In Ilorin, Durbar isn’t just a festival. It’s a first love letter to horses, written in hoofbeats across the Emir’s Palace forecourt. And for a new generation of royals, that love is starting early.
This Eid-el-Kabir, the palace grounds came alive with colour, drums, and the proud clip-clop of decorated stallions. Among the crowd were three of Ilorin’s youngest royals who are already discovering the magic of the saddle.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, is a sportsman, a super-horse rider and multi-award recipient has been adjudged as of the most prominent traditional rulers in the nation.
In term of career, Sulu-Gambari voluntarily retired as the Presiding Justice of Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in 1995 following the demise of his uncle, to become the 11th Emir of Ilorin, in term of status, the stool of the Emir of Ilorin belongs to the 16 recognised First Traditional Rulers in Northern Nigeria before independence and presently ranking 9th in that category and in term of age, His Royal Highness clocked 86 years-old on 22nd April 2026.
Even at an advanced age, the Emir of Ilorin is fashionable, intellectually sound and always likes to have people around him. His love for his subjects knows-no-bound and he conveniently plays his roles as father to all in the state without any bias.
There is no doubt that Emir Sulu-Gambari is the architect of the Renewed Ilorin Emirate in the areas of modernisation and attraction of numerous developmental opportunities beyond Ilorin Emirate, and spread across Kwara, a viable state in the North-Central part of Nigeria.
He single-handedly revived the Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar Festival after many years to serve as an avenue of preserving the cultural heritage of the people of the city of Ilorin Emirate, to foster peaceful co-existence, harmonious working relationship as well as projecting and repositioning the city to the world.
However, horses are parts of the phenomena that always feature during the annual Durbar festival. The Emir is also known for his extreme love of horse riding since his tender age as a Prince, later as the Ciroma of Ilorin and now as the 11th Emir of Ilorin. This genetic trait has become hereditary as virtually all the Emir’s grandchildren now ride on horseback without any support.
Aliyu
Prince Aliyu Sulu-Gambari
Status: Emir’s Last Born
Age: 7
Hobby: Drawing
Passion: Horse-Riding
Ambition: Architectural Engineer
Favourite Colour: Blue
Quotes:
“I like drawing horses. One day I will be an Architectural Engineer and I will design big stables for them.”
“When I grow older, I will ride in front like my brothers.”
Aisha
Princess Aisha Sulu-Gambari
Status: Emir’s grand-daughter
Age: 6
Hobby: Reading
Passion: Horse Riding
Ambition: Pilot
Favourite Colour: Yellow
Quotes:
“I love horses because they are strong and beautiful”
“I want to be a pilot. Then I can fly in the sky and also ride my horse on the ground.”
Laufe Hudayfah
Status: Emir’s Grandson
Age: 4
Hobby: Playing games
Passion: Horse Riding
Ambition: Undecided
Favourite Colour: N/A
These are just a few out of the wonders that princes and princesses of the Ilorin Emirate are displaying as their contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage of the ancient city and not in any way affecting their excellent academic performances and quranic education.
We implore you to watch out for the display of the horse-riding skills on our social media.
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has confirmed that Reno Omokri played a key role in the appointment of Segun Showunmi as the spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2018 presidential campaign.
Speaking in a phone interview with journalists, Metuh recalled how the decision unfolded.
“It was in 2018, when I was still actively involved in politics. Reno reached out to me, asking for a recommendation for Atiku’s media team,” Metuh said. “I initially thought of Deji Adeyanju, but he had already left the PDP. So I suggested Segun Showunmi instead.”
Metuh said he asked Showunmi to contact Omokri directly, which he did.
“That was it. I made the connection, and everything moved forward from there.”
He emphasized that there was no confusion surrounding the process.
“There is no controversy about how Segun got the role. It was straightforward.”
Metuh added that, to his knowledge, neither Omokri nor Showunmi remains an active PDP member, saying:
“So really, there’s no need for anyone to stir up drama.”
Omokri, a former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, had earlier shared the backstory in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast and reiterated the details in a Facebook post. According to him, he not only received Showunmi’s CV after Metuh’s recommendation but also personally negotiated his salary over a call from California before informing Atiku.
