▪︎ Public school students dominate tech innovations as United Junior Sec Sch wins N1m

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering young techies and transforming the state into a hub of technological innovations.

The Governor expressed satisfaction at the rising interest and success of young Kwarans in the tech space — a trend again seen at the just concluded Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme, tagged Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025.

The digital programme was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation, Hon. Kayode Ishola, with the theme “Kwara Futures: Empowering a Digitally Ready Generation”.

The Governor said the government is determined to put Kwara on the global map by creating seamless pathways for collaboration from international tech accelerators to cross-border funding opportunities.

“Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to transform Kwara into a beacon of technological excellence and empower our youth to lead the digital revolution,” he said.

“By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and fostering a supportive ecosystem, we are equipping you – our brilliant young techies – with the tools to turn bold ideas into global realities.

“For the first time in our state’s history, Kwara is etching its name on the world map of digital startups, thanks to the innovative spirit of our entrepreneurs and the strategic policies we’ve implemented.”

AbdulRazaq said the milestone is not just a statistic but a testament to how creativity is propelling young techies from local innovators to international players, attracting global investors and partnerships.

He commended Hon. Ishola and his team for their commitment to achieving the objectives.

“As sponsors of this Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025, we stand with you in this journey—let’s harness this momentum to drive sustainable growth and innovation,” he said.

“Young techies, your vision is our blueprint; together, we’ll ensure Kwara doesn’t just appear on the map— we’ll redefine it as a global hub of tomorrow’s solutions. The future is here, and it’s Kwara’s to claim!”

Attended by top government officials, the Emir of Shonga HRH Dr Haliru Yahaya, leaders in the telecom sector, and students, the gathering was segmented into innovative exhibitions by students, panel discussion, and presentation of prizes for outstanding schools.

At least 10 schools made presentations that focused on designs and processing of Smart School Attendance System, Universal Report Card Generator, Weather Forecast Application, Python-Based Banking Simulation Project, the Expense Visualizer, Web Dictionary App, and Igbaja Farm Expense Tracker
(IFET) App.

United Junior Secondary School Ilorin came tops with the highest points, earning itself a cash reward of N1 million. Ilorin Grammar School (IGS), Ilorin, got N500,000 for the 1st runner-up prize, while the Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Pakata, settled for 2nd runner-up with N250,000 cash prize.

In his welcome address, Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovations, Hon. Ishola Kayode,
described the event as a celebration of creativity, innovation, and digital empowerment powered by the bold vision of Governor AbdulRazaq, adding that the “gathering is more than a showcase of technology — it is a testament to visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and the limitless potential of our young people.

“It tells the story of how one idea, anchored in foresight and equity, is transforming education, innovation, and human capital in Kwara State. It
was not merely an educational experiment, it was a strategic intervention to prepare our children for a digital economy.”

He said the Governor envisioned a Kwara where every child, regardless of background or geography, can learn, create, and compete globally, adding that the digital literacy is the new basic literacy that continues to guide “our journey today”.

He added: “Since its expansion in February 2025, the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Program (KCDLP) has grown into a national model of innovation and inclusion.
Some key milestones include:
5,604 students trained across 50 public schools in all 16 Local Government Areas of the State;
Engagement of over 120 instructors, including NYSC members, trained teachers, and digital volunteers;
Over 60% of participating schools located in rural or underserved communities, bridging the urban-rural digital gap; introduction of Coding, Robotics, Innovation thinking, and Digital Design to thousands of students — many for the first time; a 35% increase in STEM interest and digital proficiency recorded among participants.”

He disclosed that the programme by
reach and scale now stands as the largest state-led digital literacy initiative for schools in Nigeria.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, said the government has paid attention to the education sector more than any recent administrations in the state.

He said the Kwara coding and literacy programme was designed to give young people a fair chance to assert themselves in the new economy.

“By the time you look at the budget provision for education, the highest we met on the ground was just 5.2 per cent or thereabouts. I am so proud to tell you that we have moved from that 5 per cent to something around 14 per cent allocation for education in the state,” he said.

He described AbdulRazaq as a leader who has seen what the future holds in the sector and has been working hard to ensure that Kwara is always on top among other states in developmental indices.

Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bola Olukoju, said the Governor is passionate about the development of education and innovation.

Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, commended the government for its various efforts in securing the future of the students.

Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, hailed the Governor for the drive to make public schools a hub of digital literacy.

Mrs Funmilayo Obi of the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) commended the Governor for believing in the young people and for planting seeds of innovation that she said are fast becoming a forest of progress.

“Your Excellency, you are indeed showing Nigeria and the world that when we invest in our youth, we invest in the future that is timeless, inclusive, and extraordinary,” she said.

