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Businessman, philanthropist and chairman, Flow FM Ilorin, Araba Femi Sanni, has called for a strategic economic repositioning of Kwara State, urging a shift from a predominantly civil service-driven economy to a dynamic conference and business tourism destination.

Speaking after returning from the UK, where he attended the Nigerian-UK Business Conference held in conjunction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit, Sanni said emerging trends indicate the state is well-positioned for such a transformation.

He pointed to the growing frequency of same-day return flights between Lagos and Ilorin as evidence of increasing business traffic, adding that ongoing infrastructure projects under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, including the simultaneous development of two conference centres and a five-star hotel, are laying the groundwork for a functional downtown ecosystem capable of hosting large-scale national and international events.

“This is not just an opportunity; it is a strategic imperative. Kwara State has the foundational assets to become a preferred hub for conferences, exhibitions, and corporate engagements in Nigeria,” Sanni said.

The business leader emphasized that diversifying the state’s economy through conference and business tourism would create jobs, enhance internally generated revenue, and strengthen Kwara’s contribution to national development.

He also highlighted the importance of security in sustaining this vision, noting that effective state policing would reduce insecurity, foster investor confidence, and support the state’s broader developmental agenda.

“This is the kind of forward-looking plan the state needs at this critical moment, to build on Governor AbdulRazaq’s ongoing transformation,” Sanni added.

NGF Chairman joins 20 governors for Eid-el-Fitr visit, highlights investment gains and renewed push to tackle insecurity

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence for Eid-el-Fitr, congratulating him on the historic state visit to the United Kingdom and the investment agreements reached with the UK government.

Governor AbdulRazaq described the visit, the first in 37 years, as bold and significant, noting that it signals a new level of bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the State Visit, first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new levels of relationship with Nigeria, and we thank you for it,” AbdulRazaq said.

The NGF Chairman, who led over 20 governors from across political parties to the President’s Lagos residence, also discussed national security concerns, stressing the need for coordinated efforts between the Presidency, governors, and security agencies to address insecurity.

“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions. The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police,” he added.

Governors who joined the visit included Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).

Others were Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mufwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

The Chairman of FlowFM 92.7 and Stefolga Group, Araba Femi Sanni, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithfuls in Kwara State and across Nigeria on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a goodwill message personally signed by him, Sanni congratulated the Muslim Ummah for fulfilling the spiritual obligations of fasting, prayer, and charity throughout the blessed month.

“I join millions of Muslim faithfuls in Kwara State and across Nigeria in celebrating the successful completion of Ramadan. This sacred season of sacrifice, reflection, and deepening faith has once again demonstrated the spiritual resilience and devotion of our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Sanni stated.

He noted that the virtues of Ramadan, including compassion for the less privileged, self-discipline, and renewed commitment to righteousness, should extend beyond the month and become guiding principles in daily life.

“The lessons of Ramadan are timeless. The empathy felt for the hungry, the discipline of the fast, the generosity extended to neighbours, and the peace sought through prayer must not end with the sighting of the new moon. These are values that should shape our character and conduct throughout the year,” he added.

Sanni also used the occasion to call for continued unity and peaceful coexistence among all residents of Kwara State, regardless of religious or ethnic background. He described Kwara as a beacon of interfaith harmony, where mutual respect and understanding have long been cherished.

“Kwara remains a shining example of peaceful coexistence. As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Let us continue to live as one family, supporting one another and building a state where everyone can thrive,” he said.

He concluded with prayers for the acceptance of all acts of worship and for peace, progress, and prosperity to reign in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

Early disbursement aimed at easing financial pressure on workers during festive period

The Kwara State Government has commenced payment of March salaries to civil servants ahead of the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr, in a move aimed at supporting workers during the festive season.

The early salary disbursement is in line with the established tradition of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently approved timely payments to ease financial burdens on public servants during major celebrations.

Officials say the gesture is intended to enable workers meet their personal and family needs as they prepare for the Eid festivities.

The administration has maintained a record of prompt salary payments, with government sources noting that the policy reflects a broader commitment to workers’ welfare and economic stability in the state.