“If I’m anything at all, I’m a meticulous record keeper,” Omokri wrote. “Segun later returned to thank Metuh for the recommendation. I have no interest in controversy, but I won’t hesitate to share documented evidence if anyone chooses to deny the facts.”
The confirmation from Metuh appears to put the matter to rest, solidifying the behind-the-scenes account of how Showunmi joined Atiku Abubakar’s media campaign team in 2018.
On Tuesday (tomorrow) April 22nd 2025, the erstwhile Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, His Lordship Hon. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (rtd) will (Insha Allah) clock 85 years old.
His ascension to the exalted throne as the 11th Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council is one of the greatest kindness that Almighty Allah has ever done to the people of the ancient city of Ilorin, Kwara State and humanity in general.
Now, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin is one of the direct descendant of the popular and highly revered Islamic scholar, Shehu Salih Alimi Ibn Janta, one the flag- bearer of the 1804 Usmaniyah jihad which led to the creation and annexation of Emirate system of traditional administration as well as propagation of Islam across the nation.
[Front Left-Middle] Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari wearing black cap as a youngman in the late 1950sBorn on Monday 22nd April 1940, by late Hajia Aishat Sulu-Gambari, grand daughter of the late 7th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Shuaibu Bawa-Allah dan Zubairu (1915 – 1919), daughter of the late 8th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu AbdulKadir Dan Bawa-Allah (1919 -1959) wife of the late 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Zuluqarnaini Gambari CFR, (1959-1992) and sister of the late 10th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Aliyu AbdulKadir (1992-1995).
In addition to her intimidating profile as a unique personality that she was during her lifetime and even afterward, the Emir’s late mother was also the elder sister to Hajia Maryam Ado Bayero, the late mother of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero CFR and His Royal Highness, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero OFR among other notable extended family members globally.
The uniqueness of Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari can be percieved from the personalities of his parents because he is the only serving traditional ruler (or even ever) with only one person as his both paternal and maternal great-grandfather i.e Shehu Shuaibu Bawa-Allah dan Zubairu who reigned from 1915 to 1919.
Young Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was one of the most cherished and admired Princes by everyone during his childhood and he was known for his brilliance, dedication and steadfastness to both Western and Quranic educations.
During his graduation at the University of London.
He started his early school at the Native Authority School in 1953 finishing in 1956, then he moved to Offa Grammar School and finished in 1960 later in 1961 to 1962 he studied in Oakham Schools England and City Westminster College and finished in 1963 and moved to Middle Temple School from 1964 to 1967 and in 1966, he attended the prestigious University of London up to 1969 then Nigeria Law School in 1969 and by this time, he had already bagged LLB, B.L., LLM from University of London.
During his Call To The Bar
He had his pupillage in the chambers of the legendary nationalist, Chief H. O. Davies, QC/SAN, for a year before he joined the service of the then North-Eastern State of Nigeria as a State Counsel in 1969 and by January 1975, he had rose to the rank of a Principal State Counsel Grade I.
On March 16, 1976, he was appointed as the pioneer Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, old Gongola State. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was on 1st January 1977, announced as the Ag. Judge of the High Court of Bauchi, Borno and Gongola States.
His Lordship Hon. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari PJCA
Furthermore, in January, 1983, he was appointed a Justice of the Court of Appeal and was posted to the Ibadan Division where he served for eight years. As a global citizen, His Lordship Hon. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari JCA, as popularly called made remarkable impacts during his service years in Ibadan and established quality friendship with both indigenes and residents of the largest city in Western Africa, including serving Military and Entrepreneurs who later became his life-long friends.
He became the Ciroma of Ilorin in 1984 and prominent global citizens stormed Ilorin to witness his turbaning ceremony including one of his close ally, a former Chief of Defence Staff, late Lt. Gen. Joshua Nimyel Dongoyaro (rtd) who spent four days in the ancient City of Ilorin to rejoice with him. Later in July, 1991, he was appointed as the Presiding Judge of the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal where he was the third in hierarchy among the Justices of the Court of Appeal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While serving in this capacity, Justice Sulu-Gambari evidently featured in about 167 cases and read lead judgments in many of them including a case involving the late Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, CFR.
