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General news

NAN must continue positive propagation of Nigeria to enhance investment —- Kwara Gov.

NAN

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Ilorin, May 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara says the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) must continue in the task of propagating Nigeria well to help attract more investment to the country.

AbdulRazaq said this while receiving the agency’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, on Tuesday in Ilorin.

“NAN has always propagated Nigeria at the sub-national, national and international levels as the voice of Africa, and this is why NAN has never been brought to disrepute.

“You cannot go wrong by listening to NAN.

“Obviously, NAN’s mandate then in 1976 when it was set up and up till now is to propagate Nigeria at the sub-national, national and international levels.

“One will recall that moments after 1976, during the apartheid era, Africa did not have a voice. The voice of Africa then was NAN,’’ the governor said.

He urged NAN to continue to propagate Nigeria so much as to help in propagating Nigeria to enhance investments and attract more investors to Nigeria.

“NAN is an investment tool for Nigeria and we in Kwara in particular are looking forward to working with the agency,’’ AbdulRazaq added.

He then urged NAN to strengthen its ties and operations across all the levels, assuring that Kwara was ready to collaborate with NAN.

The governor commended the agency for planning to open district offices in Omu-Aran and Kosubosu in the Kwara South and Kwara North senatorial zones of the state respectively.

“Who would have thought of Kosubosu, which is next to Chikanda, and from Chikanda the next place is Benin Republic? So, this tells you that NAN’s footprints are all over the place.

“If you go to the remote places, you will get all the right information,’’ he said.

Earlier, the NAN Managing Director had commended Gov. AbdulRazaq for his giant strides in developing infrastructure, healthcare and workers’ welfare, among several other projects in the state.

“Since yesterday (Monday) that we arrived in the state, we have noticed a huge repositioning in the whole state.

“This means your re-election is a testimony of what you did in your first tenure.

“Also, your re-election has helped to lower the political temperature in Kwara,” he said.

Ali, while explaining more about NAN to the governor, pointed out that the agency is the only News Agency from Africa that is resident in the United Nations.

“We are present in all the 36 states of the country, and in Kwara we have a 12-man team.

”We hope that with the support of the state government, our plan to re-open our district offices in Kosubosu and Omu-Aran will come to fruition.

“We will take you as a natural ally of NAN, which prides itself on the slogans ‘if you talk to NAN, you are talking to all’ and ‘no one knows Nigeria better’.

“So, with NAN, you can be rest assured that your trumpet which you are reluctant to blow will be blown to a high level,’’ the NAN Managing Director said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AGF/OIF/OLAL
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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Olawale Alabi)

 

General news

Impressive UTME scores from Kwara schools excite Gov. AbdulRazaq

Scores
By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Ilorin, April 4, 2024(NAN)Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara is excited over reports indicating that students from across public and private schools in Kwara are recording impressive results in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, indicated that the governor is particularly happy with the marks scored by Master Samuel  Oluwasemilore of Government Secondary School, Omu Aran.
Ajakaye scored 358 in the test.
The statement quoted the governor as particularly congratulating the 30 students of Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, who scored between 355 and 300 marks.
“We are proud of achievements like this; they serve as shining examples for younger ones to work harder, be at their best in their studies, and make their parents and community proud.
“We are also excited that these are not isolated successes in our education sector, coming just few weeks after Kwara represented Nigeria on the global stage at the World School Debate in Singapore, among other feats.
“I assure the good people of this state that we will continue to beat our own record in this critical sector.
“Our KwaraLEARN programme is yielding impressive results already; the state executive council recently approved statewide coverage for the tech-based learning programme.
“The next few years will yield awesome learning outcomes. Soon, we will launch a first-of-its-kind Kwara Education Trust Fund to inject more resources and strengthen accountability in the sector,” the statement quoted the governor as saying. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AGF/ETS
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Religion

3,102 intending pilgrims from Kwara to perform 2024 hajj – Board

Hajj
By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Ilorin, April 28, 2024 (NAN) Kwara State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, on Sunday, said a total of 3,102 intending pilgrims from the state would perform the 2024 hajj.

