… 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.
The Kwara State Police Command wishes to confirm that on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025, it received six (6) vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Vigilante, travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N. N. Rume, for the purpose of investigation and profiling.
Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of vigilante groups operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality. Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their respective leaders.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, reiterates the Command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law. Members of the public are assured that the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State.
SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi anipr Police Public Relations Officer. For:- The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Ilorin.
…Head of Service says TSA remained in force until December 2025, clarifies 30% Peculiar Allowance applies to core civil servants only
The Kwara State Government has dismissed claims circulating in parts of the media over the implementation of teachers’ allowances, describing them as misleading and unfounded.
In a press release issued on Sunday by the Office of the Head of Service, the government clarified issues surrounding the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance and the Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA) of 27.5 per cent and 21 per cent.
The statement responded to allegations by some teachers that the TSA had ceased several years ago, that teachers were excluded from the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance enjoyed by other civil servants, and that the allowance structure now allows a Grade Level 04 officer in the core civil service to earn more than a Grade Level 07 teacher.
According to the Office of the Head of Service, the TSA was approved following an agreement signed between the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Nigeria Union of Teachers on August 6, 2008. The allowance was implemented in 2010 and remained in effect until December 2025, when the Kwara State Government approved a comprehensive review of the allowance in line with teachers’ certifications as recognised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. The revised structure, the statement said, is scheduled to take effect from January 2026. On the issue of the Peculiar Allowance, the government explained that the 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance approved by the Federal Government applies specifically to workers in the core civil service as part of a salary harmonisation effort. The allowance was introduced to address remuneration gaps, as other categories of workers already enjoy profession-based allowances or enhanced salary structures.
The statement noted that health workers, judicial workers, tertiary institution staff, and other categories of workers with specific allowances are excluded from the Peculiar Allowance. Teachers, it added, fall within this category due to the TSA and other sector-specific benefits.
The Office of the Head of Service further emphasised that the introduction of the Peculiar Allowance in Kwara State is a new initiative, reflecting the current administration’s focus on workers’ welfare. It highlighted several interventions in the education sector, including the payment of 345 per cent outstanding salary arrears dating back to 2016, the clearance of promotion arrears from 2015, regular approval of annual promotions up to 2025, and the bridging of salary disparities between teachers under the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board.
Other measures listed include regular capacity-building programmes for teachers since 2019 and the restoration of annual incremental steps over the past three years.
The government maintained that despite the implementation of the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance for core civil servants, teachers’ salaries remain higher than those of their counterparts on the same grade levels in the ministries. It stressed that allowances are meant to promote salary balance rather than create competition among workers.
The statement also reminded workers that the state government retains the authority to review remuneration based on available resources and sustainability considerations. It advised that all grievances should be channelled through recognised trade unions and urged public servants to comply with Public Service Rules regarding media engagements.
The statement was signed by the Press Secretary to the Office of the Head of Service, Okanlawon Solomon.
The Offa Local Government has taken note of reports circulating regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident that occurred within the precinct of the Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025. The affected area has been cordoned off by security agencies to allow for further investigations.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, alongside the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, Hon. Femi Agbaje Whyte, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Offa Division, visited the location immediately after the incident to assess the situation firsthand.
The Executive Chairman urges all residents of Offa to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding. Citizens are advised to verify information through credible and official sources to avoid the spread of fear and misinformation.
The Local Government remains fully committed to the safety, security, and well-being of the people and will continue to work closely with relevant authorities until investigations are concluded. Further official updates will be issued as soon as verified information becomes available.
Abiola Azeez Babatunde Chief Press Secretary To the Executive Chairman, Offa Local Government 26th December, 2025
Your strides are visible, Senator Mustapha, AGF, Speaker, others
Cabinet members roll out cross sector achievements
Security remains a top priority: Gov
Kwara APC stakeholders and thought leaders were awestruck on Monday evening as cabinet members took turns to give data, figures, and footages of how far the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has gone in delivering its campaign promises across the state.
Commissioner for Works Abdulquawy Olododo said official records show that the Abdulrazaq administration now has more completed, ongoing, or facilitated (tax credit) road projects than the three previous administrations since 1999 combined.
