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IEDPU, NDLEA, others partner to curb drug abuse in Ilorin
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji AbdulMumini Ayo AbdulMalik, has disclosed that the IEDPU would partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to rid the capital city of abuse of illicit drugs.
In an interactive session with Journalists on Tuesday in Ilorin, the state capital, AbdulMalik added that the union would also synergize with other security agencies in order to collectively wage war against other various social vices within the metropolis.
He said: “We in the IEDPU are already forming synergy with the NDLEA as well as the Police and the Army to curb drug abuse and other social vices within Ilorin community, because drug abuse in particular is contributing to the insecurity in the state capital.
“We have decentralised the IEDPU where branches can be found in every part of the city and people can make reports whenever they see any anti-social activities within their respective places of abode.”
Speaking further, AbdulMalik, a retired paramilitary officer, said some of the security concerns in Ilorin community can be traced to the illegal activities of some land vendors in the community.
He, however, assured that the union was working tirelessly to mitigate the problem, saying: “We are working on it because we have a standing security committee in the union headed by the retired Lieutenant Colonel Abdulkareem Adisa Muhammad. We felt he would be able to handle it, being a retired security officer. His Deputy is Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi who is currently the head of Kwara State Community Policing.
“We have been moving around the city to sensitise various community leaders across the Emirate, and we have encouraged each community to have a security committee so that they will be giving us information on security situations in their communities.
“Whenever we get information, we always get across to the Commissioner of Police. I can assure you that both the Commissioner of Police and the Director of DSS are cooperating and collaborating with us and they always act on every information we supply to them.
“We are already sensitising the people on the problem of land selling. Apart from lands that are needed for public use such as governmental development, we have urged our people to stop selling lands. Rather, they should be leasing them out.
“Leasing will reduce the problem of selling a single piece of land to multiple buyers, which often leads to chaos and loss of lives.
“We want to urge our people to stop the illegal act of selling a piece of land to multiple people. But anyone who had already fallen victim should register their grievances to the community heads for resolution rather than causing chaos.”
On the prevalence of moral decadence in Ilorin, the IEDPU Chief said: “We have a role we are playing in that regard. I remember that in the past, the union visited several settlements and communities within Ilorin and met with all the community leaders to discuss the security and conduct of the youths.
“We spoke on how to inculcate good morals in the people, especially the youth. We urged clerics in various communities to promote good values and morals in their sermons”, he said.
AbdulMalik attributed the rising cases of moral decadence in Ilorin to its contact with other cultures, adding that community leaders are making efforts to improve the morality of the people.
“Since our community is now more open to people moving here, definitely we are bound to be influenced by the cultures they are bringing and that is one of the reasons our royal father, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, reintroduced the annual Durbar festival in order to tackle the external cultures that are polluting our own.
“We are glad that these efforts are bringing positive results. Our youths, when they return home during the festive period, no longer stay at junctions to do carnivals where they do all sort of immoral acts such as drinking of alcohol. Rather, they prefer to come and be part of the Durbar festival”, he said.
The President of IEDPU, while speaking on the impact of the Durbar on the Ilorin community, said, “It is part of a cultural revival that was introduced by our father, the Emir of Ilorin. And essentially, it is to curb some of the behaviours amongst the youths who are trying to copy other cultures.
“Some of the greatest achievements of the Durbar are that it brings us home together to socialise because we all come together, irrespective of our political differences. It also has economic impacts as businesses, especially those in the tourism and hospitality industry, make sales during that period. It also serves as an alternative for the youths to participate in rather than organising carnivals that are un-Islamic and against our traditions as a people”, he said.
While discussing the ongoing developmental activities of the State Government, Alhaji AbdulMalik commended the Executive Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman and urged him to forge ahead. He particularly commended the Governor for the all-round developments in the state generally but specifically acknowledged the efforts of His Excellency for trying to accord Ilorin the status befitting a state capital.
On the current goings in the country, he appealed to the people to be patient as the government is fully aware of their desires and is working to address them.
The president also dispelled the rumour that the union is leaning toward a political party, saying that “we as union members do not belong to any political party, and we always relate with the government of the day to get something for the community and not the individual, that is what is happening.
“People make a lot of assertions. I don’t remember any past presidents in recent times that have been given any political appointment. Rather, we only lobby for our people to be in higher positions, which is part of our duty of looking for progress for our community”, he said.
AbdulMalik also commented on the delay in the completion of the construction of a skills acquisition Hub and a Mosque at the Union National Secretariat, which had since set the tongues wagging.
He said, “We are working on the project, but because of this galloping inflation, we have problems with them. We have little means as a union, we rely on the goodwill of the people to support us to get the projects done in good time.
“For the mosque, we are about to do the decking, and we will do that within the next one week or two while the skills acquisition Hub is near 100 percent completion. But what we need now is equipping it with equipment like computer accessories and other things like that and so on”.
AbdulMalik said the union activities are always targeted at promoting education in the community, saying that, “if you look at the pattern of IEDPU, we have been focusing our activities on education, concentrating on how to get our people educated.
“The hub itself was conceived because we discovered now that going to schools alone may not fetch you employment easily, except you have some skills to add to your education, and that is why we have the hub. That is, to train people in skills such as ICT, fashion designing among others. The mosque as well, is not only a place for you to pray, it is a place of learning too”, he said.
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HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI
The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.
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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
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