'I lost my husband... No one to help, so I started driving a tricycle to cater for my four children'.

Meet Comfort Etuk Ojo, a widow with four children, who drive a commercial tricycle for a living.
Comfort is a student of Kwara State University, Malete.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DHuO_zu4dk&t=10s

Lai Mohammed says Lagos #EndSars panel report is tales by moonlight, not reliable.

Igboho under extradition procedure back to Nigeria - DSS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9MmU6Zq6ws

Gunmen raze Police Station in Imo. kill cop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9MmU6Zq6ws

News Update: November 23, 2021

According to The Police, “he is equally suspected to have been robbing victims in Minna and its environs with the wooden carved gun, jackknife and the axe”.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9UvZhNCZB4

A 24-year-old man, Emmanuel Dominic, was arrested over alleged armed robbery and impersonation of a soldier of the Nigerian Army in Minna, the state capital.

Dominic was nabbed by the police dressed as a soldier attached to TRADOC, Minna, when he went to secure the freedom of his friend from police custody.

Some of the traders alleged that the market was shut under the instruction of the daughter of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, who doubles as the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo who allegedly demanded the sum of N5m before reopening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN_Yli5JFmU

The University of Ilorin has expelled the 400 level student of Microbiology who assaulted his lecturer, Mrs Zakariyah.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cae3PZSVgE

Is this how the dream of these young, energetic, vibrant, ambitious and ever-ready-to-learn pupils would become a mirage? A young girl of age 11-year-old who has the zeal and passion to become a great person in the nearest future lamented how sad she always feels any time rain falls and when the scourging sun comes out. She expressed her displeasure towards the current condition of her school. The young girl felt reluctant to respond to questions, as brilliant as she is, she reacted as if nothing good could be done to change the narrative
The Informant247

Adeshola Ester, a primary six pupil said, “My parents are into trading. My mother is planning to be selling Charcoal and palm oil. My parents are always in support of ensuring that I get quality education. Although they’re not rich, they are very supportive. Whenever, I am in school especially early in the morning, I always feel cold because we have been learning under the tree. We couldn’t make use of our classroom because it doesn’t have roof and windows.

“This is how we have been learning for more than 3 months. Each time rain starts falling, the Headteacher will tell us to go home. We couldn’t wait in the rain because our clothes will be wet. So, we usually run home. We are not always happy when the rain falls, because we know it will definitely affect that day’s class activities.”

Another pupil who wants to become a teacher cried out to the government to come to their aid. He narrated how they used to learn under the trees where there is nothing to cover them come rain and sun.

Soliu Quadir, who lives very close to the school, said, “My parents are into trading. My ambition is to become a teacher and impart knowledge to the younger ones. I plead with the government to as a matter of urgency help us repair our school.”

The state of Eyenkorin Budo Oke L.G.E.A School is quite deplorable. The school has three buildings, one was built by the government, the second was built by an NGO in 2005, and the last one, still under construction, is a community self-funded project.

However, findings revealed that the roof of the classroom built by the government was blown away by windstorm early this year. And since March 1, the pupils have been learning in this poor and unconducive environment. Although, the community leaders in the area and the headteacher of the school said they have written to the state government on many occasions but they haven’t received any positive response from the government.

Nothing is good to write about the school. Many of the pupils sit on the bare floor, there is little or no seat that could accommodate all the pupils. What this school needs at the period is complete renovation as well as provision of learning materials.

In fact, it was a rainy day when our correspondent visited the school. One of the school officials who pleaded not to be named confirmed to us that we were so lucky to still see very few of the pupils around as the majority of them had left to their various homes. It was on a Tuesday morning when the pupils were expected to be in class but unfortunately, these young pupils were deprived of qualitative education as a result of the dilapidated infrastructure in their school.

This sole act that deprived these little children right to quality education is not in conformity with the agenda of SDG 4 which centered on the provision of quality and free education for all without any discrimination or exception.

The goal aims “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

In a developing state like Kwara, children from the poorest households are up to four times more likely to be out of school than those of the richest households. The children who are from wealthy homes would not near such an environment where pupils hold classes under the trees. Also, the disparities between rural and urban areas remain high.

