Kwara Speaker congratulates Elder statesman, AGF Abdulrazaq at 92

Kwara Speaker congratulates Elder statesman, AGF Abdulrazaq at 92

The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi has congratulated elder statesman and father of his Excellency, Executive Governor of Kwara state, Barr. AbdulGaniyu Folorunsho Abdulrazaq (SAN) as he clocks 92 today.

In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Danladi described the first lawyer in Northern Nigeria as “a visionary” elder, who is one of founding fathers of educational development in Ilorin and Kwara state, with his intervention that led to the establishment of Ilorin College Ilorin (ICI), what is today known as Government High School, Adeta among several others,”

“It is a thing of joy to you and all founding fathers that the liberated Kwara you gave your all to attain, came to fruition in your lifetime. I pray Allah in His infinite mercy grant Baba longer life and sound health, that he can further guide us as a father”, the statement reads.

Ibrahim Sheriff .A.
S. A., Media to the Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly

Gov AbdulRazaq commends Emir of Ilorin on coronation anniversary

Gov AbdulRazaq commends Emir of Ilorin on coronation anniversary

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday congratulated the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on his 24th coronation anniversary, praying God to grant him longer reign on the throne.

He also commended the Emir for his leadership and roles in ensuring peace in the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Kwara State, I felicitate with Mai Martaba Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on the 24th anniversary of his coronation as the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye.

“I commend His Eminence for his commendable leadership of our traditional institution and his roles in ensuring enduring peace and harmony in the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State in general. Our administration will continue to partner with this great institution to sustain this atmosphere of peace while also extending to it the necessary support to act out its role as the custodians of our people’s culture and traditions.

“I pray the Almighty Allah to grant Your Eminence longer reign in good health so that together we can see a greater Kwara where nobody is left behind as our administration opens a new chapter in the history of the state.”

Sulu-Gambari, a former Appeal Court Justice, officially came to the throne as the 11th Emir of Ilorin on 11th November, 1995 when he was turbaned.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

Kwara Government pledges to support Tax Industry

Kwara Government pledges to support Tax Industry

The Kwara State Government has pledged continue support to tax industry to improve internally generated revenue for the state.

The State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi stated this today in Ilorin when he received the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN on a courtesy call in his office.

Mr Alabi gave an assurance that the present government would allocate a land to the CITN in Ilorin metropolis for the construction of the Institute’s Academy.

The Deputy Governor noted that revenue generation is important to any government adding that such would be used to improve the State and provide infrastructures.

He pledged the support of the government to the Institute.

Earlier in her remark, the CITN National President, Dame Gladys Simplice appreciated Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for what she described as pragmatic and leadership by example especially for massive appointment given to women folk in his cabinet.

Dame Simplice explained that the CITN which was established in 1982 and became chartered in 1992 through decree 76 to regulate the practice and administration of taxes in Nigeria would support the state internally generated revenue service in achieving its core mandates.

She therefore, solicited for the partnership and collaboration of CITN with the government for collective benefits stressing that the lnstitute has capacity to train tax collectors across the length and breadth of Africa.

The National President advocated for financial autonomy for Revenue generation agency for optimal performance.

Bunmi Adedoyin
CPS TO THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
6th November,2019

Kayode Alabi task new APC executives on loyalty

Kayode Alabi task new APC executives on loyalty

The Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi has charged members of the All Progressives Congress APC to be loyal to the party and the government of Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq to succeed in office.

Mr Alabi gave the charge today while receiving Executive and members of the Party from Ifelodun Local government area of the State.

The Deputy Governor called on the new executives to extend hand of love and friendship to other members to build a strong and United party.

He urged them to support Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq who is the leader of the party in the State to achieve.

Mr Alabi stated that the present administration would not relent in its desire to improve the State and make life better for the people.

The Chairman of the Party, Hon Abdullateef Quadir pledged their support to the party and the present administration.

Hon Quadir explained that the party would run an open door policy which would be an all inclusive.

Bunmi Adedoyin
CPS TO THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
6th November, 2019

Gov. AbdulRazaq congratulates Alade over appointment

Gov. AbdulRazaq congratulates Alade over appointment

AbdulRazaq congratulates Alade over appointmen

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated Dr (Mrs) Sarah Omotunde Alade on her appointment as Special Adviser to President Muhamadu Buhari on Finance and Economy.

In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said the appointment was well deserved for a Kwaran who has contributed her own quota to the development of the country as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Mrs Alade is a round peg in a round hole. She has proven to be an epitome of hard work and good service delivery. She’s no doubt a pride to us,” the statement added.

