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Hon. Alajagusi Facilitates Seminar for Kwara Youths on Industrial, Political Peaceful Coexistence

In a bid to ensure kwara youths embrace peaceful coexistence environment, a member of the Federal House of Representative, representing Ilorin West / Asa constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. AbdulYekeen Sadiq Alajagusi has facilitated peaceful coexistence seminar for selected youths in his constituency.

The two days seminar programme was handled by the Industrial Arbitration Panel under Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity with not less than 120 youths drawn from Ilorin West and Asa local government areas of the state as beneficiaries.

Speaking at the Seminar, a representative from the Industrial Arbitration Panel Engr. Ahmed Kazeem, said the purpose of the programme was to foster industrial and political peace among youths, adding that at the end of the training participants would appreciate more the importance of peaceful society to the general development.

According to him “This programme which was facilitated by the Hon. AbdulYekeen Sadiq Alajagusi, representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal constituency was to inculcate spirit of tolerance amongst the youths and let them know how much it can help a government to transform the society for better and create abundance opportunities for youths and general people”

One of the resource persons, Dr. Nurudeen of Department of Conflict Resolution, Al-Hikma University Ilorin who talked on “cause and implications of conflict” explained that one of the best legacy older generation in the country can live behind for the youths is by inculcating into them understanding of the resultant effect of peaceful environment and how significant it is to the general development of any society”

Other tutors at the seminar were Bar. Paul Ajiroba, Engr. Iyiola Oni, Kayode Ahmed and R. A Bello.

Hon. Alajagusi had earlier said that he was motivated by the need to inculcate virtue of peaceful coexistence and spirit of patriotism in the minds of youths who he described as leaders of tomorrow.

He, however urged the participants to ensure that the knowledge acquired through the seminar reflect in their conduct when they get back to their various communities and tasked them to be a peace ambassador in the state.

Beneficiaries were given seminar materials and certificate.

Offa Bank Robbery : How Police Killed Six Suspects In My Presence
- Salawu


One of the suspects in the April 5, 2018 Offa bank robbery, Azeez Salawu, yesterday told the court in Ilorin, Kwara state, how six suspects were killed in his presence by the policemen in Abuja.

He said that the policemen interrogating him did that purposely to coerce him to admit his alleged participation in the bank robbery attacks in Offa, where 18 people, including policemen were reportedly killed.

This is even as defence counsel, Mathias Emelibe, prayed the court to order the exhumation of the corpse of a principal suspect in the robbery, Michael Adikwu, who allegedly died in police custody in Abuja.

This, he said, is necessary to determine whether the cause of Adikwu's death is natural or otherwise.

He said that attempts by the prosecution to impress it on the court that there are only five suspects in the case amount to suppression of facts.

He recalled that when the case first came up in October 2018, six suspects were listed on the charge sheet, including Michael Adikwu, who the police later claimed to have died in their custody.

Azeez salawu, the fourth defendant, had said earlier in during cross examination in the trial within trial that:
"That same day, Inspector Hassan directed officer Vincent to go and bring five people from somewhere. They asked me to watch what they'll do to the five persons and that they will do same to me if I don't cooperate with them. They killed the five persons in my presence. They also shot Akinnibosun,Adeola and Ogunleye on the legs in my presence. They threatened to kill me but I started begging that I didn't do anything wrong. They said I and Ogunleye robbed at Offa and I denied this but they insisted. They beat me mercilessly inside a generator house, otherwise called theatre. It's a lie that they interrogated me in a conducive environment.

"On the second day, I was brought out again from the cell. They showed a man to me and asked me whether I know him. The man is Michael Adikwu. I said I don't know him. They also asked him whether he knows me but he replied no. They killed him in my presence.

"I pleaded with them not to kill me because my children are still young. They tied me down and hanged me again. I then asked them what they wanted from me, when the torture became unbearable", he said.

Salawu further claimed that he was forced to thumb print a statement already prepared by the police against his consent.

The prosecution counsel,
Abdulwahab Egbewole (SAN), said that contradictions in the dates when the suspects claimed they were interrogated and the police records showed that they were only cooking up stories about their alleged torture and coercion.

He therefore urged the court to admit the confessional statements by the suspects.

All the accused; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran were present in court yesterday.

COVID-19: Ibagun Community Intensifies Awareness Campaign


The people of Ibagun ward in Ilorin East local government area of Kwara state have been urged to strictly adhere to COVID-19 antidotes and the total lockdown order announced by the state government.

The chairman of Ibagun Progressive Union(IPU),Alh Kuranga Morogun made the appeal in a statement.

He said total compliance with the lockdown order becomes imperative in order to forestall the spread of coronavirus in the area and the state at large.

" I wish to call on all members of the union to collectively key into community advocacy, enlighten our people on the need to comply with the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's directive on total lockdown, social distancing and the rules of hygiene," Morogun stated.

He hailed the governor's unique approach to the coronavirus pandemic in the state, noting that his directive on total lockdown is the magic wand for the present low record of COVID-19 cases in the state.

He added: "The Union is happy wtih the dynamic manner the State Technical Committee on COVID-19 led by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi has handled the curtailment so far. We are convinced your purposeful leadership and spontaneous reaction has led to no death cases of coronavirus patients in the state."

COVID-19: Governor Monetizes Palliatives For Kwara North Community


Kwara state government has monetised the COVID-19 palliatives for the people of Kaiama in the northern axis of the the state because of the area's difficult terrain.

The state government's decision, it was in gathered, was in response to the request of the political leaders in the area, regarded as the food basket of the state.

One of the political leaders in the area and state commissioner for Environment, Architect Aliyu Muhammad Saifudeen confirmed the state government's gesture to LEADERSHIP during a telephone interview.

While thanking the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for acceeding to their request, Saifudeen said," the entire people of Kaiama local government felt the impact of the palliatives which was monetized by the government in response to the request by their political leaders as the best option for their peculiarity as farmers and in view of the difficult terrain of the area in terms of mobility.

The commissioner under whose supervision the distribution of the money was made by two members of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed and Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba conveyed the appreciation of the people of Kaiama and that of their traditional,religious and political leaders to the governor.

Ends

Kwara North elders reject appointment of new KWASU VC


A coalition of Kwara North Elders on Monday rejected the appointment of Prof. Muhammed Akanbi as the new Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

The elders in a statement issued in Ilorin, described the decision of the state government to appoint Akanbi as ‘insensitive’, claiming it is extremely against the principles of ‘equity, justice and fairness’ in such a symbiotic and heterogeneous political entity like Kwara.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had on April 1 approved the appointment of Akanbi in the statement issued by Hajia Sa’adat Moddibo-Kawu, the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.

Akanbi who hailed from Kwara Central is the son of the late Justice Mustapha Akanbi, a former President of Court of Appeal and the pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The statement, endorsed by prominent elders in Kwara North led by Sen. Shaba Lafiagi, a former governor and senator in the state, and Shehu Abdulrahman said that the zone was marginalised for the position.

“The entire people of the Kwara North Senatorial Zone in Nigeria and the diaspora have been much saddened by the appointment of Prof. Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU).

“The appointment is quite nauseating and very insensitive because it goes extremely against the principles of equity, justice and fairness in a symbiotic and heterogeneous political entity like our beloved Kwara State.

”It is very timely for us to recall here that the fact that the Kwara State University was established with the resources of all sections of Kwara State is really never in doubt.

“Indeed, it is an undeniable fact that not until recently, our five local government areas that constitute the Kwara North Senatorial Zone contributed funds through monthly deductions from our monthly statutory allocations and internally generated revenue, not only for the establishment but also for the sustenance of the university,” the statement read in part.

It faulted the appointment as failing the norms and conventions in Nigeria’s socio-political engineering process of balancing the allocation of the resources and privileges derivable from common patrimony.

This, it said, included sharing of political appointments and positions of influence in government amongst the three senatorial zones of each state like the federal government sharing among the six geopolitical zones.

The situation, the elders said was different in Kwara.

“Apart from the initial consideration in the three major positions where the governor came from Kwara Central; the Deputy Governor, Kwara South and the Speaker, Kwara North.

“The idea of sustaining that equilibrium in the interest of equity, justice and fairness has been jettisoned, with a clear disregard for the interest of the Kwara North Senatorial Zone, especially in the light of the subsequent appointments made since the advent of the present administration in the state.

”It cannot be argued or claimed that only professors from the Kwara Central Senatorial Zone are the only persons qualified for the position of the VC of KWASU.

“This claim could not stand as available facts disclosed that while the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahmud Sakah (from Kwara North) came first in the interview conducted, Prof Muhammad Mustapha Akanbi who was just appointed came third!

”Although, it is understandable that Your Excellency as the Visitor to KWASU reserves the right to choose a qualified person for the position of VC of KWASU.

“However, the pledges and assurances Your Excellency gave to the people of Kwara North Senatorial Zone that you will arrest the marginalisation on all fronts that the senatorial zone has been suffering for decades coupled with the zoning principle would have been considered in your decision in the appointment of the VC for KWASU,” the statement further quoted the elders.

Other signatories to the statement are Chief Timothy Saba, Alhaji Alfa Shonga, Alhaji S.Y. Haliru, Alhaji M T Mamman, Alhaji S Y Abdullahi, Dr Mohammed Haruna, Alhaji Tajudeen Abdulkadir, Mallam Umaru Sha’aba, Alhaji Mohamed Kudu and Alhaji Kollo Rifun.

Alhaji Sule Ahman Patigi, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammad, who is a former Head of Service in the state, Alhaji Zubairu Rogun, Mallam Abdullahi Lade, Alhaji Attahiru Manko and former Speaker Benjamin Yisa, among others, also signed the statement.

We could recall that Kwara North Groups under the aegis of Coalition of Kwara North Groups (CKNG) had in a statement last week said that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration has marginalised the senatorial district in the appointment of aides.

The CKNG in its analysis stated that Kwara Central had 19 appointees, Kwara South 10, while only three appointments were made from Kwara North.

Kwara North elders reject appointment of new KWASU VC

A coalition of Kwara North Elders on Monday rejected the appointment of Prof. Muhammed Akanbi as the new Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

The elders in a statement issued in Ilorin, described the decision of the state government to appoint Akanbi as ‘insensitive’, claiming it is extremely against the principles of ‘equity, justice and fairness’ in such a symbiotic and heterogeneous political entity like Kwara.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had on April 1 approved the appointment of Akanbi in the statement issued by Hajia Sa’adat Moddibo-Kawu, the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.

