(L-R) Professor Luke Ekundayo Edungbola and Dr. Kamoru Yusuf
The federal government has been advised to adopt policy that will pave way for the admission and training of youths in the areas of science and technology in higher institutions across the nation.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of KAM Holding Ltd. Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, stated this at a public presentation of a book titled: “The Eradication Of Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease) In Nigeria: An Eye Witness Account”, authored by the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Ilorin, Professor Luke Ekundayo Edungbola on Wednesday.
The event which was held at the main auditorium of the University of Ilorin, was attended by academicians, captains of industries, Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Kayode Alabi as well as the representative of the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd).
The foremost industrialist noted that such policy when adopted, will further encourage research and transfer of technology from expatrites to indigenous operators stressing that, “We are only black in colour and not black in our brains.”
Dr. Yusuf who described the varsity don as ‘Parecetamol’ that has cured many souls over the years, commended the author for his unprecedented interventions in the fight against Guinea Worm in Nigeria stressing that, “the world will continue to celebrate your good works.”
He however advised Nigerians youths to develop interest in putting in their best towards the growth and development of the nation even as he charged professors in universities to emulate the good works of Professor Luke Edungbola on humanity.
Kwara State Government officials on Monday met with a delegation of the Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) as part of a competitive bid to access $18m grant from the World Bank to fix infrastructural deficit.
AbdulAzeez Oyelowo, Chairman of Kwara’s Steering Committee of the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability for Result (SFTAS), said the IVA team was visiting to check the state’s compliance with the criteria required for any state to be given the grants.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier constituted the steering committee ahead of the meeting with the World Bank’s IVA to make a strong case for Kwara as it continually meets all the requirements.
Oyelowo, who is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning, said Kwara has satisfied the first criteria that included ensuring transparency and accountability, adding that the project begun since 2018 and would continue until 2021 but only qualified states would get the grants.
“The federal government secured a loan of $750 million from the World Bank, out of which $700million is for states that are performing in terms of ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency and good governance at the subnational level,” he said.
“In accessing this, they came up with certain criteria for state to qualify for assessment. Apart from two eligibility criteria states must meet in the first place, there are other indicators that serve as parameters on which each state will be assessed. The first criterion any interested state must meet is to publish its annual budget online on or before February of the year.
“Secondly, the audited financial statement must be ready on or before September of the following year. Kwara state met these two criteria. So, the IVAs are here to assess the nine indicators ranging from budget reliability, improved Internally generated revenue, and other parameters of good governance.”
Kwara is entitled to a maximum $18m of the $700m grant, ROYAL NEWS has gathered.
Kwara State Internal Revenue Service Chairman Folashade Omoniyi said the IVA visited the state to evaluate the state on the 2018 SFTAS exercise, a development she noted will help them improve on the result in the fiscal year.
Adeagbo Ademola, the head of the IVAs team from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation, said Kwara is one of the states that have excelled in the first stage of assessment and that the visit was to assess its continuous performance on other key indicators.
“The state, after meeting all the criteria at the end of the exercise, will get its money released between February and March next year,” he added.
The Kwara State Muslim pilgrims Welfare Board Wishes to Inform all intending pilgrims who wish to travel with the board to 2020 Hajj that the portal for online registration for application form has been opened.
A Statement issue from the board signed by Hajia Hauwa m b Abdulkadir advised all interested kwarans and non Kwarans to visit our website www.FORMS. IRS.KW.GOV.NG.
The Statement therefore advise that after obtaining the form the payment of deposit of 1.3M or 1million will follow immediately after completing all the portion of application form and clearance from the Board.
The board advise intending to equally visit the office of immigration for the obtainance of their E. Passport.
All aged intending pilgrims who wish to travel with the board should be accompanied by their blood relations the female pilgrim should be accompanied by their daughter while the aged male should be accompanied by his son to avoid difficulties faces in the Only Land.
(L-R) Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi discussing with Hon. Gbenga Oyekunle a.k.a Gbenga Power at the weekend PHOTO: ROYAL NEWS CREW
A frontline philanthropist and promoter of Gbenga Power Foundation, Hon. Gbenga Oyekunle, has expressed readiness to establish annual award to the best graduating Student from Al-Hikmah University and the University of Ilorin.