The board’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, disclosed this at an orientation programme and special prayer for the intending pilgrims in Ilorin.

Abdulkadir said that the programme would enable the intending pilgrims to know the dos and donts of the exercise to be performed in Saudi Arabia.

“All the intending pilgrims are first-timers and we have to enlighten them on dos and donts of the holy land.

“It is not good to go to the holy land without knowing what to do there; it’s as good as wasting your money.

“Insha Allahu, by next Saturday, our fathers in Islam will be on ground to enlighten them more on how to perform tawaf and other hajj rites,” Abdulkadir said.

He, however, said that 100 intending pilgrims would not make the journey, as they could not pay the balance of their fares, amounting to N1.9 million each.

The chairman warned the intending pilgrims against carrying prohibited items into the holy land, saying anyone found wanting would face the wrath of the law.

Abdulkadir listed the prohibited items to include: kolanut, large quantity of dry pepper and more than $10,000 cash.

He said that barring any last minute change, intending pilgrims from the state would be transported to the Saudi Arabia on May 20.

Leading the prayer, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Bashir Mohammad-Solihu, urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace and security of Nigeria while in the holy land.

He also advised them to fear God and forgive their offenders so that they too could be forgiven by God. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AGF/NB/WAS
Edited by Nabilu Balarabe and ‘Wale Sadeeq

General news

Kwara: Police assure residents of safety amidst jail break in Niger

Kwara: Police assure residents of safety amidst jail break in Niger

Security

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Ilorin, April 28, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Kwara has reinforced security measures, deployed additional manpower to key locations in response to a recent jail break in neighboring Niger State.

This is contained in a statement signed by the the Command Spokesperson, DSP. Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Sunday in Ilorin.

She said that the command is working closely with the relevant agencies to ensure the safety and security of the state.

“On the 24th of April, 2024, there was a heavy rainstorm which occurred at night and extensively damaged part of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, leading to the escape of 118 inmates. 

“The breach in the perimeter fence caused by the downpour facilitated the escape, as reported by an official of the Nigeria Correctional Service, ACC Abubakar Umar.

“In response to this incident, the Nigerian Correctional Service promptly activated its recapturing protocols and so far has successfully recovered 13 of the escaped inmates. Collaborative efforts with other security agencies are ongoing to recapture the 105 fleeing inmates.

“As a neighboring state, the Kwara state police are fully aware of the security implications of such an incident, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, has assured that the command is on high alert and is working closely with the relevant agencies to ensure the safety and security of our state.

Ejire-Adeyemi quoted CP Olaiya as assuring the public that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent any attempt by the escaped inmates to enter or cause harm within the state. 

“Patrols have been intensified along the border areas, and surveillance has been increased in vulnerable locations.

“We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

“Together, we can maintain peace and security in our communities.

“The Kwara State Police Command remains committed to its mandate of protecting lives and property and assures the citizens of its readiness to respond swiftly to any security challenges,” Olaiya added.

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the command control room is available 24/7 everyday of the week, urging residents  to please call any of the numbers if they notice any suspicious person(s) or movements on the numbers –  07032069501 or 08125275046. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AGF/VAO

Edited by Vincent Obi

General news

Abdulrazaq appoints Oloriegbe as Kwara Ameerul-Hajj for 2024

Abdulrazaq appoints Oloriegbe as Kwara Ameerul-Hajj for 2024

Hajj
Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Ilorin, April 24, 2024(NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has appointed Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe as the Ameerul-Hajj and the leader of the state’s contingent for 2024 holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin.
“Kwara has at least 3,102 pilgrims for 2024 Hajj, one of the highest in the country.
“The choice of the senator is borne out of his experience and networks as a Muslim community leader.
“The government believes that the senator will deploy his knowledge and understanding of the terrain to ensure improved coordination and efficiency for the exercise,” he said.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AGF/CHOM/ ABI
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ali Baba-Inuwa

