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Kwara PDP Youths Demand Security, Jobs, Accountability

Published

3 days ago

August 13, 2026

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the state government to provide measurable results in security, employment, education and accountability, declaring that the youths would no longer be satisfied with political promises and slogans.

The demand was made by the PDP Youth Leader, Olori-Odo Adio Odunjo Obbo-Ile, on Wednesday in Ilorin at a press conference organised to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.

Speaking under the theme, “Kwara Youths Will Not Be Silent: Demanding Security, Accountability, Opportunity and Responsible Governance,” Odunjo said young people have a democratic responsibility to question government policies and demand answers on issues affecting their future.

According to him, the press conference was not intended to promote confrontation or political violence but to encourage responsible leadership and constructive engagement.

“As the opposition party in Kwara State, we have a constitutional and democratic responsibility to ask questions, demand answers, identify gaps and present alternatives. Where government performs well, we will acknowledge it. Where there are gaps, we will raise them. And where our people suffer, we will speak,” he said.

The PDP youth leader said the security situation in the State remained a major concern, particularly the February 2026 attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, where more than 160 people were reportedly killed and scores abducted.

He commended the security agencies for the recent rescue of 163 residents of Woro who had spent about six months in captivity, describing the operation as a significant achievement, while urging authorities to ensure that the rescue was followed by rehabilitation, justice and measures capable of preventing a recurrence.

“We commend our security forces for this successful operation. But while we celebrate their rescue, we must also ask difficult questions. How did an attack of such magnitude happen? What early-warning mechanisms were available? What intelligence existed concerning threats around Woro, Nuku and neighbouring communities?” he asked.

Odunjo said the PDP was not blaming Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Woro tragedy, noting that internal security was constitutionally dominated by the federal security agencies.

“Our concern is with state-level coordination, early warning, community protection, intelligence sharing, advocacy and the effectiveness of the mechanisms available to the state government in working with federal security agencies,” he said.

He also recalled the November 2025 attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, where 38 worshippers were reportedly abducted and three people killed.

While commending security agencies for the subsequent arrest of suspects allegedly linked to the attack and other criminal activities, he maintained that government must focus more on preventing attacks than merely responding after they occur.

“Arresting criminals after an attack is not enough. Our ultimate objective must be prevention,” he said, calling for intelligence-led policing, surveillance, rapid response, community engagement and effective early-warning systems.

On education, Odunjo expressed concern over the temporary closure of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, following security concerns, saying prolonged disruptions to education could have serious consequences for young people.

He urged the government to provide a clear timetable and security plan for reopening affected institutions, alongside academic support for students who have lost learning time.

“Security is education policy. Security is youth policy. Security is economic policy. When a young person cannot safely attend school, the consequences extend far beyond the classroom. It affects their future, their family and ultimately the future of Kwara State,” he said.

The PDP youth leader also called for greater transparency in the management of public resources, urging the state government to make contract and procurement information easily accessible to citizens.

He said citizens should be able to know the contractors handling public projects, contract values, locations, completion deadlines, amounts paid and the level of implementation.

“Transparency does not weaken government. Transparency strengthens public confidence,” he said.

On workers’ welfare, Odunjo called for continued dialogue between the government and organised labour over concerns surrounding teachers’ allowances and alleged delays in salary payments.

He acknowledged the government’s explanation that teachers were covered by a separate Teachers Specific Allowance structure, while urging authorities to ensure that teachers’ welfare remained a priority.

“Our teachers are responsible for educating the next generation. Their welfare cannot be treated as an afterthought,” he said.

Addressing the disagreement over alleged outstanding May and June 2026 salaries, he urged both the government and labour unions to make evidence available, stressing that workers deserved certainty and timely payment rather than political controversy.

“If the government says salaries have been paid, the relevant evidence should be made available. Where organised labour maintains that workers remain unpaid, the necessary evidence should equally be provided. Kwarans do not need political drama over salary payments. They need certainty, transparency and their salaries paid on time,” he said.

The PDP youth leader subsequently presented a seven-point agenda covering security, education, employment, transparency, rural development, youth participation and accountability.

He demanded a comprehensive state-community security and early-warning framework for vulnerable communities, clear reopening plans for schools affected by insecurity, and a verifiable youth employment and empowerment programme showing beneficiaries and measurable outcomes.

He also called for greater investment in rural roads, electricity, healthcare, water and agricultural infrastructure, as well as increased participation of young people in policy formulation, budgeting and development planning.

Odunjo urged the government to ensure that major programmes had measurable targets and publicly reported results.

He also challenged young Kwarans to become more actively involved in governance rather than limiting their political participation to election periods.

“Young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow. We are stakeholders today. We have a right to participate. We have a right to ask questions. We have a right to demand accountability and we have a responsibility to contribute constructively to the development of our state,” he said.

