Kwara Gov receives victorious Kwara Falcons, promises to make Kwara a hub in sporting activities

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has received the victorious the Kwara Falcons Basketball Club with the promise to make Kwara State a hub of sporting events in Nigeria.

Receiving the trophy won by Kwara Falcons at the just concluded Conference six Kwese Basketball league from the Club's Chairman, Dr. Joseph Adeyemo at the Government House, Ilorin, Gov. Ahmed assured of his administration's determination to give all sporting events the desired attention.

He congratulated the Kwara Falcons for making the state proud and promised further support to the Club to excel in all their engagements.

"So far, you have demonstrated that you're not only goal-getters but trailblazers and we will help you live that blaze. We will support you in making Kwara second to none in sporting events in Nigeria."

Gov. Ahmed explained that the award of renovation of Indoor Sports Hall of the Kwara State Stadium Complex was part of commitment to make the state a centre of sports, saying that when completed it would attract both national and international competitions with multiplier effects on the state's economy.

The Governor said no effort would be spared to support youths to realise their full potentials through sports development.

Gov. Ahmed added that sports would be driven to engage youths for physical and mental edification with a view to deploying their energy in building a greater Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Kwara Falcons Basketball Club, Dr.  Joseph Adeyemo had disclosed that the Club played 28 games and won 23 in Atlantic Conference, emerging victorious at the Conference six of Kwese Basketball League.

He said with the result, the Kwara Falcons has qualified for the final league scheduled to hold in Kano, assuring that the Club would secure a continental ticket.

Dr. Adeyemo added that the Head Coach of the Club and two players had been invited to the national team in view of their outstanding performance.

President Buhari: Gov Ahmed rejoices with Nigerians

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed has rejoiced with all Nigerians over the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from his medical vacation in London, United Kingdom.

Gov. Ahmed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alh. Abdulwahab Oba thanked Almighty Allah for the quick recovery of the President and wished him continuous protection.

"I am delighted that Mr. President has fully recovered and ready to continue to deliver on the campaign promises of our party by improving on the economy, fighting corruption and strengthening security," the governor said.

The Governor hoped that with the renewed vigour, the President Buhari would consolidate on various successes recorded by his administration in the last two years.

Gov. Ahmed also commended Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for his commitment in moving the country forward while holding forth for President Buhari.

He said the return of the President has shamed pessimists who do not wish the President and the country any good.

According to him, the support and prayers of Nigerians for President Buhari across political, ethnic and religious divides are indications of the love the masses have for the President.

Gov. Ahmed appealed to Nigerians to continue to be supportive of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration in his determination to build a more united, stronger and economically viable country.

Kwara records first case of Lassa fever

The Kwara State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

Briefing newsmen today in Ilorin, the State Commissioner for Health, Alh. Sulaiman Alege said the result of five samples taken from Babanla and Oro-Ago areas of the Local Government to the Virology Unit of Lagos University Teaching Hospital showed that a 10-year old boy from Babanla axis is tested positive to Lassa fever.

According to him, four other samples from Oro-Ago axis are confirmed negative.

Alh. Alege said the Medical team would be deployed immediately to the area with a view to monitoring the situation.

He disclosed that an isolation centre had been set up at the General Hospital, Omu-Aran for proper monitoring and quarantine all people who might have had contact with the patient.

The Commissioner explained that the government could not hide anything for the public if there is any outbreak, saying that the National Centre for Diseases Control and other relevant bodies had been contacted to immediately nip it in the bud.

"As a state, we don't have

Alh. Alege noted that the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed had earlier approved the purchase of protective medical kits for health personnel to manage any outbreak.

He appealed to members of Babanla community not to be panic as the government is on the alert to contain any outbreak.

Alh. Alege also urged residents of the state to take personal hygiene seriously and keep their environment tiding at all times.

A four-storey building collapsed in Ilorin

A four-storey building under construction this morning carved in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The partial collapsed building located at Sulu-Gambari road is allegedly owned by a former member of House of Representatives.

The building which is believed to be an hotel collapsed from the back side.

The incident occurred at about 10am and no life was lost in the incident but three workers injured workers were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

In an interview, the State Secretary, Nigerian Institute of Builders, Mr. Maruf Ahmed explained that Architects, Builders, Engineers and the State Town Planning and Development Authority had earlier visited the building for assessment following a partial collapsed of the building sometimes ago and submitted report.

According to him, the collapsed could be attributable to poor workmanship and sub-standard materials.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi said no life was lost and warned members of the public to stay clear of the building.

Speaking in the same vein, the State Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Henry Bilesanmi said the Corps is already cordoning off the place and adjoining buildings to ensure that no life is lost.

Aiteo Cup: Kogi United banned for two seasons

DECISION OF THE AITEO CUP COMMITTEE

In the match held at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja,
on Wednesday, 16th August, 2017 between:

Kogi United Football Club

and

Rangers International Football Club

1.    Facts

1.1.       The match was abandoned in the second half, when a group of persons invaded the field of play and attacked the Referee.