Akanbi who hailed from Kwara Central is the son of the late Justice Mustapha Akanbi, a former President of Court of Appeal and the pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The statement, endorsed by prominent elders in Kwara North led by Sen. Shaba Lafiagi, a former governor and senator in the state, and Shehu Abdulrahman said that the zone was marginalised for the position.

“The entire people of the Kwara North Senatorial Zone in Nigeria and the diaspora have been much saddened by the appointment of Prof. Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU).

“The appointment is quite nauseating and very insensitive because it goes extremely against the principles of equity, justice and fairness in a symbiotic and heterogeneous political entity like our beloved Kwara State.

”It is very timely for us to recall here that the fact that the Kwara State University was established with the resources of all sections of Kwara State is really never in doubt.

“Indeed, it is an undeniable fact that not until recently, our five local government areas that constitute the Kwara North Senatorial Zone contributed funds through monthly deductions from our monthly statutory allocations and internally generated revenue, not only for the establishment but also for the sustenance of the university,” the statement read in part.

It faulted the appointment as failing the norms and conventions in Nigeria’s socio-political engineering process of balancing the allocation of the resources and privileges derivable from common patrimony.

This, it said, included sharing of political appointments and positions of influence in government amongst the three senatorial zones of each state like the federal government sharing among the six geopolitical zones.

The situation, the elders said was different in Kwara.

“Apart from the initial consideration in the three major positions where the governor came from Kwara Central; the Deputy Governor, Kwara South and the Speaker, Kwara North.

“The idea of sustaining that equilibrium in the interest of equity, justice and fairness has been jettisoned, with a clear disregard for the interest of the Kwara North Senatorial Zone, especially in the light of the subsequent appointments made since the advent of the present administration in the state.

”It cannot be argued or claimed that only professors from the Kwara Central Senatorial Zone are the only persons qualified for the position of the VC of KWASU.

“This claim could not stand as available facts disclosed that while the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahmud Sakah (from Kwara North) came first in the interview conducted, Prof Muhammad Mustapha Akanbi who was just appointed came third!

”Although, it is understandable that Your Excellency as the Visitor to KWASU reserves the right to choose a qualified person for the position of VC of KWASU.

“However, the pledges and assurances Your Excellency gave to the people of Kwara North Senatorial Zone that you will arrest the marginalisation on all fronts that the senatorial zone has been suffering for decades coupled with the zoning principle would have been considered in your decision in the appointment of the VC for KWASU,” the statement further quoted the elders.

Other signatories to the statement are Chief Timothy Saba, Alhaji Alfa Shonga, Alhaji S.Y. Haliru, Alhaji M T Mamman, Alhaji S Y Abdullahi, Dr Mohammed Haruna, Alhaji Tajudeen Abdulkadir, Mallam Umaru Sha’aba, Alhaji Mohamed Kudu and Alhaji Kollo Rifun.

Alhaji Sule Ahman Patigi, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammad, who is a former Head of Service in the state, Alhaji Zubairu Rogun, Mallam Abdullahi Lade, Alhaji Attahiru Manko and former Speaker Benjamin Yisa, among others, also signed the statement.

We could recall that Kwara North Groups under the aegis of Coalition of Kwara North Groups (CKNG) had in a statement last week said that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration has marginalised the senatorial district in the appointment of aides.

The CKNG in its analysis stated that Kwara Central had 19 appointees, Kwara South 10, while only three appointments were made from Kwara North.

KWASU: NBA, IEDPU, 9 Other Groups Hail Akanbi's Appointment As VC



No fewer than eleven prominent socio- cultural associations and professional bodies have hailed the appointment of Professor Mohammed Mustapha Akanbi as the new and second vice chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

The associations in separate press statements made available to newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara state capital on Thursday, described Akanbi's appointment as well- deserved and a right step in the right direction.

They praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for putting the right peg in the right hole in the appointment of a new vice chancellor for the state owned university.

The groups while acknowledging the intimidating profile and track record of achievements of Prof.Akanbi as a former chairman of the Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dean, Faculty of Law and Director, Institute of Preliminary Studies, University of
Ilorin thanked Governor Abdulrazaq for making the right choice in the appointment of a new vice chancellor for KWASU.

The associations expressed confidence in the ability of Akanbi to make KWASU truly Kwarans' institution as against the past practice where those at the helm of affairs in the university were made to place premium on the interest of a few and those that appointed them.

The associations that have applauded Akanbi's appointment include the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union(IEDPU), Balogun Gambari Youths Development Association, Nigeria Bar Association, NationalInstitute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)MGIVIT, KWASU chapter and
Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, (CLASFON) Ilorin Branch among others.

The IEDPU, in a message by its
national president,Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman,said that the appointment of Prof. Akanbi was well-deserved and indication of the resolve of the Kwara state government in putting right pegs in right holes.

The umbrella body for all the socio- cultural associations in Ilorin Emirate saluted the sagacity of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRasaq, for approving the appointment of Prof. Akanbi, who it described as a refined scholar, foremost lawyer,seasoned university administrator and distinguished son of Ilorin Emirate.

The Ilorin branch of NBA in a statement by its secretary, John Mayokun Dada, described Prof. Akanbi as an astute Bar leader, university don and Senior Advocate of Nigeria who is well equipped for the task ahead, adding that "we pray that he will take the institution to a world class academic citadel. "

"Most importantly, we wish to commend His EXCELLENCY, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for appointing a round peg in a round hole.It is our conviction that this appointment will propel this institution to greater level of academic excellence," NBA stated.

The NILDS, Abuja, in a statement signed by Prof. Bright Edoba Omoregie said:" I use this opportunity to thank the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, for this appointment.
Sir, by this appointment you have taken away from us the best intellectual and role model we have in the Institute and DLSS.

"We are however confident that Prof MM Akanbi SAN will justify his appointment based on his academic and leadership sterling qualities. "

Also, the MMGIVIT, KWASU branch said on Akanbi's appointment : "We express our gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for given our University a proven Student centred administrator and intellectual giant to become our next Vice Chancellor. We wish to state that this is a wonderful appointment Your Excellency have made so far, if not the best for the growth and development of our University.

"To our new VC, we're happy to tell you that, you're coming home. We pray to Almighty to guide, support and assist you through your stay and administration. "

For its part,the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, (CLASFON) Ilorin Branch in a message by its secretary, J.K Atoyebi hailed Akanbi's appointment and pray God to grant him all that is required to discharge his duties and move the university to its highest pinnacle.

The state government through the commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology, Hajiya Sa'a datu Modibbo Kawu on Wednesday announced the appointment of Akanbi as the new vice chancellor of KWASU.

Ex- Governor Mohammed Lawal Remains People's Hero


Our attention has been draw to the lead story of an Ilorin based newspaper with banner headline "Ex- Kwara Governor Mohammed Lawal, others linked to $164bn Dubai properties".

Our concern here is not about the property linked to Lawal in the publication but the motive behind the unfortunate publication. The news which was broken by an international agency was not targeted at Lawal as a person and there other reputable national dailies that had earlier published the story did not make emphatic reference to Lawal. We, therefore, wondered why a paper owned by a political leader in the state will take upon itself the task of setting two prominent political families in the state against one another. We want to remind the anchors of paper in reference that it took eminent personalities to reconcile the late Lawal's family and that of their publisher's . The reconciliation of the two families no doubt restored peace in the then Ilorin murky water of politics. It's unfortunate that this publication attempts to reverse the trend and ignite fresh crisis among the followers of the two political families. For avoidance of any doubt, Lawal, even in death still has large political followership . Even in the Saraki's camp there exists Lawal followers who happen to only share political party affiliation with the Sarakis.
Though, Lawal is late, but his achievements as the governor of Kwara state(199-2003) cannot be wished away by any envious person or group. We also want to say without equivocal that the late Lawal was never indicted by any court of law or panel of inquiries on his activities as the governor of Kwara state for four years.
For record purposes, we maintain that Lawal's achievements in just four years remain unsurpassed by his successors. Apart from the infrastructure development which started from the then potholes- ridden road network at the Government House to Adewole housing estate networks of road, the new Yidi road; and other township road in Ilorin metropolis and across Kwara state, Lawal also constructed the Irewolede housing estate which later became a model for the construction of similar housing estates by his successors.

The Lawal's administration also implemented a robust water supply project which was unfortunately abandoned by his successor for sheer political reason. The administration of Lawal, apart from adequate funding, also constructed a befitting head office for the The Herald newspapers with the state of art furniture. On the day the former president Olusegun Obasanjo commissioned the edifice, Lawal also handed seven operational vehicles to The Herald( four circulation vans, a 504 station wagon car, a 504 saloon car and an 18- seater bus). He extended similar gesture( 5 vehicles to the then Kwara Radio/ Television Corporation).
Lawal's administration also commenced a gigantic hostel accommodation at the Kwara state Polytechnic, Ilorin while he also initiated the processes of transforming the institution to Kwara State University of Technology. It was Lawal's administration that also renovated Kwara Hotels to a five- star status.
The Ilorin elites will not forget Lawal in a hurry as it was his administration that turned most of them to contractors. He ensured that Kwara's money stayed in Kwara by engaging local contractors for all the contracts executed by his administration.
And in recognition of Lawal's passion for the development of the state, his successor renamed the famous Ilorin club after him as a way of immortalising the people's hero. With the aforementioned it is clear to everyone that Mohammed Lawal remains the people's hero.

Signed

Alh AbdulRazaq Lawal

Former Commissioner For Special Duties, Kwara state

Re- Ex Kwara Gov. Moh Lawal, Others linked to N164b Dubai properties


I was astounded to read d banner headline of Ilorin local tabloid, National Pilot of Mon.23rd - Wed.25th March 2020 "EX KWARA GOV.MOH LAWAL,Others linked to N164b Dubai Properties".

Lawal lost election in 2003 with his image intact and up till date his name and achievements within just four years are being celebrated.

Lawal lived for about five years after leaving office but he never for once be a guest of EFCC,ICPC,or Code of Conduct not to talk of being charged before any law court in this Country or abroad.I make bold to say Lawal was never indicted by any panel or tribunal while alive or even at death.The same goes for those who worked with him.

This is why one wonders why yellow journalism is still being practised by National Pilot.But again I know the Newspaper is usually guided by the Publisher's interest if only to ensure he pays their crumps at the end of the month.

The truth is that Lawal while alive was an icon of no mean substance as a self made man with no history of usurpation of our collective patrimony. How come now that someone would want to input what is not after his death.

