhood-killer diseases.

According to her, the meeting is one of the planned advocacy activities of the Vaccine Network in line with their objectives on the PREACH project.

Offor explained that the project is a
Global Alliance for Vaccines Initiative (GAVI)-funded project through Global Health Advocacy Initiative (GHAI).

She stated that the goal is to redeem, expand and sustain multi-stakeholder commitment to investment in immunization and primary healthcare.

The aim, she said, is to reach zero-dose children and increase immunization coverage in Nigeria.

“The specific objectives includes increase domestic resource mobilization for Immunization, efficient allocation use, accountability of domestic resources and timely release of vaccine financing, including GAVI co-financing obligations,” she said.

The CEO of the Network stated that this project is geared towards supporting the government to sustaining and up-scaling the immunization financing responsibility.

According to her, it will also ensure that the state of primary healthcare is strengthened.

She reitearted resolve of working with the Kwara Government and relevant Agencies to develop effective strategies to mitigate funding gaps, strengthen the PHC system, and address other critical issues.

In her response, Dr Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner of Health commended the Network team and assured them of her support.

She explained that with this partnership, she would love to see “impactful progress, statistically significant improvements in the health of citizens of Kwara”.

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CommunityEditor's PicksFeaturesGovernanceHistory & Culture

Mercy Land Community: A Journey of Selfless Service, Development, and Hope

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By Omotayo Ayanda

Mercy Land Community in Reke town, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara state, stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Established six years ago, the Mercy Land Community Development Association has been instrumental in fostering growth and unity among its residents.

The association’s primary objectives revolve around contributing to the community’s well-being, aligning their efforts with government initiatives. The community’s commitment to security, collective projects, and overall development, showcasing the strength that arises from unity.

A notable achievement for the community has been the electrification project, where over 30 electric poles were purchased through collective contributions. This initiative, costing over N3 million, resulted in connecting a second phase of electricity to the community, a significant milestone in enhancing the residents’ quality of life.

The annual carnival, a tradition spanning six years, serves as a unique expression of gratitude for successfully navigating another year. Despite challenges, the community has persevered, adapting the celebration to January to accommodate the travel patterns of its members during the festive season.

The Chairman of the Community’s association, Elder Gbenga Falade and the treasurer, Hon. Dele Ogunbiyi shared more insights into the objectives and history of the association, highlighting their commitment to community development.

Elder Falade said that the primary aim of the association is to complement government efforts in fostering growth within the community. Their initiatives include enhancing security measures and undertaking various projects to improve the overall well-being of residents.

Speaking with Community Voice Network, on the significance of the annual event organised by the association, scheduled for Saturday January 27, Hon. Dele Ogunbiyi, who is the chairman organising committee, explained that the celebration serves as an expression of gratitude to God for allowing the community to navigate another year. 

“The anniversary, originally intended for December, the celebration was rescheduled to accommodate the travel patterns of community members during the holiday season,” he said.

The anniversary, now in its sixth year, traces its roots back to the establishment of the association. Inspired by community leader, Pa Ade Akinnawonu, the association was formed to address security concerns and engage in communal projects that make life meaning for the people. Over the years, they’ve achieved notable milestones, including the purchase of electric poles and the connection of a second phase of electricity to the community at a cost exceeding N3 million.

Hon. Dele said that this year’s anniversary promises to be distinctive, with notable guests expected, including Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, and the Hon. Commissioner for Energy in Kwara State, Hon. AbdulAzeez Abdulganiy, who is also from Reke town. Additionally, community leaders from Reke, Obondoroko, and Chairmen from the ten communities within Reke town will add colour to the event.

Hon. Dele added that, “The festivities will include prayers, addresses from community leaders, goodwill messages, and opportunities for socializing. While explicitly not a fundraising event, the association may seek support from guests for essential community projects, such as acquiring a transformer, addressing water scarcity, and repairing damaged roads”.

Hon. Dele emphasized the need for community members to actively contribute to development efforts. He urged those not attending meetings to reconsider and participate in discussions that shape the community’s future.

In a heartfelt plea to the government, he called for the fulfillment of promises, particularly regarding road construction from Obondoroko to Reke town. 

He also appealed to the government to provide the community with some essential amenities like transformers and motorized boreholes. “The community’s hospital, equipped with modern facilities, requires staff and a perimeter fence for security purposes”, he said.

