NEWS
Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem: A new Colossus Bestriding the Kwara Governace Race
His foray into Kwara politics is not fortuitous; the foundation seems to have been laid as an administrator and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ilorin, which till now has one of the highest, if not the highest, rate of subscription by Nigerian students and applicants through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Emeritus Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, also the holder of the chieftaincy title, Talba of Ilorin, has brought excitement and vibrancy to the Kwara State governorship race since Tuesday, June 28, 2022, when he became the governorship candidate on the platform of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Oba is seen as a very formidable candidate whose entry is putting candidates of other political parties on their toes, thus waking them from their deep sleep due to his superior yet intimidating credentials and strategic leadership prowess.
He is popularly referred to in the state as Ọ̀rẹ́ Mẹ̀kúnù or Abokin Talakawa (A friend of the poor masses) due to his close affinity to the people at the grassroots level.
The NNPP governorship candidate was also a former Sole Administrator of the Kwara State College of Education Oro, Chairman of Governing Council of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin and the third Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.
He was also the Chairman Governing Council, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
Oba was the Initiator and Coordinator of the Ilorin Aviation College Committee, Chairman Political Transition Committee 2003, Chairman Implementation Committee, Muhammad Kamaldeen University, Ilorin and Member, JAMB Governing Board.
These experiences mostly in the public service are evidence that Oba is a versatile manager of human and capital resources.
As a chieftaincy title holder, the Talba is also a grassroot leader who is always at home with
rural dwellers and the youth population in Kwara State.
His campaign train has been moving steadily from one part of the state to another, communicating the credentials, capabilities and inspiring vision of the illustrious son of the soil to the people that matter most, Nigerians at the grassroots level.
Undoubtedly, Oba has garnered a lot of experience in service to humanity, an attribute a Governor of any Nigerian state should possess.
The Kwara NNPP governorship candidate has been visiting traditional rulers and their subjects at the grassroots level to carry them along and appeal for their support.
Among the rulers so far visited include the Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and the Oloffa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi.
Others are, Olukotun of Ikotun, Oba AbdulRasaq Abioye, Olojoku of Ojoku, Oba AbdulRasaq Afolabi, Onira of Ira, Oba Abdulwahab Oyetoro, Elerin of Erin Ile, Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola and Olota of Ilota, Alhaji Mohammed Olarewaju.
Owa Lobo of Obbo-Ile, Oba Adebayo Rufus Olusegun and Olosi of Osi, Oba Salihu Abdulkareem Adasofegbe, also hosted the NNPP governorship candidate in their palaces.
Other traditional rulers he visited included, Alofa of Ilofa, Oba Samuel Dada. Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Oloyede, Emir of Ilesha Baruba, Prof. Halidu Abubakar and Olola of Olla, Prof. Billy Olajide.
His love for the people at the grassroots must have informed his flagging off his gubernatorial campaign at Okuta in Baruten Local government area, very far from Ilorin, the state capital.
As expected, he paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler, the Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Idris Abubakar.
At the Emir’s palace, Oba reiterated that one of the first things he will do in office is to re-establish local government authority by conducting the local government election immediately, not later than six months after the general elections.
The governorship candidate also promised to provide functional and quality education and invest in agriculture if elected as the governor.
“There is no doubt that Kwara State is in dire need of a change of effective leadership and good governance; my experience in the public service will bring about the needed transformation,” he said.
Oba alleged that the present APC-led administration in the state has performed below the people’s expectations, and he expressed the urgent need to replace it with an NNPP government.
He asserted that an NNPP government would bring the desired change to the people of Kwara, who are still yearning for fresh air regarding socio-economic development, especially at the grassroots level.
In his response, the Emir lauded the NNPP for flagging off its campaign in his local government area.
He wished the gubernatorial candidate and his team well at the elections.
Talking of qualities of a good leader, the NNPP governorship candidate says such a person must separate falsehood from the truth while following the latter.
Oba added that a good leader must always have his ears to the ground to gauge the pulse of the people he governs so that his programmes and policies will always include their inputs.
When asked about his chance of success in his quest to become the next governor of Kwara despite the strong presence of PDP and the ruling APC candidates, the NNPP candidate expressed maximum optimism about winning the election.
Oba also disagreed with the misconception that the NNPP is a new party that may not go far in the country’s political terrain.
“NNPP is not as new as you may want to think. It’s been registered almost the same time as PDP was registered.
“Throughout the years, it’s been contesting elections through various candidates all over Nigeria. In some states, they won; in some, they lost.
“Most importantly, it’s been contesting elections in Nigeria. In Kwara, NNPP may be coming to the scene late, but it doesn’t diminish its potential as a party that will win the governorship in 2023,” he said.
