The Chairman of FlowFM 92.7 and Stefolga Group, Araba Femi Sanni, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned legal practitioner and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Barrister Kunle Sulyman, who died on Thursday at the age of 81.
In a personal condolence message, Sanni described the late Sulyman as a dependable leader, a fearless voice, and a dear friend with whom he shared a political journey spanning over two decades.
“Our political relationship began in 2002, and for 24 years, we walked together through the evolving landscape of Kwara politics.
Barrister Sulyman was not just a party stalwart. He was a man of conviction who spoke truth to power and stood firmly by the people,” Sanni stated.
The FlowFM Chairman highlighted Sulyman’s pivotal role in the Otoge movement, which reshaped Kwara State’s political narrative, as well as his leadership of the APC Elders Caucus and the Governor’s Advisory Council.
On a personal note, Sanni revealed a unique bond shared with the deceased: a shared birthday of September 4. “We never missed an opportunity to remind each other of that bond. The jokes, the camaraderie, the mutual respect. These are memories I will cherish forever.”
Sanni prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged the family to find strength in the legacy their patriarch left behind.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), NPM, embarked on an operational visit to Kaiama in Kwara State, and commended gallant officers of the Kwara State Police Command and detectives of the Intelligence Response Team following the successful arrest of 32 suspected bandits linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes. The arrests were made during sustained intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating within forest corridors and rural communities across the state. In a joint operation by the Kwara State Police Command and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts. Investigations revealed that the suspects belong to different gangs using forests around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, Gbugbu, Tsaraji, and Babanla as operational hideouts. Among those arrested are two foreign nationals from the Niger Republic, suspected of collaborating with local bandit groups in cross-border criminal activities. During coordinated raids, police operatives recovered five (5) walkie-talkie communication devices, 38 rounds of live ammunition, four (4) AK-47 rifles and a camouflage hydration backpack suspected to have been used by the criminal groups to coordinate attacks and evade security patrols. Further investigations also led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed, a suspect from Jos in Plateau State, alleged to have supplied communication devices to bandits, alongside other individuals suspected of providing logistics and support to the criminal network. Speaking during the visit, the IGP noted that the arrests were the outcome of coordinated operations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within forest locations across the region. He commended the officers for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies. The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo psc, mnips reaffirms his commitment to intensify operations against banditry and restore safety to affected communities. He assured that all suspects in custody will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while efforts continue to track down other members of the criminal gangs still at large.
Prominent businessman and Chairman of Stafolga Group and Flow FM, Araba Femi Sanni, has backed growing calls for the establishment of state police, saying improved security across Nigeria’s states is critical to economic growth and investor confidence.
Sanni spoke with journalists at the Ilorin International Airport on Monday while departing the city, noting that Nigeria’s long-term economic strength will depend largely on how successfully its states evolve into vibrant and competitive economic centres.
Drawing from his experience in private enterprise and exposure to global business environments, he said countries widely regarded as fast-growing economies typically have several thriving subnational economies driving national development.
According to him, Nigeria currently relies on only a few such economic hubs — Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt — a situation he said limits the country’s global economic image and broader development potential.
“If more states develop into vibrant economic centres, Nigeria will naturally be better perceived globally as a fast-developing nation,” he said.
Sanni stressed that security remains a decisive factor in unlocking such growth, describing it as a critical asset for attracting investment.
“No serious investor will commit resources in an environment where security is uncertain,” he said, adding that the creation of state police could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by bringing law enforcement closer to communities.
According to him, state policing would also improve accountability by empowering governors to function effectively as chief security officers of their states.
He added that the introduction of state police could deepen healthy competition among governors, particularly in the area of security management and public safety.
Sanni attributed the evolution of governance competition among states partly to the leadership example set by Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
He noted that beyond infrastructure development, states could begin to compete in the future on the efficiency, professionalism and effectiveness of their policing systems.
Addressing concerns about possible abuse, Sanni said Nigeria previously operated regional police during the First Republic and already runs several community-based security outfits across states.
“In the face of banditry, terrorism and insurgency, strengthening security structures is not optional,” he said.
… Site handed over to contractor as state targets conferences, tourism, and investment growth
The Kwara State Government has officially commenced construction of the proposed State Convention Centre following the handover of the project site to Vita Construction Company Limited.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, described the project as a major step towards infrastructural expansion and economic growth under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, the commissioner said the Convention Centre underscores government’s plan to provide world-class facilities that will position Kwara State as a destination for conferences, tourism, and investment opportunities.
