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Former Kwara Gov, Abdulfatah Ahmed mourns passing of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim

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In a heartfelt statement issued on Wednesday, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Governor of Kwara State, expressed profound sorrow at the tragic loss of Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim.

Senator Ibrahim, a distinguished public servant, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion.

Senator Rafiu Ibrahim’s sudden demise sent shockwaves through the community, as he was widely known and respected for his dedication to humanity and exemplary leadership, Ahmed said.

He recalled the solemn moment of receiving Senator Ibrahim’s remains at the International Airport in Ilorin, marking the beginning of a period of mourning for all who knew him.

“Today, it was devastating to receive the shocking news of the death of my brother, Sen. Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim. It was even more painful to receive his corpse at the International Airport, Ilorin. The grief of participating in his Janazah is yet to be overcome.

“Distinguished Senator of the 8th National Assembly, Member, 7th House of Representatives, Sen. Rafiu dedicated himself to the service of humanity beyond boundaries. Some call him Omoluabi plenipotentiary because of his exemplary human relations and generosity.

“Many will remember Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim as kindness and humility personified

“Sen. Rafiu was a loyal party man whose tenure as a Senator and Member, House of Representatives attracted lots of employment not only to his constituents but the entire youths across the state.

“I commiserate with his wives, children, party leadership and stalwarts, Olojoku of Ojoku and the entire indigenes of Ojoku over the untimely death of Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim.

“May his soul rest in peace”.

Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed
Former Governor
Kwara State

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EducationFeaturesGovernance

World School Debate: Fruits of Governor AbdulRazaq’s Huge Investment In Education Doing The Talk

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By Olayinka Fafoluyi

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s huge investments in education are bearing fruits, as seen in the performance of Kwara State students’ recent representation at the prestigious World School Debate in Singapore. This is the second time Kwara students have participated in this international event, the first being in 2022.

In addition to their achievements on the global stage, Kwara students have demonstrated excellence closer to home, securing victories at the 61st and 63rd editions of the national presidential debate in 2021 and 2023, respectively. These accomplishments, under the governance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlight his administration’s commitment to education—a stark contrast to previous governments, which mismanaged funds intended for improvement of education in the state.

While the opposition party, the PDP, remains noticeably silent on this achievement, it’s clear that the Governor’s initiatives are transforming education in Kwara. Historically, the PDP has been criticised for mismanaging funds intended for educational development, particularly the UBEC (Universal Basic Education Commission) intervention funds. This mismanagement had previously resulted in Kwara being blacklisted by UBEC, hindering educational progress.

Since taking office, Governor AbdulRazaq has redirected these funds to effectively improve the quality of education in the state. His administration has rehabilitated over 600 schools that were in disrepair and hired over 5,000 qualified teachers, focusing on merit rather than political affiliations.

The education initiative, KwaraLearn, which provides teachers with tablets loaded with standardized curriculums, is another example of how technology is being leveraged to enhance learning across the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to education has improved schooling and prepared Kwara students to compete and succeed on international stages, such as the World School Debate. His efforts were acknowledged in a 2022 report by Vanguard, which cited both the House of Representatives and the Universal Basic Education Commission praising Kwara’s effective use of UBEC funds.

The impact of these educational reforms in Kwara is a promising sign for the state’s future. They set a standard for governance that focuses on genuine development rather than political gain. His proactive approach in paying off the billions of UBEC funds diverted by the previous administration, investing in schools rehabilitation, merit based teachers recruitment, introduction of KwaraLEARN, retraining of teachers and prompt payment of salaries is a turnaround from past practices. These steps have restored faith in the state’s education system and set a new standard for academic achievement and governance in Kwara State.

Olayinka Fafoluyi is the Senior Special Assistant, New Media to the Kwara State Governor.

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News

Kwara Gov mourns Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, commiserates with Senator Sadiq over dad’s death

by Editor
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday said that he received with shock and profound sadness reports of the death of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim of the Peoples Democratic Party after a brief illness.

The Governor, however, sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late senator, the people of Ojoku in Oyun Local Government Area, and the Peoples Democratic Party on the sad development.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq said that “This shocking development again reminds everyone of the inevitability of death for all human beings and the fact that it could come unannounced for anyone”.

Governor AbdulRazaq prayed to Allaah to admit the senator to al-Jannah Firdaus and give comfort to his family members, political associates, and followers.

Meanwhile, in another statement signed by CPS Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed heartfelt condolences to Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar (Northern District) on the death of his father, Alhaji Suleiman Mora Omar.

Alhaji Omar, one-time Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board and a top bureaucrat, died at the age of 86 years on Tuesday night. He was in the state civil service for 35 years.