He said the administration has completed 302.4kms of roads between 2019 and now, has 275.25km ongoing, including the 209.7km under RAAMP, along with the 294km tax credit road — totaling 871.65km of roads.
“Between 1999 and 2019, available records show that a total of 651.2km roads were done by the three administrations of His Excellencies Mohammed Lawal, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and Abdulfatah Ahmed, including the 120km FG-funded Chickanda Road under Senator Saraki. When you juxtapose these records, it is clear that His Excellency AbdulRazaq has surpassed that record today,” Olododo said, backing his presentation with footages of achievements of the administration.
Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuhu said the government has also implemented two minimum wages and paid more counterpart funds than any previous administrations, restating the commitment of the Governor to the wellbeing of Kwarans, including civil servants.
She said the administration has grown the state’s internal revenue from N30.6bn in 2019 to N87.1bn as at Dec 19, 2025 — more than 100 per cent growth in six years.
She mentioned that the administration has cleared all salary and pension arrears the administration inherited — while 100% CONMESS and CONHESS have also been paid and a new 27.5% Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA) has just been approved.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who detailed the trajectory of school infrastructure and other efforts of the government, said the AbdulRazaq administration has hired 8,912 teachers, constructed more than 2,000 classrooms, and bridged gaps in staff welfare, including fixing promotion arrears since 2016 to date.
A presentation on the urban renewal initiative and the Kwara Smart City added vistas to the event as Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Dr. Segun Ogunsola explained the vision and the steps so far taken, including the construction work on the Kwara State University of Education.
Dignitaries at the event said the achievements of the Governor are unprecedented, phenomenal, visible to all, and laudable within the context of Kwara’s sociopolitical history.
Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) said: “With these achievements that we have seen here today, I think it’s a thing of joy that it is in our lifetime that we have a Governor who, in his quiet moment, has been able to achieve this. If anybody has told us that the state has progressed to this level, we will not believe it but we have seen it first hand.
“From today, I am one of those who will carry the flag out there and say come to Kwara and see what the Governor has done. This is a gathering of APC family and it indicates that we were not wrong in the choice of our leader.
“We have seen the human capital development, we have seen the infrastructural development, we have seen the social welfare, what else do you need in a society again? All we need to do is to continue to pray and beg Allah for a peaceful co-existence.
“For me at the end of this programme, Kwarans should go on a celebration galore because in the last 16 years before His Excellency, I don’t think anybody can boast of infrastructural development like this. I want to thank His Excellency, who has led us this far and also to the committed team God has given him.”
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi said the Governor has done very well, calling on critics to be fair in pointing out areas they want improvements on as no system is ever perfect.
“I want to say that the meeting of today is not just to eat. We have been treated to the achievements of the Governor. Believe me, if you bring a blind man to Kwara State, he would know and appreciate that developments are taking place,” he said.
“Don’t let us be sentimental. We are all living witnesses to the good performance of this administration. If we allow this chance to slip away we will all suffer for it. We are bound to disagree but the solution is not in destroying ourselves.
“When the thing is not going in the way you think, or perceive, and the way you would have loved it to be, the solution is not in destroying the programme. We have seen how the Governor has managed labour issues. We have also seen his achievements in education and healthcare, and others.”
Speaker of the House of House of Assembly Engr. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi said the lawmakers in the state have always been convinced that the Governor is a superlative achiever whose footprints exist everywhere in the state.
His words: “On behalf of my colleagues in the 10th Assembly, I want to state that we have been part and parcel of this government in the last six years. Most of these achievements are what we see in every budget circle, just as we are aware that the Governor has just presented the 2026 budget today.
“The Governor of Kwara State has done wonderfully well in the 24 state constituencies. In all 193 wards, there are projects everywhere. Aside from the physical infrastructure, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done very well in the areas of stomach infrastructure through social investment programmes.”
Director General, Nigeria Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Issa Lanre Onilu, said with the catalogue of sectoral achievements projected at the event, Governor AbdulRazaq has performed beyond his initial estimation.
He enjoined AbdulRazaq to focus more on how to sustain some of his legacy projects, including the iconic Garment Factory, Innovation Hub, and the Kwara Smart City.
“I have always thanked our Governor and our leader for the wonderful job he is doing. But let me admit that even when I was commending him, I didn’t know this much. So, the commendations I gave to him were based on what I saw. But what I have seen today is far more than what I have ever imagined.