So, achieving inclusive and quality education for all, reaffirms the belief that education is one of the most powerful and proven vehicles for sustainable development. This goal ensures that all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary schooling. It also aims to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, to eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access to a quality higher education.

Aiming to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes, it further offers provision for 12 years of free, publicly-funded, inclusive, equitable, quality primary and secondary education – of which at least nine years are compulsory, leading to relevant learning outcomes – should be ensured for all, without discrimination.

The education facility of Budo Oke LGEA is nothing to write about. The environment is not safe for the pupils. The pupils are exposed to intense cold, which may result in serious ailments if something is not urgently done to it. Also, the little kid lives are likely endangered to onslaught, snake bites and others because they receive classes in an open field.Inside Kwara primary school where classes hold under trees
The fourth goal aims to build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitivity and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.

This target addresses the need for adequate physical infrastructure and safe, inclusive environments that nurture learning for all, regardless of background or disability status.

At present, the teachers working at Budo Oke LGEA School is enough and obviously qualified, this meanwhile stays in conformity with the goal that calls for substantially increased supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States.

However, despite the presence of enough teachers, they expressed concern about the deplorable state of the school’s infrastructure. One of the teachers, while speaking to our correspondent, revealed that whenever it rains, they usually hang around, which he opined will hinder the primary objective of passing knowledge to students. “No student will be focused and serious under this type of learning condition,” he expressed bitterly.

In an interview with the head of the Parent Teachers Association, PTA, Alhaji Solihu Ayinla, he expressed with bitterness obvious in his voice, “This has been a yearly experience. This school was built over 15 years ago. Since then, this is the one classroom the government has provided. It is with the help of an NGO that will have another classroom which was built in 2005. We have written to the state government, they keep on promising, but up till today, we haven’t seen them. We are still using this opportunity to implore the government to come to our aid.

“Since, the first rain started, that was when the pupils have been learning under the trees. Immediately rain falls you will see them going back home because there is no where they can stay. With the little we have done, we have spent up to N300,000, it remains planks to do the roofing. But we have exhausted our efforts. This is the major problem we are now facing in our school; may God help us.”

One of the community leaders when contacted, said, “There is no need to say much. As you can see this is the building we built by ourselves with the help of other community members. And this is where we have stopped because we don’t have enough resources to complete it. There is a structure the government had built for us over 30 years ago and since then, there are no additional blocks.

“As big as our community is, it ridiculous and sad to say we don’t have a standard primary school, talk less of secondary school. Not having these two belittle us in this community. Since the roof of this school was blown away, we have been looking for support from the government, and even wealthy individuals who could help us renovate the school.

“The land that we reserve for the school as an extension, from there some people will still want to take some portions from it because we haven’t built anything on it. If in my tenor as the community head, I have the good mind to leave the land, another person may not have that mind to leave when it comes to his reign. It is not possible for us to have the same mindset. If the person insisted he wanted to use 2 plots out of the land, there is nothing we can do about that. The way we have been monitoring the land is not easy. May God help us fulfill our intentions on the land so that we can achieve our aims at the end by making sure our children have access to quality education.”

The Informant247 News Nigeria

Rainstorm accompanied by a downpour wrecked havoc at the Gaa-Akanbi area of Ilorin, Kwara state on Thursday, April 15, 2020
Source: The Informant247

…says no deaths, blood clot recorded

The Nigerian Government has said no fewer than 8,439 cases of mild, adverse effects have been reported since it began to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine on March 15, 2021.

The government stated that cases such as pain, swelling at the site of the inoculation, body pains, and nausea have been reported.

Also, 52 cases of moderate to severe incidents of AEFI have been reported, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea headaches, dizziness, and allergic reactions.

It further revealed that five states have the highest records of the AEFI namely: Kaduna (970); Cross River (859); Yobe (541); Kebbi (511) and Lagos (448).

The government however added that there has been no record of deaths and blood clotting.

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, made these known in Abuja at a briefing on updates on the status of covid-19 vaccination.

He said, “There has been no death from the administration of the vaccine. We have also not diagnosed any case of blood clots related to the administration of the vaccines.