Civil servants have, in recent years, benefited from similar early payments during festive periods, a move many say has helped improve morale and productivity across ministries, departments, and agencies.

The Chairman of FlowFM 92.7 and Stefolga Group, Araba Femi Sanni, has joined the global community in celebrating mothers across Nigeria in particular with a special tribute to his wife and the resilient women of Kwara State.

In a statement to mark Mother’s Day 2026, Sanni described mothers as the backbone of families and the unsung heroes of society, whose sacrifices and love shape generations.

He began his message with a personal note of gratitude to his wife, acknowledging her unwavering support and partnership over the years. He described her as his confidant and the rock of their home, whose love, patience, and strength hold their family together.

“Behind every man’s success is a woman who believes in him, prays for him, and stands by him through every storm. You are my greatest blessing, and I celebrate you today and always,” he said.

Sanni extended his appreciation to all mothers across Kwara State, recognizing their diverse roles in building families and communities. He acknowledged mothers in all walks of life, from professionals juggling career and home to market women working tirelessly to provide for their children, from farmers feeding the nation to grandmothers whose prayers cover generations.

He particularly acknowledged mothers raising children in challenging circumstances, including single mothers fighting daily to give their children a future and widows who have become both father and mother to their children. He described them as heroes and urged them not to lose heart.

Sanni also highlighted the role of Flow FM 92.7 in celebrating mothers, noting that the station remains committed to amplifying women’s voices and telling their stories. He dedicated the day’s programming to mothers, describing them as the heartbeat of the station’s audience.

“At Flow FM, we understand that mothers are not just listeners. They wake up with us, work with us in the background, and wind down with us at night. Today, we dedicate our airwaves to them,” he added.

The business leader concluded his message with a prayer for all mothers, asking for divine strength and protection over their lives. He prayed that God would grant every mother strength for each day, reward their labour with joy, their sacrifices with fulfilment, and their hearts with peace.

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, KW-IRS, Folashade Omoniyi, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, led members of the management team of the Service on a courtesy visit to the Ilorin Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, ACE I Victoria Ugo, at the Commission’s office in GRA, Ilorin.

Speaking during the visit, Omoniyi said the delegation was at the EFCC to formally welcome the new Zonal Director and further strengthen the cordial working relationship between both agencies. According to her, it has always been a tradition for the Service to pay such visits whenever a new head assumes office, noting that the gesture helps to “put a face to the name” and deepen institutional cooperation.

Omoniyi recalled that she was first appointed Executive Chairman of KW-IRS in October 2019 by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and was reappointed in October 2023 after successfully completing her first tenure. She noted that the Service had enjoyed a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the EFCC over the years, particularly in promoting accountability and improving revenue generation within the state.

The KW-IRS boss also spoke on the recently enacted tax reform signed into law by the President, highlighting some of its key provisions aimed at strengthening tax administration and enhancing compliance across the country. According to her, “the reform is designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, reduce the burden on low-income earners and small businesses, while boosting government revenue through improved compliance.”

She, however, lamented the persistent challenge of tax evasion, stressing the need for sustained public sensitisation on the new tax laws to ensure that citizens understand their civic responsibilities and sought continued collaboration with the EFCC, particularly in the area of enforcement and intelligence sharing.

According to her, stronger synergy between the revenue agency and the anti-graft commission would help curb tax evasion and other financial infractions, ultimately boosting internally generated revenue and supporting development efforts in Kwara State. She also congratulated Ugo on her appointment as the new Ilorin Zonal Director of the EFCC, expressing confidence that her leadership would further strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes in the zone.

In her response, Ugo appreciated the KW-IRS delegation for the visit and the show of goodwill, noting that the anti-corruption drive under the leadership of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, places strong emphasis on tax compliance as a critical component of financial integrity and national development.

She added that the visit went beyond mere familiarisation, describing it as a valuable opportunity for both institutions to interact, share ideas and deepen collaboration for more effective results in combating financial crimes and promoting accountability in the state.