AbdulRazaq urged Mrs Alade to bring her wealth of experience in boosting the economic agenda of Mr. President in making life-changing policies that would impact positively on the lives of Nigerians.

“On behalf of the good people of Kwara, we thank Mr. President for yet another honour of appointing one of us to be part of his NextLevel Agenda of transforming Nigeria,” it stated.

Mrs Alade, a former Acting CBN Governor and teacher at the University of Ilorin, is from Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
5 October, 2019

Gov AbdulRazaq mourns, recalls years under Coach Adenuja

Gov AbdulRazaq mourns, recalls years under Coach Adenuja

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the family, protégés and contemporaries of Coach Usman Adenuja, the head coach of the defunct Kwara Academicals and the Northern Lions, who died on Wednesday, October 29.

AbdulRazaq said in a condolence statement personally signed by him that he was once a player of the Kwara State Football team which Adenuja coached.

“Coach Adenuja was the football coach when I represented Kwara State at the National Sports Festival in Lagos in 1973. He was a great coach and a leader of men. He was great at what he did! I pray to the Almighty God to repose his soul and comfort the family he has left behind,” the Governor said.

“I also commiserate with the entire sports family in Kwara and Kogi States, especially the football family, which benefited immensely from the ingenuity, patriotism and commitment of Coach Adenuja while he held sway.”

The Governor recalled visiting Adenuja in his Okene country home a few years ago while he also spoke with his son, Abubakar, a week ago to inquire about the health of the coach.

Adenuja, a former head of coaching at the Kwara State Sports Council and Ag. Director of Sports at the Council, was from the old Kwara State before the creation of Kogi in 1991. He was also a very skilful footballer.

Top players like Moses Otolorin and Toyin Ayinla, among others, were nurtured by Coach Adenuja.

Prominent coaches who grew up under Adenuja’s tutelage included Busari Isola and Albert Adetoye.

 

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
2 November, 2019

KWHA confirms AbdulRazaq’s cabinet nominees

KWHA confirms AbdulRazaq’s cabinet nominees

Kwara State Assembly on Thursday confirmed all the 16 commissioner nominees forwarded to it by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

That came three days after the lawmakers commenced the screening of the cabinet picks in what has been described as about the most thorough yet friendly confirmatory sessions in the state.

Speaker Salihu Yakubu Danladi said the nominees were confirmed following a three-day screening that saw the House asking them questions related to their backgrounds, expertise and track records as Kwarans.

“The nominees are hereby confirmed as commissioners (for Kwara State). We so resolve. I now direct the Clerk of the House to communicate this decision to the Governor,” Danladi said at the plenary after the House had earlier dissolved into a Committee of Whole.

The Thursday confirmation was preceded by screening of four nominees who were the last batch of the 16 appointees.

The nominees were Oyedun Julianna Funke (Isin); Agbaje Wahab Femi (Offa); Joanna Nnazua Kolo (Edu); and Arinola Fatimah Lawal (Ilorin East).

A seasoned educationist and women-rights advocate, Funke said the best strategy for Kwara to keep teachers in the hinterlands would be to pay rural teachers’ allowance to personnel who agree to serve in the villages.

She also called for free accommodation for such teachers and concerted efforts by the host communities to accommodate them in manners that make them comfortable to work and live there.

“If I find myself in the education ministry, I will ensure that we liaise with the communities to embrace the teachers and offer them the necessary support. We will also reintroduce or strengthen School Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to help in this regard,” she added.

“The idea of political officials influencing transfer of teachers should stop. Our children are the ones suffering. Once we give them these incentives and take away undue political influence, the teachers will stay.”

Femi, an administrator and grassroots politician, said Nigeria must never prioritise stomach infrastructure at the expense of physical infrastructural development.

“I believe there are other ways of compensating those who have done one thing or the other. But we definitely can’t play with physical infrastructure. Several Countries have left us behind because of our attitude to governance. Our problem is the lack of honest and altruistic leadership, or people who place public interest above personal interest,” he said.

He was later asked to bow and go following massive endorsements of his nomination by the lawmakers who recalled his contributions to the victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

26-year-old Kolo told the lawmakers that her nomination was a challenge for her to contribute to the development of the state, calling it a “a rare privilege to serve.”