“Nevertheless, we are working with NAFDAC, NCDC and other relevant agencies to set up a more active surveillance system built on our experience with polio surveillance.

“As of today, April 16th, 1,071,346 representing 53.2 percent of the eligible persons targeted with the Astrazeneca vaccine have been administered with their first dose in this vaccination phase.

“In many states, we have completed inoculating frontline health workers and are now offering vaccination to the elderly, particularly those that are 65 years and above.

“We are glad to be able to progress quickly and offer immunization to more members of the community. Our rollout has been marked by safety, efficiency, best practice and speed.”

The Country Representative of WHO, Dr. Walter Kazardi, added: “Till date, over 200 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered. About 182 cases of thromboembolic events with thrombocytopenia have been reported. If there is a causal link, the events are very rare and the risk is extremely low.

“More data from regions outside Europe and the UK is needed to fully understand the potential relationship between the vaccinations and blood clots with low platelet count.

“And no such events have been documented in Nigeria even as we have reached over a million population that has been vaccinated.”

COVID-19: FG says 8,439 Nigerians experience mild, adverse effects after vaccination – The Informant247

The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has narrated how the board lost over N10 million to fraudsters in 2020.

According to [urlhttps://theinformant247.com/jamb-loses-10m-to-scammers/]News Agency Nigeria[/url] (NAN), the registrar told reporters at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja on Wednesday that the fraudsters penetrated the board’s payment portal for ad-hoc staff.

He said the money, which was meant to pay JAMB Ad-hoc staff from the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, was hijacked by the suspected fraudsters.

Oloyede noted that the board investigated the illegality, tracked and finally apprehended 10 of the suspects in Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Abuja.

“We did not ask anyone to apply to be an ad-hoc staff on the site, we had already chosen them through recommendations from various agencies

“We only created the site just to pay them via a code that was assigned to them.

“However, these suspects gained access to the site, deleted the original account details and phone numbers, and inserted theirs.

“We paid N20, 000 each for accommodation per night and N100, 000 for flight tickets, depending on the location of each staff to go and work for that period.

“The payments ranged from N200, 000 to over N300, 000 per person. Yet, these suspected fraudsters after gaining access to the websites also inserted details for their family members.

“They didn’t go to partake in the exercise but ignored the messages sent from our domain.

“One of them, Saidu Zubairu collected over N3.7 million for himself because he inserted the account details of his mother, sisters, and other family members.

“We have not calculated all the monies they all have so far received but altogether, the amount will definitely sum up to more than N10 million.

“We have already paid the original owners, though it took us over a year to track the suspects, we finally apprehended them and I assure you the law will take its cause.’’

Oloyede said the board is ready to fight corrupt practices in its system, adding that some of the illegalities had prompted changes in the board’s mode of operations.

Zubairu, one of the 10 apprehended suspects, said he got the code for the site through his friend (presently at large) and indulged others.

He said: “I succeeded in changing the original details in the site and asked eight other friends of mine to do same and they confirmed receipt of payment afterward.”

Zubairu said he added the details of 12 family members to the site who were also paid above N300, 000.

He, however, pleaded that they are forgiven while promising to reimburse the money if given sufficient time.

Source The Informant247

The price of sachet water popularly known as ‘pure water’ has increased by 50% in Ilorin as the producers now sell a bag N180.

A bag of sachet water which was until recently N120.00 now sells for N180.00 while the retailers are selling a sachet for N15.00 as against the former price, N10.00.

Sachet Water Producers said the hike was due to inadequate power supply and the consequent increase in the cost of production in the Ilorin metropolis.

While justifying the hike, chairman of Hi Merit Water, Deacon Timothy Agboola was quoted saying the hike was due to inadequate power supply and the consequent increase in the cost of production.

“We have been producing at little or no profit. There is an increase in the cost of production materials and the diesel we are using to power our equipment does not come cheap.

“Our consumers should please understand that this is not our fault; it’s because we want to maintain our standard in producing clean water.”

Source: The Informant247

Islamic cleric, simply identified as Alfa Moshood, on Wednesday, allegedly beat up one of his students to coma for failing to take his bath and for stealing his locally made safe, popularly called ‘Kolo’.