Governor AbdulRazaq urged Senator Sadiq and his family to thank Allaah for a life of service to humanity and commitment to higher ideals that Alhaji Omar led until his death.

The Governor asked Allaah, whose mercies encompass all things, to admit Alhaji Suleiman Omar to al-jannah Firdaus and keep his household united on the right path.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 17, 2024

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BusinessGovernanceNewsTechnology

Gov AbdulRazaq welcomes ER-Kang Nigeria Ltd, pledges support for economic growth

by Editor
written by Editor

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON on Tuesday received management of ER-Kang Nigeria Ltd led by their Managing Director, Sun Qing Rong at the Government House, Ilorin.

AbdulRazaq acknowledged the commitment of ER-Kang Nigeria Ltd to grow the local economy by bringing their company, saying the administration will not relent on its investment drive.

Sun Qing Rong, for his part, said they’re setting up the company in Kwara State because of its good road network, infrastructural advancement as well as the business-friendly policies of the government.

The Governor charged the company to be good ambassadors of Kwara as the state is open to more investors not just in solid minerals but in all sectors.

The AbdulRazaq-led Kwara State Government recently struck a deal with global telecoms giant, IHS Towers, flagged off $500m food security programme in the state while new businesses are also springing up across the State.

In 2021, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq assented to Executive Order 001 to ease off many bottlenecks that make doing business cumbersome in Kwara State.

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GBUGBU INTERNATIONAL MARKET: KWARA GOVT INAUGURATES IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED MARKET

by Editor
written by Editor

The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a 5 Man Implementation Committee to oversee the newly constructed Gbugbu International Market in Edu Local Government Area, while reaffirming its commitment to upgrade and promote socio-economic activities through remodeling and redesigning of other ancient markets in the State.

While inaugurating the Implementation Committee in her office, the State Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, emphasised the importance of transparency and dedication among the Committee members and urged them to uphold these values to achieve the goals set by the State Government in meeting the yearning of the people within the State.

Hon. Damilola assured the Gbugbu Community to maintain and make use of the facilities provided for them by the State Government.

The members of the Implementation Committee are: the Director of Commerce, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, Mr. Adebisi Taiwo; a representative of Kwara State Internal Revenue Services, Hajia Maimunat Olajumake Amasa; the Revenue Officer, Edu Local Government, Mr. Kolo Mohammed; a representative of Edu Emirate Council, Alhaji Sanbo Magaji; and a representative of Gbugbu Community, Alhaji Lema Gbugbu.

In her remarks, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State lnternal Revenue Services, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, advised the Committee to work assiduously, adhere to the work plans, follow the terms of reference and ensure smooth implementation.

She said this approach aims to ensure that the beneficiaries enjoy the market without any delay or dispute, thus preventing any discontent among other stakeholders.

Earlier, the Edu Local Government Chairman, Transition Implementation Committee, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, commended the efforts of the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the laudable projects in Edu Local Government.

He noted that this project is a game changer, which is boosting socio-economic development of the State.

The representative of Edu Emirate Council, Alhaji Sanbo Magaji, thanked the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for upgrading the ancient Gbugbu market to an international standard and taking the market to new heights .

Taibat Baba Adams,
Press Secretary,
MBIT.

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NewsPoliticsReligion

Eid-li-Fitr: IWF congratulates members, Muslims… calls for Tinubu intervention on economic situation

by Editor
written by Editor

The Coordinator of the Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF) Kwara State Chapter, Is’hak Mohammed Sabi, has congratulated all members of the IWF and the entire Muslim ummah for their dedication and participation in the spiritual exercise.

He also expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the 1445 Ramadan.

Sabi highlighted the significance of the Ramadan period in cleansing the body, soul, and spirit of believers, urging Muslims to maintain and sustain the purity achieved during the holy month to attract blessings from Allah for themselves, the state, and the nation as a whole.

The Coordinator called on all Muslims to support the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with prayers and patience, while also urging the President to take swift action in addressing the high cost of petroleum products.

He suggested the building of prototype refineries in each geo-political zone as a short-term solution to lower the cost of petrol and alleviate economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

Emphasizing the importance of quick economic intervention measures over long-term refinery models, Sabi cautioned against adopting structures akin to the Dangote refinery, which he believes would prolong the suffering of the common people.

He urged the President to act with the fear of Allah and prioritise the interests of the populace in reversing the economic challenges.

Sabi commended the global Muslim ummah for their support of the Palestinian cause and urged continued prayers and efforts towards a positive resolution.

He also called for prayers for the protection and success of newly elected leaders in Africa, including President Basirou Faye of Senegal, to aid in the progress and emancipation of their nations and the continent.

