Author: The Informant247

Renowned PDP stalwart, Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, has sadly passed away after battling illness for several months. Born on December 12, 1966, Senator Ibrahim served as a distinguished senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly of Nigeria. Throughout his tenure, he chaired the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to financial matters. Additionally, he contributed his insights and leadership as a member of various Senate Committees, including Appropriation, Federal Character and Inter-Government Affairs, and Media and Public Affairs.

On Monday, the revenue court in Ilorin will convene to address the legal dispute between Mandate International Publications Nigeria Limited, publishers of the National Pilot Newspapers, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s Aide on New Media, Mr. Olayinka Fafoluyi. The governor’s aide initiated a direct criminal complaint against the media outlet and one of its reporters. During the previous hearing in March 2024, the media outlet requested the court to dismiss the case due to lack of jurisdiction and to strike it out for lacking locus standi by the complainant. In February 2024, the Managing Director of National Pilot Newspapers, Alhaji Billy…

Claim: Saudi Arabia and Jordan have now joined the US and UK in shooting down Iranian suicide drones and missiles aimed at Israel, as reported by Al Arabiya. Fact: The claim that Saudi Arabia and Jordan have joined the US and UK in shooting down Iranian suicide drones and missiles aimed at Israel is partly inaccurate. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has not officially joined in shooting down Iranian drones and missiles aimed at Israel. While Saudi Arabia has expressed concerns about escalation, there is no confirmation that Saudi Arabia has actively participated in military operations against Iranian drones and missiles…

The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Justice Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore (retired), describing him as a great jurist and patriot. Justice Belgore, who recently retired as the presiding Justice of the Ilorin Division of the Court of Appeal, passed away on Tuesday night, leaving behind a legacy of legal excellence and community leadership. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq extended heartfelt condolences to the entire Ilorin Emirate, acknowledging Justice Belgore as an illustrious son of the region. He also offered condolences to the…

Otunba ADETUNJI Oyabambi, a philanthropist based in the US, extends warm greetings to Muslim faithfuls as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr this year. He emphasizes the importance of embracing love and forgiveness, echoing the values demonstrated during the sacred month of Ramadan. In a personally signed statement, Oyabambi, who chairs Halfem Nigeria LTD, stated that Ramadan is a period for spiritual connection with the divine, marked by sacrifice, and sincere worship. He, thereby, urges Muslims to carry forward the spirit of Ramadan by maintaining their dedication to righteousness and obedience to Allah’s commandments. Oyabambi also stated: “As we reflect on the blessings…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has issued a stern challenge to the Kwara State Government following its response to the BBC documentary shedding light on the dire conditions of Kankan LGEA School, Asa LGA. In a press statement released on Friday – obtained by The Informant247 – the PDP criticized the government’s attempts to shift blame to past administrations and demanded transparency regarding the usage of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds. The BBC documentary revealed the appalling state of education infrastructure in Kankan LGEA School, including pupils learning under trees and sitting on bare floors in…

Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bola Olukoju, has stated that the government is committed to rectifying resources misappropriated by previous PDP officials. The Commissioner’s statement – obtained by The Informant247 – come in response to a BBC report spotlighting deficiencies in local school infrastructure, particularly focusing on the Kankan LGEA School in Asa local government area. Olukoju emphasized the ongoing efforts of the administration to address the repercussions of mismanagement, particularly in the education sector. She pointed out the challenges faced in repairing the damage caused by the blatant theft of resources, including UBEC funds. Olukoju spotlighted the magnitude…

Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services, and Rural Development, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for signing the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law. In response to the bill’s signing, Senator Mustapha expressed his support for President Tinubu’s decision, citing their shared belief in the benefits of the loan scheme, which he had strongly advocated for during Senate deliberations. Taking to his official social media page, Senator Mustapha underscored the importance of President Tinubu’s assent to the bill, describing it as a positive development. He also conveyed…

An imposter identified as Akogun Rasheed Usman, alleged to have been masquerading as an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been apprehended by authorities. The Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC disclosed that the alleged fraudster had been deceiving victims under the guise of assisting them in resolving their cases with the anti-graft agency. The bubble burst for the ‘scammer’ following intelligence received by the Ilorin Command of the Commission regarding his illicit activities. Usman, a native of Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, purported to be an EFCC officer and succeeded in…

Bringing a wave of relief and joy to hundreds of residents across Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Areas, the Salman Shagaya Foundation has unveiled its “Water Sustainability Project,” providing motorized boreholes to improve access to clean drinking water in the region. Communities in focus for this phase of the initiative include Taiwo Area, Egbejila Community, and Kuntu Community in Ilorin West Local Government, alongside Gaa Oloko Village, Kaara Village, Gaa Ewusi, and Igboroko Village in Asa Local Government. The inauguration of the newly installed boreholes sparked celebrations among residents, as the life-changing impact of access to clean water became…

