FRESH INSIGHT TV

11/06/2025

OPINION: Why Saraki, PDP have not publicly acknowledged and support the victims of stampede in their ‘Temu Durbar’

Ibraheem Abdullateef When I made a condolence post on Tuesday asking for the update about a reported tragic incident at Bukola Saraki’s residence over the weekend, some misguided and headless mob came to my page to brand it as false and misleading. But the last has not been heard about the paralle...

28/05/2025

Kwara Speaker Urges Citizens to Understand Lawmakers’ Limits

…Calls for Realistic Expectations, Advocates Transparency and Accountability in Legislative Processes The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Speakers’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, has called on citizens to understand t...

24/05/2025

On malnutrition -- and the _YK Mules_ of Kwara PDP

Rafiu Ajakaye

In December 2018, I was in Yola, Adamawa State, for a two-day media dialogue on Community Management of Acute Malnutrition. It was organized by UNICEF, DfID, and allied bodies to drive public advocacy on the crisis in which 33m under-five Nigerians were caught at the time.

That event was an eye-opener for me and my colleagues as experts detailed the factors driving the crisis. Malnutrition is not a function of poverty alone; in fact, ignorance and lifestyle may be bigger drivers of the menace.

Malnutrition could be found in the household of the rich, if the food on offer doesn’t satisfy the dietary requirements for healthy growth of the child. Obesity is a form of malnutrition in growing children. While stunting and wasting are common among poor households, experts say ignorance may sometimes play bigger roles in snatching the future of the child.

For instance, a poorly breastfed child (from whichever social background) may suffer malnutrition. Similarly, any pregnant woman from whatever social backgrounds may give birth to a malnourished child. A pregnant woman who misses out on key dietary needs may give birth to a stunted child, regardless of her social standing. These are scientific facts which stress the role of education and advocacy in the fight against under-five malnutrition.

Therefore, malnutrition is a topic that should attract only serious-minded individuals to contribute. Kwara PDP voyeurs — which sadly includes a professor — should note this and join the advocacy to fight the crisis.

For the avoidance of doubt, the UNICEF did not at any time indict the state government in its report. Rather, UNICEF Country Representative Christian Munduate commended the efforts of this administration to combat the crisis.

“Kwara State’s commitment to addressing child malnutrition is commendable. The Child Nutrition Fund enables us to double our efforts and reach more children with the essential nutrition they need. We hope this partnership serves as an inspiration for other states to prioritise child nutrition,” she said.

Kwara is just one of the 11 Nigerian states to sign up for the UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund, according to the official statement of the global body. Under the initiative, the state contributed a whopping $100,000 as counterpart funds to receive the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), which is critical for the management of malnourished children.

Apart from the above, the administration has adopted policies and programmes that underpin its commitment to the wellbeing of the Kwara child: six-month maternity leave to encourage exclusive breastfeeding, school feeding programme, KwaraLEARN, widespread support for smallholder farmers and traders, the livestock productivity and resilience support project, and social protection like KWASSIP and Kwapreneur.

This administration has since signed up for nutrition-sensitive interventions such as maternal and infant young child nutrition (MIYCN) along with counselling and management of acute malnutrition in the state's health facilities. This is in addition to the state policy on multi-sectoral plan of action, including community food demonstration.

These do not fit the image of an unserious government. The PDP doesn’t have this record from their years. Maternal mortality was the worst in Nigeria under the PDP after the insurgency-wracked northeastern Borno state. In 2019, under-five mortality stood at 4.8 per 1000 live births. Today, Kwara has the least child mortality rate in Nigeria — at 2 per 1000 live births.

In 2019, Kwara wore the crown of shame in national immunisation coverage with monthly outbreaks of circulating polio disease. It was the worst in Nigeria. This is evidenced in the majority of Kwara LGAs not passing the National Lot Quality Assurance Survey (LQAS). Owing to a record of unresponsiveness, a worst form of which was seen in the UBEC blacklisting the state, the UNICEF left the state under PDP’s watch!

The PDP years were hardly a gold standard for anything salutary: the obnoxious law that awarded terrible pension packages was active throughout Ali Ahmad years as the Speaker. The diversion of UBEC funds, a big crime against the Kwara child, happened in those years, while the great Alimi Chalet was stolen from the people in those years. Teachers who mould the future of the children were not being paid in those years -- just as promotion of workers stagnated in the 'golden years'. The list is endless. So what was the law professor saying? I repeat: we won’t allow anyone to revise our history.

The national school feeding programme began in 2016. The PDP administration never enrolled until it lost power in 2019. The APC government enrolled in the programme in 2020. Even with existing gaps, access to public health facilities is many times better under this administration than PDP’s. So what is the chest-thumping about?