His colleagues at the Court of Appeal were; His Lordships Justice Ignatius Chukwudi Pats-Acholonu, Justice John Hezekiah Omololu-Thomas, Justice Sylvester Umaru Onu, Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, Justice Justin Thompson Akpabio, late Justice Muhammad Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi, Justice Umaru Atu Kalgo, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, Justice Issa Ayo Salami, Justice Simeon Adebayo Oduwole and late Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola among others.
Throughout his stay on the bench, he was known for his humility and transparency which was testified to by the President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR during his campaign visit to the ancient palace of Ilorin ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Prior to his campaign visit to Ilorin, at a book launch event in Birnin-Kebbi, the capital city of Kebbi State, Tinubu gave special recognition to the Emir of Ilorin and tagged him, “An Incorruptible Judge” and at Ilorin Emir’s Palace, he confirmed the Emir’s support for him when he was arraigned before him in Lagos during the Military era.
He said: “You are my father and I shall never forget your kindness to me. You granted me bail and also ensured that my bail papers was prepared and approved before you left your office, you waited to observe Mogrib and Ishai before you closed that day. With this, I will continue to tell the whole world what you did to me.”
During my recent trip to Qatar, I came across His Lordship, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad, GCON, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, and he told me that; His Royal Highness was my boss, he trained me, I learnt alot from him while under him in Lagos. I wasn’t surprised the day he called me and said: “Ibrahim I am going back home to inherit my father’s house. That very day, I gave him royal salutation and I had no doubt that our Oga has become a traditional ruler. ”
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari enjoys cordial working relationship with successive governments in the state, especially, with one of his sons, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON Sardaunan Ilorin and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum as well as support from his colleagues in the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Ibrahim Bologi II as the Vice Chairman.
His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR with members of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) His Eminence, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni always call Emir Sulu-Gambari by his heritance title “Shehu Alimi” which further confirms that there are only three Shehus in Nigeria; Shehu Usmanu DanFodio (Sokoto), Shehu El-Kanemi (Borno) and Shehu Alimi (Ilorin).
His Eminence Sultan of Sokoto and His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin
His colleagues (younger) in the Legal Profession and now traditional rulers who have also gave good testimonies about Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari includes: His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage CFR, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman Nasarawa State Traditional Rulers Council and His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Hassan Lawal OFR, Emir of Gumi and Chairman of Northern Traditional Rulers Council.
Ranking Royal Fathers, although, of different professional backgrounds but with strong tides with Emir Sulu-Gambari are; His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar CFR, Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Traditional Rulers Council and National Coordinator of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III CFR, Emir of Gombe and Chairman Gombe Traditional Rulers Council who inherited and maintained the aged long relationship between Ilorin Emirate and Gombe Emirate as well as His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa Baba CON, the Ona of Abaji and FCT Traditional Rulers Council who is found of calling Emir Sulu-Gambari “My Father”.
Most importantly, His Royal Highness, Maj. Gen. Ilyasu Bashar CFR (rtd) the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman Kebbi State Traditional Rulers Council who graciously honoured and appointed Barrister Abubakar Bature Sulu-Gambari SAN, the Emir’s eldest son as Ciroma even before he was later turbaned in 2006 during the 11th coronation anniversary of the Emir of Ilorin along with 10 other traditional title holders.
Since last few weeks, the Mai-Tangale in Biliri Local Government Area of Gombe State, His Royal Highness, Malam Sanusi Danladi Maiyamba IV, has being putting calls across to pray and celebrate with the frontline Royal Father. Other traditional rulers in that category are;
His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Sule Idaiye, The Great Imah IV of Somorika Kingdom, in Akoko-Edo Local Government of Edo State, His Royal Highness King (Eze) AbdulFatah Chimaeze Emetumah III, the Igwe Of Umuofor Kingdom, Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, the Emir of Azara, Nasarawa State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Kabiru Musa Ibrahim, The Emir of Wase in Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna and the Gomo of Kuje in FCT, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin Tanko.
The most fascinating moment I have ever had with the Emir was the day he told me that: “The day I was pronounced as the Emir of Ilorin and when I sat on this throne, the first thing I requested from Almighty Allah was that Oh Allah, let there be peace in Ilorin, Kwara State and Nigeria in general and let everyone living in Ilorin both indigenes and non-indigenes be prosperous in their respective trades and careers.