The statement reads: ” I give glory to almighty Allah for the successful completion of the 1445 Ramadhan praying that may Allah accept our ibaada.

“I therefore congratulate all members of IWF and indeed the entire Muslim ummah for successfully partaking in the 1445 Ramadan ibaada.
It is indeed an opportunity to be part of this great spiritual exercise which cleanses the body, soul and spirit of believers.

” I therefore call on all Muslims not to waste away this great spiritual benefit but rather maintain , sustain the purity that has been achieved and use it to attract varying benefits from Allah for the individual self, for the State and the Nation at large because the supplication of a soul that is pure easily get granted by the supreme diety, Allah.

“Because we have hope in the favours of Allah, we should therefore not lose hope in the current leadership of Nigeria under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believing that the renewed hope of the Tinubu’s administration will eventually be a reality we should therefore support the president with prayers and patience even as I call on the President to expedite action in reversing the current mad cost of petroleum products by building proto type refineries, one in each geo political zone of the country, this was supposed to have been done before the removal of petroleum subsidy. It is still not late and such action will surely crash the cost of petrol which will without doubt affect the high cost of all other goods and services in the country.

“Prototype refineries are meant to serve as quick economic intervention measures while the bogus Dangote types of refineries are capitalist and long term based economic structures. “Developing economies are usually better off with prototypes which could be built within few months.

“The Port Harcourt and Warri refineries are similar to the Dangote models and would in this kind of situation only prolong the suffering of the common man.
“We therefore ask the President to fear Allah and take the action that will quickly bring down the economic hardship under which Nigerians are currently dying.

“I equally commend the Muslim ummah the world over for their support of the Palestinian challenge with fervent prayers and other forms of struggle. I urge the ummah to sustain the tempo as “it is not over until it is over”.

“I also wish to request the Muslim brotherhood to keep praying for the protection and success of the new President of Senegal, Basirou Faye and his Government and all other emerging leaderships in Africa so that they may succeed in the emancipation of their nations and African as a whole. May Allah give us good health and long life to witness many more Ramadhans.
Thank you.”

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CommunityFeaturesGovernancePolitics

20,065 Hectares SmartCity Project: Governor AbdulRazaq Walking The Talk

by Editor
written by Editor

By Olayinka Fafoluyi

During the 2024 Budget presentation to the Kwara State House of Assembly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON announced the SmartCity project, an offshoot of the Ilorin City Master Plan modelled after Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Building such cities requires foresight and long-term planning. Developing a master plan is crucial to sustainable development as it dictates the pattern of Infrastructural development, policymaking, and resource distribution.

This is only the second comprehensive urban planning blueprint to be developed since the inception of Kwara State in 1967. The 2022 Ilorin City Master Plan, serving as the foundation for the SmartCity project, is a strategic approach to urban development. The vision is to build a cityscape that harmonises infrastructural advancement with sustainable living.

The blueprint outlines essential services like transportation, utilities, waste management, and water and drainage systems. It also covers education, healthcare, climate change adaptation, and green spaces. All these are essential to balanced and equitable development.

The scale of this project is monumental. Spanning over 20,065 hectares, the SmartCity project will be a microcosm of a modern Kwara, featuring housing estates, state-of-the-art schools, advanced healthcare facilities, bustling markets, and robust public safety infrastructure, including police stations and fire services, among others. It also includes leisure and sports facilities like stadium and Phase II of the industrial park to bolster economic growth.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision for the SmartCity goes beyond physical infrastructure. It’s about building a resilient, adaptable, and vibrant future. It’s about creating a city that grows and evolves, not only houses its residents but enriches their lives.

In his endorsement, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, commended the Governor for his visionary initiatives to build a modern Kwara.

The birth of the SmartCity project under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is a bold step towards actualising a modern Kwara. This initiative will address current urban challenges and provide a resilient framework for the future, ensuring that the city of Ilorin and Kwara State at large continue thriving.

Indeed, Ijoba Mekunu is not ready to back down on initiatives reechoing the #IseNlo mantra.

Olayinka Fafoluyi ANIPR is Senior Special Assistant, New Media to the Kwara State Governor

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Ramadan: IWF holds final Tasfir-li-Qur’an in grand style

by Editor
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The Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF), Ilorin, Kwara State Chapter has held her final Tasfir-li-Qur’an event in a grand style to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The programme took place at the Foundation secretariat Owoniboys building, situated at Ibrahim Taiwo Road of the State Capital.

The event was a culmination of weeks of dedicated study and reflection on the teachings and the meaning of the Qur’an.