Prof Ali Ahmad's claim that UNICEF declared Kwara fit-for-child in 2010 was a LIE -- a barefaced one. Kwara did domesticate the Child Rights Act in 2007, four years after Nigeria enacted it. Yes, but it wasn't even among the first 10 Nigerian states to do so. It was a national trend that some northern states initially objected to on religious grounds. Today, all of Nigeria's 36 states have domesticated the Act amid calls for improved implementation.

Much is expected from Ali Ahmad, a law professor, and his handlers must know this. At no time did UNICEF or any institution declare Kwara fit-for-child. The statement amounted to stacking the deck in the bid to glamorise the past. It is akin to what Gen Zs call YK Mule, an euphemism for outright lies.

Child malnutrition is a global public health crisis which requires all the resources and synergies that the government can mobilise. But that is where it stops: we should not find voyeurs from PDP, with their abysmal record, raising a whimper when such matters are discussed.

▪︎ Rafiu is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kwara State

23/05/2025

BREAKING NEWS:

Press Release by Ilorin Emirate Durbar committee,

OUR POSITION ON THE PAVILION FOR THE FORECOURT OF THE PALACE OF ILORIN:
ILORIN DURBAR COMMITTEE

On behalf of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr.Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR ), it has become imperative for the Ilorin Durbar Committee, the Organizers of Ilorin Annual Durbar event, to make some clarifications on the proposed pavilion for the forecourt of the palace of Ilorin as follows:

1. The Durbar Committee initiated the idea of having a pavilion in the forecourt of the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR. We considered this as both a cost-cutting initiative and an effort to enhance the safety, comfort, and security of our people as well as further embellish the spectacle and beauty of the Ilorin Annual Durbar and other Royal events.

2. ⁠This idea was discussed with different stakeholders in Ilorin, including His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ( CON) , the Governor of the State, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Sardauna of Ilorin as the lead sponsor of the Durbar events in the past 6 years. In his response, the Governor made significant suggestions about our initial design and how the project can better serve its purpose.

3. ⁠The discussions on amendments to our original design and ex*****on of same, among other things, were still ongoing as of December 25, 2024 when a representative of the Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha, Turaki of Ilorin, unveiled a design of the pavilion at the annual Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) National Conference as a gift from his office.
4. ⁠The Durbar Committee heard of this development like everyone else at the event. We were not privy to it until then. The new design from Senator Saliu Mustapha is also different from the Durbar Committee's original Architectural and Structural Design, which was being reviewed based on the inputs from the State Governor.
5. ⁠While the Durbar Committee remains highly indebted to His Excellency Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq ( CON) and acknowledges the interest of other stakeholders, including Distinguished Senator Salihu Mustapha in our objectives, we however plead for the understanding of all the stakeholders who share our common values and whom we trust are working genuinely for the same purpose of ensuring that the best is done for our community and in honour of our revered Emir, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR to stop further comments on the pavilion in the interest of peace, oneness of purpose, and mark of our usual highest regards for the seat of Sheikh Alimi.

6. ⁠The imperative for all to heed this appeal is fundamental in order to allow for a lucid resolution of issues as the Government considers the Original Pavilion Design and other subsequent Plans before it in accordance with building standards, public safety and environmental impact regulations. We fully submit to the legal role of Government to uphold due process and security of its citizens; it is our duty to comply with the final decision of the state government on this matter. Accordingly,⁠ His Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, being a legal Icon with excellent track records of being enforcer of due process and rule of law, appeals to all to align with the letter and spirit of the law and regulations in the processing and ex*****on of the project.
7. It is equally important that we put on record our acknowledgement and appreciation of His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, as the lead sponsor of the Durbar events and other cultural activities since his assumption of office. As a true son of the Emirate, he has demonstrated the greatest regards for the traditional stool and shown commitment to the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. We appreciate him.

Similarly, we acknowledge the various contributions of our respected Royal and Honorary Title holders, sons and daughters of the Emirate, as well
as other well-meaning friends of the Emirate towards the success of the Durbar Committee in all our events.
8. ⁠This statement becomes necessary to clarify our position on the subject matter, given the leading role of our committee in the organization of the annual Ilorin Emirate Durbar to which every son and daughter of Ilorin looks forward as part of the celebrations of the Eid-ul-Kabir and our rich cultural heritage. Once again, our very clear position remains to align with all standards and safety regulations in our pursuit of the original Design and Plan earlier submitted to the government by our Committee.

Signed:

Engr.Suleiman Yahaya
Alapansapa,FNSC,
Danmasani of Ilorin and
Ilorin Emirate Durbar committee,
May 22,2025.