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Kwara Labour Unions: From Camaraderie to Confrontation – Unraveling Grievances and Pursuit of Workers’ Rights

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By Omotayo Ayanda

In a sudden turn of events, the once peaceful relationship between Kwara State’s Labour Unions and the Government has drastically changed. What was once a landscape of mutual appreciation and support has now evolved into a battleground of grievances and unmet promises. The Joint Kwara Labour Congress, representing public workers, has issued an assertive 14-day ultimatum to the State Government, marking a significant departure from their previous camaraderie.

This abrupt shift in tone and stance of the Labour Leaders raises questions, particularly regarding their discontentment with the Government’s handling of essential matters, notably the issue of Wage Award and a spectrum of unaddressed concerns.

The once harmonious phase witnessed the Labour Leaders extending public support, acknowledging the Government’s initiatives, and praising efforts aimed at fostering progress and welfare in Kwara State. However, this initial camaraderie has seemingly evaporated, giving way to a demand-driven ultimatum fraught with unmet expectations and broken agreements.

During this era of mutual admiration and endorsement between the Labour Leaders and the Government, the Joint Kwara Labour Congress consistently expressed solidarity and commendation for the Government’s policies and initiatives aimed at bolstering the welfare of workers and advancing the state’s development.

Labour Leaders, including the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Muritala Saheed, and counterparts from various Unions, openly lauded the Government’s strides in fostering progress across formal and informal sectors. Their public statements echoed the sentiments of cooperation, appreciating the efforts undertaken by the Government to improve the conditions of workers in Kwara State.

Expressions of support were not merely rhetorical but manifested through joint efforts and collaborations between the Labour Unions and the Government. These collaborations aimed at enhancing working conditions, instituting fair wage policies, and advancing the rights of employees in various sectors. The Labour Leaders were vocal in their appreciation, acknowledging the Government’s initiatives as steps in the right direction towards ensuring the well-being of the workforce.

During this phase, the atmosphere appeared conducive to dialogue and constructive engagement between the Government and the Labour Unions. The leaders, in their public engagements, were often seen acknowledging and endorsing the Government’s commitments to address the challenges facing workers, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation.

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However, this phase of mutual admiration and endorsement eventually metamorphosed into a situation marked by discontent and dissatisfaction among the Labour Leaders, culminating in the issuance of a firm ultimatum to the Government. The transition from praise to protest is an intriguing shift that has prompted a reevaluation of the factors influencing this notable change in stance.

The present conflict brewing between Kwara State’s Labour Unions and the Government stands as a testament to a rift that has widened due to unmet expectations, broken promises, and a multitude of unresolved issues plaguing the workforce.

Investigation by Daily Links reveled that the ultimatum issued by the Joint Kwara Labour Congress paints a vivid picture of the grievances accumulated over time. At the heart of this conflict lies a series of demands that have remained unaddressed, undermining the trust and goodwill once shared between the Labour Leaders and the Government.

Foremost among the grievances is the Governor Abdulrazaq led Government’s failure to implement the N35,000 Wage Award for all categories of workers in Kwara State following the removal of fuel subsidy. This unfulfilled promise has left workers disillusioned and financially strained, contradicting assurances made in the past.

Furthermore, the Government’s reluctance to domesticate and implement the approved 40% peculiar allowance as provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria stands as another flashpoint in the brewing conflict. This refusal to align with Federal directives has added fuel to the simmering discontent among the state’s workforce.

According to the Labour Leaders, Pensioners were also left in the lurch, as the non-payment of consequential adjustments since the approval of the current New Minimum Wage in 2019 has significantly impacted their livelihoods. The arrears owed to local government workers, outstanding promotions for 2020, 2021, and 2022, along with other unresolved issues, further compound the grievances of the Labour Unions.

Health workers at the Local Government level, who have been at the forefront, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, continue to grapple with the non-implementation of 100% CONHESS and 100% Hazard Allowance. This oversight in recognizing their dedication and service adds to the mounting frustrations.

Moreover, the inadequate funding of State-owned Tertiary Institutions and the failure to implement 100% CONPASS and CONTEDISS for workers in these Institutions contribute significantly to the discontentment among the Labour Unions.

The plight of Kwara Hotel Workers, lacking proper placement without conditions, and the yet-to-be addressed proper placement of redeployed Kwara Water Corporation Staff into the service of Kwara Core Civil Service are additional issues feeding into the present conflict.