1.2.       At that time, with the scores at 2-1 in favour of Kogi Unted (the home team), the Referee had just awarded a penalty to Rangers International.

2.    Findings

2.1.       After 75 minutes of play, Kogi United was leading 2-1 when a penalty was awarded to Rangers International.

2.2.       The Chairman of Kogi United, Abdul Sule, rushed to the table of the Fourth Official and banged on it twice, protesting against the penalty decision.

2.3.       Instigated by the action of the club Chairman, the leader of the Kogi United Supporters’ Club, identified as Maikudi Kanin-Bala, led a group of Kogi United supporters, who invaded the field of play, chased the Referee, assaulted and attacked him, before he was eventually rescued and taken to a nearby police station.

2.4.       Consequently, the match was abandoned.

3.    Decision

3.1.       For encroachment and the consequential disruption of the match, in breach of Rule 3.11.1 of the Competition:

3.1.1.     Kogi United shall forfeit the match to Rangers International and is consequently eliminated from the Competition;

3.1.2.     Furthermore, Kogi United is banned from the next two (2018 and 2019) editions of the Competition;

3.1.3.     Kogi United shall pay a fine of One Million Naira only (N1,000,000.00);

3.1.4.     In addition, Kogi United shall pay the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Naira only (N250,000.00) as compensation to the Referee for assault; as well as the costs of any certified medical bills.

3.2.       For the failure to provide and or ensure adequate security, in breach of Rule 3.2.1 of the Competition Rules:

3.2.1.     The Kogi State Football  Association shall pay a fine of Two Hundred and Fifty Naira only (N250,000.00);

3.2.2.     in addition, the Kogi State Football Association shall be suspended from hosting any match in the on-going competition. This sanction is however suspended and will take effect in the event that the Kogi State Football Association is found to be in further breach of Rule 3.2.1.

3.3.       For inciting supporters of the club to commit acts of violence and or breach of the Rules of the Competition, pursuant to Rule 6.2.1, the Chairman of Kogi United, Abdul Sule, is banned from all match venues and all activities of the Competition for the remainder of the current edition of the Competition.

3.4.       For leading and participating in the acts of encroachment, assault on the Referee and consequential disruption of the match, the Head of Kogi United Supporters’ Club, Maikudi Kanin-Bala is banned from all football-related activities forthwith and for the next two seasons i.e. until the end of the 2019 Season.

This decision is dated the 17th of August, 2017.

No Epidemic in Kwara, Govt insists

The Kwara State Government has insisted that there is no any outbreak of epidemic in the state, describing a media report on the alleged strange illness  in Oro-Ago area of Ifelodun Local Government area as a mere rumour.

The State Commissioner for Health, Alh. Sulayman Alege said in an interview today that no iota of truth in the newspaper report.

Alh. Alege said the Ministry had however deployed the State Epidemiological Team to the area for assessment and the team's preliminary report confirmed that there was no outbreak of any disease in the community.

According to him, report of samples taken from the community with the support of World Health Organisation (WHO) is still being expected from the Virology Centre in Lagos.

The Commissioner said the Epidemiological team is still on ground in the community for continuous surveillance in line with the directive of the State's Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.

He explained that the Ministry has one of the best response teams in the country to handle epidemic, saying that there is Health Information Officer in all local government areas of the state.

"Let me make this clear, there are procedures to report outbreak of diseases if at all there is any and not on the pages of newspapers. You will recall that when there was an outbreak of cholera in parts of Ilorin, we took necessary actions, our Epidemiological Team swung into action and it was immediately contained."

Alh. Alege added that more health workers from the State Ministry of Health and General Hospital, Offa would be deployed to health facilities in Oro-Ago and Ajase-ipo to fortify the area.

Kwara partners banks on agriculture

Kwara state government has secured another investment in agriculture to the state as part of efforts to turn the state to agricultural hub in the North central part of the country and provide sustainable employment for the youths. 

The Managing Director, Quinn Mc Grath Nig. Ltd, Mr Didi Ndiomu during a courtesy call to the state governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, disclosed that the company in conjunction with the Bank of Industry will be investing in a 120,000 tonnes per annum feedmill in the state. 

According to Mr Ndiomu, the company has acquired 1,800 hectares of land for farming in Malete, Moro local government area of the state and another 900 hectares for animal husbandry in which they hope to generate a minimum 700 direct jobs. 

Similarly, the Executive Director (Finance) Bank of Agriculture, Prince Niyi Akenzua who called on the state Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, requested for collaboration with the state government in agriculture stating that kwara state has taken a major leap in commercial agriculture in the country, especially with the Shonga farms initiative.

According to Prince Niyi, Bank of Agriculture intends to fund purchase of tractors to increase yield of farmers thereby expanding rural farming and helping to diversify the economy.