Dr,MR

20/05/2025

Community rejoices as KWSG begins construction of speedbreakers on Oko-Olowo expressway

Kwara State Government has commenced the construction of speedbreakers on Oko-Olowo expressway to curb accidents and safeguard lives and properties of residents in the bustling community. The work followed the approval given by the Federal Road Corps (FRSC) to the Kwara Ministry of Works headed by E...

12/05/2025

Pavilion: Ilorin Emirate group urge Kwara Govt to learn from collapse of Basin badminton court

Kwara State Government has been urged not to bow to undue pressure to hurriedly approve the pavilion proposed for the palace in Ilorin except the facility meets all safety concerns and protocols. This was stated in a press statement issued by the Ilorin Emirates Youth Developments Advocate President...

11/05/2025

NCDC Executive Director, Baliqis Sanni writes heartwarming appreciation message to Gov. AbdulRazaq

In a heartwarming display of appreciation, the newly appointed Executive Director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Hajia Biliqis Jumoke Sanni, has written a glowing letter of gratitude to the Kwara State Governor, stating that her nomination is a fruit of Governor AbdulRahman Abdu...

10/05/2025

ILORIN EMIRATE DURBAR

Kwara Sugar Factory released Docuseries of Ilorin Emirate Durbar.

10/05/2025

Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency operation in Kainji game reserve yields results

The Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency operation aimed at flushing out bandits from the Kanji Lake National Park and surrounding border communities in Kwara and Niger States is beginning to yield significant results.

Under the ongoing raid operation, codenamed Park Strike IV, troops have successfully combed over 90 kilometers from Kemanji into the Kanji Forest, where the Army has now established a firm base.

According to Kwara TV reporter from the field of operation, Babatunde Jimba noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, recently issued a one-month marching order to the troops to rid the area of all criminal elements.

Commenting on the progress of the operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Godwin Onubogu, said the troops, acting on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, stormed the forest and effectively dislodged bandits and other criminal elements from the area.

The GOC affirmed that the deployed officers and men remain committed to restoring peace and security within the park and surrounding communities. He also assured that the Army would maintain its operational momentum, collaborate with local residents, and work closely with other security agencies to ensure the safety of the park, dismantle the strongholds of the criminals, and rebuild public trust.

Credit: Borgu Times

08/05/2025

*PUBLIC CLARIFICATIONS ON THE PROPOSED PAVILION*

Kwara State Geographic Information Service (GIS) again wishes to state the following on the proposed pavilion project:

* The Service restates that at no time was any approval sought nor any given before the contractor illegally embarked on the construction work at the site. This is a grave offence under the law, which attracts 200% penalty. The Service does not tolerate such behaviour under whatever guise, hence the stoppage of work on the second day it started, February 7, 2025.

* ⁠The Service hereby acknowledges that it received a set of incomplete documents from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with a cover letter from the Ilorin Emirates Council. That was a single document out of many others.

* ⁠Acknowledging that the said proposed pavilion is a constituency project to be funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Service had since written to the client Ministry requesting it to supply all relevant documents that ought to accompany the request for statutory approval. This is a matter of law.

* ⁠The Service’s letter is dated March 12. It was acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on April 7, 2025.

* ⁠It is not true that the Service has received any further correspondences providing the documents required to process the request for approval. For the avoidance of doubt, the documents being awaited from the client Ministry included (but not limited to): detailed survey plan; locational plan; block plan with detail dimensions, specifications and setbacks to the adjoining roads and properties; site analysis; parking lots plan; sewage system plans; drainage system plans; fire safety plan; storm water management plan; M & E drawings; soil test; environmental management plan; environmental impact assessment; and geophysical examination report.

* ⁠As of today, Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Service has not received any response from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, or anyone for that matter, furnishing us with the required documents to process the approval.

* ⁠The Service is not empowered under the law to issue statutory approvals where conditions precedent have not been fulfilled. This is to prevent any untoward happenings afterwards.

Signed:

ESV. Abdulkareem Babatubde Sulyman
Executive Chairman, KWGIS
May 8, 2025

08/05/2025

KWASU receives NELFund students loan, to begin disbursement 14th May

Management of Kwara State University has announced the receipt of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) student loan payment from the Federal Government. The initiative aims to support students in accessing quality education without financial constraints. According to a statement signed by Dr.....

08/05/2025

Gov Abdulrazaq congratulates newly appointed NDDC’s ED, top official from Kwara

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq sends hearty congratulations to Alhaja Bilqis Jumoke Sanni, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress from Kwara, who has just been named an executive director (ED) at the North Central Development Commission (NDDC). The Governor also felicitates Revere...