The Vine Reporters (2025)

07/12/2025

Kwara Shines as Nigeria Emerges Champion at Malaysia 2025 Championship

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Nigeria has been crowned overall champion at the Malaysia 2025 Championship, and the victory came proudly through the outstanding representation of Kwara State, whose delegation led the nation to global excellence.

The international event featured 16 countries, including China, Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Tajikistan, Cambodia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Nigeria.
Despite the stiff competition, the Nigerian contingent—powered by Kwara’s team—rose above all contenders.

This remarkable achievement has been widely attributed to the huge and strategic investment in education by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose reforms continue to strengthen the state’s human capital and global competitiveness. Stakeholders have described the victory as “a clear sign that Kwara’s education renaissance is producing international results.”

Leading the Kwara team were notable figures whose dedication made the victory possible:
• Prof. Rasheed Adaramaja, whose leadership and coordination provided a strong academic and strategic backbone.
• Hon. Lawal Olohungbebe, recognized for his mobilization efforts and unwavering support for student advancement.
•Mr. Babayemi Opeyemi, applauded for his contributions to training, preparation, and mentorship.
• Outstanding Kwara students, whose brilliance, discipline, and competitive spirit ultimately lifted Nigeria to the top.

Officials and observers praised the team for their exceptional performance, noting that Nigeria’s triumph reflects both the talent of the students and the progressive educational environment being fostered in Kwara State.

The win has sparked celebration across the state and the nation, with many describing it as a proud reminder that “Kwara to the World” is not just a slogan but a reality.

Nigeria stands tall. Kwara delivers victory.

02/12/2025

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA AS THE NEW MINISTER OF DEFENCE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday.

General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In the letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 2, 2025

01/12/2025

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Badaru Abubakar, Defence Minister, Resigns

Nigeria’s defence minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment, with immediate effect.

In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar said he was quitting on health grounds.

President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.

President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.

-Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 1, 2025

30/08/2025

*PRESS RELEASE

Over 4,000 Expected in Ijara-Isin Today as Oba Ademola Julius Hosts Mega TLK Voucher Empowerment Re-Launch

Ijara-Isin, Kwara State — The ancient town of Ijara-Isin is agog with excitement as the Olusin of Ijara-Isin, Oba Ademola Ajibola Julius, continues the re-launch of the innovative TLK Voucher System. The empowerment program, which began yesterday, reaches its peak today with a mega gathering expected to draw more than 4,000 people from across Isin Local Government Area and beyond.

The TLK Voucher System, introduced under the visionary leadership of the Olusin, is designed to bring both economic and social empowerment to the people. By allowing residents to use vouchers — equivalent to the Nigerian Naira — for the purchase of goods and services, the initiative keeps wealth within the community, supports local businesses, and promotes sustainable development.

Key Features of the TLK Voucher System:
• Denominations: Vouchers are available in 100, 200, 500, 5,000, and 10,000 units, equivalent in value to the naira.
• Usage: They are accepted by traders and service providers alongside naira for everyday transactions within the community.

Speaking on the significance of the re-launch, Oba Ademola Ajibola Julius affirmed that the program is “to the glory of God and for the empowerment of mankind.” He stressed that the voucher system is not just a financial innovation but also a platform to create opportunities, reduce poverty, and inspire unity among the people.

Community leaders, business owners, women groups, youth representatives, and stakeholders from across Isin LGA are expected to grace today’s mega re-launch. The event is set to mark another milestone in grassroots empowerment, positioning Ijara-Isin as a shining example of community-driven economic transformation in Kwara State and Nigeria.

Signed:
Stephen Awoyale
For the Olusin of Ijara-Isin

07/08/2025

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has urged candidates of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) who have previously checked their results to re-check after 24 hours.

A statement signed by Ag. Head of WAEC’s Public Affairs, Yaba, Lagos, Moyosola Adesina, on Thursday, explained that a technical issue was discovered during the internal review of the recently released results.

“The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) sincerely regrets to inform the general public of technical issues discovered during the internal review of the recently released results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC) 2025.

“As part of our efforts to curb examination malpractice, the Council embarked on an innovation (paper serialization) already deployed by a national examination body. It is also worth noting that this is in line with best practices in assessment. The paper serialization was carried out in Mathematics, English Language, Biology and Economics. However, an internal post result release procedure revealed some technical bugs in the results, “ the statement said.

It noted, however, that the Council has started a review to correct the technical glitches that led to the situation, noting that as a result, access to the WASSCE (SC) 2025 results has been temporarily denied on the result checker portal.

“The Council, being a responsive body that is sensitive to fairness and professionalism, has decided to urgently review and correct the technical glitches that led to the situation, as a result, access to the WASSCE (SC) 2025 results has been temporarily denied on the result checker portal,” it said.

The Council expressed regret over the hitches, adding that it is working diligently to resolve the matter with transparency and urgency within the next twenty-four (24) hours.

“We extend our deep and sincere apologies to all affected candidates and the general public. We appreciate their patience and understanding as we work diligently to resolve this matter with transparency and urgency within the next twenty-four (24) hours. On this note, candidates who have previously checked their results are advised to re-check after 24 hours from now.

