News

Kawu Baraje: The Making of New Tafida of Ilorin

Published

4 years ago

February 3, 2022

By Tunde Akanbi

It is often said that destiny is irreversible, and it thus presupposes that whatever has been destined in one’s lifetime would not go unfulfilled, notwithstanding the longevity of time. Perhaps, this assertion accounts for why it has been said that ‘we are nothing but pencil in the hand of the Creator’.

One of those whose destinies have continued to single out for good reasons is the new Tafida of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, CON. Here is a man, who has been fortunate to have risen to various enviable positions in his lifetime.

In fulfilment of what has been divinely penned down in his lifetime, Baraje’s flagship in career progression was teaching before rising to the pinnacle of the civil service as a permanent secretary, and to the topmost position in his political circle.

He was first elected as the National Secretary of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP, hitherto known as the largest party in Africa, and was subsequently elevated as the acting National Chairman or even described as Chairman as admirably referred to by his contemporaries in the party. This is a man of destiny who has been described as a record breaker in his Baboko ancestral home of Ilorin, Kwara State and throughout the nation.

It is on record that he also bagged one of the most covetous National awards known as the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON). The record of his achievements, particularly in the aspects of discipline, internal democracy and the rule of law in party politics had no match.

In the religious circle, the new Tafida is versatile, deep and highly knowledgeable in the teachings of the noble Quran. And in spite of his eye catching positions, Baraje has maintained his being a prayer warrior.

His God fearing nature and act of generosity prompted him to establish an institution named Baraje Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies where he is the Mudir.

The establishment of the centre is one of his ways of reciprocating to the society what the Almighty Allah has done for him. At the centre which was established sometime in 1991 , the pupils enjoy complete free tuition and transportation with no student paying a dime throughout their years of studies. The teachers and non- teaching staff are paid their monthly salaries and other emoluments as and when due.

To the glory of God, the centre is now an affiliate of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria and some other Arabic International Institutions in the Middle East.

His nomination and appointment as the Second Tafida of Ilorin after the demise of the pioneer occupant of the title, Dr Amuda Aluko, was accompanied with encomiums and overwhelming applause from the citizens of the Ilorin Emirate, who are curiously awaiting the day of his formal turbaning to the exalted traditional title.

His choice by Maimartaba, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, came with a lot of excitement, considering his contributions to the economic, social and political developments of the community.

The Emir, the custodian of all customary, religious and traditional titles in the Ilorin Emirate and its environs, has said it repeatedly that it is only those that are useful to the people or the Ilorin community that would be rewarded and not on account of their richness or positions of responsibility.

As far as the new Tafida is concerned, he has facilitated the appointments of a number of youths, both males and females, either politically or in the civil service at the state or federal level.

Historically, the title of Tafida, no doubt, originated from the North of which Ilorin Emirate is proudly part of. The title is very crucial. And today, Baraje has been fortunate to be an important figure, a man with incalculable substance that would clinch it.

A philanthropy of note, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje’s humanitarian gestures are not only felt among his immediate family, but also extended family, friends, political associates, contemporaries and all and sundry. He is generous to a fault.

For about seven years now that he is not holding or occupying any public office, he has not relented in his humanitarian services or changed his infectious character to fellow human beings. Kudos to the new Tafida of Ilorin Emirate on the rare feat.

Alhaji Baraje takes delight in putting smiles on the faces of many either in terms of financial support, appointment, pilgrimages either to Saudi Arabia for the Muslims or Jerusalem for those in the Christendom.

The new title holder befits the astrological and horoscope meaning of Tafida, which says that Tafida is one with a sharp mind, one with a quick thinking ability and one that is blessed with the great powers of speech.

Tafida is one with an extremely active life, one that is always on the road and one that possesses great energy to accomplish even greater things.

The title can also be likened to a baby in an adult’s body that does not want to grow out of the teenage thoughts, mainly because his teenage experience is exemplary, keeps you happy and provides you with a strong motivating forward energy.

