The All Progressives Congress Kwara State Chapter has announced that the chapter would adhere to the provision of law and the directives from the national headquarter of the party.

This announcement was made known by the state chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi during a press conference held today at the state party secretariat in Ilorin.

Prince Sunday Fagbemi said in compliance with the provisions of the electoral law, and directives from the national headquarter of the party, the process of electing candidates for the offices of the State Governor, the Senators, House of representatives and State House of Assembly will commence in Kwara State on 26/5/2022.

The chairman also said the National working committee of the party on Monday 23/5/2022, approved a revised timetable schedule of activities as follows;

Thursday 26/5/2022
Governorship (State Delegates)
State House of Assembly (L.G Delegates)

Friday 27/5/2022
Senate (L.G Delegates)

Saturday 28/5/2022
House of Rep. (L.G.A Delegates).

He added that It is therefore, imperatives that all candidates must emerge through valid primaries as required by law.

“In the light of the above, all candidates vying for various offices must have obtained forms, screened and certified okay by the party to participate in the primaries. The names of eligible candidates shall be forwarded to the various voting centers.
The total number of Delegates expected to participate in both Governorship and House of Assembly primaries are 1930 throughout the State.

Election shall hold for a State House of Assembly members at specific centers attached and all delegates are advised to set the specified centers for accreditation as early as 9:00 a.m”. He added

Furthermore, for peaceful conduct of the exercise, all party members participating in the exercise must comply with all laid down procedures as follows.
Non – Delegates should keep off venues of the election
Delegates must conduct there selves in a decent and orderly manner devoid of any rancor or indecent rowdiness

The party chairman warned that the party will not tolerate any form of indiscipline from candidates of their followers. Therefore the use of thugs or “good boys” is prohibited.
Any aggrieved member should exhaust all windows of all opportunities available to them to make redress.

Aspirants shall be held responsible for any breach of peace and misconduct at the venue of the exercise.
Few of the incumbents, including the State Governor were returned unopposed. However this does not exempt them from electoral process which required them to be affirmed.

The party chairman, prince Sunday Fagbemi assured all candidates of fairness in the conduct of the exercise and adviced all party members is to discountenance unfounded information or rumor that could jeopardize our genuine efforts to get popular and acceptable candidates to compete and defeat our opponent from other political parties.

The Screening Exercise for Presidential Aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier scheduled to be held on Monday, May 23rd, 2022, is hereby postponed.

A new date for the exercise will be announced shortly.

Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.

SIGNED:
Barr. Felix Morka
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress

APC APPOINTS GOVERNOR ATIKU BAGUDU TO CHAIR EKITI STATE GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

DSP Omo-Agege, Akeredolu, Yahaya, Badaru, Lalong, Uzodinma, Ayade, Fashola Named in 61-Member Council

The Campaign Council will be inaugurated by the National Chairman, H.E. Sen. (Dr.) Abdullahi Adamu CON, on Monday, 23rd of May, 2022 by 9am at the National Secretariat, Abuja.

H.E. Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu

National Organising Secretary

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, 18th of May, 2022, approved an adjusted Timetable/Schedule of Activities for the Governorship, State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Presidential Primaries and Appeals as follows:

PRIMARY ELECTION

Governorship and House of Representatives – Thursday, 26th of May, 2022

Senate and House of Assembly – Friday, 27th of May, 2022

ELECTION APPEALS

Governorship and House of Representatives – Friday, 27th of May, 2022

Senate and House of Assembly – Saturday, 28th of May, 2022

SPECIAL CONVENTION FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES: Sunday 29th – Monday, 30th of May, 2022

SIGNED
Barr. Felix Morka
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Wednesday, 18th of May, 2022

The Chairpersons and Secretaries of Screening Committees for State House of Assembly Aspirants/ Special Congress Committees to Elect Local Government, State and National Delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be inaugurated as follows:

Date: Tuesday, May 17th, 2022

Time: 9 am.

Venue: International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

SIGNED
H.E. Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu
National Organizing Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

The kernel of our electoral campaign to the people of Kwara State is to restore the dignity of the Kwara person, redeem the lost glory of the state on all fronts, ensure inclusive growth, and reposition it for greatness and competitiveness in Nigeria.  At the heart of this campaign is quality education and human capital development — an area that is critical for inclusive growth and upward social mobility in the knowledge economy.

