NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

All posts by 08138104637

General news

Kwara gets sexual assault referral centre

Kwara gets sexual assault referral center
By Toba Ajayi
Centre
Ilorin, Dec. 31, 2022 (NAN) The First Lady of Kwara and Founder Ajike People Support Centre,  Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has inaugurated the Ajike Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Ilorin.
Mr Olayinka Adeniyi, the Press Secretary to the wife of the governor, said in a statement in Ilorin on Saturday that the centre was inaugurated on Friday at the premises of the Kwara General Hospital, Ilorin.
Adeniyi said Mrs AbdulRazaq, while inaugurating the facility, noted that the spike in Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) incidents during the lockdown occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19, informed the declaration of state of emergency on SGBV, which necessitated adoption of protective laws nationwide.
She noted that such centres were imperative in order to provide support and care for SGBV survivors.
She expressed commitment in ensuring that some designated spaces within Civil Service Clinic and Children Specialist Hospital, both in Ilorin, would be equipped for operations in the New Year,  which would be replicated across the 16 local government areas of the state.
The first lady commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his kind disposition to the cause of women in the state.
“The first lady said such is evident in the Governor’s assent to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Gender Inclusion Bill,  and also reflected in the appointment of women and youths as state officials,” the statement said.
Mrs AbdulRazaq also commended the state Committee on SGBV, the Ministries of Women Affairs and Health, Hadis Foundation and other Civil Society Organisations for working relentlessly for the success of the project, supported by Ford Foundation.
“She further enjoined parents, partners and neighbours to eschew all manners of violence and encourage victims to speak out as this is deemed a veritable way to start their healing process.
“The first lady further noted that as partners in this drive, she enjoined men and boys to join their voice toward tackling SGBV.
“She gave the assurance that no stone would be left unturned to end incidents of gender based violence and bring succour to the victims in the state,” it said.
Hajia Maryam Hassana, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, appreciated the first lady for leading the fight against SGBV from the front.
Hassana also commended the Ssate committee on SGBV for amplifying awareness on the menace.
On her part, Mrs Zainab Salihu, the Representative of Hadis Foundation, highlighted the efforts of the foundation in the bid to rid communities of SGBV menace.
Salihu disclosed that the sexual assault referral was named in honour of Mrs AbdulRazaq in recognition of her contributions toward the protection and development of women and other vulnerable persons.
The inauguration of the centre was witnessed by members of the state executive council, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of Civil Society Organisations. (NAN)  (www.nannews.ng)
LEX/ISHO/MST
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General news

Yuletide: FRSC deploys 1,285 personnel in Kwara

Yuletide: FRSC deploys 1,285 personnel in Kwara

Deployment

By Toba Ajayi

Ilorin, Dec. 22, 2022 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara sector said it had deployed 1,285 officers to monitor road situations across the state during the busy yuletide season.

Mr Fredrick Ogidan, Sector Commander of the corps in the state disclosed this in Ilorin on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The commander said 643 regular marshals, 550 special marshals and 92 first respondents are placed on alert in various communities to aid free flow and safe movement of passengers and road users.

He assured that the personnel are mentally ready to offer their service to the public.

” Our men are everywhere on the road because we know the situation during this festive season.

“We launched our operation zero tolerance campaign at Offa On Tuesday Dec. 20 to sensitise drivers on road safety and ethics.

” Be safety conscious, avoid speeding, avoid overloading and consider others while driving, ” he said.

He advised drivers to always park and rest for 30 minutes after every four hours long journey to gain mental fitness.

“Every four hours on the road deserve 30 minutes rest before you proceed again. Your body needs rest. You are not a machine.

“Cultivate the habit of park and rest on the road. Do not be in a hurry to waste passengers’ life and your own life,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LEX/JPE

======

(Edited by Joseph Edeh)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General news