“Let Ilorin grow, not only in size but also in peace, harmony, commerce and infrastructure. I did these prayers because they are the factors that will make my reign to be peaceful and memorable.”
Therefore, the source of our achievements as indigenes and residents of Ilorin as well as the sustainable peace and harmony that we are enjoying in Kwara State became clear to me.
He ascended the throne as the 11th Emir of Ilorin at the age of 55 barely three months for him to be announced as Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria and 30 years later, Ilorin has truly grown rapidly in commerce and infrastructure to accommodate many indigenes of different states across the country.
Emir Sulu-Gambari ensures that under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Imam Soliu OON, clerics in Ilorin gather regularly at the Madrasatul Sheikh Solih Alimi to recite and complete the glorious Quran many times monthly for peaceful coexistence as well as prosperity nationwide.
Currently, the numbers of tertiary institutions both public and privately owned are uncountable while entrepreneurs, ranking politicians and technocrats are springing up geometrically. He has lend his voice to many national and international matters and most importantly as a delegate to constitutional conferences and being regular guest at the annual religious gathering in Morocco.
HRH Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR
Even at 85, he holds the prestigious position as the serving Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano and Muhammad Kamalu-deen University, Ilorin. He continues to preserve and promote the symbol of royalty and dignity as well as embodying the values of his forbearers.
With its current cosmopolitan status, the ancient city of Ilorin has low rates of social vices, crime and criminality, many thanks to His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR whose Mondays and Thursdays as well as other selected days in some Islamic months are dedicated for fasting and fervent prayers for sustainable peace and social harmony in the state and nation in general.
During one of my private engagements with His Royal Highness, he confirmed to me that while in school, he participated in so many sporting activities including football, boxing and lawn-tennis. When yours sincerely had broken leg few years ago, he said to me: “Don’t be disturbed about your condition, when I was studying in London, I was a professional footballer and I also sustained similar injury. I was completely demobilised with Plaster Of Paris (POP) all over my leg. Of course, I couldn’t play football for sometimes but I was able to study hard for my examinations and all my results were extremely fine. That was my reward at that time.
His narrations was not only encouraging but it was also an oxygen that gave me more hope that hard times don’t last forever. Each time His Royal Highness set his eyes on me, he always request that I should walk infront of him in order to know my health condition.
Your Royal Highness, you have indeed shown your subjects true love and affection as a unique leader and we, your children are fast-growing under your umbrella as you proudly carry us on your shoulders and on your back tightly. As you celebrate 85th birthday, we are pleased with your reign and we are praying that Almighty Allah should grant you more years of peaceful reign on earth with absolute comfort.
His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR is not a mere monarch but he is also a bridge-builder, advocate of peace and harmony, architect of modern society, a trailblazer, an embodiment of social justice, an Incorruptible Leader, a visionary and diplomatic personality, a soft-spoken, calm and charismatic man and among all, a father to all irrespective of your social status, political affiliation, tribe, religion and educational background. He is extremely nice through and true.
Allah Madaukakin Sarki Ya ci gaba da karfafawa Mai Martaba Sarki, Ya kuma ba ku shekaru masu albarka a duniya baki daya
Sheeehu! Sheeeeeehu!!Sheeeeeeeeehu!!! Wallahu Yasimuka Mina Nas
Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, spokesman to HRH Emir of Ilorin writes via sardauna2@gmail.com
Late Christopher Jemitola
Major General Christopher Jemitola, the former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo is dead.
He served Olusegun Obasanjo as ADC with rank of Colonel from 2003 to 2007, ROYAL NEWS reports.
Jemitola, who later retired as the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) in the Nigerian Army died on Thursday after he reportedly slumped at the IBB Golf Course in Abuja.
Sources close to his family confirmed that he was quickly rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.
The late General was at several times, the Corp Commander Nigerian Army Signals, Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to Brazil and Director of Army Public Relations.
The deceased hailed from Ososo in Akoko Edo Local government area of Edo State.