This, according to him will further promote merit, excellence and dedication among youths in tertiary institutions towards enhancing nation-building process through qualitative education as well as curb various social vices and insecurity among others.
ROYAL NEWS reports that the foundation had given scholarship to over 2,000 students across the the 16 local government areas of the state and focus attention on empowerment and sports development of the youth among others.
Oyekunle stated this at the weekend during the 8th Anniversary of Gbenga Power Foundation held in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“Hence there is need for wealthy individuals to contribute their quota. Through our foundation, Gbenga Power Foundation which was established about eight years ago, we have been able to thousands of indigent people especially women, youths and widows. We are not stopping at that, arrangements are on top gear to do more by expanding the scope of coverage.”
He also added that, “the foundation would also announce the introduction of financial intervention to serve as palliative to support Medium and Small Scale investments to people to boost their business as well as the construction of multi-dimensional sports centre in Ilorin with free borehole for communities that lacks drinkable water.”
Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi called on wealthy individuals and philanthropists to emulate Gbenga Power Foundation by playing active part in alleviating poverty in the Society.
The Deputy Governor noted that government alone cannot meet the needs of the people and commended Hon. Gbenga Oyekunle for empowering the people adding that the State government would continue to support efforts geared towards empowering the downtrodden.
Also speaking, a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Saheed Popoola, thanked the foundation for torching the lives of the people through various empowerment programmes, maintaining that such gesture deserve applauds and encouragement.
The event also witnessed the presentation of humanitarian award of excellence to Hon. Gbenga Oyekunle for his numerous intervention in grassroot development and social mobilization.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation Team has commended the management of the University of Ilorin for investing
heavily on its Faculty of Education, describing it as one of the best in the country.
The team leader, Prof. Adegboyega Alaba, gave the commendation while briefing the University management on the outcome of the accreditation
exercise to the Faculty. Prof. Alaba said that his team was pleased with the level of progress
and development taking place at the Faculty and urged the University management to sustain the tempo.
Commending the University of Ilorin on the adequate attention it is paying to the Faculty of Education, the team leader pointed out that
the Faculty is the mother of all Faculties and should be seen as such.
He, therefore, advised the University management to continue to keep an eye on the Faculty and ensure the sustainability and maintenance of
all the equipment and other teaching aids therein.
Also, the leader of another Accreditation Team to the Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, Prof. Abdullahi Tukur Kadage, has described the accreditation exercise as impressive.
He said that the team was very impressed with the materials that were presented to it by the Department to work on, adding that the Head of
the Department as well as the staff were very cooperative and cordial.
Prof. Tukur explained that the purpose of the exercise was to evaluate and assess two programmes of the Faculty of Education namely B.Sc. Ed. Education Technology and B.Sc. Ed. Education Technology (Woodwork).
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, disclosed that the Faculty of Education is the richest Faculty in the University, as it has the highest number of students.
Prof. Abdulkareem also disclosed that the University is working on the building of a state-of-the-art language laboratory for the Faculty and commended the NUC team for its painstaking efforts and objective assessment.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has renovated the decrepit hostels of the state’s National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) camp, barely five months after he described the facilities as penitentiaries not fit for human living.
The renovation came three months after his administration also supplied the facilities with 400 mattresses, 200 double-bunk beds, 100 long benches, and consumables which the government said were meant to make the camp more conducive for the corps members.
See pictures:
AbdulRazaq had on June 20 paid an unscheduled visit to the Yikpata (Edu local government area of Kwara State) camp of the NYSC where he lamented the condition of the facilities and said they typified the deplorable state of things across the state.
He however pledged to fix the facilities, especially the hostels that were an eyesore.
“We are really grateful to Mr Governor for keeping his words. I’m happy to inform you that the government has renovated three main hostels, including the two-in-one Mayflower hostel, and I don’t think there’s any NYSC camp in the country that has the kind of facilities we now have,” Kwara NYSC Coordinator Esther Ikupolati said.