The event featured Qur’an recitations by trained reciters who are the students from Ramadan weekend classes, a children wing of the Foundation.

Also the featured a thought-provoking sermon by an esteemed scholar, Shaikh Yusuf kolawole Jumu’a

Not only that, the event also included a session of worship where attendees prayed and sought forgiveness from Allah.

The atmosphere was filled with a sense of peace and unity as Islamic Scholars, Academicians, Medical personalities, Scores of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Business moguls, Engineers, among other great personalities came together to celebrate the completion of the Tasfir and the holy month of fasting.

The congregation also gave thanks to Allah for his guidance through the journey of understanding and interpreting the Qur’an.

The event was a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to living a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Shaikh Jumu’a who led the congregation in prayer charged Muslims to continue their good deeds not to limit it to Ramadan period noting that they should continue after the Holy Month.

He Charged the Personalities in IWF not to relent in supporting Islam adding that Almighty Allah will reward them.

The State coordinator of IWF,Hon. Is’hak Mohammed Sabi, in his remark, appreciated all the participants who have contributed financially, Morally and with Knowledge to the successful of the Ramadan Tasfir Quran.

He also thanked the Shaikh Jumu’a for the knowledge he impacted on the participants and other Muslims following the programme online.

The chairman Ramadan Tasfir Quran Committee, Professor Sulaiman Olawoye Salami said, the aim of the programme is to enlightened Muslim ummah most especially those who always criticizing the traditional way of practicing Islam.

According to him, the Tasfir will also help Muslims to have more knowledge and understand the translation of the Quran.

Some of the participants said the final Tasfir-li-Qur’an was a beautiful and meaningful way to end the month of Ramadan.

They said, it served as a reminder to all attendees of the importance of seeking knowledge, connecting with Allah through worship, and striving to be better Muslims.

Among the dignitaries are, JAMB registrar, Professor Is’haq Oloyede, Professor Yusuf Ola Olu Ali SAN,Saka Issau SAN,Kehinde Eleja SAN, Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulwahab Egbewole, Adelodun Adebayo SAN, Dan Madami of Ilorin, Alhaji Shehu Gafar, National Coordinator of Islamic Welfare Foundation, Dr Kale Jaye Hassan among others.

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EducationFeaturesGovernance

Putting Kwara education infrastructure in proper perspective

by Editor
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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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Ramadan: Empower indigent muslims, rather than bankrolling hajj travels, says Cleric

by Editor
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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Alhaji Abdulkadir Salaudeen, the Chief Missioner of Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum on Sunday admonished wealthy muslims to empower indigent ones among them rather than bankrolling their travels for hajj.

Hajj in Islam is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime.

It is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the Five Pillars of Islam.

Saladeen stated this while delivering his paper at the Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslims Forum organized in Ilorin.

He observed that some wealth muslims have glamourised going for Hajj pilgrimage every year, at the detriment of empowering indigents Muslims as dictated by Allah.

The cleric submitted that such funds used by wealthy muslims to sponsor indigents to Hajj could be used to empower them in their various trades and endevours so that they can equally be self sufficient and embark on Hajj too.

According to him, there are rich people around us, who will never support indigent to get empowered but they will be willing to bankroll the Hajj of some poor people who can hardly feed themselves

“Those that bankroll Hajj travels of indigent muslims don’t even support them with what to feed thier families if they leave for pilgrimage.

“It is better to empower indigent Muslims, so as to be economically buoyant rather than sending for Hajj and they remain needy and indigent.

“When you uplift them, they will in-turn be in position to help themselves and also others,” he said.

Similarly the cleric cautioned against alms-begging, saying that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has strongly warns against professional alms-begging for sustenance.

Quoting the Holy Prophet of Islam, Salaudeen said that it is better for a Muslim to scavenge for firewood and sell for sustenance, rather than engage in alms-begging.

He lamented that some muslims have become professionals in alms-begging which contradicts the dictates of Islam.

The Chief Missioner however pointed out that under Islamic constitution, the State is responsible for the welfare of the indigent, while also adding that rich Muslims must contribute the Zakat, to cater for the indigent.

He enjoined Muslims to promote what is good and forbid what is evil as enshrined by Almighty Allah.

Speaking also, Alhaji Nasrudeen Ibrahim, the President of the Forum, expressed satisfaction with the 2024 Ramadan Lecture of the association.

He observed that though there were constraints, the Muslim Forum has been a rallying point for unity of the Ummah.

Ibrahim enjoined Muslims to remember the lesson and spirit of Ramadan as the Eid-El-Fitr celebration approaches.

He advised Muslims to be pious even when Ramadan ends.

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