Let it be known that Lawal at death still command large followers.It will be foolhardy for an already rejected and drowning politician to assume that he can drag Lawal's name to the mud.We would not agree! Lawal while alive never sent a member of any family to their untimely death.The Publisher of National Pilot should learn not to throw any other stone in the direction of the late Gov.Lawal or else he will have mud splash on his face and that of his progenitor.

Signed
Razak Gidado,
SA(Media Affairs)to Late Gov.Mohammed Lawal.

Kwara: Ex- Governor Mohammed Lawal Remains People's Hero


Our attention has been draw to the lead story of an Ilorin based newspaper with banner headline "Ex- Kwara Governor Mohammed Lawal, others linked to $164bn Dubai properties".

Our concern here is not about the property linked to Lawal in the publication but the motive behind the unfortunate publication. The news which was broken by an international agency was not targeted at Lawal as a person and there other reputable national dailies that had earlier published the story did not make emphatic reference to Lawal. We, therefore, wondered why a paper owned by a political leader in the state will take upon itself the task of setting two prominent political families in the state against one another. We want to remind the anchors of paper in reference that it took eminent personalities to reconcile the late Lawal's family and that of their publisher's . The reconciliation of the two families no doubt restored peace in the then Ilorin murky water of politics. It's unfortunate that this publication attempts to reverse the trend and ignite fresh crisis among the followers of the two political families. For avoidance of any doubt, Lawal, even in death still has large political followership . Even in the Saraki's camp there exists Lawal followers who happen to only share political party affiliation with the Sarakis.
Though, Lawal is late, but his achievements as the governor of Kwara state(199-2003) cannot be wished away by any envious person or group. We also want to say without equivocal that the late Lawal was never indicted by any court of law or panel of inquiries on his activities as the governor of Kwara state for four years.
For record purposes, we maintain that Lawal's achievements in just four years remain unsurpassed by his successors. Apart from the infrastructure development which started from the then potholes- ridden road network at the Government House to Adewole housing estate networks of road, the new Yidi road; and other township road in Ilorin metropolis and across Kwara state, Lawal also constructed the Irewolede housing estate which later became a model for the construction of similar housing estates by his successors.

The Lawal's administration also implemented a robust water supply project which was unfortunately abandoned by his successor for sheer political reason. The administration of Lawal, apart from adequate funding, also constructed a befitting head office for the The Herald newspapers with the state of art furniture. On the day the former president Olusegun Obasanjo commissioned the edifice, Lawal also handed seven operational vehicles to The Herald( four circulation vans, a 504 station wagon car, a 504 saloon car and an 18- seater bus). He extended similar gesture( 5 vehicles to the then Kwara Radio/ Television Corporation).
Lawal's administration also commenced a gigantic hostel accommodation at the Kwara state Polytechnic, Ilorin while he also initiated the processes of transforming the institution to Kwara State University of Technology. It was Lawal's administration that also renovated Kwara Hotels to a five- star status.
The Ilorin elites will not forget Lawal in a hurry as it was his administration that turned most of them to contractors. He ensured that Kwara's money stayed in Kwara by engaging local contractors for all the contracts executed by his administration.
And in recognition of Lawal's passion for the development of the state, his successor renamed the famous Ilorin club after him as a way of immortalising the people's hero. With the aforementioned it is clear to everyone that Mohammed Lawal remains the people's hero.

Signed

Alh AbdulRazaq Lawal

Former Commissioner For Special Duties, Kwara state

Media Stunt of Hon. Tijani Ismaila- Regrettable and Irresponsible

We, Kwara South Political Mandate Group (Offa and Oyun Axis) totally condemned a media stunt, a video produced and sponsored by Hon. Tijani Ismaila to spite those he claims to be his destractors .

Also apologize to entire people of Offa/Ifelodun/Oyun federal constituency on the assault the video might have caused them. It's not in the attitude of Oyun people to be disrespectful and show arrogance toward correction. We value the mandate given to us by the entire constituency and character of one singular person doesn't define our characters.
The purported video and the complimentary Ayinla Omo Wura music was traced to had been produced by one Femi Arekujaiye from Irepodun/Isin/Ekiti/Oke-Ero Federal constituency should be disregarded, who is very notorious for abusing and a writing propaganda against innocent leaders and elders. It's also very bad and shameful that our own Hon. Ismaila Tijani could not get anyone from his constituency to promote and show case whatever he has as a claims for his people. He had to travel to miles to get a failure to promote his success.,most especially someone that had and will never have any electoral contribution to him either in the past or nearest future.
Hon. Ismaila Tijani has been a total disappointment to all of us and our apologies is to everyone who feel insulted and disappointment on the stunt Video as this is height of irresponsibilities from someone who was given free mandate.
While we are calling Hon. Tijanni to retract or dissociate himself within 7 days of this press release, we also advice the leadership of our party to call him to order as this politics of abuse, arrogance and division will not be accepted.No one could had been his distractor on the request and call on him to be responsiveness and active. The creator of the video had authored series of propaganda against emminent political personalities of *Kwara South origin in the past, notably; The Deputy Gov. Mr. Kayode Alabi, The Deputy Speaker of KWHA Mr. Adetiba, Sen. Lola Ashiru and Hon. Abdulraheem Olawuyi (Ajulo-Opin).* The elders of his community must call him to order as we will not allow his character to negatively influenced innocent minds against our political leaders.



Signed: Christopher Adekunle Adegboye

For *Kwara South Political Mandate Group.* 10/03/2020.

RAN CONSTITUTES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE ASOJU ODO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, EKAN

The Re-Orientation Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (RAN) has approved the composition of the management committee of the Asoju Odo Youth Development Center, Ekan Kwara State

In a statement released by the Executive Director of the Organization Mr. Charles Olufemi Folayan, the management team is comprised of young men and women drawn from Re-Orientation Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Middlebelt Advanced Schools, Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum and Asoju Odo Network Worldwide.

He said the team would handle the registration and screening of Trainees as well as recruitment of Trainers and Consultants. They would also ensure the smooth running of the center for the first phase.

He urged the public to contact the committee members for enquiries on 08149529121 and 08115716408.
Members of the team include;
1. Ajakaye Adeseye: Committee Chairman/Director General
2. Saheed Jimoh: Committee Deputy Chairman
3. Kolawole Oloruntoba: Committee Secretary
4. Adebayo Michael Ademola: Committee Publicity Secretary
5. Abiodun Ologunde: Committee Deputy Secretary
6. Shafii Aishat: Committee Deputy Publicity Secretary‪
7. Azeez Iyabo: Committee Welfare Secretary

*Kwara Cabinet Inauguration: The Challenges Ahead*

No matter how sentimental I may feel as a friend and long standing political associate of His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman, I will remain committed to air my views and continue to say the truth. I will also advice Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman to open his mind to positive criticism and resolve not to tag a friend as a "naysayer".

A friend, a former commissioner of environment in Kwara State once told me that political office is like a prison, you won't really know what is outside until your tenure ends. I pondered on this on several occasions and I asked myself why? A typical Nigerian leader is an enemy of himself by making himself available to business men and hungry sycophants. The business men will only use him to enrich themselves and the hungry sycophants will shut his ears to truth and probably make an emperor of him.

HE Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman, this your cabinet is a little far below quality of competence that you can get from the land of Kwara State. If there's a need for anyone to employ a staff, then there's a need for one to look for capacity and competence. Perhaps, except for Barr. Jawondo, Dr. Raji, Agbaje and three others, every other person you have employed will probably bring nothing to your cabinet. It's not because they are mostly women, it's either they are not prepared for leadership or never had premonition of becoming leaders as at the time of their employment which is key to performance. Three days retreat will never make anyone to become competent and a super Commissioner. There some young Kwarans who had used most of their lives to acquire requisite knowledge that has prepared them for a leadership role; do you think appointing such people will not be good for you? I will be expecting a response on this.
Nobody throws his best talents away and expect to excel in a competition. Leadership is competition and you will soon realise.

Ms Joana Kolo will be an example as she will be coming to the cabinet only to mark register and move about on the street as the youngest commissioner without bringing any innovation or inventing any leadership strategy. This probably will spur me to ask you the fundamental question I once asked you: are you just interested in cosmetics achievement or an enduring legacy for yourself? You will need to understand me; I have no problem with the little girl you have promoted from zero to hero, but sit down and ponder, if as a CEO of a business you would have employed a hand like Joana Kolo as a head of department. You did that because you are a Governor and the business of governance is anything goes. If you want to enter history as someone who appointed the youngest commissioner in history so as to beat the record of Governor Seyi Makinde, I want to put it to you that Kwara is not a shallow land, you will get twenty five years old Kwarans that are already out of school, finished NYSC and already set out to distinguish themselves in their chosen path of career and leadership. There are so many young Kwarans with better credentials within and outside your party.

It's not a clever decision to sideline
those who have worked hard to have a place in the cabinet and jump to the classroom to appoint a "sunset staff" with the mind of a teacher to become commissioner of education overnight. I repeat leadership is about preparation and not a chieftaincy title. My Governor, it may interest you to know that your Commissioner for Education struggles with English language despite her background in English Literature. Kwara State may soon become a laughing stock by the time the capacity of those who you have appointed is subjected to normal stress. I think those who helped you to gather them are actually your enemies; if you want to be successful kindly avoid them. Rather than giving you quality because they themselves have no quality, they supplied you with junkies and you swallowed it because you have been blindfolded from the realities. I learnt that those who supplied those junkies are still dancing around and claiming glory. What a shame! The commissioner for Finance in Lagos is from Kwara State, just a little 30 years with a Ph.D in accounting and real experience in Financial Management.

The quality of the cabinet you presented has actually betrayed the stress and the noise that was witnessed during the selection. It's actually exposes how bad those who whisper to your ears as counsellors are. It also terrible to hear that you made those important appointments without actually meeting the appointees, this is 21 century and this ought to be done with finese and intellectual precision. When I heard that you want to appoint your cabinet alone without involving the party, I was actually expecting a long list of blend of grassrooters and technocrats. In some sense, we can feel the pulse of the grassroots in Agbaje,Olarenwaju,Lawal, Kawu Modibbo and Rotimi the son of garrulous Illiasu Moro, but where are the technocrats? You made need to tender unreserved apologies to the loyal party faithfuls with requisite qualifications you have betrayed.

Although I am from Ilorin, I will still need to remind you that nothing has changed in Kwara State nepotistic cabinet sharing, it looks like the same strategy of the old hegemony. It looks like some ministries are now birthrights of a particular location.

