NEWS
It’s Our Turn to Produce Governor in 2023 – Kwara-North Forum

From Alfred Babs, Ilorin
Chairman, Kwara North stakeholders consultative forum, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu Lade at the weekend said that, there is no going back for Kwara north to produce the next governor in 2023.
He said that, “already, the journey has started and we have begun consultations to politicians across all divides in the state so as to achieve the goal”.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin after peace meeting with the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara central senatorial led by Alhaji Oba Ajara, the chairman stated that, “the people of Kwara north senatorial have paid their dues to the people of other two senatorial and this is the time they should be allowed to lead the state”.
Lade who insisted on equity, justice and fairness noted that Kwara north is pleading for understanding from the two other senatorial districts to produce the next governor, quoting the Yoruba adage that three stones should not throw away the soup pot.
He said, “We don’t want to be left behind in power equation. It has to do with grabbing political power. By calculation Kwara central got first four years through late Mohammed Lawal, then eight years from Dr Bukola Saraki, so the central had twelve years and Kwara south had eight years through Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
“The Yorubas says three stones do not throw away pot soup, we are three in number, they should allow us in Kwara North. We realised that if we don’t cry out that they should think about equity, justice and fairness and allow Kwara North to produce the next governor irrespective of party affiliation.
“If we want to talk about the party we will still have the same problem so we are bringing everyone on board. Going by the nature of kwara politics we need to cry before other follow us and before people listen to us because it’s not about population or any other considerable factor they are stronger than us that’s why we are harping on equity justice and fairness.
‘In kwara north we have been loyal to a fault to various governments across the political parties, they should give us what we also deserve.
“The fear of Ilorin people is about the loyalty of other people that would be brought on board for the agenda and we have assured them. We don’t just approach people we talk to people in all the political parties who share our belief and feelings.
“The next step after this gathering is individual approach and we have started already.I have met Professor Shuaib AbdulRaheem and we had useful discussion.”
Earlier, the chairman, Kwara central senatorial of PDP, Alhaji Oba Ajara told the forum to be watchful in their demand so that those that are not part of them would spoil their agitation.
He said that, ‘it is a normal agitation but the agitation would need to pass due process before it can be achieved”.
Ajara who reiterated that the three senatorial are brothers and sisters said that,”we will not hesitate to support their agitation but they must be cautious of the fact that it will pass due process before it can be achieved.”
NEWS
Tinubu Honors Buhari, Renames University of Maiduguri after Late President

By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University.
“May we now adopt the University of Maduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,” Tinubu said at the close of a special session of the Federal Executive Council held to honour Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
The President paid a glowing tribute to Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man” whose legacy of discipline, patriotism and moral uprightness would endure for generations.
Tinubu said although the late president was not without flaws, his unwavering commitment to national service set him apart.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man, no leader is, but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.
“His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten.
“His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God,” he said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s time in office and his long military and civil service, Tinubu praised the late leader’s simplicity, humility, and stoic resistance to the trappings of power.
He said, “He stood, always, ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular.
“His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism lived more in action than in words.”
Tinubu also recounted their political alliance, which culminated in the historic 2015 elections that marked Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint,” he said.
The President expressed admiration for Buhari’s post-office modesty, noting that he returned to his hometown, Daura, without seeking to wield influence behind the scenes.
“When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward.
“Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns,” he added.
Tinubu thanked the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting state funeral within 48 hours, describing it as a “profound honour” to lead the burial procession in Daura.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer: “Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President, your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
NEWS
C’River First Female NUJ Chairman Describes Tenure as Trial Period

The first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River, Archibong Bassey has said that her first tenure in office was a trial period.
Bassey, who was returned unopposed in council’s election, made the assertion in an interview on Thursday in Calabar.
The Bassey- led executive was first elected on 9th May 2025, to complete the tenure of Nsa Gill, who was then appointed as Chief Press Secretary to Gov.
Bassey Otu.The chairman, who thanked the members for keeping faith in her and her team, said that she would improve on her achievements while correcting any mistakes she might have made in her first tenure.
She pleaded that any member who she must have offended in the course of her leadership should forgive her as she was not perfect and called for unity among members.
“Let’s leave any form of rancour behind, I need all your support;push me from the back, support me as you can.
‘’Tell me your ideas of moving the council forward and not what someone told you about me; I am asking God for the spirit of humility and love, to enable me lead the council well.’’
Earlier in his goodwill message, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, had commended the union’s unity in electing its new executives.
According to Ekpang, they will continue as a government to give the Cross River Council of NUJ what it needs and all the necessary support to enable it carry out its functions objectively.
“I want to thank you for your unity, it’s better to come unopposed, I believe one day, the Cross River Council will emerge as the best in the nation,” he said.
Other executive members who were returned unopposed are Mr Sunday Inah of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) as Vice Chairman, Michael Abang of Business Day as Secretary.
Others are Kingsley Agim of the Cross River Ministry of Information as Assistant Secretary, Mrs Achiane Adams of the Ministry of Information, Treasurer, and Benedine Tete Anam of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Auditor.
NEWS
Gov Makinde Confered With Prestigious Chieftaincy Title of Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land by Akure Kingdom

The Akure Kingdom will today bestow a prestigious chieftaincy title, Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land, meaning President of the Respectable People, upon His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The conferment ceremony, which will take place in Akure, Ondo State, marks a significant recognition of Governor Makinde’s exemplary leadership, integrity, and contributions to the advancement of Yoruba culture and national development.
The title, one of the highest honors in the Akure Kingdom, celebrates individuals who embody the virtues of respect, dignity, and service to humanity.
Governor Makinde’s conferment reflects his outstanding commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and fostering unity across Nigeria.
The ceremony will be attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and government officials, underscoring the significance of this historic event.
This honor further strengthens the bond between Oyo and Ondo States, fostering mutual respect and cooperation for the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.