Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, has reaffirmed the state government’s
commitment to good governance, financial prudence and support for the accounting profession, noting that this was manifested in the State’s disciplined budgeting and responsible expenditure management.

The Commissioner, who spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, over the weekend at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), lauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his “consistent support for the accounting profession and his dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and accountability across all sectors of government”.

She added: “These strong institutional practices, aimed at strengthening public trust and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability are the core values of the accounting profession.

“The Governor’s sustained investments in public financial management reforms demonstrate his resolve to enhance governance systems that improve the quality of life of citizens in the State.”

She commended the outgoing ANAN executive for their selfless service, urging members to remain steadfast in fulfilling their obligations particularly in the timely payment of dues to ensure the effective administration of the association.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, describing the transition as transparent, orderly, and worthy of emulation by other professional bodies.

The newly elected executive members of the ANAN, Kwara State Chapter, include Hajia Ramat Sulyman, Chairperson; Mr. Ayobami Oyinloye, Vice Chairman; Mr. Eleja Munir, General Secretary; and Mrs. Folashade Adeoye Mercy, Assistant Secretary.

Others are Mrs. Salau Salewa Wasilah, Treasurer; Mr. Lawal Oredola Rafiu, Financial Secretary;
Mr. Saheed Mohammed Gagara Public Relations Officer; Alhaji Bayo Shehu Olayiwola, Ex-Officio I, and
Mr. Segun Joseph Olusegu, Ex-Officio II.

End

..as Barr. Hamza Caution Against Impunity
By Abdullateef Bambgose

The arrest of Barr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, has triggered widespread outrage and sharp condemnation from the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and human rights activists, who see the move as a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence anti-corruption crusaders.

According to Barrister Hamza N Dantini , Barr Muhuyi Magaji was detained by officers of the Nigerian Police Force on allegations of “wrongful prosecution” and “abuse of office”
charges that stem from his tenure as head of the state’s anti-graft agency. He was released late yesterday evening, but the move has already sparked fears of a growing trend of reprisal attacks against public officials who dare to take on powerful interests.

In a scathing statement, Hamza N. Dantani, a prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, condemned the arrest as an “abuse of power” and “institutional intimidation”. “This is a clear case of the police being used as a tool for vendetta and retaliation against a public official who has shown courage and integrity in fighting corruption,” Dantani said. “If this is allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent and embolden corrupt elements to continue their nefarious activities with impunity.”

The NBA has also expressed concern over the arrest, warning that it could undermine the rule of law and the fight against corruption. “The NBA will not stand idly by while the police are used to intimidate and harass anti-corruption officials,” said a spokesperson for the association.

The incident has also sparked concerns about the safety and protection of anti-corruption officials in Nigeria, with many calling for the Inspector-General of Police to take immediate action to address the situation.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has gifted parents of 2025 National Youth Games medalists cash awards to support the education of their children and wards for winning laurels for the state at the championship.

“We have asked the athletes to come with their parents because they are underage, they cannot handle money and they cannot open an account yet. The parents will take care of the money, probably pay for their school fees, buy their school uniform, whatever as a form of scholarship. That’s why the parents are here,” AbdulRazaq said at the reception held at the George Innih Stadium Ilorin for the athletes.

“Before this administration came in, Kwara used to be around 23, 19, but but for the first one, we were seventh in the ladder, that was the one that held at the University of Ilorin. Also, the first time we went to Asaba, we moved from that seventh position to number six and now we have moved from sixth position to fifth position.”

Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, the Governor commended the state’s athletes for improved performance at the last NYG, urging them to continue to make the state proud.

“We went with 26 different sports.
And apart from these 26 different sports, only five sports did not have a medal at all. It has never happened. That means in about 21 or so sports, everybody had medals. The total amount for today’s incentive over eight million naira.

“In fact, among all the states in the northern region, we are the only one that are competing seriously with all the south-south and southwest regions in Nigeria. So, we decided to give a token to their parents so that it can enhance their scholarship. That’s what we are doing today,” the Governor said.

The reception was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media Olayinka Fafoluyi; Permanent Members of the Commission, Alhaji Dele Abubakar (MON) representing Kwara Central and Hon. Abdullahi Yunusa Lade representing Kwara North; Director of Sports Mallam Ibrahim Oladele Bako; Commission’ Secretary Haruna Tsado among others.

AbdulRazaq encouraged the athletes to continue to balance sporting excellence with academic growth, promising sustained efforts in both infrastructure and human capital development for sports development in the state.

“Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports. They should read their books, and at the same time, do a little bit of sport,” AbdulRazaq advised.

In his goodwill message, Fafoluyi encouraged the athletes to remain focused, disciplined and dedicated, promising that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration would continue to support sports and youth development in the state.

Responding on behalf of the parents, Mr. Abdulsalam Abdullah appreciated the Governor for giving recognition to the performance of their kids to enhance the reputation of the state and pledged that the parents would continue to support sports development in the state.

End