Category: News

2025 Durbar to be held at Adewole Baseball Park The Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar Committee, Engr Suleiman Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, has announced that this year’s edition of the annual Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar will be held at the Baseball Park, Adewole Housing Estate, Ilorin, on Sunday, June 8, 2025.Engr Yahaya, in a statement personally signed by him, said that the decision to take the venue of the popular annual cultural festival to the Baseball Park was informed by the need to accommodate the increasing numbers of audiences who have signed-in to attend the cultural event.The Chairman added that the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji(Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has approved the new venue as he also thanked the Governor of Kwara State and Sardauna of Ilorin, Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq,CON, for granting the wish of the Committee to host the ceremony at the new venue.Engr Yahaya, who is also the Danmasani of Ilorin, charged indigenes and friends of Ilorin Emirate to turnout in large numbers to participate in the programme.He also enjoined well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to support the Committee to enable it to organise the most colourful edition of the festival so far.Signed:Engr Suleiman Yahaya Alapansanpa,FNSE,Danmasani of Ilorin & Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee.Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Adunni Ade has sparked fresh conversations on love, self-worth, and the illusions of attraction after declaring that beauty alone cannot sustain a relationship. Speaking in a candid video shared on her verified Instagram account on May 25, 2025, the Nollywood actress reflected on her personal journey, revealing how admiration never translated into marital fulfillment.Despite being hailed as one of the most admired women in every room she walked into, Adunni said she often returned home to solitude and heartbreak. “I was the center of attraction. I was beautiful, everyone wanted to be around me, yet I was alone,” she confessed, urging women to stop equating beauty with emotional security.Her comments struck a chord with many, especially young women navigating the complexities of dating in a society that often prioritizes looks over character. Adunni emphasized the importance of self-love and emotional maturity, adding that “being fine is not enough” if the person lacks depth, loyalty, or purpose.The mother of two, who once lived in the United States before returning to Nigeria to pursue acting, opened up about past relationships where admiration from men did not equate to commitment or respect. Her vulnerability has drawn praise for shattering a glamorized illusion and exposing the reality behind romantic disappointment.Adunni’s message didn’t just resonate because of her beauty or fame—it struck a cultural nerve. In a society where women are often pressured to maintain appearances to secure love or marriage, her statement disrupts the norm, highlighting how emotional fulfillment goes far beyond surface admiration.Many fans and celebrities have since reacted, with some applauding her bravery and others sharing their own stories. Adunni’s post has become a catalyst for trending hashtags like #BeautyIsNotEnough and #MoreThanLooks, pushing for deeper conversations around relationships, identity, and self-worth.Her revelation comes amid ongoing debates within Nollywood circles about fame, femininity, and societal expectations. While she remains unmarried, Adunni made it clear that her happiness is no longer tied to marital status, and she hopes women will embrace self-respect over societal pressure.

FG Begins Payment of#35,000 Wage Award Arrears To Workers The federal government has commenced the payment of the long-awaited N35,000 wage award arrears to its employees, fulfilling a key part of its commitment to support workers amid prevailing economic challenges.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Bawa Mokwa.

According to the statement, many federal government employees have already received the first tranche of the payment, while others who are yet to be credited will receive theirs shortly.The arrears are being paid in five instalments of N35,000 each, amounting to a total of N175,000 per beneficiaryThe OAGF also addressed reports circulating in some sections of the media suggesting that the N35,000 wage award had been excluded from the 2025 Budget. The Office clarified that at no point did the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Babatunde Ogunjimi, make such a claim.“There was no press briefing by the Accountant General on the matter of wage award,” the statement read.

“Any report quoting him as excluding the N35,000 from the 2025 budget is entirely false.”The Office further stated that all outstanding arrears of the wage award would be settled in line with the government’s assurance to organised labour and public service employees.

The wage award was introduced by the Federal Government as part of palliative measures to cushion the impact of recent subsidy removal and associated economic reforms. It is intended to bridge the gap pending the conclusion of negotiations on a new minimum wage.

The commencement of payment comes after months of anticipation and advocacy from labour unions, who had pressed for the full implementation of the government’s promise.The payment is expected to provide some relief to federal workers, many of whom have been grappling with inflationary pressures and rising cost of living.

The OAGF urged patience from workers who have not yet received their arrears, assuring that the payroll system is actively processing all outstanding entitlements.

The federal government said in 2024 that it would be investing heavily in livestock production as a means to reduce the farmer-herder clashes.

Part of the plans include the conversion of the Obudu Cattle Ranch into a livestock hub to power dairy production in Nigeria

The federal government has also outlined plans to empower 1000 youths in each state to go into a livestock project aided by technology

In 2024, President Bola Tinubu said his administration would be turning the tragic situation caused by farmer-herders conflict into an economic opportunity by investing in the sector.