She stressed that the project comes with significant responsibility and urged the contractor to deliver quality work within the agreed timeline while strictly adhering to approved specifications.
Adeoshun also called on all stakeholders to maintain professionalism and safeguard the integrity of both the construction company and the state government throughout the project execution.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Kwara State Public Procurement Agency (KWPPA), QS Raheem Baki, expressed satisfaction that the landmark project was taking off during his tenure. He commended the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology for successfully driving key infrastructure initiatives, including the Ilorin International Conference Centre project, rehabilitation works at Kwara Hotel, and the construction of the garment factory.
Baki urged the consultant and contractor to work collaboratively to ensure smooth execution and successful completion of the Convention Centre.
Also speaking, representative of Baron Consultants, Arc. Mubarak Gidado, appreciated the state government for initiating what he described as a transformative project. He assured that adequate supervision and professional guidance would be provided to ensure compliance with project standards.
The Convention Centre project is expected to strengthen Kwara State’s capacity to host large-scale national and international events while stimulating economic activities within the state.
… Beneficiaries to begin enjoying financial benefits immediately
The Kwara State Government has issued promotion letters to over 2,000 civil servants who participated in the 2024 promotion exercise, reaffirming its commitment to workers’ welfare and career progression in the state public service.
Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Hajia Habibat Yusuf, disclosed this in Ilorin, noting that the exercise followed the approval of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to her, more than 2,000 officers sat for the 2024 promotion examinations and interviews, with an impressive pass rate of 98.87 percent.
She explained that civil servants who have received their promotion letters will immediately begin to enjoy the financial benefits attached to their new ranks.
Hajia Yusuf commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers, adding that adequate funds and logistics were provided to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the promotion exercise.
She said the support from government has strengthened efficiency and boosted productivity across the state civil service.
The commission chairman urged the newly promoted officers and other public servants to remain dedicated, proactive, loyal, and committed to delivering quality service to the people of Kwara State.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, has charged the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to urgently prioritise the zero-rating of educational websites, describing it as a high-impact intervention that can immediately widen access to learning resources for millions of Nigerians.
“If we are serious about inclusive growth, then access to learning materials cannot remain a privilege,” the NCC Chairman said. “ALTON must lead on practical steps like zero-rating credible educational platforms so that students and teachers, regardless of location or income, can learn without the barrier of data costs.”
Chief Olorunnimbe gave the charge when ALTON, led by its Chairman, Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Ikoyi Office of the Commission.
The meeting, which focused on strengthening collaboration for the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, also highlighted the industry’s role in national development priorities, particularly expanding digital inclusion and human capital development.
“This is about ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age,” he added. “It aligns squarely with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusive, quality education, and it is a clear area where telecom operators can make an immediate, measurable difference.”
Underscoring the significance of the sector, Chief Olorunnimbe described telecommunications as the central nervous system of the economy, noting that when networks fail, it leads to significant disruption key economic drivers areas such as commerce, education, healthcare and governance.
Without compromising on the objectives of fairness, accountability and integrity, he renewed the pledge of the NCC to the visiting delegation to provide and drive growth describing the regulator – operator relationship as that of ‘partners in progress.’
Chief Olorunnimbe also reaffirmed the independence of the Commission, stating that regulatory decisions would continue to be guided by national interest and institutional integrity.
According to him, enforcement of the Critical National Infrastructure designation must be strengthened, insisting that accountability for infrastructure damage should be non-negotiable.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Engineer Adebayo, Chairman, ALTON congratulated the chairman on his appointment assuring him of working on his charge on zero-rating digital educational platforms among other salient contributions. He noted the significance of such a move in nation-building promising to rally members of the association behind the idea after due deliberation and engagements.
The ALTON leadership commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his policy reforms noting that Nigerians are seeing the result of some of the reforms. According to him, the forex reforms for instance, has helped restored stability and investor confidence within the ecosystems.
Adebayo also lauded the NCC for their pivotal role in resolving the N300 billion USSD debt owned by banks. He said, “The USSD debt crisis accumulated over four years to nearly ₦300 billion and posed systemic risks to the telecoms and digital financial ecosystem.