Ikupolati said the camp management has decided to rename the Mayflower hostel as Harmony Hostel in honour of the Governor’s efforts.
AbdulRazaq had openly apologised to the Corps members for the condition of the facilities and said the visit was a challenge to him to do things differently.
“I apologise for the state of your accommodation. After seeing them, it is like a penitentiary. It is not fit for human living,” he had said during the visit.
“The people in charge before should have done better. By saying that, I have thrown a challenge to myself and my administration to make things better.”
The latest gesture strengthened AbdulRazaq’s rising public image as a Governor who matches his words with actions.
His visits to facilities have often been followed by visible actions to change the situation he condemned as abnormal.
Last week, renovation of some blocks of classrooms were completed at the Special Needs School at Apata Yakuba in Ilorin, a few months after the Governor described the condition of the school as appalling.
(L-R) GMD/CEO of KAM Holding Ltd, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, discussing with the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Professor Jubril Mamman and the Minister for Mines and Steel Development , Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite yesterday PHOTO: ROYAL NEWS CREW.
Facts have emerged that Nigeria is the giant of Africa has revealed by the border closure, the Group Managing Director of KAM Holding Limited, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, has said.
He noted that for Nigeria to overcome the prevailing economic predicaments, there is need for massive support for local manufacturers who are taking high business risks by investing and sustaining the nation’s economy.
According to him, “To be honest with you, if you are heading any government agency, department or parastatals, you must ensure that you move out of your domain and see how things are in the real forms of operation on the field otherwise, you will fail woefully in your responsibilities.
“It is not enough to rely on documented report for policy formulation, it cannot work neither can it serve the overall interest of the nation. Just like the Honourable Minister said, if the federal government can make policies that will make people to know that it is not the amount of money in your bank account that matters, rather, your efforts in nation-building process and support of the masses.
“President Muhammadu Buhari led administration has achieved a lot for the nation through the land border closure which has further made us to realize our potentials as the giant of Africa. You see that foreign nations are now begging us to re-open our borders again haven realized the effect on their economy.They know they can’t do without us.
“If you ask them why they are begging us, the answer is simple, they need us to survive. People come from other countries to come and make money in Nigeria. We pray that government will replicate what it did on land border to Seaports and deal with conspiracy officers that allow ammunition to enter the country unchecked.” READ ALSO:Smuggling: What KAM Holding boss told Minister (READ FULL SPEECH)
Dr. Yusuf who is also the Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) Kwara/Kogi Chapter, further stressed that, “Somebody put ammunition in container and declared it to the Nigeria Customs Service, (NSC) as charcoal. How safe are we if we continue to open our borders for strangers to penetrate.
“They come to Nigeria to destroy Nigeria through the Seaports through conspiracy of some custom officers.With the step taken so far by President Buhari, it is certain that that the border closure will surely work and assist us reduce human trafficking as well as know the numbers of people coming in and out of our country.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, and the entire people of the community have commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq Abdulrazaq over the appointment of the new Registrar of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Mr. Kolawole Akande.
The monarch who described the appointment as well deserving also confirmed the the Registrar is a bonafide indigene of Omu-Aran, ROYAL NEWS reports.
He stated this when he paid a Thank You visit to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, yesterday.
Group photograph
Oba Adeoti who was represented by a High Chief in the Olomu-In-Council, Alhaji Saad Owolewa, debunked the rumours making round that Mr. Akande is an indigene of Ogbomoso, Oyo State stressing that, “As a prince of the community, he is also entitled to the throne of Olomu.”
He however disclosed the appointment was an appreciation of the Governor to the founding father of the Polytechnic late Brig. Gen. David Lasisi Bamgboye (rtd) in 1972 even as he advised the Registrar to discharge his duties diligently without fear or favour.
Oba Adeoti therefore prayed for peaceful co-existence among Kwarans to enable the Governor implement all his promises to the citizens and urged the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed and the Registrar to embrace harmonious working synergy.
In his remark, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed thankws the monarch for the visit stressing that the visit was timely and will go a long to clarify the rumour about the Registrar’s citizenship.