2023: NGO lunches e-platform to tackle electoral violence

2023: NGO lunches e-platform to tackle electoral violence
By Toba Ajayi
E-platform
Ilorin, Dec. 21, 2022 (NAN) The Webfala Digital Skills For All Initiative, an NGO, has launched an e-platform codenamed ‘NextElection’, to help prevent pre/post electoral violence in Nigeria.
The e-platform was officially launched in Ilorin on Wednesday at a Stakeholders Engagement organised by Webfala to address electoral violence in the country.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs Nafisat Bakare, described electoral violence as destructive, unfortunate and breakdown of law and order that should not be allowed to stand in Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to her, violence has always been a recurrent feature in Nigeria’s electoral process which requires urgent technological response to prevent it.
She said the platform can be used to report and track incidences of violence before, during and after election.
“As part of effort to build peace and ensure security during elections, we are today launching our e-platform.
“As active participants in the digital space, we believe technology can be used to fight violence during elections.
“NextElection is a platform designed to provide real time information, violence during elections using technology and data to support violence monitoring and mitigation efforts,” she said.
Bakare, however, advised the public to log on www.nextelection.ng to report incidences of electoral related violence in their respective communities.
The executive director assured that the organisation would embark on media advocacy to sensitise the public on how to make use of the platform and also educate them on dangers of electoral violence.
She tasked political actors and stakeholders in the country to be guided in their utterances and be committed to save Nigeria from election violence.
“Desist from hate speech, ungarded utterances, fake news, irresponsible actions that can instigate violonce in the country,” she urged.
She also called on the government to punish violators of electoral laws and processes rather than handling them with levity.
The Kwara Resident Electoral Commissioner, Malam Attairu Madami, commended Webfala for their initiative towards ensuring end to pre- and post-election violence in the country via technology.
Madami, who was represented by Mr Adamu Musa, the Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity,  INEC Kwara, called for collective efforts to achieve free and fair election in the 2023 general election.
Madami also solicited for cooperation from security agencies, journalists, traditional rulers, political actors and members of the public to achieve rancour-free polls.
“All hands must be on deck. INEC is ready to discharge and conduct the most transparent election in the history of Nigeria.
“We are working towards that. We also commend Webfala for coming up with this initiative. Technology is key to successful election,” he noted.
He however called on security agencies to be ready to discharge their duties effectively without fear or favour.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Council, Mr Abdulateef Ahmed, called for adequate deployment of security personnel with active tools to prevent election violence.
Ahmed also tasked journalists to discharge their duty objectively and desist from reporting fake news during the election.
“We are all stakeholders and must wake up to save Nigeria from evil doers. Be you security personnel, be you journalist, be you religious leaders, be you political party leader or youth leader. Everybody is a leader in his own right to rescue Nigeria,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event was “2023: Deploying Technology and Data to Report and Combat Electoral Violence”.
Representatives of all security agencies in the state attended the evemt along with other stakeholders from different agencies and ministries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LEX/BEKl/MST
Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General news

Group organises community outreach, cleanup

Group organises community outreach, cleanup
By Toba Ajayi
Environment
Ilorin, Dec. 13, 2022 (NAN) The Ilorin Global Shapers Community, an NGO, on Tuesday hosted the Ilorin Climate Action, tagged “Community Outreach and Cleanup”.
The event was held at the Alanamu Community and Sabo Oke Community of Ilorin West and  Ilorin East Local Government Areas, respectively, of Kwara.
The group had earlier organised a challenge on climate action to empower young people to create actionable solutions to local climate challenges in their communities for sustainable development.
The Ilorin Hub Curator, Mr Kehinde Akinsola, said Ilorin Global Shapers Community is a network of innovative young people that come together from diverse professional backgrounds driven to solve problems in their communities.
Akinsola challenged the general public to take actions that are going to affect our environment positively, noting that climate action is an inclusive step that requires contributions from everybody.
“We came to the community to make them know about the benefits of hygiene based on the research carried out on climate change and geographic information that Alanamu is liable to flood.
“I encourage the people of Alanamu community to take up from where we stopped. We urge our elders to encourage the young ones on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation,” he said.
He explained that volunteers were divided into a group of six to cover the entire community where each group comprised people from the host community to lead the volunteers on sensitisation and clean up.
One of the volunteers, Mr Bashir Atika, said the exercise is of great benefit to the host community, particularly in the aspect of health.
Another volunteer, Mr Shuaib Ajibola commended the initiative and urged the community to avoid climate disasters.
A youth advocate, Mr Beki AbdulQaudri, lauded Ilorin Climate Action Volunteers on behalf of Balogun Alanamu and the people of the community for finding the community worthy of this helpful initiative.
“On behalf of the Balogun and the people of Alanamu community, I extend our sincere appreciation to all the volunteers of Ilorin Global Shapers for finding our community worthy of this kind of helpful initiative that would help in preventing climate disasters,” said Abduquadri.
Also in attendance was Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Non-Governmental Affairs.
NAN reports that Ilorin Global Shapers Community was supported by Plogging Nigeria, Ilorin Club, Girl Up Evolve, The CEI Project, Nigerian Red Cross Society, NYSC SDGs CDS group and JCI Nigeria University of Ilorin.
Others were Green Globe Initiative (GGI), Meadows Community Development Outreach, Freedom Environmental Solutions, Kwara SDGs Office, Nigeria Police Force and World’s Largest Lesson. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LEX/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General news