The fourteen years old boy, speaking on the incident, said Alfa flogged him severely before instructing about sixty people who were around at that time in his Qur’anic centre at Ogidi, Opposite Federal College, Ilorin, to flog him ten strokes each while he was held down on a table by able-bodied men.

He furthered that he’s the first child of his mother and was enrolled in the Qur’anic centre by his mother, about a year ago.

Our correspondent gathered that the cleric ran away ever since the matter was reported at the National Human Right Commission, Kwara State branch.

A representative of the commission, Barrister Ahmed Rufai Ahmed commission informed our correspondent that the boy is presently on admission at Mamtiz hospital around Alhikimah University while efforts are in top gear to arrest the said Alfa.

Source: The Informant247

You can also read how police arrested the cleric: Police arrest Ilorin cleric who allegedly beat 14-year-old student into a coma

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested four teenagers over the alleged rape and murder of a Fulani woman in Esie, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Kwara State Command, Babawale Afolabi, the victim, Aishat Sanni was allegedly raped to death on Friday, April 2, 2021 at a farm in Esie by one of the suspects identified as Sodiq Adams, 19.

Other suspects arrested with Adams, are Rasaq Rasheed, 16; Lukman Quadri, 15; and Billiaminu Qayum, 16.

The NSCDC revealed that the suspects allegedly said they caught two Fulani women on a farm in the community stealing cashew nuts, but one of them escaped, while the other was arrested.

According to the NSCDC, Adams, who is the principal suspect, in order to have carnal knowledge of the victim, directed the three others to give the other woman, who escaped, a hot chase while he carried out his nefarious action.

It was gathered that while Adams was trying to rape the woman, she bit him in the hand and inflicted other injuries on him, while her neck beads also scattered at the scene of the crime.

The NSCDC added that the deceased was reported missing on April 2, 2021 by one Alhaji Musa Waziri, Secretary of the Fulani and Bororo at the Esie/Ijan outpost of the corps, adding that her body was later discovered on April 3, 2021 in the bush around 8.30am half naked and with cuts all over her body.

The NSCDC statement said, “Three out of the suspects, namely; Rasaq Rasheed, Lukman Quadri and Biliaminu Qoyum, confirmed in their statements that the prime suspect, Sodiq Adams, arrested a Bororo woman for allegedly stealing cashew nuts but she later escaped.

“Investigation revealed that Sodiq Adam’s convinced the other three suspects to run after the second Bororo woman, who ran away, so that he could have carnal knowledge of the one arrested.

“In the process of trying to rape the deceased, he was bitten in the left arm and bruises were inflicted on his neck by the late Aishat.

“Investigation further revealed that the other victim, who escaped, when asked about the whereabouts of the deceased, confirmed that she was captured by the prime suspect, Sodiq Adams.

The NSCDC said the case was later transferred to the homicide section of the Nigeria Police adding, “On getting to the scene of the crime with the prime suspect, some facts emerged;. “The place where the late Aishat sanni was killed was in full of her neck beads; and the clothes that Sodiq Adams wore were still with blood.”

Babawale Afolabi, who said that the case had been transferred to the police, said the command would carry out the prosecution of the suspects.

The Informant247

Kwara Football Academy (KFA), established by former Governor Bukola Saraki, was opened by the then President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou in 2005. The Academy’s focus is on skill development.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPzV6fhaDZk

However, after the administration of Bukola Saraki, his successors neglected this citadel of learning thereby forfeiting the numerous opportunities it could have offered the State, both in term of revenue and human capital development. #football #KFA #NIGERIA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPzV6fhaDZk

Watch full video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SVRhUbE_zs

Police pay N20,000 to attend "Naked Party" in Ilorin

Man, 60 rapes 10-year-old girl in Kwara

How Kidnappers of Turkish nationals in 2019 were arrested in Kwara

Court jails 29-yr-old for internet fraud in Ilorin.
...orders forfeiture of convict’s iPhone 5 and Dell Laptop


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SVRhUbE_zs

Crime and Oddities | The Informant247

The organised labour in Kwara state has commenced industrial actions, following the state government’s failure to honour its ultimatum on the payment of the new minimum wage.