You need to be careful and remain focussed. The implication of this your cabinet mistake is that you will have to work hard and supply every innovation, creativity and strategy of governance. You may not know the gravity of the mistake until nobody comes to you with solution. States like Lagos, Kaduna and recently Oyo are equipped with competent hands and that's the difference we see clearly.

Perhaps, you have managed to assemble fairly good hands as Special Advisers, this probably may be a plus. What you may be losing out in the commissioners can be supplied by the few SAs, that's if they are permitted to actually advise you and work. Present yourself as a CEO who is willing to grow his business and need an opinion.

Finally, I know this is what you hate to hear, anyone who has advised you against this has subsequently become your enemy but I need to tell you. The party and people that brought you to power cannot become your enemies, please find a means to pull everyone together and integrate yourself back to the platform. Avoid unnecessary distraction and remain reasonable, only focussing on ethos of leadership that you have been hired to provide. The realities of today is that Kwara State is not in need of an emperor but a leader with clear vision and strategy to deliver.

*Mohammed Tahir*
*A business tycoon, lives in Kaduna*

ONLY SUSTAINABLE EMPOWERMENT CAN DISSUADE THE YOUTH FROM CRIMES -Serah Abdul

The President and Founder of Shamies Usual Heart Foundation has said that only empowerment of Young people can make crime less attractive to them.

speaking at the maiden annual lecture of Shamies Foundation held in Abuja on Thursday, the Founder Serah Abdul opined that the increase in crime rate in Nigeria is a direct result of unemployment and lack of meaningful engagement of the youth, according to her, only serious empowerment and education can serve as a panacea.

She also advocated for a robust policy to ensure that correctional service center fulfilled their mandate in line with international standard in order to rehabilitate and integrate prison inmates and ensuring that they don’t go back to crimes even after jail term.

Miss Abdul urged all stakeholders to build a national consensus through private and public joint stakeholders intelligence sharing to detect and tackle organized crime in Nigeria.

KWARA APC CRISIS: Group launches investigations, warns leaders against sponsoring divisive elements

A group called *Kwara APC Unity Group, KAUG*, has launched investigation into the lingering crisis rocking the party in the State. In a statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Charles Olufemi Folayan and Secretary Barr. Shehu Bashir, they noted that party men can no longer pretend that all is well with the party in the state while folding their arms and turning a blind eye to the crisis that is capable of robbing the state the much anticipated developments.

In the same statement, they posited that the party victory in the 2019 general elections was made possible by the resolve of Kwara people to exit the slavery system of government by the previous administration which made the APC the best choice for the people, a privilege we should not take for granted.

They insisted that the party should never toy with the victory achieved but rather put our house in order to deliver dividends of democracy at all levels.

They informed the public that they have launched investigations into the root cause of the crisis and would begin consultation visits to relevant stakeholders immediately within and without.

They therefore implored all the stakeholders within the state, both within the government and party hierarchy to eschew crisis and avoid statements capable of further instigating the crisis.

They equally warned party members to desist from inciting utterances that are capable of exacerbating the crisis.

ABDULRAZAQ REDEFINING GOVERNANCE IN KWARA STATE.

By Charles Olufemi Folayan

The decision to take down the Infamous Saraki Dynasty in Kwara State was in many ways, a widely held one amongst the generality of Kwarans. To many, Dr. Bukola Saraki represented the prideful haughtiness that typified political despots and his reprehensive style of leadership was in start contrast to the sense of democracy that should have been the halmark of political leadership in the 21st century. For others, it just did not seem right and fair that he had arrogated so much political power and autonomy to himself to unilaterally choose those who occupied political positions at the local, State and even national levels. For the most part, not a few Kwarans agreed that Saraki dynasty had to go, so that the overriding interest of the majority of Kwarans could hold sway and a new political order which had no political ties and or loyalties to Saraki could be installed.

For me like many others, the grouse against Bukola Saraki was premised on his maladmistrative tendencies, his egocentric leadership and gross insensitivity to the deplorable state of infrastructures across the State. There is no doubt that Saraki's highhandedness and sheer ineptitude has given rise to a high level of poverty, no thanks to the huge debts profile he had stockpiled in has mainstay as the enfant terrible of Kwara politics. While he and his cronies lived fat on the commonwealth of the state, majority of Kwarans were left to grope and groinng in abject poverty. In the intervening years of his successor to the Governorship seat of the state , criticism gave way to agitation and then activism, all of which culminated in the “Otoge Revolution” that toppled the Saraki hegemony and brought in Abdulraman Abdulrasaq in the guber elections of March, 2019.

Since assumption of office, the new Governor has left many marvelling at his unpretentious nature and style of leadership. Perhaps , it is yet too early to tell how he will fare in the light of the level of surreal flamboyance and ostentatious luxury that was reminiscent of his two predecessors; the blaring sirens, the array of exotic cars and the fedual style leadership that Kwarans have come to identify governance with in the past 16 years. Abdulrazaq has so far shown uncommon restraint and austerity in his leadership approach. He has revelaed a side to governance that is unusual of the average governor. More than a chief with servants , he has demured to serve in the place of a chief of servants.

Governor Abdulrazaq has remained true to his nature, humble in his comportment and unassuming as any ordinary Nigerian. He has opted to defer to religious and traditional leaders, giving them the leeway to stay in the fore in their respective spheres of authority. So far, his style of governance has called to question the very nature of power and how it was that Saraki had taken on such an imposing stature while in power as Kwara's political Tzar.

To the discerning, it is clear that the Governor is acutely aware of the onerous task fhat lies ahead of him and has chosen to abandon the oft Imperial status of the average Nigerian Governor and rather chosen to Don on the garb of a servant, who is intent on turning around the fortunes of a state whose people have been perennially stripped of its dignity and deprived of the dividends of good governance.

For many, it is a struggle to readjust to the reality that is now the style of governance in Abduldazaq's Kwara. For a people who have known no other way but the “Sarakian” way of impunity and lawlessness for nearly 2 decades, adaptation appears to be a huge and uneasy thing. To the Kwarans who have known nothing but measly appeasements and temporary mincemeat, Governor Abdurazaq is a discomfiting change. Some have opined that nothing is happening in the Government at the moment, the streets are eerily quiet and perhaps, the governor is operating a sole administrative system. They point out that the governor has yet to make certain necessary appointments to his cabinet. For some who fed fat on the ridiculous system in the past, the governor's decision to monitor government spendings has come as a rude shock, however, Abdulrasak visits to various dilapidated institutions and his immediate action and approval for repairs where necessary is speaking for him.

In my opinion, I believe the Governor is setting the tone for those who would eventually make up his team to realize the enormity of challenges that is in wait for them. He is making it clear to those who have the foresight to see that his government will be one that lives up to its “Iseya” slogan. "Iseya" means “it’s time to work” and it is only fitting that the governor lives up to this maxim and as against the practice of indulging in endless ceremonial displays and unwarranted public fanfare, the focus must be on delivering to the good people of Kwara State, the long-yearned for dividend of good governance. Every right-thinking person must begin to think of how they can contribute their part to ensure that the Abdulrazaq administration works in the overall best Interest of all kwarans.

Kwarans must immediately expunge the peasant mentality of accepting temporary appeasement and the practice of recieving Amala and Rice now and then in place of the more substantial rewards of effecient and responsible leadership. They must realise that such practices undermines the goodwill that the people should ordinarily enjoy and it only empowers lazy and inept governance. Now, more than ever, they should begin to demand for government to be increasingly focused to creating the enabling environment and opportunities that can inspire growth and prosperity, this way, they can lead more meaningful and comfortable lives, provide for their families and improve their standard of living without depending on Government for sustenance.

On his part, Governor Abdulraman Abdurazaq must remain very mindful of the sensitivities of then people and must always take into account the fact that change in many regard is a difficult thing for most people. In his stride to deliver on his campaign promises, he must tread cautiously, knowing well that the task of reforming mindset and orientation of a people can only be successfully achieved in a steady and stealth manner and not by an overtly sweeping method. This is especailly so for a people who have inculcated a dependence culture over a long period of time.

ABDULRAZAQ REDEFINING GOVERNANCE IN KWARA STATE.

The decision to take down the Infamous Saraki Dynasty in Kwara State was in many ways, a widely held one amongst the generality of Kwarans. To many, Dr. Bukola Saraki represented the prideful haughtiness that typified political despots and his reprehensive style of leadership was in start contrast to the sense of democracy that should have been the halmark of political leadership in the 21st century. For others, it just did not seem right and fair that he had arrogated so much political power and autonomy to himself to unilaterally choose those who occupied political positions at the local, State and even national levels. For the most part, not a few Kwarans agreed that Saraki dynasty had to go, so that the overriding interest of the majority of Kwarans could hold sway and a new political order which had no political ties and or loyalties to Saraki could be installed.

For me like many others, the grouse against Bukola Saraki was premised on his maladmistrative tendencies, his egocentric leadership and gross insensitivity to the deplorable state of infrastructures across the State. There is no doubt that Saraki's highhandedness and sheer ineptitude has given rise to a high level of poverty, no thanks to the huge debts profile he had stockpiled in has mainstay as the enfant terrible of Kwara politics. While he and his cronies lived fat on the commonwealth of the state, majority of Kwarans were left to grope and groinng in abject poverty. In the intervening years of his successor to the Governorship seat of the state , criticism gave way to agitation and then activism, all of which culminated in the “Otoge Revolution” that toppled the Saraki hegemony and brought in Abdulraman Abdulrasaq in the guber elections of March, 2019.

Since assumption of office, the new Governor has left many marvelling at his unpretentious nature and style of leadership. Perhaps , it is yet too early to tell how he will fare in the light of the level of surreal flamboyance and ostentatious luxury that was reminiscent of his two predecessors; the blaring sirens, the array of exotic cars and the fedual style leadership that Kwarans have come to identify governance with in the past 16 years. Abdulrazaq has so far shown uncommon restraint and austerity in his leadership approach. He has revelaed a side to governance that is unusual of the average governor. More than a chief with servants , he has demured to serve in the place of a chief of servants.

Governor Abdulrazaq has remained true to his nature, humble in his comportment and unassuming as any ordinary Nigerian. He has opted to defer to religious and traditional leaders, giving them the leeway to stay in the fore in their respective spheres of authority. So far, his style of governance has called to question the very nature of power and how it was that Saraki had taken on such an imposing stature while in power as Kwara's political Tzar.