As the 2027 political activities gather momentum, Odunjo warned political parties and aspirants against taking the youth vote for granted.

“As we approach another electoral cycle, let every political party, every aspirant and every public official understand one thing: Kwara youth will not be satisfied with slogans.

“We will demand policies. We will demand programmes. We will demand performance. We will demand results.”

He called on the government to work with traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and federal security agencies to develop a stronger security framework for the state.

The PDP youth leader concluded by expressing solidarity with victims of insecurity across Kwara, particularly communities affected by the Woro, Nuku and Eruku attacks, while commending security personnel for their sacrifices.

He said the party’s youth wing would continue to demand responsible governance peacefully and within the bounds of the law.

“We want a Kwara where people are safe, where young people have opportunities, where public resources are transparent, where government is accountable and where leadership is measured by results,” he said.

The press conference was held at the PDP State Secretariat in Ilorin on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as part of activities marking International Youth Day.

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Kwara Customs Hailed For A Clean Operational Record

Published

2 days ago

August 14, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, has received commendation from the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘B’, Nsikan Patrick Umoh, for maintaining a clean operational record and upholding professionalism in the discharge of its duties.

ACG Umoh gave the commendation during an oversight visit to the Command’s headquarters in Ilorin as part of her tour of operational commands within the zone.

Addressing officers and men of the Command, Umoh was excited that since she assumed office, her headquarters had not received any adverse report against the Kwara Area Command.

She said the record was a reflection of the discipline, integrity and professionalism demonstrated by personnel in their daily operations.

“I want to commend the leadership and personnel of the Kwara Area Command for their exemplary conduct, discipline and dedication to duty,” she said.

The Customs boss, who delivered the goodwill message of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, urged officers to maintain high standards of professionalism both on and off duty.

She warned personnel against involvement in illicit drugs, sharp practices and other activities capable of tarnishing the image of the Service.

Umoh also called on officers to strengthen unity and teamwork, describing the Service as one family working towards a common goal. She assured them of the continued support of the zonal and Service headquarters.

Earlier, the Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, highlighted the major achievements, operational milestones and administrative successes recorded under his leadership.

The visit also featured an interactive session between the Zonal Coordinator and major trade stakeholders, including representatives of freight forwarding associations, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and major excise factories such as ITC and SANICA.

During the engagement, Umoh commended the existing relationship between the Command and the business community, while responding to concerns surrounding cargo clearance procedures, examination timelines and regional trade competitiveness.

The stakeholders also received clarifications on issues affecting their operations, with the Customs official assuring them of the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade.

The oversight visit ended with an inspection of the Command’s administrative offices, warehouse and residential barracks.

Umoh expressed satisfaction with the level of orderliness, environmental cleanliness and discipline observed across the facilities.

The Command said the visit further reinforced its commitment to professionalism, trade facilitation and effective service delivery in Kwara State.

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OUR LAND IS NOT FOR SALE, CATHOLIC PRIESTS TELL FG

Published

2 days ago

August 13, 2026

Our Reporter

By our Correspondent

The Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has strongly rejected the decision of the Federal Government to include Benue State in the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy.

The association said it was particularly concerned that Benue State, which it described as an already bleeding and targeted state, was included in the policy, which is initially kicking off at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Joseph Terfa Beba, the NCDPA expressed concern over what it described as the apparent exclusion of the Benue State Government from the decision-making and approval process.
The association said had the elected leadership of Benue State been genuinely consulted, it believed the state government would not have consented to any arrangement capable of undermining the rights, dignity, security and ancestral heritage of its people.
“We cannot accept a policy imposed upon a people whose communities have suffered killings, displacement, destruction and prolonged insecurity,” the association said.
It warned that ranching must not become a disguised instrument for land grabbing, forced occupation or the permanent displacement of indigenous communities.
The priests also cited the position of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, saying he had “consistently and courageously spoken against this injustice, culpable silence and every agenda that threatens the ancestral lands of our people.”
The association called on the Federal Government to respect the constitutional rights of the people of Benue State and engage the state government, traditional rulers and community leaders transparently before proceeding with the policy.
It also urged the government to ensure that displaced persons are enabled to return safely and take possession of their ancestral lands before any discussions concerning already existing designated ranching structures in parts of the state and the country.
The NCDPA maintained that Benue was predominantly an agrarian state and not a pastoralist society, arguing that ranching was therefore not viable in the state.
“Ranching in Benue State is therefore NOT VIABLE, and WE REJECT THIS PROJECT IDEA WITH ALL LEGAL AND SPIRITUAL RESOURCES,” the priests declared.
The association said there was no land in Benue for commercial ranching, stressing that ancestral homes should not be treated as bargaining chips.
“Our land is not for sale and has never been on sale. There is no land in Benue State for commercial ranching. Our ancestral homes are not bargaining chips.
“Our people must return home. Benue must not be enslaved through policy. There will be no surrender of our ancestral heritage in whatever form or guise being proposed or presented,” it said.
The association urged the Federal Government to address the concerns of Benue communities and prioritise the safe return of displaced persons before implementing any ranching arrangement in the state.