The Nigerian Army has confirmed a minor explosion incident at the army cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos. Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that there were no casualties resulting from the incident. According to Nwachukwu, the explosion occurred on a farmland near the Mammy Market within the cantonment. He added that it is believed to have been triggered by the burning of refuse and other inflammable debris by a farmer tending to the farmland. In an official statement released on Monday, April 1, 2024, Nwachukwu assured the public that the situation is under control. He emphasized that the Nigerian…

Olusegun emphasized that the ongoing restructuring within the PDP is causing concern for the government, leading to attempts to deflect attention from its shortcomings.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, has criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for its handling of recent defections, stating that the party’s response mirrors a culture of disrespect. Abdullateef called attention to the defections of Saheed Adebisi Adeyemi and Lateef Aremu from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the weekend. He noted that the PDP’s spokesperson, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, has resorted to questioning the integrity and worth of defectors rather than addressing the party’s challenges. He criticized the PDP’s communication strategy, describing it as disrespectful and dismissive of individuals…

A clash of opinions has surfaced among Kwara South youths regarding the proposed locations for the Smart City project in the state. In a statement issued by the Ifelodun Youth Development Association (IfYDA), the group expressed support for the relocation of the Smart City initiative to Ifelodun Local Government Area. Mr. Garba Ibraheem, the group’s spokesperson, praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration for its innovative approach to infrastructure development and urged the government to consider Ifelodun for the project. IfYDA stated Ifelodun’s ample land, strategic location along the Lagos-Abuja standard gauge railway, and existing infrastructure as compelling reasons for the relocation.…

“There must be strict compliance with quality protocols and adherence to agreed deadlines to ensure timely completion of these projects…”

In response to mounting concerns from constituents, Hon. Yinka Aluko, the federal representative for Ilorin East/South constituency, convened a crucial meeting with Ibagun Youth at his GRA Residence. This gathering, marked by intense discussions, provided a platform for constituents to voice their grievances and seek clarifications on various issues. The backdrop of the meeting was an open letter penned by Oluwatoyin Luqman Bolakale, an online media practitioner and concerned member of Ilorin East/South Constituency from Oke-Ogun Ward. Bolakale’s letter highlighted perceived shortcomings in Hon. Aluko’s representation, including allegations of unfulfilled promises and lack of proactive engagement. During the session, Hon.…

Residents of Kebbi State descended upon a government warehouse located in the Bayan Kara area of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Saturday night, ransacking it of its food supplies. Despite the presence of armed police and soldiers, the looters overwhelmed security forces and proceeded to loot essential food items. This unsettling event mirrors similar occurrences in Abuja and Suleja, Niger State, playing up the economic strain exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, Chairman of the Bayan Kara Market food vendors association, expressed dismay as the looting extended beyond government palliatives…

In a strategic move aimed at reducing expenses, the Tinubu Administration has decided to sell off three jets from the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF). The decision, according to the President Tinubu, forms part of a broader cost-saving initiative, given the significant financial outlay required to maintain the fleet. Currently comprising ten aircraft, including six jets and four helicopters, the fleet will be streamlined to seven if the proposed action is implemented. Previous attempts to sell off two planes during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure were unsuccessful. Despite attracting potential bidders offering initially $24 million for the two aircraft, the final offer…

Road Doctor Engineering Limited, Adafat Integrated Services Limited and Goldenjist Engineering Limited were the companies used to ‘execute’ a road project in Kwali Council Area of the Federal Capital Territory that was never completed for 10 years, Beloved John reports. When the first construction company visited Bako village in 2015, the villagers were delighted as it was a pleasant surprise. They anticipated the end of the project, which they assumed to be a neatly tarred road and a good drainage system. The road at the time was filled with potholes and some parts destroyed by erosion. During rainy seasons, it was murky, …

The bad state of Obollo-Oturkpo road on Enugu-Benue borders makes passengers traveling from Eastern parts of the country to the North apply Enugu-Kogi route, which today records steady kidnap cases. Ben Aroh examines the economic importance of the road in this report. Victims Recount Ordeals Samson Ejikeme, a commercial driver, was in December 2023 kidnapped along Enugu-Kogi border town of Umuopu in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. He was kidnapped alongside fourteen passengers in his bus. Ejikeme, 37, said they were held hostage for four days without food, except gari prepared with dirty water sourced from an…