“I thank God for this rare privilege to serve. It is not by my power or any personal effort. I also want to appreciate the Governor for the golden opportunity given to me to be here today,” Kolo said, her speech repeatedly interrupted by wild applause from the gallery.

She commended her party and community leaders “for their mentorship and support”.

Speaker Yakubu he was impressed by Kolo’s opening remarks which were rendered in flawless British English, urging her to represent “our (youth) constituency well”.

“You’ve got a lot of work to do. You can’t let us down as members of your Constituency,” Yakubu added, asking her to bow and go.

The final nominee was Arinola Lawal whose screening session was the most emotional as lawmakers took turns to praise the role of former Governor Mohammed Lawal — Arinola’s father — in the socioeconomic development and political struggle of Kwara.

She was ushered into the parliament amid loud praises of her father while the screening session was punctuated by shouts of ‘omo L’Aderin’ — one of the many cognomens of Arinola’s father whose tenure as Kwara Governor was the most memorable since 1999 when Nigeria returned to civilian rule.

Arinola, whose managerial experience spans tourism and hospitality sector, was later asked to bow and go as the session became emotional. She was the only nominee who did not say a word throughout the screening.

The Governor had sent a total of 16 nominees for confirmation as commissioners.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary
31 October, 2019.

Meet your commissioner nominee: Hajia Ahman Pategi from Pategi Local Government

Meet your commissioner nominee: Hajia Ahman Pategi from Pategi Local Government

 

AISHA AHMAN PATEGI
Hon. Commissioner Nominee From Patigi LG, Kwara State.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Over 20 years’ experience in communication strategy, business management, investment/financial consulting, marketing, and motivational leadership to pinnacle performance. A serial entrepreneur known for a contagious passion for excellence and innovation with great resource skills in research, government and public relations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SSA TO THE HON. SPEAKER, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY JUNE 2011 – 2019

STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATION
Advised the speaker on all policy matters, including Budget Implementation, Education, Electoral and Healthcare reforms, Taxes, Security, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Youths and Civil Society as well as Community Engagements

Provided legislative research and policy analysis to caucus members.

Developed effective channels of transmission between the office of the Hon. Speaker, House Committees, the Political Aides and Legislative Assistants.

Oversaw legislative duties for Speakers office including reviewing committee passed legislation and recommending what bills to be put on the House floor for debate

Interpreted policy decisions, directive and circulars in the context of communicating language and information implications for better understanding of the context.

Provided concert confidence building forums across all the stages of our political participation and organize wider audiences for realization of the Hon. Speaker’s vision.

Coordinated the framework of new approaches for mobilization for the support of House leadership.

Justified the Hon. Speaker’s democratic goals, decision, actions and initiate public outlook to national programs.

Removed barriers to communication and dialogue and ascertaining people’s genuine expectations and interest in national legislation.

Setting the stage against public pressure and reinforcement of strategy and communication in the House and public circle.

RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Captured the mission and vision of the Hon. Speaker and provide planning methodologies.

Undertook research for excellent communication efforts, explore new dimensions, initiate and coordinate the overall functions and planning related activities of the office of the Hon. Speaker.

Gathered statistics and procedures for a more streamline and enhanced office of the Hon. Speaker.

Collected and processed development data and pass same to the Chief of Staff for usage by the House Committee and Special Aides.

Maintained and displayed key planning information such as bill, circulars, maps, charts, bulletins, and electronic mails; and establish information patterns for the internal and external communication of the Hon. Speaker in support of the action planning process.

Provided adequate means of planning systems effective for the general administrative office.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Bridged the gap regarding communication between the Hon. Speaker and the global audience.

Project COACH FOUNDATION
Non-Profit Organization
Executive Director 2018 – Present
A non-profit established to end the under-development in Nigeria and the world at large by imparting on lives and giving back to the society, to serve the most vulnerable communities in Nigeria through Community Outreach, Advocacy, Capacity building and Health (COACH) projects, to benefit all regardless of tribe, religion and creed.

Coordinated advocacy visits to community gatekeepers and leaders including the Emirs of Patigi, Lafiagi among others to initiate Project COACH activities in the communities.

Organized community awareness rallies in Patigi LGA to sensitize community members on the need to register for their permanent voters’ card (PVC)

Provided support to community volunteers to enable them to get to hard to reach areas and communities to mobilize members to get registered for and collect their PVC which led to increase in number of voters registered and PVCs collected in Patigi LGA

Distributed data collection tools/forms to be used in creating a database for economic strengthening and empowerment of men, women and youths in all LGAs of Kwara North Senatorial district.

