By: Our Correspondent.
Boko Haram terrorists on Saturday attacked Pemi, a village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno state, setting fire to the EYN Church building.
Eye witnesss reports have it that, the terrorists attacked the village around 7pm on Saturday, and went straight to the Church and the residence of the local pastor.
Worshippers who were making preparations for the Sunday worship, the next day reportedly fled the Church premises, on hearing gunshots and chants of “Allahu Akbar”.
The local pastor who was outside his house at the time of the attack, also took cover in a nearby bush.
One of those who were in the church premises shortly before the attack, Mr Abana told our correspondent that, the attackers seem to know their targets, as they went straight to the Church, before proceeding to the pastoral building.
President of the EYN, Reverend Daniel Mbaya, who is billed to visit Chibok next week, condemned the attack in strong terms.
He told our correspondent that the number of casualties could not be accertained, as at press time, but assured that the Church has been praying since the incidence.
Reverend Mbaya said, the Church has a duty to pray for the safety of all Christians, who find themselves in such situations, stressing that, there is need for improved security around worshippers in Chibok, in the face of persistent attacks.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Shepherd School, Lafiagi, Patigi local government area of Kwara State, has emerged winner of this year’s quiz competition organised by the state’s Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS.)

It scored 20 points to edge out its closest rival, Government Secondary School Lafiagi which scored 16 points while Saint Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin got 10 points at the tension-soaked education exercise jointly supported by the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

According to the quiz master, Ansarul Islam Grammar School, Ijomu Oro came fourth, scoring eight points with Roemichs international schools, Ilorin scoring six while Ansar Ud Deen College, Offa has four points.

With the results, Shepherd school, Lafiagi won N2.5 million while Government Secondary School Lafiagi went away with N1.5 million, leaving Saint Anthony’s Secondary School (third position) with N1 million.

Meanwhile, consolation prizes were given to other participants.

The event, witnessed by traditional rulers and other stakeholders, was contested by 99 schools from across the state, showcasing Kwara’s commitment to promoting tax education and civic responsibility among young people.

However, the Executive Chairman of the KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, at the event, revealed that Kwara achieved a 36 per cent year-on-year growth in IGR between 2023 and 2024 to become the fifth least dependent state on federal allocation.

Omoniyi said the agency’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system has fostered public trust and compliance.

“Kwara also achieved a 36 percent year-on-year growth in internally generated revenue between 2023 and 2024, and is now the fifth least dependent state on federally distributed revenue,” she said.

She added that the programme “has continued to yield outstanding results, with our students in both public and private schools, winning medals locally and internationally.”

She hinted that the governor’s commitment has produced “a generation of disciplined, tax-conscious, and multi-talented youths ready to conquer the world.”

Taking the audience through the event and its essence, the Head Corporate Affairs, Funmilola Oguntunbi, in her presentation titled: “the journey so far,” said the program, jointly held with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development was one of the Service’s most cherished platforms for engaging, educating, and inspiring the younger generation.

“The consistency of this initiative over the years reflects our unwavering commitment to building a tax-conscious and responsible society, starting with our students who are the leaders of tomorrow.

“The competition is not just about winning; it is about learning and developing a sense of civic responsibility.

“Through this competition, we aim to equip our young minds with knowledge about the importance of taxation, how tax revenue contributes to State development, and the critical role every citizen plays in sustaining good governance.

“At KW-IRS, we believe that when students understand taxation early, they grow to become informed adults who appreciate their obligations to society. This awareness helps to strengthen voluntary compliance and supports the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Kwara State,” she added.

End

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has been lauded for his leadership skills that have grown the ancient city of Ilorin,
known as modicum of peace and scholarship, into a cosmopolitan city.

The commendation was given by the foremost Industrialist and Group Managing Director (GMD), Kam Holding Limited, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, while felicitating the Emir on his 30th Coronation Anniversary on the throne.

The GMD, in the congratulatory message, which was personally signed and made available to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, expressed delight that the Emir embodies patriotism with his peaceful disposition, adding that the traditional ruler has made peaceful co-existence among residents of Ilorin his watchword, irrespective of their ethnic inclination and religious leaning.

“There cannot be better time than this auspicious occasion to reflect on how Ilorin, the Modicum of Peace and Scholarship, has fared and grown into a Cosmopolitan City under Your Royal Highness’s kingship.

“As a patriotic leader, Your Royal Highness exemplifies peace, and it is enthusing that peaceful co-existence, among residents of Ilorin irrespective of their ethnic inclination and religious leaning, has become Your Royal Highness’s watchword. For this and many other good attributes, Your Royal Highness is worthy of emulation,” the renowned industrialist said.

Dr. Yusuf added: “I heartily congratulate Your Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Maimartaba, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR on the occasion of your 30th Coronation Anniversary on the revered throne of your forebears.

“It is indeed a glorious moment for the people of Kwara State and Ilorin in particular that the three decades of Your Royal Highness’s reign are with positive turnaround in all areas of human endeavour.”

END.