Tag: Kwara

  • Kogi, Kwara, FCT, 3 Others Performs Low On Agric Extension Services – ActionAid

    Kogi, Kwara, FCT, 3 Others Performs Low On Agric Extension Services – ActionAid

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Food and Agriculture Programmes Coordinator for ActionAid Nigeria, Azubike Nwokoye has rated Kogi, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Delta, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory low in its recent assessments of agricultural extension service performance.

    The Coordinator who presented outcome of his findings to farmers in Abuja, according to ‘Kogi Report’, lamented that poor funding and lack of sufficient training of extension workers were some of the factors militating against food surplus in the country.

    Nwokoye who also gave fair pass marks to Gombe and Ondo States
    further identified lack of mobility and transport allowance to enable extension workers move around as snags affecting the sector.

    The Programmes Officer called on the federal, states and local governments, to pay more attention to extension service providers so as to scale up food sufficiency and increase the country’s earnings.

    He added: “The essence of this gathering is actually to show the latest data we have on the level of access extension services in Nigeria. And the challenges of poor funding of the extension services and the components of agriculture for us to push for increased funding.”

    He called on relevant authorities to incorporate women farmers into extension service providers adding that extension services is the fulcrum of agricultural productivity. “Over the years, farmer agent ratio has been very poor; there is a wide gap and some of the statistics are showing that in Nigeria you have one extension agent to 2,500 family farms.”

    “In some situations, one extension agent to ten thousand farms. Latest, people that have done it are saying ten thousand extension agents to eighteen thousand family farms.”

    “So, the gap is wide. There is also in existence the challenge of low recruitment, lack of mobility and transport allowance and lack of training and low number of female extension agents across Nigeria.”

    “The aim of this conversation is to make sure the poor funding situation is addressed within this budgetary process that is currently ongoing in the 2022 agriculture budget.” he added.

    “We believe that it is a waste of our common wealth if government, both at the federal and state levels have extension agents that they cannot provide them with motorcycles and transport allowance to do their job.”

    “It means that when they pay them at the end of the month without providing them money for operation, government is wasting our common wealth.”

    “It is better for government not to waste our common wealth by ensuring that trainings and retraining are provided for extension agents and that they are provided with proper mobility to be able to deliver this services to the farmers.”

    “Across Nigeria, we have a lot of technological research that are lying on the shelves. Because of the low funding of extension services, these technologies are not distributed to farmers.”

  • Police repels cult attack on Kwara command

    Police repels cult attack on Kwara command

    The Police in Kwara on Friday repelled attack on its command in Ilorin when some cultists invaded the formation.

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, told our correspondent that it was a reprisal attack on the command after it had put a situation under control earlier around Surulere, Baboko and Oja Tuntun areas of the state capital.

    He said two tricycles invaded the police headquarters in Ilorin, opening fire but they met resistance from the men and officers of the command.

    “We had gone to put a situation under control this morning involving two cult groups and we made some arrests.

    “These boys mobilised themselves and began to attack the police as a result of one of them who jumped inside a canal in Surulere while trying to evade arrest.

    “We called the Fire Service to retrieve the body but the boys came to disrupt them and then later, the police retrieved the corps from the cult guys.

    “May be those people you saw at the headquarters came to express their grief over the death of one of them,” Okasanmi said.

    He, however, said the police had launched an investigation into the matter to unravel the mystery.

    our correspondent recalls that there had been cases of cult groups clashes recently, especially in Ilorin, the state capital.

  • Kwara wins Ramat Cup

    Kwara wins Ramat Cup

    …As Daniel Ayenugba emerges tournament goalkeeper

    By Mike Oboh, Kano

    Kwara state under 16 team on Friday emerged winners of this year’s Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) organised Ramat Cup tournament held in Kano.

    Kwara State defeated Oyo State 2-1 to retain the trophy at stake.

    The winners opened scores in the early minute of the game and made it two before the end of the first stanza of the encounter.

    Oyo however pulled one back in the late minutes of the game in a match watched by top government officials and military officers .

    Speaking after the match, Kwara state Technical Director, coach Sam Elijah said he was happy with the outcome of the game as they were able to retain the trophy they won last year.

    Elijah said the tournament has shown that the backbone of football development in Nigeria remains in the grassroot, as most of the players who participated in the tourney exhibited high sense of play which if encouraged will continue to place the country in the forefront of international reckoning.

    The Technical Director added the only sour taste in the competition was the absence of officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.

    He said the team will now work towards representing the country well in Sweden later in the year just as he was optimistic that most of the players in the team may be considered by foreign teams during the Sweden tournament.

    In the third place match, Bauchi defeated Ogun 3-0 after a goalless game in the ensured penalty kicks.

    Daniel Ayenugba, son of former Nigeria goalkeeper, Dele Ayenugba was voted the best goalkeeper of the tourney as Abubakar Isah from Kano state with 7 goals emerged the winner of the golden boot.

