Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Ministry of Social Development has organised a handball game for para-athletes from within and outside the state to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

Held at the Handball Court of George Innih Stadium in Ilorin, the event saw Team Kwara winning the trophy after beating Team Ekiti 3-0.

The programme also featured trade fair and empowerment to scores of persons with disabilities. They were handed mobility aids, crutches, walking sticks, wheel chairs, and beading and shoe making kits.

Speaking at the programme on Wednesday, State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, said they organised the programme to show them love, ease their movement, and support their businesses to thrive.

She appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting her office and for being passionate about the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.

“As you can see, we distributed mobility aids. We also gave away wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, white cane, and sunscreen to albinos and a lot more,” she told reporters on the sideline of the event.

“Over the years, we have done a lot of programmes, such as skill acquisition for people with disabilities. Even through the Office of First Lady, the state has also empowered many of them with POS machines, and even cash transfers, just to make sure that they are inclusive in this government.

“And today, part of the things we are celebrating here is to showcase to the world that, yes, there’s ability and disability and they are all doing very fine. They are happy seeing us around them.”

Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Mogaji, said the game and empowerment reflect the government’s love and support, adding that the gesture is capable of changing the mindset of parents who keep their children idle because of their physical challenge.

He said Governor AbdulRazaq is renowned for showing love to people with disabilities and commended his government’s investments in the welfare of the special children.

“As you are aware, the Governor is a lover of people with disabilities. He has done a lot for them. And he has not stopped doing it,” he said.

“What they are doing here today is marvelous. We are trying to celebrate the people living with disabilities. We are also empowering them to make life easier for them to move around.

“We thank His Excellency for giving back to everybody both the abled and disabled. In the sports sector, for instance, I can tell you that the Governor has given a brand new car to somebody living with a disability. He has not stopped doing it and I am sure he will continue in that direction.”

End

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnapped clergyman, Reverend Ephraim Yakubu, in Miango axis of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Our correspondent learnt that that, the victim was abducted in front of his residence at Agingi Village along the Rukuba Road on 3 December 2025.

Troops on a clearance patrol around the high grounds in the Miango axis engaged the kidnappers on 4 December at about 0740 hours, forcing them to flee.

Reverend Yakubu was found tied under a rock in the area and sustained injuries during captivity.

Security personnel also recovered one fabricated rifle with a magazine containing eight rounds of 9mm ammunition from the scene.

The victim was immediately evacuated to the 3 Military Specialist Hospital (3 DMSH) for medical attention.

Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.

• Seeks End To Carrying Extra Fuel, Storing Petrol In Houses

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A leading Burn expert at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), and member Nigerian Burn Injuries Society, Dr. Olubunmi Aderibigbe, has cautioned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on the rising cases of fire incidents, both on Nigerian roads and in residential areas.

Addressing the union members on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, Dr. Aderibigbe expressed deep concern over the increasing number of lives and property lost to preventable fire outbreaks. He recalled witnessing a burned fuel tanker on his way from Ilorin to Ibadan recently, describing the experience as a reminder of the dangers associated with mis-handling of petroleum products.

The Burn expert lamented that 441 Nigerians lost their lives to road-related fire incidents in 2024, attributing the majority to human factors such as negligence, overspeeding, worn-out tyres, and unsafe handling of petroleum products.

“Two years ago, many lives were lost and millions of naira worth of property were destroyed in road accidents involving fire here along Airport Road in Ilorin. Fire incidents do not discriminate. They destroy lives, families, and livelihoods,” he cautioned.

According to him, fire prevention is no longer the sole responsibility of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fire Service or medical emergency teams, but a collective concern for drivers, transport operators, and all road users.

Dr. Aderibigbe strongly cautioned drivers against carrying extra petrol in their cars, describing the trend as extremely dangerous. “We have lost many lives simply because people insist on moving around with fuel inside their vehicles,” he stated. “Safety first. If you are alive, you can conduct your business. Let us stop carrying extra fuel.”

He also urged Nigerians who rely heavily on power generators to stop storing petrol in their homes, warning that many domestic fire incidents are linked to such practices.

“Stop buying fuel in jerrycans for home storage. Avoid using phone lights when loading fuel into your vehicles or generators. Petrol is highly inflammable,” he warned.

Reiterating the dual nature of fire, he said: “As useful as fire and light are, they can be dangerous and destructive when they escape control. Avoid fire crises at all cost.”

He encouraged all transporters to ensure that their vehicles are equipped with functional fire extinguishers, adding that preparedness is key to minimising damage during emergencies.

The expert also cautioned against the dangerous practice of rushing to scoop fuel from fallen tankers, saying: “If a tanker falls, run away from the scene. Fuel is extremely dangerous. Your safety matters most.”

He, however, urged all members of the NURTW to prioritise safety in all aspects of their work, adding that:
“Accidents are not planned. Fire does not offer a second chance. Let us protect ourselves, our passengers, and our homes.”

End