To the discerning, it is clear that the Governor is acutely aware of the onerous task fhat lies ahead of him and has chosen to abandon the oft Imperial status of the average Nigerian Governor and rather chosen to Don on the garb of a servant, who is intent on turning around the fortunes of a state whose people have been perennially stripped of its dignity and deprived of the dividends of good governance.

For many, it is a struggle to readjust to the reality that is now the style of governance in Abduldazaq's Kwara. For a people who have known no other way but the “Sarakian” way of impunity and lawlessness for nearly 2 decades, adaptation appears to be a huge and uneasy thing. To the Kwarans who have known nothing but measly appeasements and temporary mincemeat, Governor Abdurazaq is a discomfiting change. Some have opined that nothing is happening in the Government at the moment, the streets are eerily quiet and perhaps, the governor is operating a sole administrative system. They point out that the governor has yet to make certain necessary appointments to his cabinet. For some who fed fat on the ridiculous system in the past, the governor's decision to monitor government spendings has come as a rude shock, however, Abdulrasak visits to various dilapidated institutions and his immediate action and approval for repairs where necessary is speaking for him.

In my opinion, I believe the Governor is setting the tone for those who would eventually make up his team to realize the enormity of challenges that is in wait for them. He is making it clear to those who have the foresight to see that his government will be one that lives up to its “Iseya” slogan. "Iseya" means “it’s time to work” and it is only fitting that the governor lives up to this maxim and as against the practice of indulging in endless ceremonial displays and unwarranted public fanfare, the focus must be on delivering to the good people of Kwara State, the long-yearned for dividend of good governance. Every right-thinking person must begin to think of how they can contribute their part to ensure that the Abdulrazaq administration works in the overall best Interest of all kwarans.

Kwarans must immediately expunge the peasant mentality of accepting temporary appeasement and the practice of recieving Amala and Rice now and then in place of the more substantial rewards of effecient and responsible leadership. They must realise that such practices undermines the goodwill that the people should ordinarily enjoy and it only empowers lazy and inept governance. Now, more than ever, they should begin to demand for government to be increasingly focused to creating the enabling environment and opportunities that can inspire growth and prosperity, this way, they can lead more meaningful and comfortable lives, provide for their families and improve their standard of living without depending on Government for sustenance.

On his part, Governor Abdulraman Abdurazaq must remain very mindful of the sensitivities of then people and must always take into account the fact that change in many regard is a difficult thing for most people. In his stride to deliver on his campaign promises, he must tread cautiously, knowing well that the task of reforming mindset and orientation of a people can only be successfully achieved in a steady and stealth manner and not by an overtly sweeping method. This is especailly so for a people who have inculcated a dependence culture over a long period of time.

ABDULRAZAQ REDEFINING GOVERNANCE IN KWARA STATE.

By Charles Olufemi Folayan

The decision to take down the Infamous Saraki Dynasty in Kwara State was in many ways, a widely held one amongst the generality of Kwarans. To many, Dr. Bukola Saraki represented the prideful haughtiness that typified political despots and his reprehensive style of leadership was in start contrast to the sense of democracy that should have been the halmark of political leadership in the 21st century. For others, it just did not seem right and fair that he had arrogated so much political power and autonomy to himself to unilaterally choose those who occupied political positions at the local, State and even national levels. For the most part, not a few Kwarans agreed that Saraki dynasty had to go, so that the overriding interest of the majority of Kwarans could hold sway and a new political order which had no political ties and or loyalties to Saraki could be installed.

For me like many others, the grouse against Bukola Saraki was premised on his maladmistrative tendencies, his egocentric leadership and gross insensitivity to the deplorable state of infrastructures across the State. There is no doubt that Saraki's highhandedness and sheer ineptitude has given rise to a high level of poverty, no thanks to the huge debts profile he had stockpiled in has mainstay as the enfant terrible of Kwara politics. While he and his cronies lived fat on the commonwealth of the state, majority of Kwarans were left to grope and groinng in abject poverty. In the intervening years of his successor to the Governorship seat of the state , criticism gave way to agitation and then activism, all of which culminated in the “Otoge Revolution” that toppled the Saraki hegemony and brought in Abdulraman Abdulrasaq in the guber elections of March, 2019.

Since assumption of office, the new Governor has left many marvelling at his unpretentious nature and style of leadership. Perhaps , it is yet too early to tell how he will fare in the light of the level of surreal flamboyance and ostentatious luxury that was reminiscent of his two predecessors; the blaring sirens, the array of exotic cars and the fedual style leadership that Kwarans have come to identify governance with in the past 16 years. Abdulrazaq has so far shown uncommon restraint and austerity in his leadership approach. He has revelaed a side to governance that is unusual of the average governor. More than a chief with servants , he has demured to serve in the place of a chief of servants.

Governor Abdulrazaq has remained true to his nature, humble in his comportment and unassuming as any ordinary Nigerian. He has opted to defer to religious and traditional leaders, giving them the leeway to stay in the fore in their respective spheres of authority. So far, his style of governance has called to question the very nature of power and how it was that Saraki had taken on such an imposing stature while in power as Kwara's political Tzar.

To the discerning, it is clear that the Governor is acutely aware of the onerous task fhat lies ahead of him and has chosen to abandon the oft Imperial status of the average Nigerian Governor and rather chosen to Don on the garb of a servant, who is intent on turning around the fortunes of a state whose people have been perennially stripped of its dignity and deprived of the dividends of good governance.

For many, it is a struggle to readjust to the reality that is now the style of governance in Abduldazaq's Kwara. For a people who have known no other way but the “Sarakian” way of impunity and lawlessness for nearly 2 decades, adaptation appears to be a huge and uneasy thing. To the Kwarans who have known nothing but measly appeasements and temporary mincemeat, Governor Abdurazaq is a discomfiting change. Some have opined that nothing is happening in the Government at the moment, the streets are eerily quiet and perhaps, the governor is operating a sole administrative system. They point out that the governor has yet to make certain necessary appointments to his cabinet. For some who fed fat on the ridiculous system in the past, the governor's decision to monitor government spendings has come as a rude shock, however, Abdulrasak visits to various dilapidated institutions and his immediate action and approval for repairs where necessary is speaking for him.

In my opinion, I believe the Governor is setting the tone for those who would eventually make up his team to realize the enormity of challenges that is in wait for them. He is making it clear to those who have the foresight to see that his government will be one that lives up to its “Iseya” slogan. "Iseya" means “it’s time to work” and it is only fitting that the governor lives up to this maxim and as against the practice of indulging in endless ceremonial displays and unwarranted public fanfare, the focus must be on delivering to the good people of Kwara State, the long-yearned for dividend of good governance. Every right-thinking person must begin to think of how they can contribute their part to ensure that the Abdulrazaq administration works in the overall best Interest of all kwarans.

Kwarans must immediately expunge the peasant mentality of accepting temporary appeasement and the practice of recieving Amala and Rice now and then in place of the more substantial rewards of effecient and responsible leadership. They must realise that such practices undermines the goodwill that the people should ordinarily enjoy and it only empowers lazy and inept governance. Now, more than ever, they should begin to demand for government to be increasingly focused to creating the enabling environment and opportunities that can inspire growth and prosperity, this way, they can lead more meaningful and comfortable lives, provide for their families and improve their standard of living without depending on Government for sustenance.

On his part, Governor Abdulraman Abdurazaq must remain very mindful of the sensitivities of then people and must always take into account the fact that change in many regard is a difficult thing for most people. In his stride to deliver on his campaign promises, he must tread cautiously, knowing well that the task of reforming mindset and orientation of a people can only be successfully achieved in a steady and stealth manner and not by an overtly sweeping method. This is especailly so for a people who have inculcated a dependence culture over a long period of time.

ABDULRAZAQ REDEFINING GOVERNANCE IN KWARA STATE.

By Charles Olufemi Folayan

The decision to take down the Infamous Saraki Dynasty in Kwara State was in many ways, a widely held one amongst the generality of Kwarans. To many, Dr. Bukola Saraki represented the prideful haughtiness that typified political despots and his reprehensive style of leadership was in start contrast to the sense of democracy that should have been the halmark of political leadership in the 21st century. For others, it just did not seem right and fair that he had arrogated so much political power and autonomy to himself to unilaterally choose those who occupied political positions at the local, State and even national levels. For the most part, not a few Kwarans agreed that Saraki dynasty had to go, so that the overriding interest of the majority of Kwarans could hold sway and a new political order which had no political ties and or loyalties to Saraki could be installed.

For me like many others, the grouse against Bukola Saraki was premised on his maladmistrative tendencies, his egocentric leadership and gross insensitivity to the deplorable state of infrastructures across the State. There is no doubt that Saraki's highhandedness and sheer ineptitude has given rise to a high level of poverty, no thanks to the huge debts profile he had stockpiled in has mainstay as the enfant terrible of Kwara politics. While he and his cronies lived fat on the commonwealth of the state, majority of Kwarans were left to grope and groinng in abject poverty. In the intervening years of his successor to the Governorship seat of the state , criticism gave way to agitation and then activism, all of which culminated in the “Otoge Revolution” that toppled the Saraki hegemony and brought in Abdulraman Abdulrasaq in the guber elections of March, 2019.

Since assumption of office, the new Governor has left many marvelling at his unpretentious nature and style of leadership. Perhaps , it is yet too early to tell how he will fare in the light of the level of surreal flamboyance and ostentatious luxury that was reminiscent of his two predecessors; the blaring sirens, the array of exotic cars and the fedual style leadership that Kwarans have come to identify governance with in the past 16 years. Abdulrazaq has so far shown uncommon restraint and austerity in his leadership approach. He has revelaed a side to governance that is unusual of the average governor. More than a chief with servants , he has demured to serve in the place of a chief of servants.

Governor Abdulrazaq has remained true to his nature, humble in his comportment and unassuming as any ordinary Nigerian. He has opted to defer to religious and traditional leaders, giving them the leeway to stay in the fore in their respective spheres of authority. So far, his style of governance has called to question the very nature of power and how it was that Saraki had taken on such an imposing stature while in power as Kwara's political Tzar.

To the discerning, it is clear that the Governor is acutely aware of the onerous task fhat lies ahead of him and has chosen to abandon the oft Imperial status of the average Nigerian Governor and rather chosen to Don on the garb of a servant, who is intent on turning around the fortunes of a state whose people have been perennially stripped of its dignity and deprived of the dividends of good governance.