    The State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who was represented by his deputy, Dr Yusuf Nasiru Gawuna, said the state will continue to support the development of sports from the grassroots in the country.

    Ganduje said the state will continue its support for YSFON to develop its programme in the country as it has shown that it has the ability to do so.

    In the athletics events, Alanmi Usman won the 400 metres race as Agbana Samuel of Ekiti and Faisal Yakubu from Bauchi picked the second and third position respectively, in the 200 metres, Bashir Mohammed from Kano picked the top position followed by Nurudeen Abubakar from Kebbi and Musa Usman from Bauchi for the silver and bronze.

    The Chief of Army Staff was represented by Brigadier General B.A Alabi while Air Commodore M.A Isah represented the Chief of Air Staff at the occasion.

  • Ramat Cup: Kwara crushes Kano to book semi final ticket

    Ramat Cup: Kwara crushes Kano to book semi final ticket

    ..as Ogun, Oyo squares up in S/West derby

    By Mike Oboh

    Defending champions Kwara state on Wednesday crushed Kano state 3-1 in the ongoing Ramat cup tournament to advanced to the semi finals of the competition.

    Kwara outplayed the host who were tagged tournament favourite because of their records in the group stage with a performance associated with a team ready to climb to the top.

    The winner’s Technical Director, Sam Elijah who spoke after the match, attributed their victory to determination and focus as they were aware it was a difficult task playing against the host.

    Elijah said that with the victory against Kano in the quarter finals, he was optimistic that the team will retain the trophy though the task ahead was still challenging.

    “We were worried when we got the quarter finals ticket to play against the host state, we challenged the players to see the game as the final before the final, and thank God they won the match, so looking forward I am optimistic that we are going to retain the trophy,” he said.

    In the other matches, Bauchi defeated Kebbi 2-0 ,Oyo won 2-1 against Sokoto while Ogun after a 1-1 draw against Gombe picked the semi final ticket as they carried the day in the ensured penalty kicks 3-2.

    In the semi finals that will be decided on Thursday inside the Pillars stadium, Kwara will take on Bauchi just as it will be a south west affairs in the second match when Ogun confronts Oyo.

  • COVID -19: Kwara Govt announces partial lockdown

    COVID -19: Kwara Govt announces partial lockdown

    The Kwara Government has announced a partial lockdown between 12am to 4:30am daily till further notice in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

    The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Razaq, told newsmen in Illorin  on Wednesday that the lockdown became  necessary with the  second wave of the disease and the need to manage it effectively.

    According to Razaq, the government has mandated appropriate use of face mask in public places while it bans concerts, carnivals and clubbing until further notice.

    READ ALSO: FG reveals biggest challenge of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Nigeria

    The commissioner said that only 50 people at the same time would be allowed at worship centres to allow for physical distancing.

    “Other gatherings, formal and informal, exceeding 50 people are also disallowed.’’

    He also emphasised the need to ensure the protocol of  “No face mask, no entry’’ at all public places.

    According to him, civil servants are to work from their homes.

    “The only exemptions are essential workers especially in the health sector; virtual meetings are encouraged,’’ he said.

    The commissioner said that transporters are to enforce all COVID-19 protocols, including proper use of face mask by drivers and passengers.

    Razaq said there were appropriate sanctions for defaulters and that security agencies would deploy all lawful means to enforce these protocols.

    He explained that defaulters were deemed to constitute dangers to public health while provisions of the Kwara State Infectious Diseases Regulations 2020 shall apply to all offenders.

    The commissioner said  here would be further communication  on schools resumption date as soon as new guidelines take effect from Thursday December 24, 2020.

  • Ex-Kwara Deputy Governor, Simon Sayomi is dead

    Ex-Kwara Deputy Governor, Simon Sayomi is dead

    His son, Ola confirmed his death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ilorin.

    According to him, his father died in his hometown, Igosun in Oyun Local Government Area of the State.

    Ola said that the former deputy governor died after a brief illness.

    “He died on Wednesday night between 9:30 pm and 10:pm. He was born in Oct. 10, 1925.

    “We will miss him because he was a hero to us in everything,” he said.

    Sayomi was the deputy governor of the State from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of late Muhammed Lawal.

    The duo lost their re-election bid to Dr Bukola Saraki during the 2003 governorship election.

    Chief Simon Sayomi, a former deputy governor of Kwara State is dead.

    His son, Ola confirmed his death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ilorin.

    According to him, his father died in his hometown, Igosun in Oyun Local Government Area of the State.

    Ola said that the former deputy governor died after a brief illness.

    “He died on Wednesday night between 9:30 pm and 10:pm. He was born in Oct. 10, 1925.

    “We will miss him because he was a hero to us in everything,” he said.

    Sayomi was the deputy governor of the State from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of late Muhammed Lawal.

    The duo lost their re-election bid to Dr Bukola Saraki during the 2003 governorship election.