Entrance to Adekunle Family compound, Oke-Kangan, Gamno, Kwara State. PHOTO CREDIT: ROYAL NEWS ONLINE CREW
Africa is rich with many with cultures and traditions that are dated back to centuries and it is generally believed that Snake is associated with fear due to its dangerous nature to human existence.
In modern- day practices, SNAKE traditions continue to captivate and intrigue us. So, in this feature story, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of snake tradition in Kwara State, North-Central, Nigeria, to discover their worth, uniqueness and powerful tradition.
Recall that in the United State of America, especially in the South-Western part, there is a native tradition of snake dancing, whereby citizens will dress up in different snakes attires to celebrate; also, in West Africa, the snake is revered as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
The Fon people of Benin Republic worship the snake goddess, who is believed to have the power to grant wealth and protection. Also in Egypt, the Cobra, with its raised hod, was a sign of protection and divine power.
While snake is dangerous/poisonous to man and other living things, it is been worshipped by some clan but the people of Olororo Compound Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State sees the Snake as their great Ancenstor that should not be harmed or killed.
Ganmo is a community located a short distance from Ilorin, Kwara State. It is located along the Ilorin-Ajasse-Ipo Road and just about 10km from the Ilorin City Centre.
They cherish and preserve the culture till today despite the current era of civilization and digitalisation of virtually of human existence because they see their heritage as awesome, great and un-ending traditions.
In an exclusive interview by ROYAL NEWS Crew, a woman in her early 70s, Alhaja Falilatu also known as Iya Badia, said snake is their great grandfather, which has been paying them homage, protecting them before the advent of both Islam and Christianity. Bunmi Umar with Alhaja Falilatu, (Iya Badia) during her visit to Olororo compound. PHOTO CREDIT: ROYAL NEWS ONLINE CREW
She said: “Snake usually visit new born baby by staying beside him/her for some minutes for seven days but if the snake notice the mother is panicking or afraid, it will leave the baby side earlier without causing any harm unless the baby is a bastard.
“The mother will never have any background knowledge or clue before the creature visit expect the brides happens to be from that town / descendant. Infact, the snake paid me a visit recently when I returned from Lagos.”
While sharing an ugly incident, Iya Badia disclosed that one of her neighbours from Asaka compound came to inform her about some youths attacking a snake, stressing that, “I went there to fight with them but I later explained and pleaded with them to always leave or ignore the snake anytime it is coming towards my home that it will never hurt or harm them.”
She vowed that none of the children from their household will ever killed snake when they went hunting adding that, “No member of our household will neither stone nor eat snake talk less of using the pot used in preparing meals.”
While eulogizing the snake, Iya Badia always say, “My father, cobra, mighty with stylish moments, cobra that cares for its kids, when you are not around, python was made to head, Uhmm, haa, death don’t kill, sickness do not strike us”.
Speaking further, she said: “When a new bride first experience in our household, she became unconscious five times and screaming when snake came to pay visit to her newly born baby because their husband will never inform them before the snake visit them.
“There is no where you are living that the snake will not pay you a visit unless you are not the real child of Olororo compound either physically or spiritually. I’m from snake offspring and I got married to another snake descendant that is why I am not afraid nor scared.
According to an eye witness, Mallam Abdulrahman Fasasi said Adekunle compound have high regards for snakes because they believe that it is their Ancenstor and testified that snake usually paid homage to their new generations for some specific days and the popular snake that do come is COBRA.
Another person, who seek anonymous due to her religious status attested that the snake usually appear physically to male children of Adekunle family especially to the new born baby and their mother alone. It will NEVER appear to a girl-child of Olororo household once she left their family house to her own husband dynasty but will only be appearing to her in the dream even if you are aboard, it will pay you a visit.
In addition, Mr. Thaoban; a brother to another new bride who got married to the family said, he got to know about the tradition from her elder sister and described her experience as an un-forgetful one as the sister ran away from her own new born baby when she was delivered of her first baby and almost divorce her husband.
“This tradition can not be overlooked or underrated because it will serve as a warning for their wives to avoid adultery, which will result to illegitimate child and bring shame to the family”, he said.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has again raised its benchmark lending rate by 0.25 percent.
ROYAL NEWS reports that the increament is from 27.50 per cent to 27.25 per cent.