Tafida is one that looks younger than his actual age and one that is great at reading and writing and a strategic communicator.

No doubt, the Emir, Maimartaba, a highly knowledgeable, philosophical, futuristic traditional ruler saw the outstanding qualities in the new Tafida of Ilorin and Mudir, Baraje Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies before bestowing on him the title.

Chapter 43 verse 32 of the noble Qur’an is appropriate to describe the title the Emir of Ilorin bestowed on the Tafida.
In it, Allah says”Is it they who allocate the mercy of your Lord? We have allocated among them their livelihood in the worldly life and have raised some of them over others in ranks, so that some may put some others to work and mercy of your Lord is much better than what they accumulate”.

However, one thing that disturbed Kawu Baraje’s mind of recent was when he lost his childhood and bosom friend, Mallam Busari Alabi Ishola, a retired Immigration Officer and former Chairman, Kwara Football Association . Their friendship dated back to over 50 years ago.

He died at the age of 71 on Saturday, 22nd January, 2022, exactly 28 days to the turbaning of Tafida.

His late friend, no doubt, contributed immensely at various meetings organised by the main Committee of the Turbaning Ceremony headed by Ambassador Shiekh Usman Abdulazeez.

Indeed, Ishola’s death is an attestation to the saying that man proposes, God disposes. May Busari Alabi Ishola’s soul rest in peace. Amin.

Who then is Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje?

Baraje was born to the extended family of Alhaji Usman Baba Erubu Baraje and Alhaja Aishat Omo-Agba Baraje (of blessed memories) about seventy one years ago. He attended Baboko Native Authority Primary School, Ilorin and at the same time attended Arabic and Islamic School for all round Islamic Education.

He started his Primary School at Baptist Primary School, Surulere, Ilorin and had double promotion as a result of his performance. He spent only one term in Primary One. In Primary Two, he also spent one term because he joined the school during the promotion examination into Primary Two and did brilliantly well. However, in Primary Three, he spent the whole year before he moved to Government-owned Baboko Primary School.

At that time, exceptionally brilliant students were being selected from schools in Baboko, Oke-Aluko, Pakata, Oke-Suna and other government primary schools. They all sat for common entrance examination and the successful ones among them moved to Primary Five and Six.

Baraje had his Teacher’s Grade II Certificate and National Certificate in Education between 1971 and 1978. He had a Bachelor of Education Arts from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1982. He worked with Kwara State Government as a Teacher, Education Administrator, Public Administrator and rose to the position of Permanent Secretary, a position from which he voluntarily retired without blemish.

After his retirement from civil service in 2006, Baraje ventured into politics. He was part of the national campaign of the PDP Presidential candidate for the 2007 General Elections. He was an Assistant Director in charge of Administration. He worked closely with late President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’Adua, on the 2007 pre-campaign tours round the nation as well as presidential campaign rallies throughout the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory and the election was landslide victory for the party.

Also, immediately after that, he contested for the office of National Secretary of the PDP at the national convention and won. He was the acting National Chairman of the party for about two years between 2011 and 2012.

Looking at his performance, Baraje was one of the most successful National Chairmen of the party. Because at that time, the PDP was embroiled in internal wrangling and he was able to bring cohesion into the party. He received commendation for that effort. It was as a result of this performance and on his exit, the then President found him worthy of being awarded Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).

Markaz Baraje, Ilorin:

Madrasat Taleem Li-Arabiy Wal-Islamiy Baraje Baboko, Ilorin started as a Arabic home lesson for the children of Baraje Compound in 1993 through the sole effort and foresight of Alhaji Baraje, a civil servant of repute, who retired as a Permanent Secretary in the Kwara State Civil Service. As the blessings of Allah continue to manifest on the proprietor so also the institution that started as a mini-Arabic school continues to grow. Amin.

The School’s Vision:

To spread message of the Holy Qur’an and Islamic ideals and maintain learning community that produces leaders through faith, knowledge and inspiration.