According to Oba, the character and social standing of those contesting elections are factors that matter, not the time a party is formed.
“They, the credible candidates, are the ones to bring recognition to the party as desired,” he said.
While speaking at a debate for governorship candidates in Kwara recently, Oba promised to make the education of Kwara people his priority.
Coming from a background of solid educational achievements, this should not be a surprise to any keen observer.
Oba, who completed his doctorate studies at the University of Kent, UK, has been a teacher and lecturer with many years of experience.
As an accomplished scholar and administrator, he has enjoyed a glorious career in the teaching profession, from the elementary classroom teacher to the professorial chair at the university.
He also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees of Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Sheffield, respectively.
“An uneducated population is a doomed population. So the first people I am going to partner with are the teachers,” he told the audience at the debate organised by the Kwara State council of Nigeria Labour Congress.
“I will leverage technology as I did at the University of Ilorin to make Kwara State the knowledge hub for the world and, in the process, provide employment for the teeming youths,” Oba said.
The NNPP governorship candidate also assured the organised labour unions that he would work with them with honesty and sincerity.
At a town hall meeting with the people of Oyun local government, in Erin Ile, the Talba promised to bring the government down to the grassroots through local government autonomy.
He also urged youths in the area to participate fully in politics, leveraging their energy, passion and technology competence to achieve inclusive, sustainable development through the ballot box.
Oba was given a warm reception at the palace of Elerin of Erin Ile by the chiefs though the traditional ruler himself was not around.
The chiefs prayed for Talba’s victory while giving testimonies of his achievements in their community, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
On his campaign visit to Offa, another prominent town, the emeritus professor assured the people of Offa Local Government of his support if voted as the next Kwara Governor.
He said that based on his consultation with different groups in the community, if elected, his administration would address many of the challenges facing the ancient town.
The former Vice Chancellor urged his supporters to get their permanent voters’ cards while thanking them for the show of love accorded him.
The State Chairman of NNPP, AbdulRasaq Abdulsalam, described Prof. Oba as an honest man who would deliver on all his promises.
Oba did not just believe in hard work; he is a prayer warrior and religious person who believes in the power of Almighty God.
Towards this end, he led NNPP candidates in Kwara in December 2022 in a prayer session with notable Islamic clerics praying for the candidate’s success in the 2023 general elections.
They also prayed for the success of the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Musa Kwankwaso.
Oba expressed confidence in the party’s victory in the elections, saying the party is ready to take over power in Kwara and Nigeria in general.
“Insha Allah, we are doing everything possible to achieve success. This is because we have confidence in Allah, and when you have confidence in Allah, you will achieve success,” he said.
While assessing the level of preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the elections, the NNPP governorship candidate hailed the commission for “their impartiality” and the introduction of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) in the electoral process.
Oba however, condemned the relentless attacks on INEC facilities across the country.
Speaking on vote buying, he urged Nigerian electorates to resist the vice, saying that it must be stopped as it was not giving credibility and authenticity to the country’s elections.
“Vote buying is another disease we must cure,” the governorship candidate emphasised.
Keen observers of the Kwara political landscape are unanimous that with the emergence of Oba in the race for Government House, a new sheriff is indeed in town to take over affairs in the “State of Harmony”.
With his campaign slogan of “Ìrọ̀rùn dé” (Comfort is here), Oba is seen by many as the genuine bringer of the social, economic and political reliefs the people of Kwara have long been yearning for. (NANFeatures)
**If used, please credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria
By Kolapo Ogundare
It is impressive to note that many well-meaning Nigerians are now coming out, recounting several good deeds and socio-economic empowerment programmes which Hon. Rotimi Makinde embarked on when he held sway as the representative of Ife Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives in Abuja.
There are several accounts of how the veteran actor and politician touched many lives through scholarships to brilliant but indigent students, and financial support to small and medium scale business owners.
Provision of barbering kits to barbers, and hairdressing equipment to hair dressers in large numbers; provision of buses, tricycles, motorcycles and cars to several vulnerable segments of the society etc.Notable among his midas touch even as a Muslim was the building of a church to replace the old church of popular pastor, Akinola, who was assassinated on the eve of 2011 elections, which Makinde eventually won.
Records show that the church was built in the late pastor’s memory to compensate the church leaders, the surviving widow of the church founder and other innocent people who lost their lives to the cold hands of death by men of the underworld.
In addition to this church building was a two-bedroom flat for the widow, prophetess Akinola.
The church cost over N10 million (as it then) was officially inaugurated on October 27, 2014. Makinde’s act of giving back to his community is a testament to his commitment to serving and uplifting his constituents.