This marks the sixth interest rate hike this year, resulting in a cumulative increase of 875 basis points.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the bank stated that its unanimous decision was aimed at maintaining price stability.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this while addressing journalists at the end of a two-day MPC meeting held in Abuja.
The benchmark rate is the standard interest rate set by central banks, used to guide lending rates and influence economic activities, inflation, and financial stability.
The central bank also retained the asymmetric corridor around the MPR +500 to -100 basis points.
Mr Cardoso said the committee voted to retain the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 50 per cent for commercial banks, while maintaining the CRR of merchant banks at 16 per cent.
The committee also voted to retain the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.
Dr. Umar J.G Muhammed
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State, Dr. Umar J.G. Muhammed has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the safety of farmers and boosting food security in the state.
This is he said is line with the mandate given to the Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which is to boost food security by providing protection to farmers against malicious destruction of their farmlands, as well as addressing farmer-herder clashes, ROYAL NEWS has gathered.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Ilorin, Commandant Umar disclosed that the Agro Rangers Unit has resolved one hundred and ninety-six (196) cases of farmer-herder conflicts over the past one year
He stated that “the Agro Rangers personnel have been trained and certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, allowing them to effectively mediate conflicts between itinerant herders and sedentary farmers across all 16 local government areas. These efforts have significantly reduced farmer-herder and other communal clashes in the state.”
He further stressed that the Agro Rangers have been providing security to state-owned, corporate, and individual farmers, as well as protecting farmlands across the state snd cited the strategic deployment of NSCDC personnel at Shonga Farm in Edu Local Government Area as a key example of their commitment.
“Peasant farmers and agro-allied industries in the state are supported through continuous surveillance and routine patrols of agrarian communities”, Dr. Umar added.
The NSCDC therefore reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector, ensuring the protection of both farmers and their investments, and promoting sustainable growth within the state.
L-R: Kwara State Deputy Governor Mr Kayode Alabi; Commissioner for Finance and Chairman State NG-CARES Steering Committee Dr Hauwa Nuru; and one of the beneficiaries; during the distribution of agricultural Inputs, boats, and infrastructural assets (4th phase) to farmers, and the distribution of new hospital equipment to 11 communities by the Kwara State Government under the NG-CARES Programme, in Ilorin, on Wednesday.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday launched the distribution of the fourth phase of agricultural and infrastructural assets under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, targeting over 600,000 beneficiaries across different categories in the 16 local government areas.
“The State Government is today taking another giant step forward towards supporting farmers and vulnerable agro-entrepreneurs with high-value assets such as fishing and passenger boats, hand tillers, grinding machines, and so on. This is in addition to the donation of various categories of hospital equipment to support vulnerable communities in health delivery and add to the stock of beneficiaries already recorded,” AbdulRazaq said at the launching held at the Government House Ilorin.
The Governor was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi.
“Today’s ceremony, therefore, attests to the commitment of the state government to full implementation of NG-CARES. This is geared towards improving the welfare of the people,” the Governor explained.
The 2-legged programme also had at least eleven (11) communities that benefited from the distributed hospital equipment support. They included Alanamu, Atiku-Apata,
Lade, Kajola, Kere, Patigi, Isanlu-isin, Araromi, Igbaja, Omoda; and Baba Dudu communities.
AbdulRazaq said no less than two million citizens across Kwara State have benefitted from the various programmes and interventions under the NG-CARES, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labour intensive public workforce, and social development agency.
“The State CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on the 14th of December 2021. NG-CARES, being the first attempt to use the Programme for Result (P for R) approach to deliver goods and services to the most vulnerable in the State, has been very successful as it is making an impact in the lives of the citizens since its take-off.”
“This is made possible by the continuous and constant support of the State Government to ensure that poor and vulnerable individuals and businesses affected by economic crisis are supported through different initiatives.”
“Our gathering this afternoon is another phase in our continuous efforts to bring ease to the people through multifaceted interventions. At every stage of our journey so far, our administration has a record of deploying all available resources to make life easy for the people,” the Governor added.
AbdulRazaq urged the beneficiaries of these high-valued assets and equipment to consider these assets as their own and optimize the benefits.