The Executive Director acknowledged the state government's existing structures in agriculture, which according to him does not exist in many parts of the country. 

Responding, Governor Ahmed said agriculture is a major programme adopted by the state government, especially by the previous and current administrations in the state. 

The Governor disclosed that the off-taker demand driven scheme in the state was designed to make the youths key into agriculture as a busuness. "We partner with prospective anchor farmers to move farming in the state to the much desired level", Gov Ahmed said.

He said the state is fully engaged in the production of rice, maize and cassava with successful poultry farms saying youths of the state are willing and ready to go with the agricultural revolution of the government.

The Governor called on the Bank of Agriculture to play a helping hand in the issue of anchor grower scheme in order to upscale and ensure full implementation as a way of ensuring that farmers would not get discourage whenever there is glut in the market.

2017: Kwara budgets N16m for fistula repairs

Plans are underway to increase fistula budget line in the Kwara State 2017 supplementary budget.

The State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Sulayman Alege announced this at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin during the formal opening of free fistula repairs organised by the Kwara State Government in conjunction with the USAID Fistula Care Plus Project.

Alhaji Alege who said the sum of N10m was budgeted for fistula repairs in the 2016 budget promised that the government had increased the budget line to N16m.

He sought the support of Engender Health Fistula Care Plus Project for the establishment of Fistula Centre in Ilorin with a view to serving as service centre for fistula cases in the North Central geo-political zone.

Alhaji Alege said Kwara as a gateway between the North and South would is at vantage position to handle fistula repairs in the region.

The Commissioner added that the state is ready to partner with relevant Non-Governmental Organisations in improving the health care delivery of the people.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Wasiu Odewale said the state is in the process of reviewing the 2017 appropriation Law and promised further support to the health sector.

Alhaji Odewale assured that the ongoing Supplementary budget process would favour increased in budget line for fistula repairs.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Ayinke Saka represented by Hajia Aminah Yahya described the fistula repair exercise as women project, saying that women lost dignity as result of stigma against fistula clients.

She enjoined women to attend antenatal care regularly and deliver under the supervision of skilled birth attendants to avoid coming down with fistula.

Earlier in his remarks, the Country Project Manager, Engender Health Fistula Care Plus Project, Chief Iyeme Efem explained that the pooled effort was organised to assist fistula clients in living normal lives.

Chief Efem said the Project is supporting a number of hospitals across the country in organising pooled fistula repairs and called for routine repairs to reduce backlog of fistula cases.

The Chief Medical Director of Sobi Specialist Hospital, Doctor Musa Sanni said the Hospital had managed two hundred fistula cases since the intervention begun in 2011 with the clients from rural communities and neighbouring states of Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kogi and Lagos.

Fish out attackers of EFCC headquarters, MURIC

PRESS RELEASE:

FISH OUT ATTACKERS OF EFCC HEADQUARTERS 

Daredevil gunmen have shot into thepremises of the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) located at Wuse Zone 7, Abuja. The incident occurred yesterday, Wednesday 16^th August, 2017 around 5 am. 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)strongly denounces this attack. It is not only cowardly but also devilish. Thisattack is an open challenge to the Nigerian security agencies.

Even a kindergarten kid can easilyguess those behind the attack. Desperate attempts have been made to get the EFCC boss out of the anti-graft body. These attempts included subterfuge, blackmail and harassment but they all failed to yield the required result. Yesterday’s attack shows that looters of the Nigerian treasury are tired of using a willing National Assembly (NASS) to achieve its diabolical objective. This explains their resort to armed confrontation.

Though disheartening, the invasion of EFCC headquarters has opened another phase in the war against corruption. It has revealed very clearly that looters will stop at nothing to frustrate the ongoing anti-graft war. They are ready to shed blood.

 
MURIC calls for a strong response tothis cowardly act. All arms of the Nigerian security agencies have a duty to unveil the identity of the hoodlums and their sponsors. EFCC headquarters and other offices must be well fortified from now on with quick-response squads on permanent standby.

 
We charge Nigerians to renew theircommitment to the war against corruption. This is a war between light and darkness, a struggle between truth and falsehood, a tussle between good and evil. There must be no retreat, no surrender. We must not allow agents ofdarkness to overwhelm EFCC. It is about our future and the destiny ofgenerations yet unborn.

To this end, we commend the resilience, steadfastness and outstanding courage of the duo of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. In particular, we appreciatetheir refusal to succumb to undue pressure from the NASS, their iron-castpolitical will to prosecute the war against corruption, their personalsacrifices and their commitment to prudence.

 
As we round up, we urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director General of the Department of State Security (DSS) to rise to the occasion, accept the challenge thrown by the attackers and bring them to book within a reasonable time.

 
The personal safety of EFCC operatives must be guaranteed and this is the responsibility of our security agencies. Only thus can they be able to concentrate on their specialassignments. Only thus can confidence be restored in the ability of the FederalGovernment to effectively prosecute the war against corruption.
 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
President, 
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)