Category: News

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.

… 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.