“I want to say clearly that we all have every reason to be proud of what has happened in the last six years. If you are not proud of it, it means you really do not know what is on the ground.
“The people I want to talk to are those in charge of our communication: please do not fall into the trap of exchanging words with the people who set us back for several years. They want you to discuss politics, they want you to discuss the mundane and irrelevant things, but let me tell you clearly that you have a lot to showcase. Focus on what we have done in the last six years, focus on the development in all the local government areas that people can see and feel. As far as governance is concerned, we have done well and Otoge has proven to be a remarkable success for this state.”
Director General, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, commended the Governor’s style of leadership both as NGF Chairman and as Governor of the state.
He described AbdulRazaq as a leader who is calm but firm, consultative but decisive, and one who is grounded in institutional respect.
“This gathering speaks to a deeper leadership instinct: the understanding that political success is sustained when dialogue remains open, when differences are managed with wisdom, and when collective responsibility is placed above individual ambition. These are values that Kwara State has come to be known for under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” he said.
State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, said no single political ward in the state has not benefitted one form of capital project or the other, adding that the impacts are already being felt.
Amb. Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Dr. Amina Ahmed and Engr Nurudeen Adeyemi, who spoke for the three Senatorial Districts, commended the Governor’s style of leadership, his political tolerance, and a dedication to rewrite the story of Kwara.
In a short address to party leaders and thought leaders who attended the event, Governor AbdulRazaq said “I am just interested in building a legacy of leaving this state far more than I met it, a legacy of a state that is viable. I am not interested in building a dynasty, and I urge that we work together for a greater state”.
He also spoke extensively on security matters, giving insights into the successes and the challenges and reassuring the people of the government’s commitment to rid the state of kidnappers and terrorists.
He acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu whose economic policies the Governor said has freed up resources with which the government is able to expand infrastructure at various layers.
Governor Abdulrazaq commended everyone for turning up for the event, which he said was a continuation of the parley that held in Abuja a few weeks ago.
Rafiu Ajakaye Chief Press Secretary to the Governor December 23, 2025
There was a mild drama at the Kwara State High Court Ilorin on Friday as Hon. IIliasu Ibrahim failed to turn up for his arraignment in a defamation case slammed on him.
The case followed a petition by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Mr. Shuaib Aremu Olowo after Hon. Ibrahim Ibrahim and his two other cohorts went on radio to accuse Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of awarding an $800m contract to his elder and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq.
The APC chieftain said the accusations were a dent on the party ahead of the election.
At the hearing for the arraignment of Alhaji lIliasu Ibrahim, Mr. Shola Muse, and Adesemowo Suleiman, counsel to Iliasu Bar. Taofeeq Olateju told the court that the 81-year-old controversial politician had collapsed following “abdominal pain, generalised body pain, and headache” and is being treated for “enteritis”.
“In view of this, he is presently unfit for any activity until there is significant improvement and discharged home,” the counsel said. Barr Taofeeq Olateju further took excuses for Mall Shola Muse that he could not attend his arraignment on the grounds that he is not in Kwara State as the time he was to be served his charge sheet prior to today’s arraignment, same reason was given by Barr A. A Ibrahim who represented the third Defendant one Adesemowo Suleiman (aka Omo Ifokonbale) for his absence in court.
The presiding judge, Justice E. B. Mohammed warned the defendants through their counsels, that court has not taken cognizance of them since they are yet to be arraigned before the court and therefore adjourned their arraignment to Jan. 7, 2026, while asking them to unfailingly turn up on the next adjournment date .
…State’s public school team defeats contenders from 16 countries to lift international title
#KwaraRising
Kwara State has recorded another major milestone in education as its public school students emerged champions at the 2025 Asia Parliamentary International Debate Competition (Junior Secondary School Category) held in Malaysia.
The team, which represented Nigeria at the global contest, outperformed participants from 16 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe to claim the top prize. Their victory adds to Kwara’s growing list of achievements in competitive debating, where the state has previously held multiple national titles.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his excitement at the latest feat, saying the students had once again placed Nigeria on the global stage for academic excellence. He praised the team for their brilliance, resilience, and the honour they have brought to both the state and the country.