Provided support to women and Youth groups as well as Artisans in Patigi LGA to aid their activities.

Provided capacity building training on employment and employability skills, communication, volunteering and leadership skills building for youths in Patigi LGA.

Facilitated the employment and linkages to jobs for qualified candidates from the capacity building training.

Facilitated and sourced financial support for the repair works of irrigation dam servicing rice farms in Lade district of Patigi LGA damaged by floods.

Coordinated flood assessment survey for various communities ravaged by floods in Patigi LGA and detailed report produced.

Coordinated grassroots mobilization of eligible voters to participate actively during the general elections through voting and ensuring their votes count.

Coordinated and facilitated the mobility of eligible voters in and outside Kwara State to their various polling units to exercise their franchise through the provision of transportation arrangements.

Provided support to INEC staff before, during and after the elections to enable them to have a hitch free elections duty and exercise in Patigi LGA.

Engaged in election day duties by visiting and monitoring election exercise in various polling units and wards in Patigi LGA.

ROOTS AND ORIGINS INC
Organic Health Enterprise
Founder/ Managing Director 2014 – Present

An organic health enterprise in the business of promoting healthy living by selling the best and finest organic products from around the world.

Import and export of organic foods and natural products around the globe.

Manufacture and sales of natural foods and products through the department of Agriculture in the USA with physical retail outlets.

CONTINENTAL MORTGAGE/WORLD FINANCIAL SERVICES INC., ATLANTA, GA.

Financial Advisor/ Mortgage consultant, 2005 – 2007

Assist clients with their needs via financial need analysis. Provide comprehensive written financial planning to individuals and small businesses by using effective portfolio analysis, sound investment strategies and concise recommendation to reach their goals.

Delivered seminars and speeches to various businesses and groups on topics such as net worth, asset protection, wealth accumulation, retirement and estate planning.

Provided advice on creating and monitoring various investment portfolios by using sound money management philosophies, the latest software applications and deliverable tools.

Packaged private equity funds and with investors/developers for construction of a $100M subdivision Project.

Provided financial solutions for foreign national loans, exotic loans and construction financing. Implement and manage budget account relationships.

A-LINE REALTY SMYRNA, ATLANTA GA.
Founder/ President and Managing Broker, 2004 – Present

An agency serving more than 300 clients by providing financial planning, asset management, commercial and residential real estate transactions. Management of firm has been assumed by a new manager
Coached, mentored and assisted real estate agents with negotiating, coordinating and reviewing contracts.

Handled overall operations for company and produced a peak of $207.8 million in commercial and residential sales while managing staffs and agents.

Managed over 300 projects in construction and sales for residential and commercial clients including bidding, Negotiating, planning, purchasing, scheduling, delegating, and customer service.

Monitor and organize subcontractor activities and supervise subcontractors to make sure projects were finished on time and on budget.

J&S AUTO SALES DECATUR, GA.
Sales Manager, 2000 – 2004

Purchased auto inventory from auctions and wholesalers, conducted appraisals, directed the reconditioning of trade-in vehicles for resale, and assisted with new car sales. Created innovative promotional marketing strategies, designed and placed advertising featuring $1.5M in new and used car inventory.

Hired, trained, supervised and mentored sales people; motivated staff to meet/exceed established sales goals and objectives by developing effective sales incentives.

Gave final approval on all sales, trade-ins, financing and credit arrangements. Monitored and reported sales volume, financial and business transactions.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Key Accomplishments:

Possess outstanding communication Negotiation and presentation abilities. Effectively market tangible/intangible products and services; skilled in persuasive presentation and profitable negotiation. Offer excellent customer relations skills.

Grew two businesses from start-up to millions in annual sales through effective business planning, creative sales techniques, and innovative marketing.

Expert knowledge and skills in all facets of the transportation industry including Life cycle, sales cycle, Investment types.

Recognized by clients and colleagues as a consummate professional with a high degree of personal integrity.

Coordinated the grassroots mobilization and community outreach activities which led to a significant increase in the number of eligible voters registered as well as number of PVCs collected in Patigi LGA.

Developed and coordinated advocacy and community engagement strategies which led to high voter turnout and number votes cast during the elections

EDUCATION
American Inter-Continental University, Dunwoody GA
(MBA Business Administration) 2018

Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(Bachelor of Art – Mass Communication) 2012

Stanford University, Stanford California
Political Science (Data Analysis) 2013

Capstone institute of Mortgage Finance, Atlanta GA, USA
Loan/Financial consultant 2006

Barney Fletcher School, Atlanta GA, USA Agent and Broker License 2004

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria (School Of Remedial Studies and FASS-International Relations) 1996.