For many, it is a struggle to readjust to the reality that is now the style of governance in Abduldazaq's Kwara. For a people who have known no other way but the “Sarakian” way of impunity and lawlessness for nearly 2 decades, adaptation appears to be a huge and uneasy thing. To the Kwarans who have known nothing but measly appeasements and temporary mincemeat, Governor Abdurazaq is a discomfiting change. Some have opined that nothing is happening in the Government at the moment, the streets are eerily quiet and perhaps, the governor is operating a sole administrative system. They point out that the governor has yet to make certain necessary appointments to his cabinet. For some who fed fat on the ridiculous system in the past, the governor's decision to monitor government spendings has come as a rude shock, however, Abdulrasak visits to various dilapidated institutions and his immediate action and approval for repairs where necessary is speaking for him.

In my opinion, I believe the Governor is setting the tone for those who would eventually make up his team to realize the enormity of challenges that is in wait for them. He is making it clear to those who have the foresight to see that his government will be one that lives up to its “Iseya” slogan. "Iseya" means “it’s time to work” and it is only fitting that the governor lives up to this maxim and as against the practice of indulging in endless ceremonial displays and unwarranted public fanfare, the focus must be on delivering to the good people of Kwara State, the long-yearned for dividend of good governance. Every right-thinking person must begin to think of how they can contribute their part to ensure that the Abdulrazaq administration works in the overall best Interest of all kwarans.

Kwarans must immediately expunge the peasant mentality of accepting temporary appeasement and the practice of recieving Amala and Rice now and then in place of the more substantial rewards of effecient and responsible leadership. They must realise that such practices undermines the goodwill that the people should ordinarily enjoy and it only empowers lazy and inept governance. Now, more than ever, they should begin to demand for government to be increasingly focused to creating the enabling environment and opportunities that can inspire growth and prosperity, this way, they can lead more meaningful and comfortable lives, provide for their families and improve their standard of living without depending on Government for sustenance.

On his part, Governor Abdulraman Abdurazaq must remain very mindful of the sensitivities of then people and must always take into account the fact that change in many regard is a difficult thing for most people. In his stride to deliver on his campaign promises, he must tread cautiously, knowing well that the task of reforming mindset and orientation of a people can only be successfully achieved in a steady and stealth manner and not by an overtly sweeping method. This is especailly so for a people who have inculcated a dependence culture over a long period of time.

Sara Abdul vow to rehabilitate inmates, exconvicts in Abuja, Sokoto others


The president and founder of the Shamies Usual Heart Foundation, nongovernmental organization (NGO) Sara Abdul has vowed to work with different agencies as well as Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) to rehabilitate twenty nine inmates in Abuja, plateau and Sokoto states respectively.


Abdul who stated this in Abuja while celebrating her birthday to launch her NGO said her main target is to rehabilitate inmates currently servicing with mere offences and unable to seek self help or expresses themselves before law enforcement agencies over pretty offences as well reform exconvicts back to the society.


According to her, the NGO will focus more on empowering and rehabilitating inmates both male and female especially those on remand with minor offenses in Abuja, Sokoto and Jos prison respectively to kick the objectives of the foundation.


‘The main objectives of the foundation center on prison care, rehabilitation of inmates as well ass and exconvicts reform, the foundation will fight for inmates who could not fight for themselves just for little offences, we want to rehabilitate exconvicts back to the society.

We have chosen three states after carrying out some internal works to identified states to start with and came up with Abuja, plateau and Sokoto states respectively.


‘How can someone be reminded for stealing a chicken, that showed such person cannot pay bills but need empowerment, we want to rehabilitate some by working with others government agencies to empower inmates and exconvicts back to the society.

According to her, the foundation is not only to bail them out, rehabilitate but engage them in skills acquisitions for the betterment of Nigeria.


‘Personally, I have been doing this job for some years now before laughing it today officially because it will be difficult for me alone to handle it,


So far, I have identified twenty nine to rehabilitate both male and female, my target is one hundred to empower from now till October but so far, I have gotten twenty nine from three states over petty off fences and are spending more time that they should spend.


‘It beat me to think, someone who stole chicken of one thousand five hundred naira are in prison, let’s me tell you, Some people don't even visit prison to know how it look like until they are involved, you need to visit prison to see what imamates are going through, she enthused.

IS OUR GENERATION BEREAVED OF DUE PROCESS?

By Charles Olufemi Folayan


Often times, when the youth clamor for recognition and a chance at political leadership and governance, it appears to me like the situation of a son of a restaurateur begging the waitress for a meal. This is expecially because to my mind, the youth already have what it is that they crave for within their reach but have failed to take ownership of and steer their collective manifest destiny as leaders. Moreso, it is probable that the inability of the youth to take possession of that which they seek is perhaps because their pursuits are rooted in ideologies which are as perverted as they are selfish. Little wonder the holy book says "You ask and do not receive because you asked with a wrong motive.

Today, the older generation sees the youth as people lacking in capacity, easily distracted, largely incompetent and prone to misplaced priorities. As far as they can tell, evidences abound to suggest that ours is a generation, ostensibly given to the trappings of affluence and luxuries. Now, while one may choose to make a case for ourselves and be tempted to lay the burden of responsibility squarely at the feet of the older generations, especially given their abysmal failures in their traditional roles as mentors and models for the younger generation, there is little doubt that young people have themselves to blame for the larger part in their willful ignorance and continued complacency towards nation and capacity building.

A retired Military Officer from the south-south region of Nigeria, who became a military Governor at the age of 25 once confided in me, his disappointment with the youth of today, owing to what he described as our generations's failure to show capacity for leadership and governance, a stark contrast to what was obtainable back in their days. He went on to say that leadership wasn't acceded to him simply because he was 25, but rather because he had proven beyond every perceivable doubt that he had capacity and was competent! This was evident in the tasks and assignments he had successfully carried out prior to his eventual appointment as Military Governor.

Without a doubt, there exists in many spaces, spheres and quarters, scores of young Nigerians with proven track records of competence who are themselves quite resourceful, yet, It is disconcerting and quite worrisome to the observant and discerning, the brazen disregard for due process, the pervasive state of lawlessness and an absolute lack of dignity and respect for principle and order which have come to typify life and living in Nigeria. More worrisome is the extent to which these aberrations have made a mincemeat of the integrity and purity of the mind and character of many Nigerian youths. Methinks that the spate of abuse and depravity speedily polluting the credibility and competence of our generation, should be a strong cause for concern and immediate remedial action for those who want better for our Nation and her youths.

To begin with, how does one begin to reconcile the wanton display of rapacious greed, infamy and chaotic disorder which has now become the hallmark of youth leadership in Nigeria today? Isn't it truly shameful, for instance, that the apex body of youth organization in Nigeria, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN), recognized by National Youth Policy as the umbrella body of youth organizations in Nigeria is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, owing in part to the utter lawlessness and a brazen disregard for due process being exhibited by a number of dissenting elements within their ranks? How does one juxtapose this with the deafening clamour for youth inclusion in political leadership and policymaking processes?

To make matters worse, many political parties formed and dominated by young people in Nigeria today are also encumbered on all sides by crisis and internal wrangling due to violations of laws and the selfish and pecuniary tendencies of certain fifth columnnists within their hierarchy, Out of the turmultous board rooms and conference halls and on to the streets, the embarrassment has taken on many fronts as what ought to have been peaceful protests and civil demonstrations by young people have been barred and prevented by security agencies. Why? Because those who purport to call themselves future leaders have simply failed to abide by the laws of the land and have chosen the highway.

Desperation has become the new school and many Nigerian youths have chosen to find subversive means to circumvent the system, cut corners and disregard the rules, all in a frenzied bid to achieve their aims. To them, due process is crude process and they simply cannot see how it is that they should live their lives by any given set of rules. For many young Nigerians today, due process means slow process and a complete waste of time, and so for a chance to ride the latest Benz and be hailed as the freshest young Billionaires in town, many will take to clandestine and nefarious activities, in order to achieve overnight what should ordinarily take yeasrs to build. Many want to become Senators, Governor and President but very few are willing to commit earnestly and intently to positive participation in political processes.

Few have the mind to build themselves up, forge well grounded and formidable political alliances, join and or build strong political base, get involved in partisan politics and build and earn the trust and confidence of a strong support base. For many, it is a rocket shot from regular street guy to Mr Governor or President! *How laughable!* As if that were possible even in the context of Student union politics!

Today, more than any other instruments, ethno-religious sentiments and to a comparatively lesser, yet equally virulent degree, political sentiments have become weaponized in a fetish urge to perpetuate lawlessness in Nigeria. Sadly, this trend is being bought mindlessly by mediocres and gullible people. Sadder still, there is a sense in which the ferocity of the misfits appears to be beating down heavily on the benignity of the intellectual. If this ticking time bomb will not blow up in our faces, then it is imperative that those who know better, speak up and speak out now so that we may find a panacea for the trouble that bedevils us all.

Now, more than ever, it is incumbent on us to realise that the orientation and attitude of “taking it by force or by any means” can and will not work in our collective best interest, whether in the interim or in the long run. As young people, we must become more organized, cooperative and collaborative in our bid to prove to the general public that we can provide credible leadership, if and when we are given the chance. If we will rise above the unsavoury perceptions and belief the rest of the society has come to label us by, we must immediately call ourselves to order, set aside vested and clammish sentiments, make adequate planning and cooperate for the advancement of our nation and generation. The social media is without doubt, the most potent tool we have for shaping thoughts and perspectives and if care is not taken, it could quickly become the weapon that puts a death knell on our singular and collective aspirations to rise above our limitations and aspire for greatness.

We must desist from misusing the social media for propagating negativity and subversive narratives about ourselves and our Nation, lest we exacerbare rather than ameliorate the challenges confronting us. More than anything else, we must become the most proactive agents for actualzing growth and progress for ourselves, our Nation and thus be an exemple for the coming generation.

Our generation must be different.

By Charles Olufemi Folayan

WE WILL STAND BY YOU: CHARLES FOLAYAN TO ABDULRASAQ AS HE BOWS OUT OF KYSF

The immediate past President of the Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum (KYSF) Charles Olufemi Folayan has expressed confidence in the administration of Alh. Abdulraman Abdulrazaq and assuring that Kwara Youth will stand by him.

