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.
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.