We are clearly delivering on this score. In addition to getting our state off national (UBEC) blacklist and freeing our schools from WAEC sanctions, progressively committing huge resources to rebuilding basic schools, as well as injecting new 4,700 competent teachers into our classrooms, this week we are rolling out the first phase of our flagship education transformative programme: Kwara Leading Education Achievement and Reform Now, or KwaraLEARN.

This is in realisation that getting education right from the foundation will support our achievements in infrastructural development, agriculture, technology and social services, and open up new vistas of opportunities that will promote common good.

Our flagship education programme takes the baton from pre-existing transformation programmes in Lagos and Edo States, both of which are local solutions already delivering value. We have understudied and have now made it fit for our own system here in Kwara.

This is a lifetime investment that empowers teachers and gives public school pupils the best shot at 21st century education with reverberating effects on learning outcomes and the future of the state. The KwaraLEARN programme affords our teachers the right digital tools to be at their best, while providing an electronic platform to make classrooms and schools transparent. The technology will monitor attendance and performance of pupils and teachers in all classrooms, offering continual support and feedback.

As a new term begins, we are not just discussing how to improve our schools and classrooms, we are implementing new approaches and techniques. We are taking action.

We are taking the future of our state and shaping it with a carefully designed policy which places Kwara as an innovation capital in Nigeria and West Africa’s economic growth.

Over the last few weeks, 3,500 of our teachers have been trained in the use of new digital technology and proven pedagogical techniques designed to support them in delivering the best possible lessons to their students. Thousands more will be trained in the subsequent phase of the programme.

Our aim is to transform every government primary school and, in doing so, transform the learning outcomes for every Kwara child.

To do this, we are empowering all our primary teachers with the right digital tools to be at their very best in the delivery of expertly planned lessons based on our national curriculum. This is supported with an electronic platform to make classrooms and schools transparent.

The technology will monitor attendance and performance of pupils and teachers in every classroom, offering continual real-time support and feedback. Bespoke coaching programmes will support every teacher in their classroom. KwaraLEARN helps our teachers to become highly-skilled, through training and motivation to succeed at their job. And it will provide Kwara’s learning leaders, our State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), with unprecedented levels of knowledge and information about the success of every single state primary school.

This approach, combining structured pedagogy with the gathering of real-time data for accountability and feedback, is one recommended by the World Bank, as governments everywhere deal with the impact of the covid-19 pandemic, and the school closures which accompanied it, on children’s education.

In Nigeria, we know that transformational reform cannot be delayed. A recent UNICEF assessment suggested that 70% of 10-year-olds across the country cannot understand a simple sentence or manage basic numeracy.

This has been worsened in Nigeria and elsewhere by Covid-19 which caused huge damage to our education system and our communities. As we in Kwara emerge from the pandemic, my team and I are taking action to ‘build back better’. We envision a state that policymakers refer to as a successful model of education reform post-pandemic.

We are therefore determined to deliver dramatic improvements in learning outcomes for our children across Kwara State. Not only is access to quality education their right, improving their numeracy and literacy skills will allow our pupils to compete with their peers anywhere in the world.

We believe that the path to prosperity is through the education of the Kwara child. Along with our phenomenal investments in physical infrastructure and other things, education underpins economic growth, stability, and sustainable development.

We are confident that the KwaraLEARN programme will be an outstanding success and birth measurable improvements in learning outcomes delivered quickly. Our technical partners, NewGlobe, have already delivered them in support of similar programmes in Edo and Lagos States, and we trust them to do a lot more to partner with other stakeholders towards returning basic education in Kwara State to the dream of our founding fathers.

UNESCO’s New Social Contract for Education calls on governments to focus on “placing greater emphasis on improving learning outcomes in our education systems, and employing new techniques and methodologies that have been proven to yield better results for our students”.

This is precisely what we are doing through KwaraLEARN. We are adopting an approach proven in the Global South, and more importantly within Nigeria, suited to our unique circumstances, away from a historical focus on the replication of ideas and institutions from the industrialised North.

KwaraLEARN represents our vision for a stronger and more prosperous Kwara. A Kwara that is recognised in Nigeria and across West Africa as a leader in reforms that will deliver economic growth and more sustainable futures for our population. KwaraLEARN  will transform all government primary schools across the state into powerful public schools, moving them from an analogue approach to one of digital transformation.