The labour leaders had on given the state government 14-day ultimatum to start payment of the new national minimum wage at a press conference in Ilorin on September 28.

However, the State Commissioner for Information, Harriet Afolabi-Oshatimehin, responding to the ultimatum in a statement lastweek Wednesday, said the payment of the proposed minimum wage is not practicable for the local government workers.

"The challenge however has been how the Local governments can afford it. At the moment, all the local governments combined earn an average of N2.6bn monthly, including the 10 percent of their share of the IGR. Remarkably, the monthly wage bill of these local governments stands at about N2.5bn. These expenses, it must be stated, are based on the extant N18,000 minimum wage," the Commissioner stated.

She added that when the new minimum wage is considered, including the consequential adjustments, the wage bill will shoot up to around N3 billion, adding that the earnings of the local governments cannot afford such at this time.

"The government is committed to paying the minimum wage but it is pleading with the labour to accept a more reasonable scale which takes the total wage bill to less than N3bn.
We call for reasonable and practical steps to avoid a situation which will lead to the local government borrowing to pay salaries as was the case before this administration," she said.

Also, the governor had in March told labour leaders at a consultation meeting in Ilorin, the state capital, that he was ready to sign the deal if he would not be held responsible if the councils default, observing that the councils are at present struggling to pay the N18,000 minimum wage and even had to draw from their savings and IGR before paying February salary.

However, the labour unions unanimously urged him to sign the deal and leave the local government authorities to draw up the modalities to pay, including working with the government to weed out ghost workers, cleanse the payroll, and reduce the wage bill.

THE INFORMANT247 earlier reported that the state government, on Monday, secured an injunction at the National Industrial Court sitting in Akure against the planned strike.

However, THE INFORMANT247 learnt that the Court officials were not able to serve the labour leaders the injuction notice yesterday, thereby pasting it at a bill board in front of the labour house, in the state capital.

Meanwhile, the labour is yet officially respond to the injunction, though a top source contacted by our correspondent, who pleaded anonymity, said they didn't receive the court notice, vowing to proceed with the strike.

Source; The Informant247

The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara Axis, Salami Wasiu, on Wednesday, said the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) need total reformation, and not disbandment.

The reactions came on the heels of protests calling for the disbandment of the police unit in some states of the federation, including Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

The student leader, who condemned the incessant brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS, said the police department needs reformation.

Salami stated, “The mode of FSARS operation is sometimes illegal. I have, few months ago, reported them to the Commissioner for Police (Kwara) on the way they harass students at off-campus residential hostels and students’ communities.

“However, most of those clamouring for #EndSars are those doing illegitimate profession, those who are the reasons why the department was created.
“Thus, I don’t support the campaign to end SARS. Rather, the department should be reformed.”

Source: The Informant247

Young Nigerian rapper, Sanni Goriola Wasiu, better known as Lil Frosh has been arrested over an alleged battery of his girlfriend Gift Camille. It was learnt that the young rapper has been detained at Alagbo Police station, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

It would be recalled that Lil Frosh recently got signed into the DMW on September 24, 2020 after leaving his former label “Aloma Music Worldwide”. The 22 year old rapper's contract was, on October 5 terminated by his Record Label, Davido Music world, following accusations of battery and assault.

Camille’s brother, Michael, however, alleged that, that was not the first time Lil Frosh would physically harass the upcoming model, Camille. He made the allegation along with images of a badly bruised Camille Source: The Informant247

Read Also: [url=https://theinformant247.com/girlfriend-assault-davido-severs-lil-froshs-dmw-contract/ ]Girlfriend assault: Davido severs Lil Frosh’s DMW contract [/url]

The Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu, has given an order for the restriction of vehicular movement in Ondo state ahead of Saturday gubernatorial election.

According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Police Force(NPF) through their social, the restriction which is to take effect from 11:50 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday, October 10, for proper coordination of public order and safety during the election.

The police added that the order would prevent illegal arms circulation and movement of political thugs before and during the hours of the election.