Reminiscing on this significant milestone, Prophet Elijah Makufota said:
“Only a liberal Muslim by faith can build a church. Today we celebrate a remarkable philanthropist Hon Rotimi Makinde whose generosity knows no borders—bridging mosques and chapels, uniting hearts across faiths. His vision reminds us that love, compassion, and service are the truest expressions of any religion. A rise La ri ka “.
Fairness, kindness, and justice are the true compasses of a good heart—not the label of a creed. When we measure a person by the content of their character rather than the doctrine they profess, we strip away the divisions that religion often erects and focus on the common thread that binds us: our shared humanity.
In a world where every individual is judged by how they treat others, by the equity they extend in everyday interactions, and by the integrity they show when no one is watching, we create a society that thrives on cooperation rather than conflict. Let us therefore place our emphasis on the principles that unite us—fairness, compassion, and justice—and allow those values, not religious affiliation, to be the true yardstick of a person’s worth.
“A kind act is a universal prayer; a fair decision, a lasting testament. Let us be judged by the deeds we do, not the faith we claim. Rotimi Makinde remains a shining light in our body politic and surely posterity will be kind to him.
A leader with quality and distinction is characterized by their ability to inspire, guide, and support a team. They are self-aware, communicate effectively, delegate work, and encourage strategic thinking. These qualities are essential for leading with confidence and fostering a productive, motivated team. That is who Rotimi Makinde is, this true blood of Ile-Ife undoubtedly has a date with destiny and will surely be marked out for positive trajectory in our political landscape.
All our political stakeholders and decision makers must take note of this political icon, a loyal party man, he is ever patriotic and with great uncompromising spirit, he is one individual who on several occasions sacrificed his convenience in the best interest of his party All Progressives Congress (APC) and Osun State particularly.
Makinde has consistently demonstrated resilience, a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the execution of any assignment given to him with high moral rectitude. I wish him best of luck in his political journey. May God bless Osun State, bless our leader and mentor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and also bless our dear country, Nigeria.
Kolapo Ogundare writes from Ede, Osun State.
ReplyForward
Add reaction
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has officially launched the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Round Seven (MICS7), a nationwide household survey supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
MICS7 is the seventh round of the globally recognised Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey programme and is aimed at generating critical data on the well-being, health, education and living conditions of women and children across Nigeria.
The survey is expected to provide reliable statistics to support evidence-based policymaking and enable effective tracking of Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The survey covers key thematic areas such as education, health, nutrition, immunisation, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and child protection. It also introduces new data collection modalities to capture emerging development indicators.
Trained enumerators are currently visiting selected households across the country, using digital data collection tools to ensure accuracy, efficiency and real-time validation of responses.
One of the major innovations of MICS7 is the introduction of anthropometric measurements for children under the age of five, which will provide more precise data on child growth, nutritional status and overall health.
The survey also features a new learning foundation component designed to capture school-related data, alongside expanded indicators that were not included in previous survey rounds.
Speaking on the exercise, the National Coordinator of MICS7 at the NBS, Dr. Isiaka Olarewaju, said the survey would track up to 40 internationally comparable indicators, making it one of the most comprehensive household data collection exercises in Nigeria.
He stressed that the success of the survey largely depends on the cooperation of selected households and urged Nigerians to welcome enumerators and provide accurate information.
MICS7 is being implemented through a collaborative partnership involving the NBS, UNICEF and state governments across the federation. The partnership, according to stakeholders, reflects a shared commitment to advancing national development through the generation of reliable and actionable data, particularly for children, women and households.
In Delta State, the Director of Statistics, Nkechi Maduemezia, has appealed to residents of selected households to fully cooperate with interviewers to ensure the success of the survey in the state.
She noted that accurate participation would contribute to improved planning, better service delivery and stronger development outcomes for both the state and the country.
The nationwide data collection exercise is expected to last about six months, after which the findings will be analysed and disseminated to inform national and state development policies, human capital development strategies and child-focused interventions.
By Bridget Tikyaa
Getting to the life journey of a senior citizen should ordinarily be a source of pride, a stage of celebration in life, less hassles, basic comfort, and time to savour the fruits of one’s labour. However, the reality is that things don’t turn out to be this way in most climes.
Just like in other parts of the world, in Nigeria, the elderly population are facing numerous challenges ranging from difficulties in accessing affordable, specialized healthcare services to address age-related health issues, irregular pensions and financial support to ensure decent living, improper access to basic amenities like housing, sanitation, and nutrition, emotional support, and many others.These are essentials that can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals. The difficulties in accessing them highlight the need for improved social support systems, healthcare infrastructure, and policies to protect the rights and dignity of elderly individuals in Nigeria.