General news

Kwara starts renovation of Primary Healthcare centres

Centres
By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Ilorin, April 23, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Government has started renovating five additional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state with a view to improving access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency,
Dr Nusirat Elelu, made this known on Tuesday while performing a symbolic project site handover to various contractors for immediate actions.
The affected facilities are Bode PHC (Baruten); Obbo Aiyegunle PHC (Ekiti); prototype Fufu PHC (Ilorin South); Ojagboro PHC (Ilorin East) and Balogun Afin PHC in Ilorin South Local Government Area.
“The project is being funded with the N231,710,000 Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge award of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), which Kwara won last year.
“The Healthcare Leadership challenge is funded by UNICEF.”
Elelu said work would commence immediately on the five health facilities following the conclusion of the procurement process.
“Today, we are here for the site handover at the conclusion of the procurement process for qualified vendors that are going to take possession and renovation of these five primary healthcare centers,” she added.
She explained that the project is categorised into two phases, with the first phase expected to be delivered within six weeks.
She also said that a project team from the Ministry of Health and the agency would jointly embark on periodic monitoring to ensure quality service delivery.
The executive secretary charged benefiting communities to take ownership and ensure they put those facilities into good use to achieve the set objectives.
She commended UNICEF and other development partners for identifying with the state government to develop infrastructure and create comfort in many key sectors.
Mr Zubair Sulu-gambari, the TIC Chairman for Ilorin South Local Government, appreciated the state government for finding two PHCs under Ilorin South worthy of intervention during his tenure of office.
He encouraged the communities to reciprocate the kind gesture by protecting the facilities, which he noted will largely serve their interest .
The Balogun Afin of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Yusuf, and Baale of Fufu, Alhaji Issa Zubair, in their separate remarks, expressed gratitude to the government for the projects, noting that “this further attests to the priority the administration accords to our welfare.”
Mr Raji Taofeek, the Project Manager, FESOL Concept Nig Ltd, who spoke on behalf of the company, assured the government and people of Fufu community quality jobs in six weeks.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AGF/HA
General news

Kwara Govt shuts abattoir for fumigation over suspected meat poisoning 

Fumigation

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Ilorin, April 21, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Government on Sunday temporarily shut the abattoir at Mandate Market in Ilorin to allow for fumigation and general cleaning of the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development followed suspected meat poisoning reported in the facility.

Dr Abubakar Ayinla, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, said the step was part of efforts to protect members of the public from the incident.

According to him, the abattoir will be reopened on Wednesday.

“This is an update to the earlier report on the development at the popular Mandate Market.

“Kwara State Government officials and experts have arrived earlier this morning at the Mandate Market to put in place measures to protect the public amid rumours of poisoned cow meat.

“The team has immediately confiscated all the suspected meats for laboratory tests and confirmation of claims after initial engagements with the Mandate Market stakeholders.”
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AGF/MAM/IA

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Idris Abdulrahman

Health

Kwara begins polio immunisation

Kwara begins polio immunisation
Immunisation
By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Ilorin, April 20, 2024 (NAN) Kwara Government on Saturday launched new round of polio immunisation for children under the age of five years.
Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), said that the exercise is the second in series,  expected to cover every nook and cranny of the state.
Elelu, who said that the immunisation would be conducted from April 20 to April 23, urged parents, religious houses and schools to get the target children vaccinated within the stipulated time.
She explained that “the vaccine is safe. I enjoin parents, caregivers, religious houses, schools, Qur’anic institutions to make eligible children available for vaccination as the teams move from house to house, markets, religious houses and schools.
“Children from zero to five years are expected to be vaccinated, irrespective of their previous vaccination status. The vaccine is safe and does not have an overdose.”
She said poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that largely affects children under five years, adding that “the virus can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route or, less frequently, by contaminated water or food.
“The virus multiplies in the intestine from where it can invade the nervous system and cause irreversible paralysis.”
The executive secretary said that though Nigeria has been certified polio-free, there is need to sustain the feat by boosting the immunity of eligible children through supplementary and routine immunisation.
She explained that the Kwara Government had continued to partner development partners such as WHO, UNICEF and the NPHCDA to sustain the immune system of citizens.
According to her, at least 2,034 vaccination teams will be going from house to house to carry out the exercise.
She said the agency recorded a huge success during the last polio campaign, which covered at least 1.5 million children of the age bracket across communities, attributing the outcome to support of the state government.
She commended the commitment of development partners and health workers who participated in the first round of the campaign, while seeking improved dedication in the current event.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
AGF/HA
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
General news

