Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening the business climate and ensuring that investors thrive across the State by creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow.

The Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the National Association of Microfinance Banks to her office, noting that the administration of Governor AbdulRahmam AbdulRazaq has prioritised significant infrastructure development and the implementation of business-friendly policies that support enterprise growth.

She emphasised that the Governor remains deeply committed to promoting ease of doing business, enhancing economic competitiveness, and expanding opportunities for MSMEs and communities across the State.

The Commissioner, who highlighted the key reforms and initiatives that continue to attract investments and enable small businesses to flourish, also stated that the Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council would partner with the National Association of Microfinance Banks on programmes that benefit local communities and further promote ease of doing business in the State, adding that the economy of the State has recorded significant growth, while encouraging stakeholders to collaborate to build value and explore new opportunities across all communities in the State.

“We are fortunate in Kwara State to have a government that understands business. Working with the private sector is like working with a business partner,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the National Association of Microfinance Banks, Kwara State Chapter, Mr. Olawoye Emmanuel, expressed the Association’s commitment to fostering a smooth and mutually beneficial partnership with the State Government to enhance service delivery and promote socio-economic development.

He appealed to the State Government to support efforts to encourage civil servants and investors to use microfinance services for their financial transactions.

Mr. Emmanuel, who reaffirmed that Microfinance Banks remain committed to transparency, accountability, and excellent service delivery, looked forward to working closely with the State Government to achieve shared developmental goals.

End

By Hassan Taiye

The Senatorial aspiration of the former Commissioner of Finance, Benue State, Dr David Olofu yesterday received more endorsements from traditional rulers and critical stakeholders as he continued his consultation to Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo is the Federal constituency of the incumbent Senator, Abba Moro.

In particular, the Okpokwu traditional council led by the indefatigable former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief James Okefe said that they completely align themselves with the urgent need to shift the Senatorial seat to Apa/Agatu Federal constituency in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.

Chief Okefe who also appreciate the Governor of the state, Reverend Father Hycenth Alia for taking good care of the traditional rulers assured that the people of Okpokwu local government area would collectively support the aspiration of Dr Olofu.

“What is good for the geese is also good for the gander. If cow eat, goat should also be allowed to eat. We, the Enone have dominated the Senatorial seat of the Benue South. We should allow it to go to other places especially Apa/Agatu that is yet to produce a Senator. They are not our slaves.

“This is the first time that we are going to have a Senator in the recent past. This traditional council does not know if we have a Senator at the moment. My son (Dr Olofu), if you go there don’t forget these two things I am going to tell you.

“Don’t forget to continue with the good thing you have been doing for people. As a commissioner you were helpful to both the individual and collective courses of the Idoma people. Don’t forget your Idoma people. And, don’t also forget the traditional rulers”, said the traditional ruler.

Dr Olofu apart from Okpokwu also obtained Royal blessings from the Ado and Ogbadibo traditional councils who prayed that no stumbling block should come his way in his quest to representing the Senatorial district in the Red Chamber.

Earlier, a retinue of personalities from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Igumale, Okpoga and Otukpa threw their weights behind the aspiration of the senatorial hopeful.

At Otukpa, the Leader of the party in the local government area, Honourable Chris Adaba Abah popularly known as “Mad Lion” called on the people of the area to support the Senatorial ambition of Dr Olofu saying that the Senate seat should not be seen as an exclusive preserve of the Enone people.

“Our people have occupied the seat for so long and therefore it is necessary in the spirit of fairness to cede it to another part of the senatorial district and to the glory of God, we have our own here – Dr David Olofu. We should all go home and begin to work for his victory”, he charged the people amidst thunderous ululation.

At Igumale, former council Chairman, Honourable Agbese disclosed that the people of Ado local government were ready to support Dr Olofu to victory saying that the continuous stagnation of the Senate in the Enone axis no longer serves the collective interest of the people of Benue South.