Speaking at the transition program and swearing in of a new executives led by AbdulRazaq Sulaiman Oyan, the youth leader urged the new leadership to make the organization proud and continue to carry out programmes and projects that would improve the condition of Kwara Youth

He urged all the newly elected officers of the State Government and National Assembly to appoint credible and competent people to work with them, that Kwarans needs people who can get the job done and alleviate their long suffering within the shortest period, saying the people can not exercise the kind of patience they gave to past administrations, which turn out to be a waste of time for the State.

While recognizing that the incoming Governor must compensate politicians for their role in the struggle, he urged him to also consult widely with Kwarans home and abroad and search for competent people to hold sensitive offices.

He also urged the Governor to beware of Saboteurs and sycophants that might find their ways into his Government especially those that are left in the system by the outgoing administration.

In his inaugural speech, the new President of KYSF Abdulrazaq Sulaiman Oyan promised to continue where his predecessor paused and pledged to give the new administration their continuous support as an organization, to be an army against external infiltration and also as watch Dog on the administration to ensure that they didn’t derailed.

He however advice the Governor never to arrogate power to himself or see the victory of the APC in the State as his personal struggle but rather a decision of the people of Kwara who made him the face of their struggle and gave him their mandate.

He urged Governor Abdulraman Abdulrazak to ignore every pressure and sentiments but appoint competent people into his cabinet, saying “Iseya” should come with actions.

Don’t reappoint Lai Muhammed as Minister, Kwara South begs Buhari


The Kwara South Elders forum of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has opposed the re-allocation of ministerial portfolio for Kwara state to the present Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The elders forum called for a change in the nomination of minister from Kwara South, accusing the present minister of performing far below average in the interest of the state .

The elders said whoever is to be appointed minister from the Senatorial zone should be well grounded in local politics, passionate about the people and most especially the development of Kwara state at large.

The forum also dissociated itself from the resolution of the press conference and subsequent release issued by the APC Consultative Forum of Irepodun Local Government Area.

This resolution was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, Chief (Dr) Bamesaiye Ayeni and the Secretary, Engineer Jide Usman, issued after the elders emergency meeting yesterday, Wednesday, at Chief Ayeni’s residence.

 
The meeting was in reaction to a press conference held on Tuesday, 14th May, by the Irepodun LGA APC Consultative forum anchored by Dr Hezekiah Oyedepo where a vote of confidence was passed in the minister.

“We wish to note that Kwara South is made up of seven local government areas and it is obviously larger than Irepodun LGA which constitutes less than 10% of the Senatorial district. The LGAs are Ifelodun, Oyun, Offa, Isin, Oke-ero, Ekiti and Irepodun," the statement read.

The forum also opposed the claim by the consultative forum that the Minister was responsible for the party’s victory in Kwara State during the 2019 elections.

According to the Elders forum, “the shift in the voting pattern demonstrated by the good people of Kwara was a fall out of the determination, commitment and desperate yearning for change by the people rather than the mis-representation of attribution to one individual as being marketed by Oyedepo and cronies”

They accused Lai Mohammed of not taking part in party activities in Kwara state for the three years until the stage was set for victory.

They also accused him of neglecting the zone and the state in spite of its influential portfolio.

"It is a well known fact that Alh. Lai Mohammed did not participate in party activities in Kwara State in the last three years until it became glaringly obvious that APC was poised for victory."

The elders forum also accused Dr Oyedepo of canvassing for Lai Mohammed because of the personal benefits he enjoyed from him at the expense of the state.

"However, the elders were not completely surprised by the desperate antics and the subsequent airing of such undeserving press conference by the group anchored by Dr Oyedepo in spite of the obvious ineptitude and abject neglect of developmental programmes for the entire three Senatorial Districts of the state by the outgoing minister.

"It is on record that the late wife of Dr Oyedepo was appointed as the Director General of National Theatre, Lagos by his bosom friend and brother, Honourable Lai Mohammed."

“As a people we are proud of several other illustrious sons who are tested and are seasoned politicians from kwara south that could take the position effectively for the overall benefits of Kwarans. Kwara south will appreciate the nomination of any other person than lai Muhammed”

“And we elders from the constituency will hold ourselves responsible for our choices should there be any failure, unlike when an unpopular person is foisted on us”.

Salary Backlog: Details of Gov Yahaya Bello’s Mistakes Revealed


The crisis emanating from workers salary in Kogi state has been traced to the leniency of the Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Abdullahi Ndalaye disclosed this in Lokoja on Sunday during an interactive section between the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Deborah Ogunmola and members of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) who are in the state for an assessment tour.

His words: 'If I am Yahaya Bello by now many people will be in jail paying for their crimes and they won't be saying all that. I have confessional statement of a police officer earning salary from Kogi state government as a civil servant.

''I signed the document published in Leadership newspaper of people with forged certificates and other infractions. These are the same set of people crying that they have not received salaries.

'They talk about endless screening; you should expect error margin of 5 or 10 percent in an exercise for over 80 civil servants and pensioners. Governor Yahaya Bello is humane and giving people with genuine cases to present evidence(s) to clear their names.''

He therefore advised affected workers with genuine cases to present their certificate and other supporting evidence to the committee for clearance.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Deborah Ogunmola said Governor Yahaya Bello meant well for Kogi state civil service as he has introduced reforms to make it more efficient, productive and effective.

Mrs Ogunmola disclosed that some people within the system are aware there are problems in the civil service and only a courageous leader can do what the governor is doing.

While explaining the controversy surrounding the screening exercise, she said the consultant discovered different categories of infractions including using fake certificate to get employment,
Presentation of fake certificate to earn promotion, failure to present original certificate, falsified date of birth and many others.

The HoS added that some of the people deregistered from Kogi state payroll were enlisted into the state civil service while in school and diaspora workers who abandoned their duty posts.

''Imagine some people claiming to be Kogi state civil servants are living outside the state, they absent themselves from duty without permission and making constant bank withdrawn in Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos','' she narrated.

She disclosed that over 900 people with cases of omissions were added back to the payroll in 2018, noting that some of those blackmailing government of owing 38months arrears have no evidence of salary payment since 2014 based on bank statement verification.

Ogunmola revealed that the governor pardoned those who altered their date of birth certificates.

NGIJ in continuation of her fact finding mission will meet NLC, NUT,pensioners and other interest groups to fact check information gathered from some civil servants and government functionaries in the state.

YORUBA YOUTH CALL FOR POWER SHIFT TO SOUTHWEST IN 2023


The youth organization operating under the umbrella of Yoruba Council Of Youths Worldwide has called for the presidency power shift to the zone by 2023.

The warning called was made by the President of the group, Aremo Barrister Oladotun Hassan at the end of the event tagged “World Omoluabi Day program” held at Ile-Ife, Osun State yesterday, 1st Of May, 2019.

The Youth leader said, “the rotation of the Presidential seat from the North to South West in 2023 is not negotiable”

Added that “the statement credited to some self appointed youth leaders and elders from the northern Nigeria, claiming retainership of power beyond 2023, that the north can still produce the President in 2023 is not only selfish, treacherous, deceitful and capable of causing bad blood, most ungrateful statements from such elements and unpardonable insult to the people of the South”

He however said that “the strongly believe that those who released the recent statement lacks the sovereign capacity and supports of the good people and core leaders from the North, being a figment of their own imagination that does not represent the mind of the northern majority and Nigerians at large”

He said the political alignment that produced President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019 is still very much intact and alive in 2023, with greater expectations.

It’s Time For Parents, Churches To Redirect Youth Focus From Materialism Says UMCA President


A clergy man in the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) Reverend Dr. Moses Tswanya, who is also the president of the church has challenged Parents and religions leaders to redirect the focus of youth from materialism that is responsible for high level of immorality in our society to righteousness and piety.

He said this during a press conference organized by the church in Ilorin, the capital city of kwara state yesterday at their secretariat in GRA to celebrate resurrection of Jesus Christ (Easter) and as well remind the general public of the messages that comes with the celebration.

According to him “ we need to thank God for his goodness to mankind and especially to Nigeria, if not God, our condition in Nigeria would have been worse”

“I call on Nigerian Churches to give serious attention to the promotion of love, peace, and equity in their church preaching and all their dealings. It is high time to redirect the focus of our youth from materialism to righteousness and piety, and pay special attention to core family values which are now obviously lacking in our society “

“Jesus came to do the work of redemption, redemption means regaining possession of something by paying price. And it simply mean that Jesus has paid the price, (penalty) for our sin, by offering himself as ransom or sacrifice for our living”

“We must also repent of our sins, and stop sinning no more, because to repent is an essential step in receiving salvation that we need as a country”

He also challenged the federal government to as a matter of urgent look for ways to get Nigeria teeming youth engaged meaningfully either through creation of job opportunities or sincere empowerment that would get to those that truly need it because most of the immorality behaviour like terrorism, Kidnapping, armed robbery, 419 in our society are been carried out by the youth due to the fact that they are too free and desperate for good living.

Meanwhile the Vice President of the church Reverend Olugbenga Odebiri, added that the Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) is doing everything possible in conjunction with president Muhammed Buhari to bring to an end incessant bombing of churches and attacks on Christians in Northern part of the country.

KWARA YOUTH STAKEHOLDERS ON THE JOURNEY TO THE POLITICAL LIBERATION OF KWARA STATE -By Charles Olufemi Folayan

The defeat of Saraki and his political conspirators in the just concluded 2019 general elections in Kwara State came as a shock to many Nigerians because of the belief that Saraki was invincible.

His defeat means different things to different people. To many Kwara politicians it was a luck of political gambling, to Saraki it was an outcome of betrayal, to APC it was a result of working strategy but to me and other committed Kwara Youths it was an accomplishment of the first phase of our long time struggle.

About 10 years ago, a group of Kwara young people, which include myself, Charles Olufemi Folayan, Latifat Adio, Bola Olatunji, Femi Akanbi, Bode Olanrewaju, Tunde Salau, Femi Olaosebikan, Asha Ayotunde, Kale Gambari, Yusuf Baraje, Idowu Emmanuel, Opeyemi Saheed, Abdulkadir Woru Yusuf, Isiaka Abdullateef, Sulaiman Abdulrasak Oyan, Omolewa Kayode Oyerinde, Yusuf Lukman, Abiola Augustine, Shola Abolarin and Femi Raphael, met in Ilorin and agreed to form the Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum (KYSF), mainly to galvanize Kwara Youth to rise up against slavery style of Saraki politics and demand for the development of Kwara State.

We were very concerned about the level of poverty in the land, the poor infrastructure, the bastardization of the Kwara civil service, the dehumanization of Kwara local government employees, the poor education in the State which affected most of us and the general style of governance in the state which encourages enrichment of few political leaders at the detriment of the masses.

