News
Kwara Gov commissions refurbished school clinic for special children
By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the use of a school clinic the administration newly rehabilitated for the state School for Special Needs, saying the gesture was to bring quality healthcare services to their doorsteps.
The Governor also said the government took such a step in recognition of their limited movement as persons living with different forms of disabilities.
He said: “I am impressed by the decision of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency to renovate the school clinic and make it eligible for provider status under the health insurance scheme. The whole essence is to enroll everyone of these children into the state health insurance scheme as indigents. In other words, they will begin to enjoy free healthcare without having to go outside of their school compound.
“This brings quality healthcare to their doorsteps in a way that fully considers their limitations as persons living with different forms of disabilities.”
Represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, AbdulRazaq said his government is especially concerned about the indigent segment of the population to assist them to have equitable access to quality, affordable, and available healthcare services.
“Our gathering here this afternoon represents an important milestone for not just this school but also for our steady efforts to cater for the needs of every segment of our society. I recall that our first budget review session in 2019 was held in this school. That was a symbolic gesture to indicate that no part of our society will be left out in our bid to improve the standard of living of the people of Kwara State.
“Since then, different steps have been taken to improve the lot of the students of this special needs school and other underserved communities. We renovated many of the classrooms, and renovation works are still going on. We provided more relevant books and learning aids. We stabilized their subvention, thereby stopping payment of fees by their parents or guardians.
“We have also introduced solar lights to improve better visibility and mobility at night, as well as guide against crimes. This is amid other upcoming initiatives to make learning more conducive for them,” he added.
He urged the students to be committed to their studies and be of good character, adding: “Your disabilities do not stop your life dreams. You can attain your full potentials. So do not give up on yourself.”
The Governor said the decision to enrol the students in the free health insurance is a form of subsidy to support their parents and guardians in their parental responsibilities.
Zonal Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for providing the facility and for giving all his best to expand the health insurance coverage for people of the state.
He said the facility will be beneficial to not only the School for Special Needs but also its environs, adding that the Authority is bent on meeting the target of achieving universal healthcare coverage by 2030.
Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Jetawo-winter, for her part, said they have commenced implementation of innovative initiatives to improve quality of health facilities, and to make the services available when needed.
She said it became necessary to rehabilitate the clinic to provide the school with healthcare services under the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme, and to pass assessment for accreditation purposes.
The principal, who is equally a person living with disability, said his appointment as head of the school is a testament to his claim, and also lauded AbdulRazaq for the recent appointment of another two of his colleagues as permanent secretaries.
The state government recently appointed Mr Ayanwale Peter Kayode and Alhaji Abdullahi Kayode Wahab as permanent secretaries in the state civil service – a gesture already drawing applause both within and outside Kwara.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
Kwara: Security Team Kills Two Bandits, Rescues Two Kidnap Victims
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