Kwara Rising

Category: News

  • Femi Sanni Secures Royal Endorsement Ahead of Decisive APC Primaries

    Femi Sanni Secures Royal Endorsement Ahead of Decisive APC Primaries

    Governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba), has received a major boost to his ambition following a royal endorsement in Omu-Aran, as he intensifies consultations ahead of the party’s decisive primaries.

    During a visit to the palace of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, the monarch openly declared support for Sanni’s bid, stating that he would emerge as Kwara State governor in 2027.

    The endorsement came in the presence of the traditional council, underscoring the political weight of the Igbomina axis in the build-up to the primaries.

    The Omu-Aran visit forms part of Sanni’s ongoing statewide consultations across Kwara’s three senatorial districts, aimed at consolidating grassroots and institutional backing within the APC.

    Following the palace meeting, the aspirant proceeded to Muncenty Hotel, where he met with party stakeholders from seven local government areas in Kwara South.

    The engagement focused on strengthening party cohesion, building consensus, and positioning the zone strategically ahead of the primaries.

    Sanni capped the visit with a formal declaration of interest at the ECWA Primary School, Oloro-Odo, where he officially joined the race for the APC governorship ticket.

    He said his ambition followed wide consultations and reflection on the need for inclusive leadership in the state.

    In his address, Sanni emphasised unity across Kwara North, Central, and South, while raising concerns over insecurity and advocating for strengthened local security structures, including support for state policing.

    Aligning his vision with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he pledged to promote youth inclusion, broaden economic opportunities, and deepen the APC’s electoral appeal.

    With the royal endorsement and stakeholder engagements in Kwara South, Sanni appears to be consolidating early momentum in what is expected to be a keenly contested APC governorship primary.

  • Royal Fathers Storm Ilorin, Visit Araba Amid Rising APC Governorship Momentum

    Royal Fathers Storm Ilorin, Visit Araba Amid Rising APC Governorship Momentum

    A delegation of prominent traditional rulers from Kwara and Oyo States on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, at his office in Ilorin.

    The royal fathers were led by the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owode I, alongside the Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola, and the Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye II. They were accompanied by other chiefs during the visit.

    Although details of their discussions were not made public, the visit is widely seen as significant amid growing political activities ahead of the APC governorship primaries in Kwara State.

    Speaking after receiving the monarchs, Araba described the visit as both humbling and inspiring, noting the enduring role of traditional institutions in shaping leadership and guiding society.

    According to him, the royal fathers have remained a constant source of wisdom and encouragement in his personal and political journey.

    “They were in Ilorin for other engagements and graciously decided to visit and pray for me,” he said. “I hold them in very high regard. Their counsel, blessings and fatherly guidance mean a lot, not just to me but to anyone privileged to receive them.”

    The APC aspirant reiterated his respect for traditional rulers, emphasizing their importance as custodians of culture and stabilising forces in governance and community development.

    Political observers note that such high-profile visits by respected monarchs often carry symbolic weight, especially in a state like Kwara where traditional institutions continue to wield moral influence among the people.

    While the monarchs did not speak to the press, their presence at Araba’s office is likely to fuel speculations about growing support for his governorship ambition within influential circles.

    The visit comes as consultations and alignments intensify within the APC ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested primary election.

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  • Araba Femi Sanni Felicitates Emir of Ilorin at 86, Prays for Continued Peace and Wisdom

    Araba Femi Sanni Felicitates Emir of Ilorin at 86, Prays for Continued Peace and Wisdom

    Gubernatorial aspirant and Chairman of FlowFM 92.7, Engr Femi Sanni (Araba), has extended warm felicitations to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 86th birthday.

    In a personally signed message, Sanni described the monarch as a father to all, a custodian of culture, and a symbol of unity whose reign has brought peace, progress, and prosperity to the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State at large.

    “Your Royal Highness, on this milestone birthday, I join the good people of Ilorin Emirate and well-wishers across the world in celebrating a life of grace, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people.

    Your reign has been a blessing to Kwara, and your counsel continues to guide leaders across generations,” Sanni stated.

    The APC gubernatorial aspirant prayed for continued good health, strength, and divine guidance for the royal father, asking that Almighty Allah grants him many more years in sound health and continued service to humanity.

    “May your days be long, your legacy evergreen, and your reign continue to bring peace and development to our land. Happy 86th birthday, Your Royal Highness,” he added.

    Sanni also used the occasion to reaffirm his respect for the traditional institution, describing it as a critical pillar of stability and progress in Kwara State.

  • Kwara North Youths Endorse Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) for Governor

    Kwara North Youths Endorse Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) for Governor

    …Cite Competence and Youth Development

    Youths from the 5 Local Government Areas of Kwara North Senatorial District have formally declared their support for the gubernatorial aspiration of Engr. Femi Sanni, widely known as Araba.