The governor said the win reflects the impact of the administration’s continued investment in basic education. He added that the government remains committed to improving learning outcomes and strengthening the education system across the state.
He also commended the leadership of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, headed by Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, along with the coaches and other stakeholders who contributed to the students’ preparation and success.
According to him, their dedication has been central to the steady progress recorded in the state’s basic education reforms.
…Governors’ Forum Says Swift Action Averted Regional Destabilization Threat
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive military response to the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard Nigeria’s security interests. In a statement issued on Monday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq warned that a successful takeover in Benin would have emboldened militant groups in the Sahel and further destabilized the subregion.
“With the Sahel in disarray and portions of Benin already impacted by insurgent activity, a successful coup would have posed grave consequences for Nigeria due to our shared borders,” the statement noted. The Forum emphasized that protecting constitutional order in Benin directly enhances Nigeria’s own security, particularly for states bordering the Republic.
Governor AbdulRazaq affirmed that democracy, despite its challenges, remains vital for regional peace and development. He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their timely intervention, which helped restore stability in Benin on the invitation of its government.
The NFG’s endorsement aligns with broader ECOWAS security efforts, underscoring the interconnected nature of regional stability. “Security threats to Porto Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou constitute a direct risk to Nigeria,” the statement concluded, framing Tinubu’s action as a proactive defense of national and West African interests.
Kwara State Government did not at any time award a contract to the elder brother of the Governor and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, according to a statement on Thursday.
The statement added that a comment attributed to Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim that the Governor awarded a contract worth $800m (₦1.2trillion) is false, reckless, ill-conceived, and intended to cause mischief and public dissatisfaction.
“At no time did the government of the state even award a contract worth $800m. We are, therefore, alarmed by the depth of recklessness and evil intent that made Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim to claim in a radio broadcast that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth $800m to his elder brother. This is false, baseless, and malicious,” the statement said.
“Throughout the radio programme, Alhaji Iliasu and his co-travellers did not mention the specific FG’s project or programme that he claimed was awarded to Dr. Alimi. The Governor’s elder brother, Dr. Alimi, is an accomplished and respected senior lawyer and a Bencher. He is not a contractor.
“Besides, at no time did Kwara get a Federal Government project or empowerment worth $800m (₦1.2trillion) — much less award it to anyone in the state. But particularly concerning is how a radio station allowed its platform to peddle such disinformation without anyone on its management team cautioning the guest and the anchor.
“Whilst Alhaji Iliasu has a history of queer public conducts long managed by everyone, repeatedly offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection on a grander scale carries immeasurable risk for any reputable media platform and public peace.
“We concede the right of every citizen to freedom of expression. However, such freedom comes with corresponding responsibility and a duty of care to other citizens and the general public.
“As democrats, we request the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible — even as other private citizens maligned in the reckless radio programme are within their right to do a review of same.”
Bolanle Olukoju Commissioner for Communications Kwara State Government December 4, 2025
…Says operation restored hope, strengthened public confidence in government
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, has formally commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what it described as swift and coordinated action that led to the rescue of 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.
In a letter addressed to the Governor and signed by the State Chairman of CAN, Rt. Revd Sunday Timothy Adewole, the Christian body expressed deep appreciation for the outcome of the operation, describing it as a decisive moment that reaffirmed the commitment of the administration to the safety and well-being of residents.
“On behalf of the entire Christian community under the umbrella of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, we write to express our profound gratitude to Your Excellency for the swift, courageous, and coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue of the 38 abducted worshippers in Eruku,” the letter read.
CAN said the rescue has brought relief and renewed confidence to families, communities, and religious institutions across the state. It praised the efforts of security agencies, community leaders, and every party involved, describing the operation as an example of purposeful leadership and teamwork.
“This remarkable intervention has not only restored hope to the affected families and the body of Christ, but it has also reaffirmed your administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety, peace, and security of all residents of Kwara State,” CAN stated.
The letter also prayed for continued wisdom and protection for the Governor, while calling on religious communities to sustain prayers for peace in Kwara and the nation. “We also pray that God Himself will arise and defeat all agents of violence, terror, and destruction working against the peace of our state and the nation,” the association wrote. It concluded with assurances of respect and continued cooperation with the government in efforts to maintain harmony and security across Kwara State.