KWACCIMA want governments to tackle insecurity for business growth

By Toba Ajayi
Businesses
Ilorin, Dec. 13, 2022 (NAN) The Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has urged governments at all levels to redouble efforts at tackling the nation’s socio-economic challenges to aid business growth and development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Ninth Kwara Trade Fair 2022, the President of KWACCIMA, Alhaji Olalekan Ayodimeji, said Nigeria is presently faced with myriads of economic and social challenges serving as obstacles to business growth.
“The issues of foreign exchange scarcity, the low purchasing power of citizens and the infrastructural challenges are further compounded by the spate of insecurity across the country.
“As business people, we are worried  but will remain resolute and undaunted in the face of all these challenges,” he said.
Ayodimeji however commended the state government for its efforts at ensuring a conducive business environment in the state.
He described the timing of the ninth trade fair as the best to show the world that Kwara is moving at fast pace.
The KWACCIMA president however called on the state government to establish industrial parks for growth of small and middle-sized enterprises because of their importance.
“KWACCIMA will want to reiterate our calls for industrial parks in the state. Industrial parks are paramount for the growth of small and middle-sized enterprises which are the main drivers of the state economy.
“These parks should be a place where raw materials can be processed from its raw form to its finished products, through value addition,” he said.
Ayodeji also called for a request of permanent trade fair ground in the state to help boost economic growth.
“We want to also seek your understanding and approval on our persistent request for a permanent Trade Fair ground.
 “Trade Fair ground is imperative. We thus appeal that your excellency approve a permanent trade fair ground for the chamber before the start of your second term in office,” he urged.
On the theme of this year’s trade fair, “Harmony through
Commerce”, the KWACCIMA president described it as an opportunity for businesses to meet to promote trade, share ideas about economy, make contacts and network for commercially and mutually beneficial relationships.
He however described the trade fair as reflection of the partnership of business, government and a high level of political support for the common objective of advancing economic growth and
development of the state.
Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq promised to continue to prioritise business and support business owners in the state.
The governor who was represented by the Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Yakubu Danladi, assured private and public investors to make Kwara business friendly state.
“Kwara is already moving fast businesswise and we will continue to do more and make the state attractive and conducive for more investors,” he said.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Mr Ibrahim Akaje, said the present administration was confronted with a huge financial burden caused by reduced federal allocation associated with growing expenditure profile.
According to him, the state government is doing all things possible to harness its resources, provide an enabling environment to encourage entrepreneurs, genuine investors and business minded people to establish and grow their businesses with ease.
The commissioner however commended the governormfor managing the limited available resources to rewrite the history of the state and turn around its fortunes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng.)
LEX/MAM/MST
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General news

Kwara Govt demands speedy completion of Jebba waterworks

Kwara Govt demands speedy completion of Jebba waterworks
By Toba Ajayi
Water
Ilorin, Sept. 30, 2022 (NAN) The Kwara Government has called for speedy completion of the ongoing construction of the waterworks in Jebba, Moro Local Government Area of the state.
The government expressed dissatisfaction at the pace of the contractor since the government has not defaulted on its part of the contractual obligations.
This is contained in a statement issued in Ilorin on Friday by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Adamu Saidu.
According to the statement, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Wahab Agbaje, on Thursday criticised he slow pace of the work during a visit.
Agbaje declated that the 72 per cent slow pace of the work was unacceptable and directed the contractor to buckle up.
The commissioner said the contractor handling the project needed to do more to meet government expectation, especially that “we have fulfilled our own part of the bargain”.
Agbaje was accompanied with a team of engineers, including the Director of Engineering Services, Mr Yusuf Wopa; representative of the Acting General Manager of the state Water Corporation, Mr Bamidele Sunday; Assistant Director Shehu AbdulRaheem; and Resident Engineer for the project, Mr Dotun Abioye.
The commissioner advised the contractor to prioritise some critical components of the project, including testing, loading of transformer, leakage testing, off site construction of motor panel, on-site installation of motor control panel, connection to consumers and inauguration.
He also enjoined the contractor to speed up the project before his next visit to meet the expectaions of the government and in compliance with the contractual agreement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LEX/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General news

AbdulRazaq sympathises with Patigi flood victims

Flood

By Toba Ajayi

Ilorin, Sep. 29, 2022 (NAN)  Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has sympathised with the people of Gbaradogi and Saachi communities in Patigi Local Government Area of the state over the recent flood disaster in the area.

 

The governor, during the inspection of the flooded areas at Patigi, expressed his administration’s sympathy with the Etsu Patigi and the people of Pategi over the damage caused by the flood.

 

A statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mrs Modupe Joel, said that the governor was represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi.

 

He reassured the flood victims of his administration’s continued support and intervention.

 

The Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar-Bologi, said since Patigi is a riverine area, flooding had become a recurring decimal in the area.

 

He noted that the flooding, triggered by rainstorm, ravaged Gbaradogi and Saachi communities, thereby caused massive destruction and displacement.