BEING WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE VICE CHAIRPERSON OF KAM HOLDING, HAJIA (DR.) BOLANLE IYADUNNI YUSUF, FCEM, FAIE, DURING A –ONE DAY WORKING VISIT OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT, ARCH. OLAMILEKAN ADEGBITE, TODAY THURSDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2019.
The Vice Chairman of KAM Holding, Dr. Bolanle Yusuf, while reading her welcome address
It is a great pleasure being your host during your first working visit to the State of Harmony, Kwara. Although, you must have had other social, professional and political relationships with the people of this state in the past but I want to confirm to you that Kwara State is indeed a State of Harmony for all and sundry. Honourable Minister, you are welcome sir!
Your Excellency sir, let me also join fellow Nigerians to congratulate you on your appointment as the Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for Mines and Steel Development. We have been following your activities since you assumed office and I want to sincerely commend you for your efforts geared towards national development.
Director, Commercial Services/Special Duties of KAM Holding, Damilola Yusuf and Head of Abuja Bureau Hajia Faridah Suleiman
Honourable Minister sir, the Steel sector is one of the vibrant sectoral arms of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) and behold, KAM Holding is a key player in the industry with our GMD/CEO, (DR.) Kamoru Yusuf, FCSN, FNMS jointly elected as the Chairman of Basic Metal, Iron & Steel and Fabricated Metal sub-sector of MAN and also the Chairman of MAN, Kwara and Kogi Chapter.
The Group Managing Director of KAM Holding, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, discussing with the Honourable Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite
The number of producing plants built in Nigeria, our investments in China and India, our experience in the last two decades and our vision for the future have position us as the leading indigenous steel and wire products making company in Nigeria.
The KAMWIRE brand of Nails, wire mesh, BRC, Stone Coated Roofing Sheets, Galvanized and Pre-painted galvanized Iron Sheets (PPGI) is the market leader and proudly to be Nigerian.
The Group Managing Director of KAM Holding, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Prof. Mamman Jubril and the Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite
Our story is different from every other manufacturer in this sector because of the strong vision of our indefatigable Group Managing Director/ CEO, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, FCSN, FNMS who under the underserved kindness of God has taken us this far despite all odds.
In tandem with the National Industrial Revolution Plan of the Federal Government with emphasis on backward integration strategy, we are pleased to confirm to you that KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited which is located along Km 18 Ilorin-Ajase Ipo highway, Jimba Oja, Ifelodun Local Government Area, is a success story of backward integration strategy and is becoming one of the major players in the nation’s economy.
Group Managing Director of KAM Holding, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf exchanging pleasantries with Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi
The Integrated Steel Melt Shop has the capacity to produce Liquid steel of about 300,000tonnes annually as well as Rolling Mill of 150,000tpa to roll out wire rod in coils and TMT Bars among others in line with International Standards using Ultra-modern technology of Electric Arc Furnace and Ladle Refining Furnace to mention but a few.
Presently, the raw materials stock feed to the plant is 95% local and the output of wire rod in coils provides 98% stock infeed to our Nails and Wire Producing plants across Nigeria. National self-sufficiency in these profiles is not far-fetched. The second phase of the plant to produce Sections of H, U and Angle beams for industrial buildings and bridges is ongoing and when completed shall be first of its kind in Nigeria.
The plant is already conserving the nation’s scarce foreign exchange to the tune of USD250 million annually and by extension increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our country.
However, with emphasis and credence to our long-standing achievements and projection for the future of our dear nation, we hope to ensure that no stone shall be left unturned towards achieving and attracting more economic fortunes to Nigeria.
Inspection tour
As the federal government continues to strive towards diversifying the nation’s economy beyond crude oil and petroleum products, there is need for more attention in the Iron and Steel sector to become a National Product for diverse economic benefits due to the numerous opportunities such as job creation, revenue generation and improved social welfare of the people of the nation.
Furthermore, there is need for continuous advocacy for diversification of the economy, most importantly; in favour of Steel sector and guard against economic saboteurs who have held us to ransom through smuggling and illegal importation of Galvanized, Aluminum and Corrugated roofing sheets into Nigeria.
