Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

No fewer than 24 shops were razed in the early hours of Tuesday following a major fire outbreak at Mandate Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The incident, which occurred around 4:44 a.m., affected part of the popular market housing over 200 shops before firefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service brought the inferno under control.

According to a statement issued by the spokesman of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the level of destruction recorded during the incident was worsened by the late alert sent to the agency, as the fire had already spread extensively before emergency responders arrived at the scene.

He, however, commended the courage and professionalism displayed by firefighters, noting that their swift intervention prevented the inferno from consuming the entire market.

“Nevertheless, the gallant firefighters of the Kwara State Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno and successfully averted further destruction across the market,” the statement said.

The fire service disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the incident was triggered by a power surge.

It explained that the fire reportedly started from a shop where phone accessories were sold and phones were being charged before spreading to adjoining shops used for storing foodstuffs and other goods.

Traders and market leaders were said to have praised the firefighters for responding promptly and preventing a larger disaster in the market.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, later visited the scene at about 10:00 a.m. to sympathise with affected traders and assess the level of damage caused by the incident.

During the visit, he met with leaders of the market associations and assured them of the agency’s support.

Muhammed also urged traders and shop owners to prioritise fire safety measures in their business premises by installing fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and electrical protection devices.

He further reminded market leaders about the annual fire safety sensitisation campaigns organised by the state fire service across markets in Kwara State, stressing the importance of complying with safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

The fire service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state through proactive fire prevention and emergency response measures.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Kwankwaso made the disclosure on Monday while speaking on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television.

According to him, many political leaders in Nigeria have failed to understand the mindset, concerns, and aspirations of young Nigerians, especially in the era of social media.

He explained that younger Nigerians are more interested in competent and effective leadership than the ethnic and religious sentiments that often dominate political discussions among older politicians.

“So many things have changed in this country. You have leaders, many of whom don’t even realize what is happening on social media. We have leaders who hardly have any contact with young men and women,” Kwankwaso said.

“People of our age, my age, or especially the age of Atiku, are very few in this country compared to the younger people. The younger people have their own way of thinking, even our children.”

The former Kano governor stated that even within his family, younger members expressed opinions that reflected a desire for political cooperation and better leadership.

“You will be surprised, even during the 2023 election, in my own house, my own daughter was telling me to go and work with Peter Obi,” he said.

“She didn’t say she was obedient, but she wanted me to work together with him, and vice versa.”

Kwankwaso added that while many older politicians remain focused on religion and ethnicity, young Nigerians are more concerned about credible leadership and national progress.

“So you see, there is a lot happening in this country, but people at that level we are talking about don’t even understand,” he stated.

“People are talking about religion. People are talking about ethnicity. People are talking, especially those at our level and age, but the younger people are looking for the right leadership for this country. And I think they are absolutely right.”

By: Fabian Apechihin

Sani made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

Reports had emerged last week claiming that Hope Uzodimma was removed as chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and replaced by Peter Mbah following a tense meeting in Abuja.

The reports also alleged that the forum had split into rival factions. While Uzodimma insisted he remained chairman, another bloc was reportedly aligned with Dapo Abiodun and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

However, governors loyal to Uzodimma later passed a vote of confidence in him during a meeting held at the Imo State Lodge in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu was also said to have intervened in the dispute.

Reacting to the controversy, Sani, who serves as vice chairman of the forum, maintained that no leadership change had taken place.

“At the moment, there’s no problem. All the governors are together. His Excellency Hope Uzodimma is the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” he said.

“My humble self, Senator Uba Sani, is the vice chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.”

The Kaduna governor stated that disagreements are normal in a democratic setting and should not be blown out of proportion.

“In my own opinion, I don’t think it’s a serious issue, like many people try to make it look like it’s a very serious issue,” he said.

“Because, you know, in everything we are talking about democracy, people can choose to disagree and agree. So, in my own opinion, it was just a slight misunderstanding.”

Sani assured party supporters that the matter had been resolved and dismissed speculation of any division within the forum.

“I don’t think you will hear anything again. I can assure you, you can’t hear anything again,” he stated.

“It’s just a slight disagreement, not a serious issue, but a slight disagreement. But it has been resolved.”

He further added that if there had truly been a leadership change, he would have automatically assumed office as chairman in his capacity as vice chairman.

“And of course, if there’s any change of leadership, sitting here as the vice chairman, I could have taken over,” he said.

“But I can tell you, I was there. And I was the one who made that statement clear that we are united. Everything is okay.”