Mission:

To attain blessings and pleasure of Allah, the Almighty by delivering His message to mankind. And to offer education of the highest quality embedded in the value of the Islamic faith, to enable students become respectful, responsible, reliable and well-disciplined citizens.

Objectives:

To promote Islamic value in the society.

To teach the noble Qur’an with the applied rules of the science of Tajweed

To memorize noble Qur’an

To understand meaning of words and Ayat from noble Qur’an

To internalize the Qur’anic teachings in daily life

To propagate Islamic value (Da’awah) to the society in accordance with the established religious guidelines and Islamic ethics

To prepare our students for future challenges to enable them be the role models for other Muslims, especially female ones among them in the society through teaching and practicing the commands of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (Peace of Allah be upon him).

To establish and maintain an Islamic Centre (Mosque), library, hostel and translation arts laboratory

To bring the community together by providing excellence services via:

Five daily prayers

Friday congregational prayers (Jumuah)

Ramadan congregational prayer (Taraweeh)

Ramadan public lectures via televisions and radio stations

Weekly and public lectures at the central mosque

To provide educational, spiritual and counseling services to the community during school hours, summer school, educational seminars and workshops.

As Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, CON is formally installed into the enviable title of Tafida of Ilorin Emirate, it is our prayer that the Almighty God blesses him with long life, sound health, happiness and prosperity.

It is equally our prayer that the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR who has attained over eighty one years of age would live long to witness Ilorin Emirate and the citizenry of his dream to be more united and love another so that the community would, in turn, witness more development, particularly during his lifetime. Amin.

Akanbi, an Ilorin-based Journalist,
writes this article via tundeakanbibabby.@yahoo.co.uk

End

News

Lebanese expatriate worker sues GOC 2 Div, others, for alleged unlawful detention, demands N2bn as damages

Published

3 hours ago

August 11, 2025

Our Reporter

Ibrahim Nassar, a Lebanese expatriate worker with Phoenix Import and Export Limited in Kwara State, has gone to the Federal High Court, Ilorin Division, seeking an order compelling the Nigerian Army to release him immediately from his four-month detention without trial.

In a suit filed on his behalf by his counsel, the applicant identified himself as a citizen of
Lebanon with a valid passport and a lawful resident in Nigeria with a validly issued
Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit, and that he has been living and working
with Phoenix Import and Export Limited, Kaiama in Baruten Local Government Area,
Kwara State for some time now, without any criminal record.

In the Suit No. FHC/IL/CS/87/2025 between Ibrahim Nassar (Applicant) and the General Officer, Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major-general Obinna Onubogu; the Chief of Army Staff and; the Nigerian Army (as 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents, respectively), the Lebanese complained that he was unlawfully arrested on 9th May, 2025 by the officers of the 2nd respondent at the instruction or command of the 1st respondent.

According to Nassar, he was detained for many days and was released by the Department of State Security (DSS) when he was not found culpable for any criminal activities. He said he was re-arrested on the 16th June, 2025 and has since been in detention up to now without any criminal charge against him.

Describing his arrest and detention without any justification as illegal, unwarranted, wrongful and unconstitutional, the Lebanese further told the court that he is both asthmatic and diabetic, among other serious medical conditions, and need to seek medical attention.

He alleged that while in the detention of the respondents, he was humiliated, tortured and harassed in order to self-incriminate himself, which he stood his ground against.

He further alleged that he was treated inhumanly as he was detained in a very dark and fearful confinement like a common criminal. In addition, he claimed that he was not fed well and when he ought to be fed, he was just given a very small portion of any meal available not minding the fact that he is not a Nigerian who is no exposed to any sort of foods.

The application by Ibrahim Nassar for an order for the enforcement of his fundamental
Human rights under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as
amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and
Enforcement) Act CAP A9 LFN 2004, United Nations declaration of Human Rights, 1948,
and Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, was filed by his counsel,
Prof. M.T. Adekilekun Esq, leading Shareef Mohammed Esq., Prof. A.O. Sambo, Oludare
W. Akanbi, Esq, Maryann Osuyak (Miss) and, A.S Adeyemi, Esq.