“We have been fooled for a very long time but we must refuse to be continue to be fooled. We will ensure that the Senate moves to Apa/Agatu Federal constituency in the spirit of oneness and to the glory of God, we have Dr DavidOlofu in the saddle”, said Agbese.

In his remarks at Okpoga, former commissioner in Benue State, Barrister Jacob Ogwuche disclosed that the people of Okpokwu local government area were solidly behind the aspiration of the Senatorial contender whom he said had all it takes to represent the people of the Benue South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Ogwuche who also functioned as the council chairman of Okpokwu at different times extolled the leadership qualities of Dr Olofu whom he described as not only a man of the people but a man of peace.

Speaking separately at the three locations, the Senatorial hopeful, Dr David Olofu who thanked both the traditional rulers and the stakeholders for coming out enmasse to receive him said he decided to vie for the Senatorial seat to assiduously work for the extrication of the senatorial district from the shackles of poverty and underdevelopment.

He said if voted, he would ensure that the entire Benue South Senatorial District becomes the Eldorado of Nigeria as he would work vigorously work for the enthronement of meaningful infrastructure that would catapult the senatorial district to the orbit of unprecedented development in the country.

Dr Olofu who said he had the intellectual wherewithal, experienced and the connection to accelerate the development of the entire Benue South Senatorial District urged the people to support him and end what he depicted as the bewilderment and lamentation that has currently embroiled the senatorial district.

“I am not man of lamentation. I don’t Want us to continue to lament. Let us change the narrative by firmly taking our destinies into our hands by supporting me to go to the Senate. When we succeed with my aspiration to the Senate, I assure you that together we will all be happy.

“I will institutionalise the Benue South People’s Assembly and the Benue-South Senatorial Council where power of developing our district will be devolved to you. It is you who will tell us what we want. The work will be done by all of us not me and my wife staying in my room and deciding what to do”, he asserted.

It would be recalled that few days ago, critical stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), from the Igede axis of the Benue South Senatorial District ceded the senatorial seat to the Apa/Agatu Federal constituency as they unanimously agreed to pursue their interests in other positions.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s rising insecurity and the growing diplomatic strain with the United States. Speaking in an interview with Nigerian Tribune, Farounbi commented on America’s decision to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), saying the designation signals that Washington believes Nigeria is failing to adequately protect religious freedom.

He explained that the CPC status implies that the U.S. considers Nigeria a nation that either does not guarantee equal freedom of worship or allows groups that violate religious rights to operate unchecked. This classification puts Nigeria in the same category as countries such as China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia—nations known for harsh restrictions on religious expression.

Farounbi argued that the Nigerian government appears more worried about the diplomatic consequences of the designation than about addressing the underlying problems. He stressed that the terrorist groups destabilizing Nigeria receive significant foreign funding, noting that they lack the financial capacity to independently acquire the sophisticated weapons they use.

According to him, both Nigerian authorities and the U.S. have detailed intelligence on the financiers of terrorism. He claimed that the Nigerian government even declined an offer from the United Arab Emirates to provide a list of these sponsors. This reluctance, he said, created the impression that Nigeria was not serious about stopping the flow of funds that sustain armed groups.

Farounbi also alleged that some Chinese nationals support armed groups to protect their interests in illegal mining zones, particularly in areas such as Niger State. He suggested that China’s recent political statements may be part of diplomatic maneuvering or an effort to shield its economic activities.

While acknowledging that Christian communities have suffered greatly from insecurity, Farounbi cautioned against interpreting the crisis purely as anti-Christian persecution. He emphasized that moderate Muslims are also being targeted and killed.

He noted pointedly that “there has never been an instance where a Christian killed a Muslim in the name of Jesus Christ,” adding that many innocent Muslims who have lived peacefully alongside others for decades are now victims of extremist violence.

Farounbi concluded by asserting that Nigeria’s leaders bear full responsibility for resolving the country’s security challenges and restoring stability.