Al-Hikmah University has zero tolerance for misconduct – VC

Matriculation

Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Ilorin, April 19, 2024(NAN)The Vice -Chancellor of Al-hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Noah Yusuf, says the institution has zero tolerance for  acts of misconduct.

Yusuf  said this at the 19th Matriculation Ceremony of the university  on Friday in Ilorin.

He warned that there were appropriate sanctions for acts of misconduct, urging the matriculating  students to abide by the institution’s  laid down rules and regulations.

“I ,therefore, admonish you to shun all acts of social vices such as improper dressing, cultism, examination malpractices, violence and demonstration.

“Also desist from theft, armed robbery, and other civil disturbances that may threaten the smooth running of academic activities and calendar of the University”, the VC said.

He advised the matriculating students to get familiarised with  Students’ Code of Conduct and all the existing rules and regulations of the university.

 

Yusuf congratulated the new students and urged them to make the best of their time at the institution.

 

 

“Congratulations to all the matriculating students on their success in  the rigorous process of admission, which eventually culminated in their admission into this great citadel of leaming.

“It is pertinent to state here that
admission into the first and the best Islamic faith -based institution should be seen as a privilege and a golden opportunity”, Yusuf said.
⁵
The Vice -Chancellor said that 1,243 students matriculated during the 19th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Prof. Oguntola Alamu, lecturer at  the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osun State University, in his lecture, ,described education as an indispensable asset ,which increases knowledge, opens doors, improves skills and promotes enlightenment.

 

According to him, Nigeria deserves a modern and vibrant education system that ensures maximum development of the potential of individuals and promotes a knowledge-driven society that propels the nation’s development.

 

“There is no denying the fact that poor teacher motivation, poor remuneration, low morale amongst the teaching staff, inadequate facilities and deterioration in social norms coupled with inadequate funding of education inevitably leads to crisis in education.

“Also ,students bear the brunt of these failures owing to the conflict between them and  school administrators. Alamu added
(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

AGF/MAM/BHB

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Buhari Bolaji

General news

Court upholds election of community pharmacists union in Kwara

Judgment

By Afusat Agunbiade

Ilorin, April 18, 2024 (NAN) A High Court in Ilorin on Thursday upheld the 2023 elections of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kwara branch.

In his judgment, Justice M. Abdulgafar said the election which returned Mrs Munirat Bello as Chairman of the State Executive Council was conducted according to the association’s guidelines.

The judge, therefore, ordered the Upper Area Court to quash in its entirety the suit before it, filed on Dec. 6 by a chairmanship candidate in the election, against the association.

In addition, a cost of N50,000 was granted to the respondent against the plaintiff and payable to the association.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after the judgment, the Chairman of Kwara ACPN, Munirat Bello, said: “I feel delighted and excited that justice has been served at last.

”This is because it has to do with our Constitution and we look up to the court for justice and this is what has been served”.

She said the appellant was disqualified during the association election because he did not meet up with the guidelines of contesting.

Bello added that one of the guidelines of their constitution was that contestants for the position of the chairman must have served the society in any capacity.

She said the appellant had not served the society in any capacity, which made the screening committee disqualified him.

Efforts to speak with Oni, however, proved abortive as he declined to react.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AGF/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)