However, amidst these challenges, an organisation committed to better welfare for Nigerians has significantly focused on rendering vital support to vulnerable elderly Nigerians, giving them hope, comfort, and a new lease of life. This is the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), through its Elderly Support Scheme.
The Renewed Hope Initiative is the flagship programme of Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, focusing on women, youth, children, and the elderly. The RHI is where every Nigerian’s dream of a better life is reached and has been creating real, lasting change by focusing on families, dignity, and opportunities.
Since 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has consistently celebrated elderly citizens every December as a mark of appreciation for their sacrifices. On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the RHI held the third edition of such intervention – the Elderly Support Scheme – in Benue State at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, with the theme “Finding Joy in Old Age”.
It is not just an RHI agenda but part of the Nigerian government broader social investment efforts aimed at promoting the dignity, comfort, and well-being of elderly Nigerians.
During the third edition of the Elderly Support Scheme, 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above were supported by the RHI in Benue State. Significantly, the same number of elderly citizens in all the states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory received similar support.
Each beneficiary received N200,000 during the ceremony in Makurdi, while Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia gave each beneficiary a bag of rice. There was also a free medical outreach for the elderly, during which beneficiaries received basic health checks, consultations and medical support, underscoring the holistic approach of the initiative to both financial and health needs of senior citizens.
Benue State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor said the initiative, a pet project of Nigeria’s First Lady Remi Tinubu, reflects a resolute determination to honour senior citizens who have contributed immensely to nation-building.
She noted that since 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has consistently celebrated elderly citizens every December as a mark of appreciation for their sacrifices, with a total of 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide each receiving ₦200,000, totalling N1.9 billion.
“As we approach the festive season, it is our moral duty and indeed our joy to ensure that our elderly live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity,” the First Lady said in the message to the event.
The purpose is to make the senior citizens remain active, find purpose in community life, and embrace joy in old age.
For Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor, valuing elderly citizens is absolutely necessary. “What you are today is not forever. Life may take you through certain curves you don’t know. The least person you see today may be the person you will look up to tomorrow,” she said, calling on society to treat the elderly with dignity, respect, and compassion.
She hailed all those impacting lives including Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whom she described as a man of integrity, sacrifice and uncommon commitment to service, who has positively impacted families, homes and society at large, stressing that family, church and school form the bedrock of any society.
Although the governor did not attend the event, Hon. Ben-Sor disclosed that he directed that each of the 250 beneficiaries receive a bag of rice through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in addition to facilitating the free medical outreach conducted for the elderly during the programme.
Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including a representative of the wife of the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Hon. Mrs. Christy Ode, who praised the First Lady for sustaining the initiative and applauded Governor Alia for his visible developmental strides across the state while the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Teresa Odachi Ikwe, represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Hon. Ifa Celestine commended the transparency of the RHI and advised beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously to improve their standard of living. Similarly, the Benue State Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Mrs. Helen Agaigbe appreciated the First Lady for her remarkable traits of compassion displayed through consistent support for the vulnerable in the society.
The Man Rotimi Makinde: A True Progressive by All Standards
ShareBy Kolapo Ogundare It is impressive to note that many well-meaning Nigerians are now coming out, recounting several good deeds...
FG, NBS Launch Nationwide MICS7 Survey
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has officially launched the...
Finding Joy in Old Age: The Renewed Hope Intervention
ShareBy Bridget Tikyaa Getting to the life journey of a senior citizen should ordinarily be a source of pride, a...
CBN Revokes Licenses of Aso Savings, Union Homes Savings, Loans
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operational licences of Aso Savings and Loans...
Dangote Petitions ICPC, Accuses NMDPRA Boss of Corruption, Abuses
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission...
NDIC Liquidates Aso Savings, Union Homes, Pays N2m Deposits
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) exercised its appointment as the liquidator of Aso Savings and...
Reps Launch Nationwide Probe into Drug Abuse, Trafficking Crisis
ShareBy Ubong Ukpong, Abuja The House of Representatives has commenced a nationwide investigation into Nigeria’s worsening drug abuse and trafficking...
Clement Koko Assumes Office as CIPPON President
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Clement Koko has been inaugurated as the President and Chairman-in-Council of the Chartered Institute of Professional...
Thousands of Drivers Wrongly Fined for Speeding Since 2021
ShareThousands of drivers could have speeding fines cancelled after a fault saw some cameras falsely triggered on English A roads...
UK Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.1 Per cent
ShareThe UK unemployment rate in the three months to October has increased to 5.1%, according to official figures. That marked...