This transformational approach to our education system will deliver radically improved outcomes for our children. That success will be seen quickly, giving this generation of children the potential to transform Kwara State.

AbdulRazaq is Governor of Kwara State

As the 2023 elections draw nearer, a professional media group known as Kwara APC New Media Team under the office of the State Publicity Secretary Office has donated hundreds of stickers for the second term campaign bid of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The event which took place at the party secretariat was attended by the state party chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Vice Chairman, Abdullahi Sanmari, Secretary Alhaji Mustapha Ishowo, Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro and members of Kwara APC New Media Team.

In his address, the Kwara APC state chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi described the gesture of the team as patriotic and act of loyalty. He encouraged the members not to relent their efforts in promoting the image of the party and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Prince Fagbemi assured the team of his continuous support by attending to the needs of the media wing of the party.

Earlier, the party PRO, Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi officially introduced Kwara APC New Media team to the state party chairman describing the team as a vibrant and supportive team that have been committed in the discharge of their duties since 2018.

The highlight of the event was the launching of hashtag #AALeekansi on social media and handing over the materials to the party Chairman.

First class monarchs from North and South of Kwara State have said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq deserves to have another term in office based on his hard work, impacts on every region in the state, and his humility in relating with all segments of the state.

The monarchs spoke on Friday during separate sallah homage paid to the Governor in Ilorin — 48 hours after the chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari called on Abdulrazaq to run for another of four years on the merits of his achievements, his hands-on approach to his duties, and his good judgments on various issues.

The monarchs from South and North attributed their support to the Governor’s glaring impacts in their domains and his humility.

“Your Excellency, you have touched lives all around our communities. We have seen dividends of democracy all around our communities. We are proud to be associated with you and we pray that you will be the person to pilot the affairs of the state in the next four years,” Etsu Patigi and Vice Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II said when he led other traditional rulers from Kwara North to pay sallah homage to the Governor.

“We are here this afternoon to pay you sallah homage. We also want to use this medium to appreciate you for all you have been doing for our people across Kwara North and Kwara State in general.

“Your Excellency, it is our prayer that Almighty Allaah will continue to give you the foresight to pilot the affairs of Kwara State. Your Excellency, on behalf of the traditional rulers here, we are using this medium to categorically say we support your administration.
We pray for you and we shall continue to pray for the success of your administration.”

Other traditional rulers from Kwara North in attendance were the Emir of Lafiagi Ahaji Mohammed-Kudu Kawu; Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar; Emir of Shonga Dr. Halidu Yahaya; Etsu Tsaragi Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Nda Kpoto; Emir of Okuta Alhaji Abubakar Idris; Emir of Ilesha Baruba Professor Halidu Abubakar; and Emir of Yashikra Alhaji Umar Usman Sariki.

Monarchs from Kwara South echoed the same sentiments, with the Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II saying the administration of AbdulRazaq has touched virtually every region and sector of the state in a good way.

“Without mincing words, you have been a great revelation to Kwara State and your disposition at the helm underscores the astoundingly fine qualities you exhibit as the Chief Executive Officer of our dear state,” he said.

“Therefore, it has been a sojourn of hope under your leadership, and hopefully, we can make it a journey of more fulfillment with more delivery of dividends of democracy to the common man.

“We are asking Your Excellency to run for second term, because we want you to continue the good work you have been doing in the last three years.

“It may interest you that having put heads together with all the first class traditional rulers from Kwara south, if we have the resources, we would have been the ones to obtain your form. We believe that, even without us, some people would do so and you will consider our plea to contest for second term. Most of governors (first term) have declared for second term; we are still wondering why you have not made your interest known. Even some governors who do not perform so well like you did have declared. So, we are asking you to please declare.”

Other Kwara South first class monarchs in attendance were the Olomu of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Alebiosu; Olomu of Omu-Aran Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti; Olosi of Osi Oba Saliu Adasofegbe; Olupako of Share Oba Haruna Olawale Sulaiman; Alofa of Iloffa Oba Samuel Dada; and representatives of Elerin of Erin-Ile and the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin.

AbdulRazaq, for his part, said his administration remain committed to peace, unity, inclusive growth, and general well-being of the largest majority of the people.

“I commend Your Royal Highnesses for the roles you play in mobilising our people for peace, unity and development,” he said.

“This administration has tremendous regard for our traditional institutions. We are committed to peace, unity, inclusive growth, and general well-being of the largest majority of our people.