 

The traditional ruler, who appreciated the state government for its unrelenting support, appealed for quick intervention for the victim of the flood disaster. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LEX/BEKl/WAS

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Science & Tech

Kwara trains 117 persons on digital literacy

Kwara trains 117 persons on digital literacy
Training
By Toba Ajayi
Ilorin, Sept. 28, 2022 (NAN) Kwara Government says it has so far trained 117 persons for the implementation of digital literacy to support teaching and learning in the state.
Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), said this during the grand finale of the three-day Train-the-Trainers’ Workshop on Wednesday in Ilorin.
Adaramaja said that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq’s mission to train the participants was to enable the state to key into technology as a tool to support teaching and learning.
He said that the participating teachers and security personnel were drawn from the 16 Local government Areas of the state.
“The growth of any nation depends on its technological development.
“Developed countries, such as South Korea, U.S., Japan, Russia and others, all developed through technology.
“Nigeria as a nation cannot continue to rely on oil.
“We need to key into technology. The world is now a global village.
“Our governor is aiming towards making Kwara first technology wise in the country.
“We want everybody to be path of the technological project,” Adaramaja said.
He urged the participants to be committed to the training and take technological revolution to their various centres.
He further urged them to pass the knowledge to students in their schools and centres in order to make Kwara first.
“We want our students to compete globally without any doubt.
“We are selecting you to take the technology gospel to your various centres and pass it on to the upcoming generation.
“Count yourself lucky to have been selected.
“Grab the opportunity with both hands and discharge your duty effectively,” the SUBEB boss said.
He said there were 39 centres across the state where the participants would be able to train students.
He advised the security personnel to be faithful and diligent in their job in order not to land themselves in trouble.
He further urged them to be regular at work in any centres they would be posted to.
“Stay where you are posted. You are to protect our computers at various centres.
“Don’t run away from work.
“You will be held responsible when you are not on ground to monitor our computers,” Adaramaja said.
The National Coordinator of the training, Mr Oriyomi Olukumbi, charged the participants to tick every box and think wide to effectively influence the students.
Olukumbi said the target was to ensure that E-learning had come to stay and enable students from the state to compete globally.
He commended the governor for sponsoring the training to ensure that technology got deep rooted in Kwara in the nearest future.
NAN reports that the theme of the training is “Technology as a panacea for improving learning outcomes’’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LEX/FAT/USO
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Sam Oditah

Politics

2023: Do not sell your conscience for peanuts – Cleric

2023: Do not sell your conscience for peanuts – Cleric
By Toba Ajayi
Election
Ilorin. Sept. 28, 2022 (NAN) Ahead of the 2023 general election, Mr Johnson Olabode, the Presiding Pastor of Jointheirs Bible Life Church International, Ilorin, has advised Nigerians against selling their conscience for peanuts.
Olabode, who gave the advice in Ilorin on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN), said money will be used as bargaining tool by politicians to buy votes.
According to him, most people are fond of trading their conscience for stipends, forget the suffering of the past and mortgage their future.
“Do not trade your conscience for money and start regretting your actions in the future.
“Politicians will come with their evil money and try to lure you on election day. Think twice before you accept any attractive offers that will put you in mess for eight years,” he admonished.
The cleric said most people in the country lack political education and can be easily deceived by politicians and their agents.
Olabode also counselled the public not to allow politicians to cause division amongst them through their religious and ethnic campaign.
“Stop being fooled by anybody. They will use religion and ethnicity to brainwash you when they need your vote. Don’t fall into their trap,” he advised.
The cleric also urged journalists to sensitise the public on political education to save the country from economic woes.
He also advised church leaders to focus more on winning soul for Christ, rather than focusing on politicking on the altar. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LEX/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General news

2023: Court strikes out Kwara APC’s suit against NNPP

2023: Court strikes out Kwara APC’s suit against NNPP
By Toba Ajayi
Politics
Ilorin, Sept. 22, 2022 (NAN) A Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin on Thursday struck out a suit filed by the Kwara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the New Nigerian Peoples  Party (NNPP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Shuaib Oba-AbdulRaheem.
The court struck out the suit following a notice of withdrawal of the matter filed by the Counsel to the APC, Mr Suleiman Ibrahim.
In his submission on the withdrawal notice, the lead counsel to the defendants, AbdulGaniyu Bello, urged the court to dismiss the matter with substantial cost for non-compliance with Order 50 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rule, 2019.
Responding, Counsel to the APC, relying on same Order 50 of the rules of the court, maintained that the Order had been substantially complied with and urged the court to discountenance  the submissions of the defendants’ counsel and obliged his prayers by striking out the matter with no cost awarded.
In his rulling, the presiding judge, Justice I.M. Sanni, struck out the suit and awarded a N30,000 cost against the plaintiff.
The second defendant (NNPP) and the fourth defendant (Oba-Abdulraheem) were represented by Abdulganiyu Bello, Prof. Ibrahim Abikan and Mahmud AbdulRaheem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LEX/BEKl/MST
Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Muhammad Suleiman Tola