Your Excellency sir, despite the recent closure of land borders, Seaports are still porous and at the moment, Nigeria market is flooded with substandard roofing sheets, a sad scenario which calls for urgent national debate. Conspiracy and sharp practices among law enforcement agencies and importers are out rightly negating the Federal Government’s drive against criminality among Nigerians.
Factory tour
The goal in the Iron and Steel sector’s roadmap is that it would contribute about 10 percent to our national GDP by 2025 and help diversify the nation’s economy. In order to realize this dream, there is urgent need for Your Excellency to engage the authority of Standard Organization of Nigeria, (SON) and Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) to work closely with us in this regard.
It is our hope that your tenure as Honorable Minister for Mines and Steel Development will attract more growth and development into the sector and provide sustainable framework for better performance.
Honourable Minister sir, during the private session of this visit, we shall share with you the ultimate task of producing liquid steel from Iron Ore and its additives, how far we have gone and why KAM is a place to be.
On behalf of the entire management and staff of KAM Holding, I welcome you to our facilities and wish you a successful working visit to Kwara State.
Group Managing Director of KAM Holding, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, welcoming the Honourable Minister for Mines and Steel Development , Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite, at the Ilorin International Airport on Thursday. PHOTO: ROYAL NEWS CREW
The Federal government on Thursday scored KAM Holding, a leading indigenous Iron and Steel Manufacturer, high for its strides towards industrial growth of the nation in the steel sector.
It also expressed commitment to banning of importation of Iron and steel products into Nigeria in order to provide market for local indigenous manufacturers as well as boost employment opportunities, revenue generation and social welfare of Nigerians.
The Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite, stated this on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital while speaking with journalists shortly after his inspection tour on KAM Holding facilities in the state.
Adegbite further expressed his commitment to encourage local investors in the Mines and Steel sector of the economy especially with strong potential to providing more job opportunities for Nigerian youth stressing that government would consider total ban on steel importation to encourage local steel manufacturers.
The minister, who said that government was determined to stop importation of substandard steel products into Nigeria, said that, “First, we are working with Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to address the issue. The ministry is not in control of the quality of steel products that come into the country, though we’re responsible for steel productions. We’ll work with the standard agency to control what comes in. The ultimate aim is to ban steel importation totally. But before we do that, we will ensure we’re able to satisfy local consumption from local production and still have excess to export. That’s where we’re heading.
“We welcome local industrialization and local entrepreneurs. We want to encourage them. I can see depth of backward integration here, from raw material to finished product. This is an example of what Nigeria should do. If you do this you can imagine this complex providing over 4,000 employment opportunities. If we have replication of this all over the country, it will reduce rate of restiveness and banditry we have in the country”.
Architect Adegbite also expressed the determination of the Federal Government to effectively harness the Mining sector and commended KAMWIRE industry for the steps taken so far to develop the sector.
The minister, who said that local investors are better than foreign investors, added that they would engage the local people and at the end of the day would not take their profit out of the state.
In her remarks, the Vice Chairperson of KAM Holding, Hajia Bolanle Yusuf, said that there is need for more attention in the Iron and Steel sector to become a National Product for diverse economic benefits due to the numerous opportunities such as job creation, revenue generation and improved social welfare of the people of the nation.
She also called for continuous advocacy for diversification of the economy, most importantly; in favour of Steel sector and guard against economic saboteurs who, she said had held us to ransom through smuggling and illegal importation of Galvanized, Aluminum and Corrugated roofing sheets into Nigeria.
“Despite the recent closure of land borders, Seaports are still porous and at the moment, Nigeria market is flooded with substandard roofing sheets, a sad scenario which calls for urgent national debate.
Conspiracy and sharp practices among law enforcement agencies and importers are out rightly negating the Federal Government’s drive against criminality among Nigerians.
The goal in the Iron and Steel sector’s roadmap is that it would contribute about 10 percent to our national GDP by 2025 and help diversify the nation’s economy. In order to realize this dream, there is urgent need for Your Excellency to engage the authority of Standard Organization of Nigeria, (SON) and Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) to work closely with us in this regard.