    The declaration took place at the Nupe Emirate Council meeting point, where a convergence of young people from Edu, Moro, Kaiama, Baruten, and Patigi Local Government Areas gathered to express a unified position in favour of the aspirant.

    Addressing newsmen on behalf of the gathering, Comrade Abdulrahman Alfa from Patigi Local Government said the endorsement followed extensive consultations among youth groups across the district.

    He cited Araba’s competence, longstanding commitment to youth development, and progressive vision for Kwara State as key reasons for their decision.

    “We believe Engr. Femi Sanni possesses the capacity to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership for Kwara State,” Alfa stated. “Our support is driven by the conviction that our state requires experienced, people-centered leadership that truly understands the needs of youths and communities across all senatorial districts.”

    The event drew participants from across the five LGAs, with attendees reaffirming their resolve to rally behind the aspirant as the 2027 gubernatorial race gathers momentum.

  • Kwara Central Ulama Hold Special Prayer Session for Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Araba’s Governorship Bid

    Kwara Central Ulama Hold Special Prayer Session for Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Araba’s Governorship Bid

    …Religious Leaders Gather in Ilorin to Seek Divine Intervention for Election Success

    A special prayer programme in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the governorship aspiration of Engr. Femi Sanni Araba was held on Sunday at Government Day Secondary School, Amule, Ilorin.

    The event was hosted by the Kwara Central Ulama and drew religious leaders, party faithful, supporters, and community stakeholders from across the region.

    The gathering focused on offering prayers for peace, progress, and sustained good governance at both state and national levels. Organizers described the programme as a platform to promote unity, strengthen party loyalty, and energize grassroots support ahead of the coming elections.

    Participants engaged in collective supplications seeking divine guidance for the President’s re-election efforts and for the actualization of Engr. Araba’s governorship ambition. The Ulama also prayed for continued stability and development in Kwara State under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership.

    The event underscored the role of religious institutions in mobilizing spiritual support for political leadership and fostering community cohesion during election seasons.

  • Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) Bags Social Impact Man Of The Year At INAward 2026

    Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) Bags Social Impact Man Of The Year At INAward 2026

    Visionary engineer, founder of Africa’s first mobile phone repair assurance company, honoured for blending technical innovation with grassroots development.

    The 2026 edition of the prestigious INAward has named Engr. Femi Olufemi Sanni, widely known as Araba, as its Social Impact Man of the Year, a recognition that celebrates his unique fusion of engineering excellence, entrepreneurial daring, and community-focused philanthropy.

    Araba, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), is not your conventional businessman. Long before the current wave of tech-driven service models swept across Nigeria, he pioneered Africa’s first mobile phone repair assurance company, a bold, forward-thinking solution that changed how millions of consumers protect their devices. By introducing a structured, reliable warranty system for phone repairs, he filled a critical gap in the continent’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem, offering customer protection and service reliability where none previously existed.

    But his impact stretches far beyond boardrooms and balance sheets. Over the past decade, Araba has quietly built a reputation as a philanthropist who prefers action over applause. Through his Stefolga Group, his commercial radio station Flow FM 92.7, and his football development initiative Araba FC, he has touched thousands of lives in Kwara State and beyond, from free medical outreaches that have served over 450 people in a single day to youth empowerment programmes that give young people tangible skills and hope.

    The INAward 2026 citation highlighted Araba’s ability to “marry technical mastery with a heart for the people,” noting that his brand of social impact is not reactive but structural. By building enterprises that solve real problems and simultaneously channelling resources into education, health, and grassroots sports, he has created a replicable model for sustainable development.

    In his acceptance, Araba dedicated the award to the “unsung heroes of Kwara” – the everyday citizens, the market women, the young dreamers, and the community leaders who inspire him to keep pushing boundaries. “True social impact is not about the size of your cheque,” he said. “It is about the consistency of your presence and the depth of your care.”

    The award further cements Araba’s growing influence as a technocrat with a social conscience, positioning him not only as a business icon but as a leading voice in the conversation about inclusive, people-first development in Nigeria.

  • Engr. Femi Sanni Congratulates Alhaji Najeemdeen Usman Yasin on Bashorun Installation, Birthday

    Engr. Femi Sanni Congratulates Alhaji Najeemdeen Usman Yasin on Bashorun Installation, Birthday

    …Describes Traditional Title as Well-Deserved Honor and Call to Greater Responsibility

    Engr. Femi Sanni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Alhaji Najeemdeen Usman Yasin on his installation as the Bashorun of Offa and on the occasion of his birthday. In a congratulatory message, Sanni described the conferment of the revered title as a well-deserved honor in recognition of Yasin’s unwavering commitment to community development, leadership, and service to humanity.