He equally warned who might want to partake in snatching of ballot boxes, vote-buying among other forms of illegal activities capable of compromising the integrity of the electoral process to desist from such acts and urged citizens to move freely to exercise their voting rights, assuring that adequate security has been put in place to secure the public space for the election.

The statement reads: “The vehicular restriction order, among other things, is aimed at preventing political actors and trouble-makers from freely engaging in unpatriotic acts – circulation and use of illicit arms and hard drugs, movement of political thugs from contiguous States to Ondo State and disruption of the electoral processes, etc – which are inimical to the dictates of the electoral laws.

“The order is part of necessary sacrifices we all have to endure to nurture and sustain democracy in the country,” he added.

Source The Informant247

A meeting between the Kwara state government and organised labour unions failed to hold back the strike called by the unions.

As a result of the deadlock, the workers said the strike will start on Tuesday, October 13 as scheduled.

THE INFORMANT247 earlier reported that the labour leaders had given the state government 14-day ultimatum to start payment of the new national minimum wage at a press conference in Ilorin on September 28.

The labour leaders also rejected another round of workers’ verification and audit by the Government as condition for payment of minimum wage to the workers.

However, the state government, in a statement by the State Commissioner for Communication, Harriet Afolabi-Oshatimehin on Wednesday, said staff audit and verification of workers are part of its efforts to reposition the public service in the state and not a precondition for the payment of the minimum wage.

The governorment added that payment of the proposed minimum wage is not practicable for the local government workers.

The labour resolution, jointly signed by the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Aliyu Issa Ore, Ag state Chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ezekiel Adegoke and state Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council (JNC-TUS) Saliu Suleiman, after the meeting on Thursday read partly, "The Congress in session agreed to go on with the proposed industrial action if the state government refused to sign and implement the new minimum wage within the 14 days ultimatum given by the labour movement.

“The Congress in session agreed to call for an enlarged SEC meeting in order to sensitize and equip them for the industrial action.

“The Congress in session resolved to mobilise every member from all the affiliate unions towards the commencement of the strike coming up on Tuesday 13th October 2020.

“The leadership of the Labour unions will not call off the industrial strike until our demands are met.

“The leadership of the Labour movement assured workers in the state that they will not betray the confidence repose in us while the strike last.”

Source The Informant247

No fewer than two persons on Wednesday lost their lives while seven others were injured in multiple auto crash along Odota area in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

Some eye-witnesses told THE INFORMANT247 that the accident, which occurred at about 1:30pm, involved a tricycle; three vehicles – a truck , a commercial cab and a private car.

The unfortunate incident is attributed to brake failure from one of the vehicles.

Source: The Informant247 https://theinformant247.com/two-killed-7-injured-in-kwara-auto-crash/

Commissioner of Police Kwara State Police Command, Cp Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday, denied the presence of operatives of Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad in Kwara State.

The claim was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer
Kwara State Command, Sp Okasanmi Ajayi.

https://theinformant247.com/fsars-ban-kwara-police-denies-fsars-presence/

The police chief, further said the SARS in Kwara State Command is operating under sheer supervision of the Commissioner of Police, noting that the operatives lacks the statutory power to investigate cases and could only be seen on the street during emergency periods – robbery and kidnapping.

He however, referred the Kwaran residents to the previously released statement where searching and checking of phones and harassment of innocent citizens by police officers in the Command were banned and members of the public were charged to report any SARS operatives seen on patrol searching of citizens phones indiscriminately to the Commissioner of Police through the following numbers: 08125275046/08032365122.

Egbetokun also assured the people of his resolve to use any erring police officer as a deterrence, just like he did to the SARS operatives arrested recently for harassment and intimidation of two young men on emergency assignment.

The Informant247

Following the announcement of resumption of primary and secondary schools in Kwara state, the government has ordered the cancellation of 3rd term, THE INFORMANT247 reports.

It was also gathered that the government also directed schools to conduct 2nd term exam and use the average with 1st term to assess students for promotion to the next class, maintaining that no school should charge for 3rd term.

According to reliable sources, the government however promised to support the schools financially to meet up with safety measures.