The president stated that the targeted investments would attract youths into the sector and also eradicate hunger and poverty in Nigeria .

In line with that plan, the federal government has rolled out a nationwide empowerment programme that will revamp the livestock value chain in Nigeria.

The programme will deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and other technological innovations to address the challenges in livestock production.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this at the end of a 4-day Hack4Livestock Hackathon competition held at Galaxy Backbone Building, Abuja , during the week.

The Minister who was represented by his Special Adviser, Eustace Iyayi, noted that it was time to start leveraging digital platforms to drive growth in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Speaking further about the empowerment programme, the Minister said the programme will be used to promote women’s empowerment and diversity.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy was developed to empower youths in Nigeria to move into different parts of the livestock value chain with the support of technology.

He said;

“We plan to capacitate 1,000 youths per state, including diversity across the country, in different values in the livestock sector. We are aware that this digital project is going to be very helpful in doing that.”

The event was organised by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, together with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and the Ministry of Livestock Development, the NATION news reports.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has issued a stern directive to all commanding officers and soldiers to ruthlessly crush and expel terrorists from Nigeria’s territory.

The order came at the close of the COAS Bi-Annual Conference in Maiduguri on Friday, where top army generals gathered for three days to strategize on safeguarding national peace and security.

There is no contesting our decision to completely neutralize these detractors of peace,” Lt.-Gen. Oluyede declared.

He charged the troops to “spare no quarter” in hunting down terrorists, emphasizing that these criminals seek to disrupt the nation’s way of life and destroy the legacy built by the forefathers.

We will not allow such to happen,” he affirmed.

Lt.-Gen. Oluyede also announced plans to induct additional combat enablers into ongoing operations in the coming weeks, adding that the strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its weaponry but also in the resolve and willpower of its soldiers.

“It is incumbent upon all leaders here to set exemplary standards, mentor our troops, and guide the next generation,” he said.

He acknowledged the complexity of the adversaries who threaten Nigeria’s socio-cultural fabric and praised the intellectual rigour and strategic foresight displayed during the conference.

The objectives of this first Bi-Annual conference have largely been achieved, with insightful contributions that exceeded my expectations.

Concerted efforts will be made to implement these measures in current and future operations,” Lt.-Gen. Oluyede concluded.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, said he was expecting more politicians to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The President, who said he was happy with what his administration and the party had achieved, said he did not expect people to remain in “a sinking ship without a life jacket.”

He said defection was part of the game.

According to a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President spoke at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit, held at the State House Conference Centre on Thursday.

Tinubu addressed party leaders, the National Working Committee, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, which comprises 22 governors.

All of them collectively endorsed him for a second term.

The President said his administration’s focus on economic reforms for long-term gains has continued to receive positive reviews from within and outside the country.

A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians.“

You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game,” he was quoted as saying.

The President said citizens have the constitutional right to choose between associations.

I thank every one of you. I am thoroughly inspired. We are just halfway through the journey that started 24 months ago,” he said.

The President thanked members of the Federal Executive Council for courageously pursuing the vision of a better Nigeria and the party leadership and National Assembly for their support.

“Together, we pledged to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on by rebuilding the trust, fostering prosperity and restoring our nation’s economic quest.”

Today, I am proud to affirm that our economic reforms are working. Nothing good comes easy in life. All of you have been through life, and sometimes, only hard decisions can make things easy in the future.

We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and unborn babies.

Through our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.

How fast could you have rebuilt this country? If you allow the arbitrage in the exchange rate to continue, that is the grandfather of corruption. You could see EFCC recover over seven hundred and fifty-something houses from one person,” he said.

The President admitted that the reforms were tough decisions but assured Nigerians they were necessary.

Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023, but we have made progress by implementing difficult, long overdue but necessary economic reforms.

We have eliminated the arbitrage-driven multiple foreign exchanges, and our far-reaching tax reforms are coming.

Still on the Ilorin Durbar: How N150 Million Hijacked Tradition and Twisted the Narrative
Wahab Oba
23/05/’25

Let me begin by stating unequivocally that I hold our revered traditional institution and His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, in the highest esteem. I am not oblivious to the weight of tradition, the sanctity of the palace, and the need for decorum in times of controversy. However, when sacred traditions are manipulated, when cultural legacies are hijacked for transient political gains, and when silence becomes complicity, the truth must be told, no matter how uncomfortable. This is what informed this writeup.

I have been reliably informed by a respected member of the Ilorin Durbar Committee, under the condition of anonymity, about the behind-the-scenes drama that culminated in the release last night of the controversial statement signed by Engr. Yahaya Alapansapa, Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee.

What I learned paints a disturbing picture of a revered cultural institution reduced to a political pawn in the hands of those who would rather exploit the Durbar as a tool of political leverage than preserve it as a symbol of unity and pride for the Ilorin Emirate.

