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Banditry: Peace gradually returning to Kwara South-Community Leader

Published

4 months ago

October 28, 2025

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A veteran journalist and community leader, Elder Oyin Zubair, has hailed the gradual restoration of peace to parts of Kwara South after months of coordinated bandit attacks, saying the situation is now stabilising due to renewed collaboration between local vigilantes and state authorities.

Fielding questions from journalists in Ilorin, the state capital, Zubair, who also coordinates the Kwara South Joint Security Task Force, said more than 1,000 local security personnel have now been deployed across Babanla, Oke-Ode, and other troubled communities.

“We are glad things are getting back to normal. It’s easier to fight a war than to fight bandits,” he said. “When they attacked Babanla and Oke-Ode, the destruction was massive. We had assembled over 850 vigilantes and forest guards, but circumstances prevented them from confronting the bandits immediately. Several of our men and civilians were killed, but that hasn’t dampened our morale.”

Zubair described the attacks as coordinated and brutal, noting that some informants within local communities aided the assailants. “Yes, there are collaborators among our people,” he admitted. “Some elders are culpable due to financial greed. They recruit informants who leak information to these criminals. Fortunately, arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.”

He commended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he called “proactive and quiet leadership,” adding that the Governor responded promptly with training and better equipment for forest guards.

“The Governor doesn’t talk much, but he listens and acts. Some of our forest guards just completed training and have been issued better weapons. That has given our men confidence,” he said.

Zubair said the federal government’s intervention also helped to stem the tide of attacks, citing the establishment of a new military formation the 22 Armoured Brigade in Babanla, which he described it as a turning point in restoring calm to the area.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff for sustaining security collaboration with the state, noting that “insurgency is not an ordinary war you can bulldoze through, it requires patience, intelligence, and precision to avoid civilian casualties.”

The community leader, however, warned that Nigeria’s intelligence operations remain weak and must be strengthened if the country hopes to defeat banditry and terrorism nationwide.

“Our intelligence network across all security agencies needs improvement. If intelligence fails, everything fails,” he said.

Zubair said the bandits, many of whom were dislodged from Niger and Kwara North, had found safe havens in the dense forests around Babasango, a border region linking Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti states.

“They had made Babasango their own Aso Rock,” he revealed. “It’s a hilly area with caves and rivers. Even trained officers feared to go there. They kept boats, used the terrain to their advantage, and negotiated ransoms there. But things have changed ,our men are now reclaiming the area.”

On the broader national context, the journalist expressed optimism that the recent shake-up in Nigeria’s security leadership would enhance professionalism and accountability among the armed forces.

“There’s nothing wrong with changing service chiefs; it brings fresh ideas. I believe President Tinubu acted in the best interest of national security. We only hope the new hierarchy will tighten coordination and restore people’s confidence,” he said.

Zubair also reflected on journalism and governance, urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism amid the rise of unregulated online platforms.

“What irritates me is how journalism is practiced now. We were taught that when in doubt, leave it out. But many just write anything without verification. Journalism must return to ethics and factual reporting,” he said.

On local governance, he lauded the AbdulRazaq administration for balancing development across the state, citing new roads, health facilities, and the establishment of a civic development centre in Igbaja.

“The governor has not left development to local governments alone. He’s been responsive to community needs, especially in infrastructure and security. However, the issue of ghost workers in local councils must be tackled to ensure funds reach projects,” he said.

Zubair, a longtime advocate of grassroots development, urged the creation of more local governments or administrative development areas to speed up governance and response to emergencies.

“The smaller the local governments, the better they can develop. Kwara is large, and security or welfare responses take too long to travel from Ilorin to outlying districts,” he said.

He concluded with a call for national unity, responsible leadership, and patience among Nigerians.

“Nigeria has its challenges, but we are developing. Every generation faces its trials, and ours is insecurity. With sincerity from leaders and cooperation from citizens, the country will overcome,” Zubair said.

End

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How to Apply for the Federal Government’s ₦300,000 FarmerMoni Loan as Portal Opens Nationwide

Published

22 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Our Reporter

Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has officially opened the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) FarmerMoni portal for the 2025/2026 cycle, offering interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₦300,000 to smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The initiative is designed to help farmers purchase seeds, fertilisers, and essential equipment ahead of the new farming season.

The scheme aims to increase agricultural productivity, boost rural incomes, and enhance food security nationwide.

Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope GEEP 3.0 and the FarmerMoni Technical Working Group in Abuja on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Hamza Baba, National Programme Manager of GEEP under NSIPA, announced that the application portal is now open to qualified farmers.

He emphasised that the loan is completely interest-free and does not require collateral, adding that it primarily targets vulnerable and low-income farmers at the grassroots level.

₦300,000 Per Farmer, No Collateral Required

According to Baba, each successful applicant can access up to ₦300,000. He explained that the loan amount reflects the current economic realities of different farming activities.