“Our commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development is evident across all sectors. Health indices have improved; we have upgraded facilities across the state. We have taken roads and other developmental projects to the remotest corners of our state; and we have standardized basic education. Today, unlike before, Kwara is one of the bright spots in the country in government’s responsiveness.”

AbdulRazaq appealed to the monarchs to continue to support various initiatives of his administration to secure Kwara State.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
May 6, 2022

Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on Tuesday hailed the hands-on approach of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the duties of his office, saying it would be good to have the Governor run for another term in the 2023 ballot.

“The Governor AbdulRazaq has been hardworking. In fact he is a field man. I think he spends more time on the fields (attending to public needs) than in his office,” the Emir said at the Bareke, the traditional Eid homage by the monarch — a tradition that dated back to the colonial years.

“May God continue to guide you, protect you and assure success for him in all his endeavours.

“I wish the Governor is willing to do another term in office. It is an individual’s right assigned in the constitution of Nigeria that the Governor that spent four years in the first term can also contest for a second term. Your Excellency, go ahead with aspiration to become a second term Governor of Kwara State.”

The Governor, for his part, commended the Emir for his fatherly roles and for promoting peace and cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.

“I welcome Your Royal Highness and distinguished members of your entourage to Government House on another occasion of Bareke. This is a tradition that is rooted in history and culture. It is a testament to the excellent relationship between the traditional institution and the government. We do not take that for granted. Rest assured that this administration will always honour and respect the legacies of the House of Sheikh Alimi,”

“Your Royal, our administration is committed to peace, unity, and general well-being of the largest majority of our people. And within a space of three years, we have made Kwara workers one of the best and promptly paid workforce in central Nigeria.

“Our commitment to collective good is evident across all sectors. Health indices have improved; we have upgraded facilities across the state. We have taken roads and other developmental projects to the remotest corners of our state; and we have standardized basic education. Today, unlike before, Kwara competes strongly with its peers in things that truly matter.

“But this is just the beginning. Over the next few years, our state will be the go-to place for national and international events. This is thanks to the different facilities we are building. When people come to see our Durbar, they will go away with beautiful memories of a peaceful state with some of the most modern artistic structures and tourist attractions.

“We thank Your Royal Highness for your fatherly role at all times. We wish you good health and long live on the throne of Sheikh Alimi. Eid Mubaarak!”

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
May 3, 2022

The Kwara State All Progressive Congress has advised the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that its days of lawlessness in governance and leadership are gone forever.

Rather than the PDP ignoble past in leadership, the APC says Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration has been globally acknowledged as a Government that cherishes law and order , changing the narrative of the sordid days of impunity in Government .

” The PDP should allow Law enforcement agencies discharge their duties and stop blaming the invitation of its members on the Kwara State Government.

” There is no doubt that the State Government has been magnanimous in tolerating the unruly behavior of members of the PDP , their thugs and political urchins during festivals since the assumption of the administration.

“:It will be recalled that the annual Durbar festival by the Emirate council was cancelled last year following security reports that the opposition planned to unleash violence during the festival.
We have no qualms with idolaters like the opposition PDP worshipping their tin god but such unholy activity should be restricted to the house of their idol and not to disrupt public peace.

” We are not surprised that the PDP is always quick to accuse the present administration of corruption because that was the hallmark of their own administration for 16 years. Their trademark was diverting funds for education and health such as UBEC funds and Primary health care funds to private pockets.

” The ugly past was an era that witnessed the sale of government property to individuals without record of transactions, sale of government shares at the stock markets without recourse to the House of Assembly and sale of training aircraft at the Aviation College as Tokunbo scraps to its Governorship flagbearer in the last election among other infractions in public office.

” We have no doubt that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq remains the best Choice of the people as the Governor after 16 years of locust and pillaging by the PDP in the state.

” It is therefore amusing that the PDP still believes that its leader, Bukola Saraki is still popular with the people of Kwara State when he supervised the looting of the state treasury and collapse of critical infrastructures in the State.

” We urge the PDP to wake up from its slumber in the belief that it can use thuggery and cheap propaganda to gain relevance among the people, it is a new dawn in the state. The people have put behind them, thuggery and idol worshipping. They have realized that sons and daughters of nobody can now rise to the highest leadership position in the state,” the APC stated in its statement.

Signed:
Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro
Kwara State APC Publicity Secretary