From Abdullahi Abubakar, Ilorin

Some of the important dignitaries, most of whom are indigene of Ilorin have described this year’s celebration of the 2025 Emirate Durbar as about-the-best in history, in terms of “steeze”, colour and glamour.Speaking in an interview with some journalists, including our correspondent on Sunday, was the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin Doctor Usman Atolagbe Jos, who appreciated the Emir of Ilorin for his efforts said, “This year’s Durbar is a special edition.

”Also speaking was a prominent political figure, and a former gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Yahaya Sheriki, popularly known as “Amba”. He urged citizens of Ilorin across the country to always partake in the festival, saying the event is one of the most important cultural heritage that binds the people of the emirate together.Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ilorin West, Honourable Sheu Ladan, described the event as the only event that allows all the citizens of Ilorin emirate to reunite, every year, during Ileya (Eid el-Kabir festival. His Ilorin East counterpart, Honourable Dauda Olayinka Agbelere commended the Durbanlr committee for staging the 2025 edition at Adewole Baseball Park, which accommodated more crowds.Preparation for the event was fraught with political bickering between the executive Governor and the senator representing the Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Salihu Mustapha, over his intention to single-handedly facilitate the construction of a pavilion at the forecourt of the Emir’s Palace, the usual venue of the event, to allow for safety and comfort for those who would attend the event. The project was a part of his constituency project, having the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as the client.But the state’s agency responsible for approving erection of physical structure in the state refused to give an approval, after the contractor has mobilised to site. The reason being that, the architectural design as conceived by the popular senator cannot be accommodated within the space available at the designated location.That back and forth degenerated into something that preoccupied their respective supporters, leading to brick bats between them both on social and traditional media. It almost made me shine off the event, but for the timely intervention of elders and chieftains of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU).

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as their sole candidates for the 2027 general elections.The endorsement took place during the APC Delta Central Mega Unity Meeting in Ughelli, a gathering that brought together political heavyweights, party leaders, and faithful from across federal, state, and local levels to consolidate support for both leaders.

Rt. Hon. Francis Waive, who represents Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, initiated the motion to adopt Tinubu and Oborevwori, citing Tinubu’s economic reforms and Oborevwori’s visionary leadership as the basis.The motion was seconded by Hon. Halims Agoda, a former member of the House of Representatives, and unanimously approved through a voice vote conducted by Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central.The meeting did more than endorse—it passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of both men, signaling a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, praised the gathering as a significant step toward strengthening internal party cohesion. Describing Tinubu as a masterful economic strategist, he also lauded the alignment between Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, calling their partnership a historic turning point for the state.“This is ‘Ukodo’ base,” Keyamo declared. “No other senatorial district should have taken this initiative from us. Since 1999, the Urhobo nation has never been this united. This time, Delta will deliver 100% to APC.”Keyamo stressed that similar unity meetings would be held across the eight local governments in Delta Central, extending to wards and polling units.APC State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, applauded the commitment of party members and credited the leadership of Governor Oborevwori and Keyamo for fostering unity. Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Delta Central APC Chairman, hailed the moment as a political rebirth for Delta State, especially with Oborevwori’s alignment with the APC.The event drew a strong attendance from elected officials, federal appointees, commissioners, local government chairmen, and other key stakeholders.Notable figures such as 2015 APC gubernatorial candidate Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, NEXIM Bank Executive Director Chief Stella Okotete, Chief Adviser to the Governor Senator Ighoyota Amori, and Chief Jaro Egbo, Chairman of Ughelli North, all echoed the commitment to collective success in 2027.With party leaders in rare alignment, the APC in Delta Central appears to have set the tone for a new chapter of unity and strategic collaboration ahead of the next electoral cycle.

From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Muslim Ummah in Plateau State has paid Salah homage to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang and commended him for inclusive, visionary and proactive leadership since assumption in office.The delegation of the Muslim community led by the Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Muhammadu Muazu Muhammadu II, who represented the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo II on Monday at the New Government House promised to continue to support the developmental programme of the Governor.

The delegation praised Governor Mutfwang for his proactive stance on security, sponsorship of Hajj pilgrims, and infrastructure development.They particularly noted the peaceful atmosphere and enhanced security witnessed during the recent EID-AI-ADHA celebrations, attributing it to the Governor’s emphasis on unity and responsive leadership.The Emir of Kanam expressed profound gratitude to the government for the sponsorship of over 500 pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. He described the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of the administration’s commitment to religious tolerance and inclusive governance.He also highlighted areas requiring further government attention, including the construction of roads and the installation of streetlights across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis in line with the Greater Jos Master Plan.He commended the ongoing water supply project and the renovation of primary healthcare centres, acknowledging the administration’s strides in improving living conditions.On the issue of security, while acknowledging notable improvements, the Leader of the delegation urged the government to intensify efforts in communities that have experienced violent attacks.Alhaji Muhammadu Muazu also referenced the recent Industrial Court ruling ordering the reinstatement of disengaged workers and expressed appreciation to the Governor for implementing increased salaries at the local government level. He called for a review of the minimum wage for district and ward heads in light of current economic challenges.Prayers were offered for continued divine guidance, wisdom and success for the Governor in steering the affairs of the state.Responding, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as a sign of solidarity and shared commitment to the progress of Plateau State.“This show of love and support is something we will never forget. As a government, we are committed to uniting the people of Plateau State, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background,” the Governor affirmed.Reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, Mutfwang emphasized that competence and commitment would remain the key criteria for appointments and partnerships.He cited the example of Hajiya Sadiya, the long-serving Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, whose continued service is based purely on merit, “If you identify as a Plateau person, there is a place for you. Let’s build this state together,” he added.Mutfwang urged the Muslim community to maintain cleanliness and comply with state regulations, particularly within urban areas under the Greater Jos Master Plan. He emphasized that building a peaceful and healthy society is a collective responsibility.Addressing the appeal for the reinstatement of dismissed staff, the Governor assured that all cases would be reviewed with strict adherence to due process and the rule of law.Mutfwang re-echoed his administration’s commitment to security of lives and properties directed the immediate arrest of any individual operating motorcycles or tricycles (keke) while masked, noting that such actions pose a security threat.The Governor also commended the integrity of a Plateau pilgrim who returned a lost sum of money during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. He announced that the individual would be publicly recognized and rewarded upon return, describing her actions as a shining reflection of the “Plateau spirit.”The visit had the presentation of a kola nut to the Governor by the Muslim community, a traditional gesture of peace and goodwill. In a reciprocal act of compassion, Governor Mutfwang pledged to donate a wheelchair to Alhaji Sanusi Liya, a respected community member living with a disability.The Salah homage was graced by the Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ibrahim Umar, alongside other prominent Muslim leaders, members of the State Executive Council, and dignitaries, further reinforcing the administration’s dedication to inclusive governance, peace building, and sustainable development across Plateau State.