The organised labour in Kwara State, on Monday, gave the State Government a 14-day ultimatum over non-payment of the negotiated new minimum wage.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed on September 28 by the state Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Aliyu Issa Ore; the Acting State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Ezekiel Adegoke; the Chairman Joint Negotiation Council, Saliu Suleiman.
https://theinformant247.com/minimum-wage-kwara-workers-threaten-strike-give-abdulrazaq-14-day-ultimatum/

In the statement, the labour leaders threatened industrial action if the governor failed to pay the new minimum wages and address other issues raised within the ultimatum period.

The statement read, “We observed that the State Government after the conclusion of the negotiation of the New Wage have refused to sign the agreement for immediate implementation to all categories or Workers of this state despite our several letters to this effect which was not properly responded to by the State Government.

“The congress, having critically analyzed the economic implication of the present situation on the agreed Minimum Wage, therefore demand for immediate signing and implementation of the already agreed Minimum Wage for all categories of Workers of the State and as well upward review of the negotiated minimum wage by 50% for Kwara State Workers.

On COVID-19 allowances, the labour unions said, “We condemned in strong term non-payment of COVID-19 allowance to the health workers at the frontline of battle against Covid-19 pandemic in the State.”

The labour union urged the pay the heath workers accrued allowances without further delay.

“It is on this note that the congress resolved that we should give the State Government fourteen (14) days ultimatum effective from today Monday 28 September to Monday 12th October 2020 with which to resolve all the demands mentioned above. Failure of which we have no other option to embark on industrial action to press home our demands,” it added.

In his reaction, the governor’s spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye expressed the government’s commitment to pay the minimum wage.

He said, “First and foremost, the Kwara State Government and labour unions have enjoyed a very cordial relationship for the past one year. That relationship has been based on mutual understanding and mutual show of good faith, and to that extent I want to say that negotiations are ongoing and both sides are showing good faith. That fine relationship will continue and I can assure you that there would not be any need for the unions to proceed on any industrial action.

“We commend them for their patience and for their understanding. Like I said, negotiations are ongoing and there would not be any need for any strike action because the two sides are showing mutual understanding. We’re showing good faith as a government, as we also commend labour unions in the state and the entire workforce in the state.

“Very soon there will be some pronouncements on the minimum wage.”

Source: The Informant247 Minimum wage: Kwara workers threaten strike, give AbdulRazaq 14-day ultimatum

The organised labour in Kwara state, on Monday, kicked against the state government’s refusal to pay accrued COVID-19 hazard allowance to frontline health workers.

The state government, in May, announced that medical doctors and other categories of health workers at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 in the state will be paid N25,000 daily.

https://theinformant247.com/labour-protests-kwara-govts-refusal-to-pay-covid-19-allowance-to-health-workers/

However, the labour leaders, in a statement jointly signed on September 28 by the state Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Aliyu Issa Ore; the Acting State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Ezekiel Adegoke; the Chairman Joint Negotiation Council, Saliu Suleiman, threatened industrial action if the governor failed to pay the health workers within 14 days.

The statement read in part, “We condemned in strong term non-payment of COVID-19 allowance to the health workers at the frontline of battle against Covid-19 pandemic in the State.

“We therefore as a matter of urgency urge State Government to appreciate extent of risk these health personnel put their lives and that of the families into, and pay their accrued allowances without any delay.”

Source: The Informant247; Labour protests Kwara govt’s refusal to pay COVID-19 allowance to health workers

The security agents have arrested two Nigerians and a Lebanese in Kwara state after the video of a human trafficking victim went viral.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3DsD4s4icc

The video footage of one Ms Ajayi Omolola, a 23 year old single mother, whose parents live in the Kwara State capital Ilorin, claimed she was tricked into travelling to Lebanon in the guise of engaging her as an English tutor. It turned out to be a case of human trafficking and slavery.

In a statement by the Governor's spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has condemned the rising trend of human trafficking in the country, calling it inhuman and unacceptable and warning that anyone caught should face the full weight of the law.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3DsD4s4icc

He said, “The Governor condemns this development in the strongest terms possible, and has immediately linked up with the security agencies to get to the roots of the matter. We are glad to announce that three suspects, comprising two Nigerians and the Lebanese referred to in the footage, have been arrested in connection with the case and the suspects are being interrogated. Apart from Ms Ajayi, discreet investigations by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State have revealed that there are at least 28 other victims of this horrible trafficking gang.