Speaking with Daily Links, a Labour Leader in the State, Comrade Surajudeen Babajide noted that the list of unmet promises and unresolved matters eroded the confidence of the Labour Unions in the Government’s commitment to the welfare of workers in Kwara State. “The accumulation of these grievances has precipitated the issuance of the ultimatum, signifying the tipping point in a long-drawn struggle for workers’ rights and fair treatment”.

According to Adetunji Bojuade, a social analyst, “the implementation of actions by the Labour force, particularly the issuance of ultimatums or protests, against the backdrop of Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq’s position as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) could potentially yield negative implications for both the Governor and Kwara State.

“Any public discord or confrontation between the workforce in Kwara State and Governor Abdulrazaq could diminish his national influence as Chairman of NGF. It might portray an image of internal instability or conflict within his governance, potentially impacting his effectiveness in leading National discussions and negotiations.

“Strained relations with the Labour Leaders in Kwara State might affect the NGF dynamics, influencing Governor Abdulrazaq’s ability to foster consensus and unity among governors on National issues. It might weaken his leadership position within the NGF, hindering effective coordination and representation of State interests”, he said.

Another public analyst, Barrister James Ogunmola said that protests or unrest might create an image of instability, potentially affecting investor perception and economic activities within Kwara State. It might deter investment and economic growth if the situation persists, impacting the State’s development and prosperity.

Ogunmola added that, “continued conflicts with Labour Leaders could divert the Government’s focus and resources away from developmental initiatives and policies, affecting the state’s progress and ability to address pressing socio-economic issues”.

In essence, while the change in stance may seem contradictory, delving deeper reveals a spectrum of factors influencing the Labour Leaders’ actions. Whether it signifies a principled stand or veers into the territory of hypocrisy remains a matter of interpretation shaped by the intricate interplay of politics, advocacy, and the genuine pursuit of workers’ welfare.

The evolving narrative between Kwara State’s Labour Unions and the Government underscores the need for a reflective conclusion, emphasizing the urgency of dialogue, transparency, and collaborative efforts to address the underlying issues and pave the way for meaningful resolution.

Finding common ground amidst fiscal constraints requires innovative solutions and a commitment to exploring avenues for sustainable compromises. Bridging the gap between promises and delivery demands a genuine commitment to fulfilling obligations and honoring agreements made with the workforce.

In conclusion, the transformation from praise to protest by the Labour Unions in Kwara State serves as a clarion call for urgent action. It underscores the need for a collaborative approach that places the welfare of workers at the forefront of governance. By fostering genuine dialogue, addressing grievances, and prioritizing the well-being of the workforce, Kwara State can forge a path towards sustainable development, social harmony, and a more equitable future for all its citizens.

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Prof Pate cautions journalists: ‘Your error might have significant repercussions for the nation’

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Journalists have been cautioned that they need to be careful about what they write, as one careless sentence from them could spell doom for an entire country.

Professor of Mass Communication, Umar Pate, made the point in Yola on Saturday as a guest speaker at an awards ceremony, stressing the need for journalists to always be sure of their facts before going to press.

According to Umar Pate, who is currently the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, if an engineer makes a mistake, it might lead to a building collapse, but if a journalist makes a mistake, the whole society could collapse.

Pate made the point in his presentation of a paper titled “The Media, Social Media and National Security: Balancing the Free Flow of Information with Responsible Journalism in Nigeria” at the TGNews Awards 2024, a ceremony organised by an online news medium.

Prof. Pate who asserted that fake or unbalanced news has been doing much harm already, added that the situation is worsened by the advent of social media, which has led to the rise of “emergency journalists.”

He said: “Emergency journalism is responsible for many security issues. The coming of social media, by which anyone with a phone and N100 data can post any material they receive, irrespective of the nature, quality and source of the material, has made a bad situation really bad.

“The dangerous messages we put on Facebook create crises online and offline, and we are continually battling such problems. Wrong information poisons the psychology of our people and creates avoidable conflicts.”

He suggested that, as a country, Nigeria needs to radically deal with quack journalism and the careless bandying of false news.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, former governor Jibrilla Bindow, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Nigeria’s first female admiral, Jamila Malafa (retd), Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, LCCN, Musa Filibus (who doubles as president of the Lutheran World Federation), some politicians and businessmen, as well as a cobbler and a groundnut seller, were among those honoured at the TGNews awards.

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