    He noted that the title reflects personal achievements and also calls for greater responsibility in advancing the unity, peace, and progress of Offa. “Your installation as Bashorun of Offa is a testament to your integrity, dedication, and the high regard in which you are held by the good people of Offa,” Sanni stated. He expressed confidence that Yasin would continue to exemplify excellence and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the community.

    Sanni also joined family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating Alhaji Yasin on his birthday, praying for good health, long life, and continued wisdom in his new traditional role. He reaffirmed his belief in the importance of traditional institutions for grassroots development and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote cultural heritage and community advancement.

    He concluded by wishing the Bashorun of Offa a successful tenure filled with impactful achievements and an enduring legacy.

  • Kwara Youth Group Endorses Femi Sanni for 2027 Governorship

    Kwara Youth Group Endorses Femi Sanni for 2027 Governorship

    …Cites Aspirant’s Policy Proposals on State Policing, Power, Economic Growth

    As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, a prominent youth advocacy group, Kwara Youth for Good Governance, has again declared its unwavering support for governorship aspirant, Engr. Femi Sanni popularly known as Araba, following a strategic engagement held in Ilorin.

    The earlier endorsement signals new alignment among youth stakeholders in Kwara State, with the group describing Femi Sanni’s agenda as practical, people oriented, and reflective of the aspirations of young people across the state.

    Speaking after the meeting, a representative of the group, Abdulrahman from Patigi Local Government Area, said the decision to back Araba was driven by his clarity of purpose and commitment to addressing key challenges facing Kwara.

    During the engagement, Femi Sanni stated that critical policy directions of the president, placing strong emphasis on the need for state policing as a solution to rising security concerns at the grassroots level.

    According to Femi Sanni, a decentralized security framework would enhance intelligence gathering, enable faster response to threats, and better address community specific challenges across Kwara State.

    He also praised the president’s reforms in the power sector, stressing that the decentralization would unlock economic opportunities, particularly for small and medium scale enterprises. Femi Sanni noted that improved electricity supply would not only boost business productivity but also create jobs and raise living standards in Kwara State, adding that reliable power remains central to industrial growth and innovation.

    On governance, the aspirant reiterated his commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, assuring that his administration would continue to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement and broader stakeholder participation in decision making. He emphasized that sustainable development in Kwara State can only be achieved when governance reflects the voices of the people.

    In a further push to drive economic growth, Femi Sanni unveiled plans to position Kwara as a “Conference hub State,” a vision aimed at attracting national and international events to the state by riding on the great work started by Governor Abdulrahman in the area of infrastructure. He explained that such an initiative would boost tourism, stimulate local businesses, and significantly increase internally generated revenue.

    The Kwara Youth for Good Governance group subsequently pledged to mobilize grassroots support for Engr. Femi Sanni across all 16 local government areas, reinforcing the growing role of young voters in the build-up to the Kwara 2027 governorship race. The group also called on Kwarans, particularly the youth, to rally behind leadership anchored on competence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to development.

    With the 2027 elections drawing closer, political observers note that endorsements from youth driven organizations would play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the Kwara governorship contest.

  • Stefolga, FlowFM Inject N50m into Kwara Federation Cup with Three-Year Deal

    Stefolga, FlowFM Inject N50m into Kwara Federation Cup with Three-Year Deal

    …Sponsorship Aims to Revitalize Grassroots Football, Boost Competition

    The Kwara State Football Association has officially sealed a landmark ₦50 million, three-year sponsorship agreement for the Federation Cup with Stefolga and FlowFM, in a strategic move to boost grassroots football development in the state.

    The signing ceremony, held at the premises of FlowFM in Ilorin, attracted key stakeholders in the football community and marked a significant step toward revitalizing one of the state’s oldest football competitions.

    Speaking at the event, the CEO of Stefolga and FlowFM, Femi Sanni, commended the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the FA leadership, and participating teams for their commitment to football development.

    He described the sponsorship as “just the beginning of many more goodies to come,” assuring stakeholders of sustained support for the growth of the game.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara FA, Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, lauded Engr. Sanni for his pivotal role in recent successes recorded within the state’s football ecosystem. He specifically credited him as instrumental to the President Federation Cup 2025 triumph by Kwara United FC, as well as his contributions to the ongoing renovation of the Main Bowl of the state stadium.

    The FA Chairman expressed deep appreciation for the sponsorship, noting that it would significantly enhance the competitiveness and organization of the Federation Cup. He also urged clubs across the state to take full advantage of the registration window, emphasizing that the competition remains a vital platform for talent discovery and exposure.

    He further charged Kwara United FC to rise to the occasion and successfully defend their title, reinforcing the state’s growing reputation in Nigerian football.

    The sponsorship deal is expected to inject new energy into the competition by improving organization, incentives, and visibility for participating teams.

    The event also featured the presentation of kits and jerseys to participating clubs, including Kwara United FC, ABS FC, and Gaa Akanbi FC, among others.