“However, through regulatory intervention, the system was migrated to end-user billing and the outstanding debt was eliminated, converting what was a looming crisis into a sustainable framework,” Adebayo said.
… Commiserates with Toyin Saraki, Ojora Family on Passing of Patriarch
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed his sympathy to former First Lady Mrs. Toyin Saraki and the Ojora family of Lagos following the death of their patriarch, Otunba Adekunle Ojora.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Governor described the late industrialist as an accomplished journalist, respected business leader, and community figure whose legacy would endure. He urged the family to take comfort in Ojora’s lifetime of contributions to media, industry, and public life.
Governor AbdulRazaq prayed for strength and fortitude for the bereaved, encouraging them to uphold the values and vision left behind by their late patriarch.
… ER-KANG flags off $20m lithium factory, announces $15m pharmaceutical project in boost to state’s industrial drive
#KwaraRising
Kwara State has attracted at least two foreign direct investments valued at about $35m, reinforcing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for industrialisation, value addition, and economic growth in the state.
The investments were disclosed when Sun Qing Rong, team lead of ER-KANG Company Limited, briefed the Governor on the progress of the firm’s operations in Kwara. Rong said the company has completed and commenced operations at its $20m lithium processing factory, in line with the state government’s policy of promoting local manufacturing rather than exporting raw materials.
According to him, the lithium plant currently employs over 300 workers, the majority of whom are indigenes of Kwara State. He explained that the facility processes lithium into finished and semi-finished materials, adding value before supply to the market.
Rong also announced plans for a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the state, valued at more than $15m, noting that preparatory work for the project has been largely completed. He said the pharmaceutical plant would be developed in two phases, covering large infusion and small-volume injection production, to address shortages of such products in the Nigerian market.
“This is one of the fruits of the meeting we held with His Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, the lithium plant has been completed and is fully operational. This year, we are also starting the pharmaceutical company with the support of the state government,” Rong said.
He added that the firm is exploring partnerships with the Kwara State Government around the proposed industrial park and commended the administration for creating what he described as an enabling and investor-friendly environment. He also noted that ER-KANG Company maintains a strong sense of social responsibility within its host communities.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the investments, describing them as significant milestones that would generate employment, facilitate technology transfer, and stimulate economic activities in the state.
“We are willing to support you and other investors to do more in our state,” the Governor said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustaining a favourable climate for both local and foreign investments.
Other members of the ER-KANG delegation included the company’s lawyer, Barrister Ibrahim Atanda; Project Architect, Arch. Sayi Yekeen; Quality Control Supervisor, Shuai Hai Tao; Factory Manager, Cao Zheng Hai; Pharmaceutical Manager, Xie Chuan Li; and Administrative Manager, Mi Guang Hua.
The Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Governor, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, also attended the meeting.
…Governor describes late cleric as one of Ilorin’s finest Muslim scholars
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih (OON), who passed away on Monday morning in Abuja at the age of 75.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, the Governor said the death of the Chief Imam was a painful loss to Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, and the wider Muslim community.
AbdulRazaq described the late Sheikh Muhammad Bashir as a leading light in Islamic scholarship, noting that he represented one of the finest traditions of Muslim learning in the history of Ilorin.
“The passing of the Chief Imam, shocking and saddening as it is, reminds us that even great men answer the call of their Creator,” the Governor said.
He noted that the late cleric would be remembered for his depth of knowledge, patience, humility, and his conduct as the spiritual leader of Muslims in the state.
The Governor extended his condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (OFR), the Ilorin Emirate, the Kwara State Council of Ulamah, and the family of the deceased.
He prayed Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Chief Imam, accept his service, grant him Al-jannah Firdaus, and give his family and the Muslim community the strength to bear the loss.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih served as Chief Imam of Ilorin until his death and was widely respected for his scholarship and leadership across the state.
… Late Spiritual Leader Served as Emirate’s 12th Chief Imam for Over Four Decades
The Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Solih, OON, has passed away. He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a position he held for over four decades following his appointment in 1983.
His death marks the end of an era for the Ilorin Muslim community, where he provided spiritual leadership and guidance for generations. Official confirmation of his passing was announced early Monday.
Funeral arrangements and succession plans are expected to be communicated by the Ilorin Emirate Council and the Ulama Council in the coming days.