“WAEC remains committed to upholding excellence, fairness and transparency in all our assessment processes.

“Thank you for always counting on our integrity and reposing confidence in us to render quality service to the Nigerian child,” the statement said.

It would be recalled that the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were released by the Council on Monday.

A total of 1,973,365 candidates from 23,554 recognised secondary schools across Nigeria registered for the major examination.

Out of these, 1,969,313 candidates sat for the examination.

According to WAEC, only 38.32 per cent of candidates obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, a significant drop from the 72.12 per cent recorded in 2024.

16/05/2025

Speech by His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, OBA ABIMBOLA AKEEM OWOADE I During His Visit to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Abuja

Your Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Minister of Information and National Orientation - Alhaji Idris Muhammad

Senior Special Adviser to President on Public Communications and Orientation - Mr. Sunday Dare

Senior Special Adviser on Administration and Operations - Alh. Usman Muhammad

On my entourage are:

1. Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade
2. Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyi Olatoye
3. Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyemi
4. Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi
5. Ona Onibode of Igboho, Oba Abdul Rashid Jayeola
6. Olu Isin of Ijara, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola
7. Onifiditi of Fiditi, Oba Oyelere Sakiru Oyewole
8. High Chief Asimiyu Atanda - Agbaakin of Oyo
9. High Chief Lamidi Oyewale Fagbemi - Samu of Oyo
10. Osuntola Rotimi
11. Dr. Kunle Ogunmola
12. Engineer Ajibade - Chief of Staff
13. Rev. Dr. Dele Kolade, P.A.

Today, I speak not just as a custodian of culture and tradition, but as a voice for my people, who are deeply honored by the audience you have granted us here in the heart of national leadership—Abuja. Your Excellency, your gracious reception of this visit is more than protocol; it is a mark of your character, your statesmanship, and your enduring regard for the place of traditional institutions in national development.

Your Excellency, the people of Oyo remember your journey. You are a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and clarity. You have worn many hats: activist, strategist, bridge-builder, and now, the nation’s foremost leader. Nigeria looks to you not only for leadership but for restoration—for a new vision rooted in justice, equity, and inclusive progress.

It is in that spirit that I come today—not only to pay homage but to seek collaboration. Oyo is ready. The Yoruba nation is ready, and all Nigerians are ready. Our people are resourceful, our youth are eager, our land is rich in culture and potential. We have seen the hand of the Federal Government in unlocking development across key sectors:
* Economic Reform
* Infrastructural Development
* Social Welfare
* Huge Investments in Agriculture
* Youth Empowerment
* Security
* Education
* Cultural Preservation

We understand that national transformation is not built by government alone, nor by tradition in isolation. It is built when ancient wisdom meets modern governance—when institutions, old and new, work hand in hand with one vision: the progress of our people.

Your Excellency, the Alaafin’s Palace, the Oyo Mesi, our chiefs, the Yoruba nation, and indeed, the good people of Oyo stand firmly behind you. We offer not just our support, but our partnership. Let us make the Oyo Empire a model of regional development—one that echoes the greatness of our past and aligns with your vision for a prosperous Nigeria.

May the Almighty continue to strengthen your hands, guide your heart, and grant your administration the wisdom to unify and uplift this beloved nation.

Thank you for receiving us.
Thank you for honoring Oyo and the entire Yoruba nation.

02/04/2025

https://thevinereporters.com.ng/president-tinubu-reconstitutes-nnpc-limited-board-appoints-new-chairman-group-ceo/

26/03/2025

*Kwara State Government Commissions Live Bird Market in Ita-Nma to Boost Livestock Production and Food Security*

Ilorin, Kwara State – March 26, 2025 –

The Kwara State Government today officially commissioned the newly constructed Live Bird Market in Ita-Nma, Ilorin West Local Government Area, as part of its commitment to strengthening livestock production and enhancing food security in the state.

The official cutting of the tape, which took place at 12:45 PM, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Honorable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas; the representative of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (the Alangua of Ubandawaki, Alhaji Amuda Muhammed); representative of Ilorin West LG, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Olugbon Abdullateef Salman; market leaders, sellers and members of the Fowl Sellers Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter.

In her address, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas emphasized the importance of the market as a strategic initiative to promote sustainable economic opportunities for residents while ensuring hygienic livestock practices.

She emphasized that the goal is to make this market a global brand and a preferred destination for livestock trade.

The Commissioner further assured that the state government would continue collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and other partners to attract more interventions that will enhance livestock value chains in Kwara. She urged traders to maintain high hygiene standards to prevent zoonotic diseases and maximize the market’s potential.

The President of the Fowl Sellers Association, Kwara State Chapter, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hassan, expressed gratitude to the state government for the project and pledged members’ commitment to proper maintenance and cleanliness.

The newly commissioned Live Bird Market is expected to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and strengthen Kwara’s position in Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The event was marked with commendations from all and sundry for His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for his visionary leadership in driving agricultural and economic development in the state.

The Vine Reporters

07/12/2025

02/12/2025

01/12/2025

30/08/2025

07/08/2025

16/05/2025

02/04/2025

26/03/2025

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