Get to know your Commissioner nominee: Hajiya Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu

Get to know your Commissioner nominee: Hajiya Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu

Hajiya Sa’adatu studied Economics and finished with second class upper from the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto. She has a masters in Business Administration from the University of Ilorin.

In a quest to be the best she can be, she also
​​​​has further studies from the Metropolitan School of Business and Management in Dubai, UAE, the Penn Foster Career School Scranton, PA USA. She is also a certified
Project Manager.
She has attended a lot of trainings in and outside the shores of Nigeria. Her trainings and expertise include:

– _The groundbreaking work of Dr. William Glasser’s quality schools training with Kim Olver_

– _Boss Management_
– _Working with challenging children_
– _Behaviour Management: Effective Vs Responsible behaviour_
– _Creating remarkable customer experiences, retaining old customers, and working with difficult customers_

– _Basic Marketing skills and other annual trainings of the ACEI and the CTAUN conferences at the United Nations Headquarters in New York._

She is a super positive human being, and a committed Social worker who is a lover of her community. She enjoys selfless service and touching lives; the reason she ventured into politics with the permission of her supportive husband: with the hope that it would give her the platform to be impactful.
She has over the years built and worked with people from diverse backgrounds.

She is an Economist and ex banker, founder of a group of schools and learning centres, a volunteer for various community services, matron of numerous Non-Governmental and Political organisations, a co founder of an NGO, a child care specialist, a fashion and humanitarian enthusiast, a mother of five biological children and many other children that she continues to affectionately work with.

Hajiya Sa’adatu was trained in the Lagos branch of Zenith Bank; and she worked in the Kaduna, Maiduguri and Ilorin branches of the bank.
She was a member of the think tank team of the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s campaign; headed by his former Economic Adviser: Tanimu Yakubu.
She is a consultant to a lot of schools; working with early childhood educators and Parents; during PTC’s and Parents’ involvement projects.
She is; a project manager who enjoys working on projects from start to finish.
She is a member of some professional bodies, including the Ngeria Institute of Management, The Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, and the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).

The banker turned project management consultant and childcare professional started doing her own independent work with volunteers and a few staff; working with selected Government primary schools in Kaduna in 2010. She extended the same home (to Kwara State), and has since 2012 been involved in an annual giving back Initiatives to Children in the Government Schools, Women and Youth. Members of her team, sometimes including herself, have continually worked with schools and social centres in the State; these include; the Kwara State School for Special Needs, Oke-Igbala Leprosy Home, Ti Omo Re ni School for the disabled on the NNPC pipeline Road, the Kwara State Orphanage on NNPC pipeline road, The Leah Foundation Orghanage, Government Primary and secondary Schools in the State etc.
Her favourite motivational standard is:
*If you lack the power to change the entire, focus on the piece you can change, and do a little at a time.*

Women Affairs Minister hails AbdulRazaq over women commissioner-nominees

Women Affairs Minister hails AbdulRazaq over women commissioner-nominees

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, has appealed to governors, especially the new governors, to encourage more women in governance by allocating more political positions to them at the state level.

Speaking Saturday at the 2019 Edition of the Arise Women’s Conference in Lagos, Tallen, who commended Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for giving more political positions to women in the State Executive Council, said other governors should emulate them by promoting women representation in governance at the state level.

The 2019 Arise Women’s Conference, which was the 11th edition of the annual programme to celebrate women in Nigeria, was put together by Dr. (Mrs) Siju Iluyomade, Convener and Founder of Arise Women Initiative, a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation.

 

Tallen, who was a former Plateau State deputy governor, also assured the women that as Minister for Women Affairs, she would continue to push for women interests across the country

In his address, the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who was represented by Dr. Mero Al-Makura, commended the Siju Iluyomade-led Arise Women Initiative for empowering women, which according to her is in line with her Future Assured Programme, to reach out to people at the grassroots level.

Also speaking at the event wives of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti states; Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and Erelu Bisi Fayemi, commended the Arise Women Initiative for supporting and empowering women through different philanthropic gestures.

In her address, Dr. Iluyomade called on all women to come together to improve villages across Nigeria. She said her organisation has done this by having as its model Dafara Adopt a village programme by building a hospital and provide qualitative health care delivery.