In the suit, Ibrahim Nassar is also seeking an order and declaration of the court that his continuous arrest, detention, humiliation, torture, inhuman treatment and harassment by the respondents is unlawful, illegal, ultra vires and grossly violates the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria (as amended), the African Charter on Human and peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, United Nations Declaration of Human rights, 1948.

He is also seeking an order of the court that he be paid exemplary and aggravated damages in the sum of One Billion Naira (N1, 000, 000, 000) only against the respondents jointly and severally as a result of the infringement of his fundamental rights to personal liberty and dignity of human person, harassments, intimidation, threats and public ridicule occasioned by the Respondents on the applicant.

In addition, Nassar is demanding payment of another One Billion Naira (N1, 000, 000, 000) as General Damages against the respondents jointly and severally for his unlawful detention, as well as an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents by themselves, their officers, servants, agents and privies from: (i) arresting, threatening, intimidating, restraining, harassing and humiliating him or threats thereof.

In an affidavit in support of originating motion for enforcement of fundamental human
right of the applicant, one Vandi Vatiki of Czar Farms Limited, Oke oyi, Ilorin Kwara
State and Phoenix Import and Export Limited, averred that sometime on 9th May, 2025, “the officers of the Nigerian Army (the 3rd respondent) came in a gestapo manner, fully armed with weapons, and bumped into the hotel room of the applicant in Kaiama, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State and arrested him without warrant of arrest and any offence alleged against him.

“That when myself and applicant’s co-Lebanese present made enquiries as to the
offence committed by the applicant, no any reason whatsoever was given.

“That I know as a matter of fact that the applicant was first taken to Sobi Barracks
where he was detained unlawfully and after sometime was transferred to 2nd Division
of the Nigerian Army, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, Oyo State.

“That the applicant was detained without any offence alleged against him for more than
two weeks and every attempt to get the applicant released proved abortive.

“That one of the steps taken to ensure the release of the applicant was the
engagement of Rashidi Isamotu Esq., to apply for the release of applicant who upon
being engaged wrote a letter titled: “Request for Release of Ibrahim Nassar” dated 20th
May, 2025 to the 1st respondent.

“That instead of the 1st respondent to yield to the simple request since nothing
incriminating was traced to or found with the applicant, he ordered the transfer of the
applicant to the office of Department of DSS Oyo State Command, Ibadan for profiling
and further investigation, having spent two weeks with them at Odogbo Barracks,
Ibadan’

“That the office of DSS in Ibadan, upon proper profiling and investigation of the
applicant, found him not culpable for any offence hence, found no reason why it should
keep the applicant in their custody and consequently transferred the applicant to Kwara
State Command, Ilorin, the state where the applicant was arrested.

“That on getting to Ilorin, the DSS in Ilorin too found nothing incriminating about the applicant and consequently released the applicant without any further delay or hindrance whatsoever.

“That the applicant thought the storm was over and was making attempt to settle down
and attend to his health which has deteriorated due to the unlawful detention,
humiliation and torture meted against him by the 1st respondent and other officers of
the 3rd respondent, he was re-arrested on the 16th June, 2025 by the officers of
the 3rd respondent at the mandate and command of the 1st respondent without warrant
of arrest.

“That the applicant upon being re-arrested on 16th June, 2025 was taken straight to
Odogbo Barracks of the 2 Division of the 3rd respondent like the previous arrest and has
been unlawfully and wrongfully detained since then under the watch of the 1st
respondent who the 2nd respondent failed to check (despite having knowledge of the
unlawful arrest) without any crime alleged against or charge framed against him till
now.