The ceremony was well attended by some cabinet members and other officials of government, including Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, State Steering Committee for NG-CARES programme, Dr Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Communication Hon Bola Olukoju; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; State Coordinator for NG-CARES, Ibiyinka Olatunde; and dozens of beneficiaries, among others.
Dr Nuru, for her part, described the intervention as a beacon of hope that was designed and supported by the World Bank to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and which complements the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq in making life bearable for all the citizens.
“The objectives of NG-CARES programmes for results are clear and very impactful. This intervention would expand access to livelihood support and ensure food security and among other benefits,” she said, commending the World Bank and the Governor for the initiative.
Olatunde, in his remarks, appreciated the government for taking the bull by the horn by keying to the programme that he described as laudable and highly beneficial to the people of the state.
“NG-Care has been delivering goods and services to vulnerable members of our society. And it has always been like this. But this time around, I must sincerely commend the Governor for undertaking it in a new dimension. Because all of us can see some valuable items and equipment here which are going to different communities. This is highly commendable,” he said.
Beneficiaries, such as Alhaji Ahmed Ganiyu Adebayo from Alanamu community and Alhaji Sambo Magaji of the Lafiagi Emirate,
who spoke at the event on behalf of others, took turns to eulogize the administration for what they called a kind gesture.
“These items (hospital equipment) would go a long way in impacting the lives of our people. The gesture would specifically serve as a model for other states to emulate,” Adebayo said.
Magaji, who spoke on behalf of FADAMA beneficiaries, said the items provided will assist farmers a lot as they go about their farming activities and thanked the Governor for being passionate about their well-being.
Highlight of the programme was the presentation of NG-CARES items to beneficiaries by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, who represented the Governor.
(5th left ) Prof. Olusegun Ige; Hon. Commissioner for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Afeez Abolore Alabi; Head of Department Geology, Prof. Olabisi Adekeye and other management staff of the Ministry and the Department of Geology during a courtesy call to the University of Ilorin on effective collaboration on mining activities in the State.The Kwara State Government has again reiterated its commitment to working with the Kwara State University, (KWASU), Malete and the University of Ilorin on forging collaborative efforts with the academia to develop the solid minerals sector of the State.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr Afeez Abolore Alabi disclosed this while speaking at the campuses of the two Universities.
At the Department of Geology and Minerals Science of KWASU, the Commissioner emphasized the need for the University to support the Government by bringing up past researches identified to be relevant to knowledge in order to aid the ongoing repositioning efforts of the solid minerals sector by the State Government.
In his response, the University’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof.Sheikh Lukman Jimoh represented by the University’s Librarian, Prof. Abdulsalam Abiodun Salman, welcomed the team from the Ministry and appreciated the Commissioner for the novel and laudable move of visiting the University for possible synergy in designing a sustainable road map for the solid minerals sector of the State.
He enthused that collaboration with the university would help to boost the socio- economic development of the State and contribute to the potential increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Kwara.
The Head of the Department of Geology and Minerals Science, Dr. Ajadi Jimoh who shared his broad experience in class and on the field, called for necessary policies and regulations to be put in place by the State Government.
He promised their readiness to collaborate with the Government and called for a think-tank team to be inaugurated to herald the kind of growth and development anticipated by the State Government in the mining sector.
Similarly, the Head of Geology Department at the University of Ilorin, Professor Olabisi Adekeye said Kwara was blessed with abundant mineral resources with great revenue potentials, if properly harnessed.
He, therefore, thanked the State Government and reiterated the institution’s readiness to synergize with the Ministry in order to move solid minerals development to the next level.
Also speaking at the department, Prof.Olusegun Ige, appreciated the State Government for appointing a vibrant and result oriented Academic as the Commissioner who is prepared to turn the fortunes of the Ministry around.
He further explained that minerals deposits are available in abundance across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State, urging the Government to urgently maximize the potentials of the sector for revenue drive.
Adeleke and Ige thanked the Commissioner and his team for taking a bold step to visit the Department and promised their readiness to support the State Government in promoting mining activities in the state.
The Director Geological Services, Mr Kunle Adimula thanked the two institutions for the warm reception accorded them and their resolve to support the Ministry, reiterating that the ongoing efforts by the Ministry to secure enabling law to back mining operations in the State would yield the desired results in no time.