  • Kwara records 2 new cases of Covid-19

    Kwara records 2 new cases of Covid-19

    Kwara government says two more persons have tested positive to Coronavirus in the state, bringing its total confirmed cases to 1,079.

    Spokesman of Kwara Technical Committee on COVID-19, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, made this known in a statement he issued on Saturday in Ilorin.

    READ ALSO: Northerners use Southerners as tools to control Nigeria — Afenifere gives reasons

    He stated that out of the total number of confirmed cases, 1,028 patients were treated and discharged, while 27 patients lost their lives to the virus.

    “As at Friday, the number of active cases was 24. 1,028 patients had earlier been treated and discharged while 27 deaths were recorded,’’ he explained. 

  • Kwara Deputy Governor’s aides test positive for Covid-19

    Kwara Deputy Governor’s aides test positive for Covid-19

    Kwara State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Technical Committee on Coronavirus, Mr. Kayode Alabi has again called on the people of the state to always adhere strictly to COVID-19 safety protocols.

    Mr. Alabi, who made the call shortly after some of his aides tested positive for Covid-19, warned that the disease is a real and present danger that requires serious caution.

    The deputy governor had tested negative for COVID-19.

    According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Modupe Joel, the deputy governor explained that the government is determined to flatten the curve of Coronavirus and curb community transmission.

    Mr. Alabi said his Covid-19 positive aides have been admitted to COVID 19/ Infectious center, Sobi Specialist Hospital Ilorin.

    The Deputy Governor called on the people of the state to take responsibility in the fight against the disease, saying that the only antidote against COVID-19 is to obey all the government’s and health official’s precautionary measures such as wearing of nose masks.

    He also advised all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to emulate his action by testing staff.

  • Kwara LG Sports Coordinators urge Sports Director to revive school sports

    Kwara LG Sports Coordinators urge Sports Director to revive school sports

    Association of Local Government Area Sports Coordinators has called for the revival of School Sports Festival in Kwara state for primary and junior secondary schools to enhance grassroots sports development.

    The association made the call during a courtesy visit to the new Director of Sports, Coach Ibrahim Atanda, in his office at the Kwara State Sports Council on Thursday.

    Chairman of the association, Dapo Ayilara (Ifelodun Local Government), congratulated Atanda on his appointment and prayed Almighty Allah to grant him wisdom and knowledge to pilot the affairs of the council.

    He said the athletes, when discovered early, would rise to become world champions in their chosen sport.

    Responding, Atanda commended the association for its support.

    He thanked the state Governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the opportunity given to him and promised to do all within his powers to move sports forward in the state.

    He also commended the governor for the distribution of sports equipment to selected secondary schools in the state, a move he said would encourage grassroots sports development.

    Atanda said that 65 per cent of participants at the Kwara State Sports Festival were students, pointing out that the importance of the local government area sports coordinators could not be overemphasised.

    He charged them to be more pro-active in their respective areas and not rely on ready-made athletes pledging the council’s technical support to them.

    Among the coordinators who were part of the visit done in compliance with Civid-19 protocols were those from Ilorin South, Ekiti, Asa and Ilorin West.

    Others were from Oke-Ero, Ilorin West, Oyun, Irepodun, and Moro.

    Also on Thursday, some members of the Kwara Baseball and Softball Association, led by Coach Jide Abidoye and selected members of Kwara United Football Supporters Club, led by the Chairman, Alhaji Imam Moshood, paid the Director a courtesy visit.(NAN)

  • How Police uncovered 8 illegal routes in Kwara

    How Police uncovered 8 illegal routes in Kwara

    Kwara State Commissioner of Police Mr. Kayode Egbetokun has explained how the Command uncovered and closed eight illegal routes created by transporters smuggling passengers into the state against COVID-19 restriction of interstate travels.

    He said that the Command has proposed tougher sanctions to the state government to check violation of the interstate travel ban.

    According to him, the new measures include prosecution and conviction of transporters violating the interstate travels ban, impounding their vehicles while passengers smuggled into the state should be escorted back to their respective states.

    Egbetokun who is the Chairman of the JTTT in the state, disclosed this during a meeting with members of the federal government Joint Technical Task Team (JTTT) on COVID-19 to ease the challenges of movement of food and agricultural imputes in Kwara state.

    He said despite measures put in place by security agencies to check inter states travels restriction truck drivers keep developing pranks to beat security agencies, a reason why he said stiff sanction should be meted out.

    “I still receive reports of violation of border closure restriction by truck drivers. We have closed eight illegal routes created by truck drivers but despite our efforts, is not serving as deterrent. They kept on smuggling passengers in different trucks.

    ”In fact, I am going to suggest to the state government that henceforth, any vehicle caught should be impounded, the vehicle should be forfeited to the state government and the driver should be convicted and sentenced while the passengers should be conveyed in another vehicle back to their respective states”, he said.