We all realized that Bukola Saraki is running a system of governance that enslaves all political office holders from the state to worship him and take directives from him on all their steps, which literally made him the sole administrator of the state, making all political office holders helpless stooges.

After serious cross fertilization of idea we embarked on re-orientation, political education and skills development programmes for young people of Kwara State, in order to increase awareness and build a formidable force against the Saraki empire and dominance in the State.

We began a crusade against Saraki and his unwanted treatment of the people of Kwara State, we encouraged our members to join political parties that believed in our vision, we analyzed what we needed and began to search for appropriate partners across the state to believe in our course and support us.

Our first task was to dismantle Saraki's dominance of the political space, which has led to bad governance and disrespect for the common people. We also tasked ourselves to ensure the enthronement of political leaders who will neither be selfish, nor be controlled by any self serving Godfather. In the same vein we made it our mandate to discover people who will serve the people of the state with the fear of God.

We organized the KYSF Annual Conference to continuously engage our ward structures, review our position on Kwara development and our advocacy against bad governance in Kwara. We issued press statements on various media platforms against Saraki and his styles of governance. Our press statements also exposed the negative steps of Saraki and his cohorts against the people of Kwara, at a point we declare our interest to recall him from the Senate chamber if he continues in a bad manner.

In the course of working towards our goals, we received several warnings from family and friends, many of whom believed that Saraki could never be defeated. We faced a lot of opposition and threat from the Sarakites, and attempts were made on the lives of some of our members. Some members were bought over and some left the organization for other reasons. We however soldiered on, believing that our goals would someday be achieved.

We got other young people on board the executive team, including Shola Arinde, Kolawole Oluwatoba, Otaja Sunday, Fatimah Akande, Saheed Olaitan, Akinyemi Rotimi, Abdulkareem Folorunsho, Ahmed Alanamu, Ahmed Mohammed, Damilola Abolarin, Muideen Oyan, Femi Ajiboye and others.

We collaborated with some prominent Kwarans who we believed had shared our objectives such as Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Dr. Mike Omotosho, Alh. Sherif Shagaya, Alh. Akeem Shagaya, Hon. Ben Duntoye and Alh. Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia, though some of them left the struggle or became inactive at a time. Regardless, KYSF remained committed to the struggle.

In 2016, I, Charles Olufemi Folayan, was appointment as Technical Assistant (Office of the SA to the President on Youth and Student Affairs). This provided me with a further opportunity to galvanize the youth. It was a point of connection between me and a young man from Kwara State, Mohammed Brimah, who also work as a Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Social Investment & IDPs. My meeting with Brimah ignited more fire and strength towards our set goals. We built strong partnerships that ensured that the common people of Kwara benefited greatly from some Federal Government interventions such as the Trader Moni, N-Power, Agriculture Trainings and other projects that would have been politicized and diverted by the Sarakis to their personal pockets or people of their choosing.

In the build up to the 2019 general elections, We expedited actions on building a strong alliance of young politicians which led to the formation of the Kwara Alliance for Buhari/Osinbajo (KABO), a campaign group that served as a strong center point for Kwara APC Youth for the 2019 general elections.

With Mohammed Brimah coordinating KABO, and I co-coordinating, we formed a strong structure of APC young people from various Local Government in the State, which include; Segun Adebayo, Bashir Shehu, Ibrahim Akaje, Qudus Babatunde, Sadiq Danseko, John Adegboye, Ahmed Akorede, Mohammed Ndanusa, Yinus Abdullahi, Abdulrasheed Awobimpe, Abdulrasak Hamzat, Ben Oyinloye, Issa Hammed Olarewaju, Ilias Babatunde, Bola Badmus, Saka Wahab, Alaga Maruf, Tunde Fadipe, Mohammed Zakari, Idris Sikirullahi, Nosiru Abiola, Adedoyin Abdulateef, Usman Shehu Danfodio and Mohammed Abubakar. We also partner with young aspirants in the State including Amb. Yahaya Seriki Gambari, Alh. Musbau Esinrogunjo and the forum of the APC House of Assembly Aspirants led by Hon. Usman Bayero.

KABO team moved round towns, villages, wards and local government areas to campaign for the Otoge revolution and the APC. We formed a reconciliation group to intervene in the crisis that emanated from Kwara APC primary elections, we facilitated the meeting of the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, with stakeholders and the youth in Kwara State. We anchored the distribution of useful materials for the people in the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State, and organized and trained polling unit volunteers across the 193 wards. We held several strategic meetings with party stakeholders and candidates in the state towards the success of the election.

I can say today that with the help of God we have achieved the first goal which is the enthronement of new leaders that will serve the people of Kwara State and build a new Kwara for all. The victory transcends any individual, It has been as a result of the long term efforts of many stakeholders, groups and political parties.

With the first goal achieved, our attention is turned now to ensuring that the new leaders deliver on promises. We are also committed to our equally important, ancillary goal of preventing any form of alliance with Saraki, and to ensure that a new menace does not emerge in the place of the old another among the new leaders. So strong is our resolve in this that we would constantly follow up with every political office holder, to ensure that they deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Therefore, this article is to recognize individuals mentioned above and appreciate all young people, stakeholders and elders that I couldn’t mention here, for their short and long term contributions to the struggle for the liberation of Kwara and also to remain focus until last person in Kwara enjoy the dividend of democracy. May the Almighty God continue to protect us and give us wisdom to manage the victory. Amen

*No Justice in Saraki Dynasty After The Death of Baba Oloye, Says Hon. Bola Oba-Aluko As He Joins APC*


One of the decampees from PDP to APC in Kwara State, Hon. Bola Oba-Aluko has disclosed that there is a lot of injustice in Saraki dynasty under the leadership of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

The former councillor for Badari Ward in Ilorin West said he cannot point out major achievement in his community.

Hon Bola Oba-Aluko lamented that the present administration in Kwara is shortchanging political office holders compare to other states.

While narrating his ordeal in Saraki dynasty, Oba-Aluko lamented that there is no justice in P.D.P, no justice in SARAKITE after the death of Dr. Olusola Saraki the father of the present Senate president.

His words: ''I have been a SARAKITE for over twenty years, I cannot point out major achievement in my community, my ward, my local government and there is no development in kwara state generally.

'' I was a former councillor and one of the principal officers in Ilorin west local government, before I left the office, my salary for eight months was withheld, my furniture allowance was not paid, my severance allowance was not paid and finally my salary arrears was not paid because councillors in kwara state were short-paid compared to other states.

''I was an aspirant who suppose to be voted for in this coming House Of Assembly election but my candidature was withdrawn after I have done affirmation with the INEC and party executives because i was not from royal family but today, glory be to God Almighty I am now with the winning team Insha Allah.''

He described Bukola Saraki as a self centred leader who can sacrifice any of his supporter's interest to achieve personal goal.

Insisting that ''there is no justice in P.D.P, even if you suffer for them for hundred years, they will definitely negotiate you with somebody that doesn't have voter's card or somebody that doesn't have electoral value just because of their selfish interest. My people,GOD has spoken and kwarans have decided.''


The former councillor therefore appealed to kwarans to vote wisely and elect all A.P.C candidates during governorship and House of Assembly election on Saturday.

Serving PDP Councillors Dumps PDP To Join APC in Kwara


No fewer than 15 Serving PDP councillors in Kwara State yesterday dumped the ruling party People Democratic Party (PDP) to join All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of governorship and state assembly election that is coming up in 4 days time.

The councillors drawn from five out 16 local government areas of the state said they defected to APC inline with direction of the masses, noting that they were elected under the party's platform in November 2017. And it is just like backed home.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Hon Suleiman Toheed representing Ajanaku Ward in Moro local government area “explained that the current PDP administration has failed us and the people of the state in all ramifications”

Hon Suleiman Toheed said “we are tired of lies and poor performance of the incumbent administration in the state and as result we can not be left behind in building better and brighter kwara”

“everybody are complaining about the political hegemony in Kwara state because the system has not bring positive change to kwarans”

Hon. Suleiman promised on behalf of defected Councillors to mobilise electorates in their various wards to vote en masse for all APC candidates in Saturday's election.

They also pledged their special support for AbdulRahman as governorship candidate of the party in Kwara state, stating that he has good plans for the kwarans and state at large consider his antecedents.

They hinted that more serving councillors will join APC before Saturday’s election.

Receiving the decampees Dr. Alimi Abdulrasaq, the brother of APC governorship flagbearer assured thrm that they will not regret their decision.

Dr. Alimi Abdulrasaq disclosed that his brother when elected he will ensure that local government have their autonomous which will definitely reflected in the performance of Councillors as government at the grassroots,to be more functional and efficient.

He urged all the councillors to mobilise electorates to vote Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq and all APC state assembly candidates in Saturday’s elections.

The defected councillors are: Adam Tsado, Edu, Ogundele Segun, Isin, James Kayode, Ilorin East, Aremu Jamiu, Moro, Olorunrinu Suleiman, Ilorin South, Omolara Sanni, Isin, Adebayo Olatayo, Isin, Saheed Abdulwasiu, Isin, Saheed Musbau, Isin, Adeyemi Oladele, Isin, Suleiman Toheer, Isin, Ishola Seunayo, Isin.

All the councillors from Isin local government area are now APC members.

Kwara Youth accuses Saraki of financial inducement of youth groups.

The President of the Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum and the Secretary of the APC Presidential Youth Mobilisation Committee in Kwara State, Charles Olufemi Folayan has alleged Dr. Bukola Saraki of throwing around money to various youth groups to buy their conscience towards the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State

Folayan stated this in a statement released on Sunday, He said we have received reports that Saraki allegedly dolling out money ranging from 2 to 5 Million Naira for various youth groups in the State after his loss at the Presidential Election.

It’s sad that this report shows that Saraki has not repented from his way of inducing people with money and material things to buy their conscience and keep them under his rule perpetually, Unfortunately for him, majority of Kwarans are wiser and will never fall in his trap again.

I wish to use this opportunity to urged the Youth of the State to see the money currently been thrown around through Saraki mandate office as the return of little out of Kwara wealth that was carted away, we must not give in to his antics and also educate our parent to secure our future by refusing to fall in their trap.

Kwarans must reject the money bag politics that turned Saraki to a mini god over us in the first place and note that the total liberation of Kwara State through the enthronement of Abdulrasak Abdulraman is the only guarantee for sustainable wealth, prosperity for all and the development of Kwara State.