End

By: Fabian Apechihin

The National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, has described U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declaration on the killings in Nigeria as a welcome development and a much-needed push for the Nigerian government to take decisive action against terrorism and mass violence.

Reacting to Trump’s strong statement, Dr. Pogu said the persistent attacks across the North and Middle Belt regions have reached alarming levels, accusing the Federal Government of failing to deploy its full capacity to protect citizens.

“The government has the capacity to handle these problems, but it has not. That’s why this remark from the American President is a necessary push,” he stated.

He lamented that attacks claiming “a hundred, two hundred, or even three hundred lives at a time” had become a recurring tragedy, describing the situation as “an indictment of the authorities.”

Dr. Pogu blamed the violence largely on Islamist and militia groups, asserting that the perpetrators were well-known.

“The attackers are known — whether Boko Haram or Fulani militia — they are jihadist groups,” he said. “The Fulani herdsmen militia is just like a jihad. They came to Hausa land, took over traditional institutions, and are now killing the Hausa, who are mostly Muslims, and taking their land.”

He noted that the widespread insecurity in the North-West, North-Central, and Middle Belt had persisted for over a decade, with little accountability or effective government intervention.

Addressing claims that both Christians and Muslims are victims, Dr. Pogu countered that the perpetrators of the violence are largely drawn from extremist Islamic factions.

“When people say both Christians and Muslims are being killed, the question is, by who? It is by Muslims. There is no Christian militia in the North attacking Muslims,” he said.

According to him, many Christians have had no choice but to appeal to the United States and the international community for assistance.

Dr. Pogu commended the U.S. move as one that has already prompted a reaction from the Nigerian presidency.

“What Trump has done is the best thing for Nigeria. It will make our leaders sit up. The military has the capability to end this if there is genuine political will and if compromisers within the security agencies are removed,” he emphasized.

On possible foreign military intervention, Dr. Pogu said any deployment would require new international resolutions but noted that there were growing signals of global interest in Nigeria’s security crisis.

“A UK parliamentarian has also said that if troops are required, they will join in. This international concern should serve as motivation for our government to act,” he said.

He further raised concerns about the coexistence of what he called “two constitutions” in parts of Nigeria — the national constitution and Sharia law — warning that the latter’s implementation in some states undermines the country’s unity and legal framework.

“Our constitution guarantees freedom of worship, yet we have states operating under Sharia alongside the Nigerian constitution. The government must address this conflict,” he urged.

Dr. Pogu concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu to issue clear directives to the military and security agencies to reclaim ungoverned spaces and restore public confidence.

“The time for excuses is over. The lives of Nigerians must be protected, and the state must act like one,” he said.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has urged the Nigerian government to take firm and immediate action against terrorism, emphasizing that this was the essence of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, Hayab clarified that the U.S. President’s statement should not be misinterpreted as a threat to attack Nigeria, but rather as a call to confront terrorist groups responsible for killings across the country.

“I think we are twisting this thing. There is no threat to attack Nigeria. The statement was to eliminate terrorists, not to attack the country,” he explained. “Nobody in his right senses should deny that Christians are being killed, persecuted, and maltreated in Northern Nigeria.”

Hayab noted that the worsening situation has drawn global attention, including legislative interest from figures such as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, and now, direct commentary from the American President.

“What the U.S. President has done is to say, ‘I see what is happening in Nigeria; take action to stop it.’
The responsibility lies with our government to act and prove that we can protect our people without any external intervention,” he said.

The CAN leader expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s increasingly polarised discourse, where genuine efforts to promote peace are often misunderstood through religious lenses.

“If a Christian speaks in favour of Muslims, people say he’s been bought. If a Muslim speaks for Christians, they say the same. That mindset is why we are still here,” Hayab lamented.

To promote accountability and justice, he proposed the creation of a Commission for Religious Freedom that would investigate and address violations of religious rights across the country.

“When people realise they can’t abuse others on religious grounds and get away with it, attitudes will change and Nigeria will become better,” he stated.

When asked whether U.S. military intervention would help, Hayab dismissed the idea, stressing that the solution must come from within.

“This issue can be addressed if the Nigerian government takes decisive action. That alone can change the entire narrative,” he said.

He warned that continued government inaction could further endanger citizens and weaken national unity.

“Christians need government protection — not favours, just the assurance that their rights as citizens will be respected,” he added.

Hayab concluded that Trump’s remarks should be seen as a wake-up call rather than a threat.

“The message is simple: wake up, act responsibly, and make every Nigerian — Christian or Muslim — feel safe in their own country.”