He also clarified that the programme is strictly for farmers who are already engaged in agricultural activities. It is not open to individuals who are new to farming.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Nationality: Must be a Nigerian citizen.
Age: Must be 18 years or older.
Farming Status: Must already be actively involved in farming.
Land Access: Must own or lease farmland.
Cooperative Membership: Must belong to a registered farming cooperative or association within their local government area.
Identification: Must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

How to Apply

Eligible farmers can register through either of the following methods:

1. Online Registration (Preferred Method)

Visit the official GEEP portal: https://geep.nsipa.gov.ng
Fill in your personal information, including full name, phone number, and location.
Provide your NIN and BVN.
Indicate your type of farming (crop production, poultry, aquaculture, or livestock).
Submit the completed application form.

2. Physical (Manual) Registration

Visit the National Orientation Agency (NOA) office or the GEEP Desk Officer at your Local Government Area secretariat.
Complete the physical registration form provided.

Loan Details

Maximum Loan Amount: ₦300,000
Interest Rate: 0% (Interest-free)
Collateral: Not required
Repayment Plan: Six-month repayment period after a three-month moratorium (grace period)

Important Guidelines

Beware of Fraud: Registration is completely free. Do not pay anyone to process your application.
Cooperative Membership: While individual applications are allowed, joining a registered cooperative is strongly encouraged.
Accurate Information: Ensure your NIN, BVN, and farm details are correct to avoid disqualification.

Farmers are encouraged to apply promptly to take advantage of the opportunity and prepare adequately for the upcoming farming season.

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Ex-chair of Kwara Correspondents’ chapel, Layi Olarewaju, is dead

Published

22 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Our Reporter

As Saraki mourns

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Council, Comrade Layi Olarewaju, is dead. Until his death, he was the Kwara correspondent of the SUN newspapers.

He passed on Friday morning at a private hospital in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, after a brief illness.

A statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Biola Azeez and Mosunmola Ayobami respectively, described the deceased as a loyal and committed member who had immensely contributed to the growth and development of the elite Chapel.

“It’s with heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the Almighty God we announce the death of a committed elder and former chairman of Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Kwara Council, Comrade Layi Olarewaju.

“Comrade Olarewaju, the Sun newspaper Correspondent in Kwara died this morning, Friday, at a private hospital after a brief illness.

“His commitment, unifying attribute and journalism wealth of experience will be sorely missed.

“The Chapel prays God Almighty to console the family, associates, friends and give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr. Emmanuel Olayiwola Olanrewaju.

In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the death of the veteran journalist as shocking, painful, and a great loss to the media profession in Kwara State and beyond.

He noted that the late Olayiwola was a dedicated, diligent, and professional journalist who carried out his duties with commitment and integrity, contributing immensely to the growth of journalism in the state.

Saraki extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Chapter, and the entire media practitioners in the state over this irreparable loss.

He prayed that Almighty God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives his immediate family and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

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2027 Election: INEC Proposes N873bn for 2027

Published

22 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Taiye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the projected cost for the 2027 general elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

He clarified that the N873.778 billion required for the 2027 polls is separate from the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal, in which INEC plans to spend N171 billion on its operations, including the conduct of by-elections and off-cycle elections.

According to Prof. Amupitan, the projected election budget does not include a fresh proposal by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) seeking an increase in allowances for Corps members engaged as ad-hoc staff during elections.

He explained that although details of specific line items were not exhaustively presented, the nearly N1 trillion election budget is structured across five major components: N379.748 billion for operational costs; N92.317 billion for administrative costs; N209.206 billion for technological costs; N154.905 billion for election capital costs; and N42.608 billion for miscellaneous expenses.

The INEC chairman noted that the budget was prepared in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election.

On the 2026 fiscal year, Prof. Amupitan said the Ministry of Finance provided the Commission with a budget envelope of N140 billion. However, INEC is proposing a total expenditure of N171 billion. The breakdown includes N109 billion for personnel costs; N18.7 billion for overheads; N42.63 billion for election-related activities; and N1.4 billion for capital expenditure.

He argued that the envelope budgeting system is not suitable for the Commission’s operations, noting that INEC’s activities often require urgent and flexible funding. He also identified the lack of a dedicated communications network as a major operational challenge, adding that if the Commission develops its own network infrastructure, Nigerians would be in a better position to hold it accountable for any technical failures.

In his remarks, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) said external agencies should not dictate the budgeting framework for INEC, given the unique and sensitive nature of its mandate. He urged that the envelope system be set aside for the Commission and that Parliament should work with INEC’s actual requirements to avoid future complaints of underfunding.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called for INEC’s budget to be placed on first-line charge as provided in the Constitution, with funds released in full and on time to enable proper planning and execution of its responsibilities.

The Joint Committee approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget.

The committee also said it would consider the NYSC’s request for about N32 billion to increase allowances for Corps members to N125,000 each when engaged for election duties.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong, assured that the National Assembly would work closely with the Commission to ensure it receives the necessary support for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Bayo Balogun, also pledged legislative support but cautioned the Commission against making promises it may not be able to fulfill.

He recalled that during the last general election, INEC made strong assurances about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal, creating the impression that results could be monitored in real time.

“Meanwhile, the IREV was not even in the Electoral Act; it was only in INEC regulations. So, be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned.