Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A renowned industrialist, Dr Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, has felicitated Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on his turbaning as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, describing the traditional title as a worthy recognition of his selfless service and humility.

In his congratulatory message, the Industrialist, who is the Group Managing Director of Kam Holding Limited, commended the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for finding the Governor worthy of the covetous title, adding that he had witnessed how AbdulRazaq administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise have created an environment where business and community life co-exist.

Yusuf recalled that the traditional title is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, noting that Governor AbdulRazaq has exemplified what it requires to be conferred with the title.

While appreciating the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, for gracing the conferment ceremony, the industrialist said the VP’s presence underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward Kwara.

“It gives me immense personal joy and pride to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your royal turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), on this Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

“This historic title is a fitting recognition of your selfless service, humility, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Kwara State. As an individual operating closely within Kwara’s industrial landscape and beyond through our globally recognised company, KAM Holding Ltd, I have witnessed firsthand how your administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise has created an environment where business and community life can thrive together.

“The title of Sardauna is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, and you have proven to be just that.

“I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), who honours our state by representing His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), at this grand event. Your presence in Ilorin, Vice President Shettima, underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward our state and adds great prestige to this milestone,” the congratulatory message read in part.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade has commended the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF) for the successful completion of its 14-day Vocational Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Training for 20 vulnerable people, noting that the technical support by the organisation showed its commitment to the well-being of the less privileged people in the society.

The Commissioner gave the commendation at the end of the training held at the Adolescent Friendly Center Facility, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin.

The Commissioner stated that the recovery process of survivors goes beyond immediate care and protection to include economic empowerment, skills acquisition and providing opportunities that would enable the beneficiaries to become independent and productive members of the society, adding that “the training represents an important step towards turning vulnerability into strength and creating a pathway to sustainable livelihoods”.

Chief (Mrs) Afolashade encouraged the participants to put the skills acquired into productive use and embrace every opportunity available to them to achieve their goals.

The Coordinator for the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), Dr Omotayo Oyerinde, said the training was meant to impact the lives of survivors and provide them with the skills needed to overcome life’s challenges.

The participants appreciated the RHHF for the training and pledged to continue to utilize the skills acquired for the betterment of their lives and development of the society.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered an investigation into the deaths of several suspected illegal miners arrested during an enforcement operation in Niger State.

The suspects were apprehended on Sept. 15 and 16, 2026, during a joint operation targeting illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.

The NSCDC Niger State Command initially reported that scores of detainees were found dead in the early hours of Sept. 17 following what was described as a suspected disease outbreak.

The remains have since been evacuated to the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations are expected to determine the actual cause of death.

The development has generated concern among relatives of some of the detainees, with family members alleging that more than 30 people died while in custody.

However, the NSCDC has cautioned against attributing the deaths to any particular disease before medical and laboratory examinations are concluded.

In a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team.

The team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General responsible for Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to establish what happened before and after the suspects were taken into custody.

Investigators are to examine the physical condition of the detainees at the point of arrest, the duration of their detention, conditions inside the facility, medical care provided to them and other circumstances that could have contributed to the deaths.

The Corps said it was also working with health authorities and other security agencies to implement appropriate medical and public-health measures.

It further directed that the health and welfare of suspects still in custody be given immediate priority, while personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees are also protected.

The NSCDC said the incident would be addressed strictly on the basis of verified medical and investigative findings.

The Corps also reiterated that its campaign against illegal mining would continue, stressing that the enforcement of the law must be carried out alongside respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.

The Commandant General expressed condolences to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

The Corps appealed to the public to remain calm while the medical and investigative processes are concluded, promising to release further information as verified facts become available.

The incident has meanwhile raised questions about the health status and detention conditions of the arrested miners, with the pending medical examination expected to provide critical answers on what caused the deaths.