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Foundation To Immortalise Late Ex-Oyo Gov Alao-Akala Unveiled

Published

3 days ago

August 13, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A fresh initiative aimed at preserving the legacy of service, compassion and grassroots development associated with the late former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, has been launched with the inauguration of the Alao-Akala Transformation Movement (ATM).

The movement, chaired by the late governor’s wife, Chief (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has been formally inaugurated in Ogbomoso as part of activities marking the posthumous celebration of the former governor, who died in 2022.

Speaking at the event, Oluwakemi said ATM was established to transform Alao-Akala’s philosophy of leadership and philanthropy into sustainable programmes capable of improving the lives of people across communities.

“This is not merely the inauguration of an organisation; it is the birth of a movement inspired by service, compassion, integrity and selfless leadership,” she said.

She stressed that ATM was neither a political party nor a partisan platform, noting that membership was open to people irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or religious background.

“Service to humanity knows no political boundary,” she declared.

According to her, the movement emerged after months of consultations involving members of the Alao-Akala family, political associates, community leaders, professionals, youths and admirers of the late governor.

She disclosed that the inaugural planning meeting was held at the family residence in Ibadan in March 2026, with subsequent meetings taking place every Tuesday at the movement’s headquarters.

Oluwakemi, who disclosed that ATM had already attracted members from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, other parts of Nigeria and the Diaspora, explained that one of the movement’s major priorities was to sustain and expand Alao-Akala’s philanthropic legacy through interventions targeting widows, vulnerable families, students and other less privileged members of society.

“By the grace of God, we shall continue to deepen these interventions while introducing new initiatives in youth empowerment, educational support, healthcare, community development, leadership mentoring and social welfare,” she said.

The ATM chairperson appealed to individuals, corporate organisations, development partners and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the movement financially, professionally and through volunteer services.

She said the objective was to ensure that Alao-Akala’s legacy did not remain confined to speeches and annual commemorations but was translated into practical interventions that would positively affect communities.

As part of activities preceding the inauguration, members of ATM visited the Adebayo Alao-Akala College of Health Sciences in Ogbomoso and the Adebayo Alao-Akala Comprehensive Health Centre in Yaku Community.

Oluwakemi said the visits underscored the movement’s commitment to preserving the late governor’s contributions to healthcare, education and rural development.

She also explained the postponement of the inauguration, which was originally scheduled for June 3, 2026.

According to her, the event was postponed following the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Yawota and Esin Ele communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

“We considered it inappropriate to celebrate while families were in distress,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local security volunteers and other agencies for their roles in securing the release of the abducted victims.

She also honoured security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation, praying for the repose of their souls and strength for their bereaved families.

The inauguration attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the Alao-Akala family, supporters and representatives from across Oyo State.

Among those present were Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Oyo State; his running mate, Hon. Michael Adesoye; and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, among other dignitaries.

Born on June 3, 1950, in Ogbomoso, Alao-Akala began his career in the Nigeria Police Force before venturing into politics.

He served as Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, Deputy Governor of Oyo State and later Governor of the state.

His administration was associated with projects in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, rural development, agriculture, youth empowerment and security.

His name remains particularly associated with the Adebayo Alao-Akala College of Health Sciences in Ogbomoso and the Adebayo Alao-Akala Comprehensive Health Centre in Yaku Community.

Beyond political office, he was also known for philanthropy, with interventions reaching widows, students, artisans, traditional institutions, religious organisations, youth groups and other vulnerable members of society.

Oluwakemi said ATM provided an avenue for the family and admirers of the late governor to ensure that his values continued to inspire younger generations.

“The Alao-Akala Transformation Movement belongs to everyone who believes in compassionate leadership, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development,” she said.

“Together, we shall preserve a worthy legacy and transform lives for generations yet unborn.”

The inauguration also featured the presentation of a documentary titled “Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala: A Legacy of Service”, goodwill messages from representatives of the Alao-Akala family, traditional rulers, political associates, friends and well-wishers, as well as a message from the Oyo State Government.

The vision, mission and objectives of ATM were formally presented by Mr Ademola Alao-Akala, while Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, MHR, delivered the vote of thanks.

Oluwakemi urged members and supporters to remain committed to the ideals of the movement, stressing that its ultimate goal was to turn Alao-Akala’s record of service into sustained humanitarian and developmental interventions.

“Akala Ni Joo, ATM! Akala Ni Jare, ATM! Ise Rere ’O Dura,” she declared.