“The three suspects so far arrested are a Lebanese named Wasit Muhammad; one Olatunji Sanusi, a lawyer; and one Tunde. The gang also included one Joseph who is presently at large. The case is soon to be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). His Excellency, meanwhile, is also linking up with relevant federal government and international agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), to ensure that Ms Ajayi and others are released from this human bondage. He also commends the NSCDC for the great work so far done on this matter.

“The Governor is concerned that fellow human beings are engaging in another round of slavery despite the horror and unquantifiable loss of the 20th century. Kwara will never tolerate such inhuman and unlawful trade. He requests citizens to expose any of such activity they may know of. He also calls for the highest penalty for anyone caught in the activity, no matter their class in the society, to deter others from engaging in it.”
https://theinformant247.com/human-trafficking-2-nigerians-1-lebanese-arrested-after-victims-video-went-viral/

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday extended the suspension of 16 local government chairmen and their legislative committees, a decision premised on the ongoing investigation of the affected officials by the anti-graft body and a subsisting resolution of the House of Assembly.

Accused of alleged misappropriation of public funds, the officials were initially suspended for six months following a June 18 resolution of the Kwara State House of Assembly authorising the Governor to do so.

“In furtherance of the powers conferred on me by the said resolution of the Kwara State House of Assembly of 18th June 2019, I, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, hereby extend the suspension of the executive and legislative committees of all the 16 local government areas for another six months with effect from 18th December, 2019, pending the outcome of the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),” according to a legal instrument signed by the Governor.

The Governor noted that all the officials were indicted in the probe by the House of Assembly.

“The report of the State House of Assembly indicting the executive and legislative committees of the local government areas for misappropriation of public funds has been sent to the EFCC for necessary action and possible prosecution,” the instrument added.

“The members of the executive and legislative committees of the 16 local government areas are currently under investigations by the EFCC.”


Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
17th December, 2019

Kwara LG Bosses, Others slammed with Additional 6 Month Suspension - https://theinformant247.com/kwara-lg-bosses-others-slammed-with-additional-6-month-suspension/

A statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina revealed that a South Korean Auntomobile Outfit, Hyundai Engineering Company Limited has stated its resolve to establish a car plant, and also renovate petroleum refineries in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

While receiving the President/Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Engineering, Mr Chang Hag Kim, at State House, Abuja, Tuesday, 17th December, 2019 the President disclosed that Nigeria was committed to ensuring energy security in the country, “and the goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in the supply of petroleum products within the next three years.”

President Buhari expressed his joy over the proposal to set up Hyundai car plant in the country.

“We will collaborate and support to make the investment a reality.”

Mr Hag Kim said Hyundai Engineering Company, which hires about 15,000 engineers and technical staff globally, was willing to contribute to the development of the Nigerian economy.

“We have been building refineries worldwide. We have the biggest in South Korea, with 650, 000 barrels per day capacity. We are also in Venezuela, Iraq, and many other places. We would be glad to contribute our quota in Nigeria,” he added.

https://theinformant247.com/south-korean-company-to-set-up-car-plant-in-nigeria/

-Commiserates With Deceased Parents

The Informant247

The executive governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye has expressed sympathy with parents of the three NYSC members who lost lives in an auto mishap in Kano.

“Our sincere condolences go to the parents of the deceased NYSC members. We also commiserate with the Federal Polytechnic Offa community — from which the NYSC members graduated — on this very sad development.

We pray to the Almighty God to comfort the families and friends of the Corps members," Rafiu Ajakaye concluded.
- https://theinformant247.com/kano-auto-crash-gov-abdulrazaq-grieves-death-of-nysc-members/

The Kwara State High court has on Friday, 1st November, 2019 lain to rest the allegation of brutality against ex-scribe of Ilorin Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sulyman Abaya.

Watch the news:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaYEA3Gfvak