“That attempt was made to secure the release of the applicant again by still engaging
the services of Rasidi Isamotu Esq to write a complaint to the Chief of Army staff, the
2nd respondent in respect of the conduct of the 1st respondent and his officers on the
unlawful detention of the applicant.

That the said Rashidi Isamotu wrote the complaint on the 19th June, 2025 and same
was received and acknowledged by the office of 2nd respondent at Army Headquarters,
FCT, Abuja on the 26th June, 2025.

“That the family and friends of the applicant are in disarray now as nothing is even
heard of the applicant again, making them to be subjected to psychological torture, to
the point that other expatriates working with our company are now living in fear and
trembling as a result of the illegal action of the respondents.

“That sequel to the above, many (if not all) of our expatriates have left the country because they feel that their lives are not safe and secured with the inhuman treated made against the applicant coupled with the unlawful arrest and detention. It could be anybody.

That the applicant has not been charged with any offence before any court of Law in
Nigeria.

“That if this Honourable Court do not intervene as a matter of urgency the life of the
applicant is under imminent threat and may lead to his death.

That unless this application is granted, the applicant will continue to suffer violation of
his fundamental rights of freedom of movement and personal liberty as well as dignity
of human person.

As of the time of this report, the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Army headquarters, Abuja, were still to respond to a message sent over the weekend, seeking their comments on the allegations by the Lebanese.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

News

Oluwole Foundation Lifts 70 Branch Members Of C&S Church in Ilorin

Published

12 hours ago

August 11, 2025

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Barely a month after empowering no fewer than 70 members at the headquarters of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Oluwole Foundation has extended the noble gesture to 24 branches of the Church within Ilorin metropolis and Oke-Oyi.

In the new dispensation, the Oluwole Foundation provided material and financial support to additional 70 beneficiaries, costing the Foundation about N37m.

Fielding questions from journalists on the sideline of the programme, the Chairman of the Foundation, Pastor Moses Ademola Popoola, said the extension of the empowerment programme this year to the branches of the Church was in obedience to divine instruction and as a means to tackle poverty within the Church community.

“We have 62 branches under our Church, but this is the first time we are going beyond our headquarters. For now, we have covered 24 Churches and empowered 70 people, spending close to N37 million. This is not just charity; it’s also evangelism. Some people will not be converted through preaching but through welfare,” Pastor Popoola explained.

He urged beneficiaries to take the gesture seriously, work hard, and extend help to others, assuring the congregants of further expansion of the empowerment programme to cover more beneficiaries in the coming years.

“They should not see this as a national cake. Be prudent, save, grow your business, and from what you have, help someone else. That way, we help the family, society, and the nation,” he cautioned.

Pastor Popoola also called on other foundations, especially those owned by Christians, to carry out their work with sincerity, rather than for personal gain. “This service is first to God, then to society. When we help people genuinely, we reduce poverty, crime, and unemployment.”

The cleric, however, stressed the need for the government to prioritise agriculture and rural development in order to tackle poverty and unemployment ravaging the nation.

He added: “Every wealthy nation built its economy on agriculture. So, government should secure our farmlands, provide tractors, and support our farmers holistically. Let each region focus on its strength, like cocoa in the West and groundnut in the North. We must also develop rural areas with electricity, motorable roads, hospitals, and jobs to curb rural-urban migration.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Janet Shaba, who expressed gratitude to the Oluwole Foundation for the kind gesture, promised that they would make judicious use of the items received.

End

News

Audu Ogbeh’s death a big loss for North Central: Kwara Gov

Published

13 hours ago

August 11, 2025

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness over the death of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Governor AbdulRazaq said the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh is a big loss to the North Central Region, calling him a statesman, thoughts leader, and nationalist.

“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a dependable leader of our region. He earned the respect of all on account of his outstanding leadership and service to the nation at different times, especially during his time as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,” the Governor said in a statement on Sunday.

Governor AbdulRazaq has, however, sent his heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Benue State and to his family and associates.

He prayed to God to give the family the strength to bear the huge loss.

End