This is not hearsay or idle speculation. The facts are in the open: the letter written by the Durbar Committee to the Kwara State Government begging for money to organise the Durbar; the pitiful financial state that prompted the appeal; the N150 million offer dangled before them; and the suffocating conditions tied to it. For those who hold the Ilorin Durbar sacred, this sequence of events is nothing short of sacrilege.

The deal, reportedly brokered under duress, saw the Committee, under the leadership of Engr. Alapansapa capitulate to the State Government’s political demands for control over the 2025 Durbar. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, allegedly angered by the Committee’s “neutrality” regarding Senator Saliu Mustapha’s pavilion project, is said to have pressured them into submission: accept the N150 million sponsorship only if you dance to the government’s tune.

With barely three weeks to the Durbar and only about N5 million raised from a few well-meaning sons and daughters of the Emirate, the Committee had no choice but to turn cap-in-hand to Governor AbdulRazaq for a lifeline. But that lifeline came with strings attached.

In return for the State Government’s financial support, the Committee was allegedly instructed to, among other things, publicly disassociate itself from and misrepresent the facts surrounding Senator Mustapha’s pavilion project; recognize Governor AbdulRazaq as the sole sponsor of the 2025 Durbar; exclude political opponents, especially former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Hon. Moshood Mustapha, and Mallam Lukman Mustapha from the celebrations; and for the first time, allow the conspicuous presence of the Governor’s lackey and anointed 2027 gubernatorial stooge.

Within 48 hours of this closed-door arrangement, the Committee released a public statement that bore the unmistakable fingerprints of government dictation. The tone, the omissions, and the narrative slant all pointed to a carefully orchestrated move to politicize what is supposed to be a celebration of heritage and identity.

Even more troubling is the Committee’s sudden erasure of history. As recently as 2018, during the tenure of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Ilorin Durbar was revived in grand style. Both former Governor Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki played pivotal roles in restoring the Durbar’s dignity and glamour. Today, their names are deliberately omitted from the records in an act of historical revisionism. For what? A few wads of cash and political convenience?

The real tragedy here is that the Ilorin Durbar, meant to celebrate our shared history and unity, is now being reduced to a partisan jamboree. What should have been an honorable gesture of cultural support has become a veiled campaign rally.

Let it be clear: the Ilorin Durbar belongs to the people. It is a sacred tradition of the Emirate, not a tool in any governor’s reelection or succession strategy. It must not be held hostage by manipulation or financial coercion.

The Durbar Committee, peopled by otherwise respected sons and daughters of the Emirate, should have resisted this compromise. They should have stood firm in defence of our heritage, not surrendered it at the altar of political expediency.

The people are watching. And history, unlike money, never forgets.

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 execution 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 execution 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 wellas 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 Chairman Ilorin Emirate Durbar committee, May 22,2025.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directly connected Nigeria’s increasing rates of kidney failure and heart problems to the widespread use of harmful chemicals for fruit ripening, describing the practice as a national health emergency affecting all social classes.

Speaking during Senate proceedings covered by Platinum TV from 18:40, Akpabio painted a grim picture of the health crisis facing Nigeria. “It is a very sad thing to happen to a country. People are dropping dead in the country, people are having kidney failures and heart issues, and you don’t know they are associated with just the banana, the pawpaw, and the pineapples, and things that you buy maybe by the roadside or you send somebody to the market to go and buy for you,” he stated.

The Senate President emphasized that the crisis transcends economic boundaries. “So, it affects both the rich and the poor lives of every citizen of this country,” he added.

In response to these concerns, the Senate approved several resolutions to address the crisis comprehensively. The upper chamber expanded regulatory oversight beyond the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to include multiple agencies in fruit safety monitoring.

The Senate amended its motion to mandate broader public awareness campaigns. The resolution urges NAFDAC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the National Orientation Agency to increase awareness through continuous sensitization and public enlightenment about the hazardous implications of chemical fruit ripening in Nigeria.

The lawmakers also targeted imported fruits, directing the Nigerian Customs Service to ensure that imported fruits, particularly apples, are not preserved with harmful chemical practices.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau advocated for criminal penalties to deter the dangerous practice. He urged the Senate to enact legislation that would prosecute and arrest Nigerians caught selling chemically ripened fruits, arguing that such measures would serve as a deterrent to anyone attempting similar practices in the future.

The Senate unanimously approved all resolutions addressing the chemical fruit ripening crisis. Senate President Akpabio directed the Committee on Legal Matters to explore legislative options that would not only ban the practice but impose severe criminal penalties.

The committee received instructions to draft provisions that would criminalize fruit ripening through dangerous chemicals, ensuring both prohibition and stiff punishment for violators.