Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A tragic road accident in Kwara State has claimed the lives of 15 people, while 17 others sustained varying degrees of injuries after a trailer conveying dozens of passengers crashed in the early hours of Sunday at Oko-Olowo, along the Ogbomoso-Oloru Road.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara Sector Command, said the lone crash occurred at about 2:32 a.m. near the Muslim Cemetery in Oko-Olowo.

According to the crash report, the DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL 274 XC was being driven by Nasiru Muhammed when the accident occurred.

A total of 48 male occupants were involved in the crash. Fifteen persons died on the spot, 17 sustained injuries ranging from fractures, dislocations and bruises, while 16 others escaped unhurt.

The FRSC attributed the fatal crash to driver fatigue.

The injured victims were evacuated to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko-Olowo.

The rescue operation was jointly carried out by personnel of the FRSC Oloru Unit Command and the Oko-Olowo Outpost. Search efforts were still ongoing at the scene to locate additional victims believed to be trapped beneath the trailer’s load.

The Kwara Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kabiru Babatunde Kazeem, personally visited the crash scene to coordinate rescue and recovery operations.

Speaking on the incident, Kazeem said the command would intensify public enlightenment campaigns through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders to promote safer road use.

He also advised motorists to avoid mixed loading of passengers and goods as well as night travel, stressing that such practices significantly increase the risk of fatal road crashes.

The statement confirming the incident was issued by the Acting Officer in Charge of the FRSC Oko-Olowo Outpost, SRC Taofeeq M. Sanusi.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has been lauded for donating 50 tree seedlings to the Cherubim and Seraphim College, Ilorin, under its environmental sustainability initiative.

The commendation was given on Friday in Ilorin, the state capital, by the Principal of the College, Mrs. Oluwaranti Comfort Awotunde while speaking at a symbolic tree-planting ceremony held within the school premises.

Mrs. Awotunde explained that the seedlings, which include oil palm, mango, and orange trees, were part of the state’s greening project aimed at promoting environmental conservation across schools in the State.

She said: “We are grateful to the government for this gesture. Initially, I thought the seedlings were cheap, but I later discovered that they cost between six and seven thousand naira each. That shows the government invested significantly in this project, and we truly appreciate their efforts.”

According to her, the trees would serve multiple purposes, including protecting the school’s buildings from being damaged by wind and storm and also enhancing economic value during harvest seasons. “These trees are not just for beautification; they are cash crops. During harvest, we will share the fruits among staff and students,” she added.

Mrs. Awotunde also urged Nigerians to embrace reforestation, stressing the need to replace every tree that is cut down. “My advice to the public is simple—anyone who cuts down a tree should replace it by planting another one. That’s the only way we can preserve our environment and sustain its benefits,” she advised.

In his remarks, the Senior District Secretary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ilorin District, Special Apostle Enoch Oluwafemi Dairo, commended the initiative, particularly the state government’s commitment to enhancing the environment as well as tackling deforestation in the State.

“We were impressed when we heard that the state government provided seedlings to the school. Tree planting helps protect buildings from strong winds and improves the school environment. It’s an initiative worth emulating,” Apostle Dairo noted.

The event, attended by church representatives and staff of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) section of the school, marked the beginning of a collective effort to make the school greener and safer for the students.

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• Describe refinery as Nigeria’s economic pride

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Youth Farmers Organization for Agricultural Development in Nigeria has honoured the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the company’s Vice President, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, with Merit Awards of Excellence for their remarkable contributions to national growth and youth empowerment.

The presentation took place during a two-day advocacy visit and facility tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, where the youth farmers described the refinery as a “national pride” and a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial progress.

Speaking during the event, the National President of the Youth Farmers Organization, Abdulrahman Umar Etudaye, said the honour bestowed on Dangote as Grand Patron of the Group was in recognition of his commitment to nation-building, economic development, and empowerment of young Nigerians.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote represents the spirit of hard work, vision, and patriotism. His contributions to the nation’s economy and his support for youth empowerment remain an inspiration to millions of Nigerians,” Etudaye said.

Similarly, Mr. Devakumar Edwin was honoured as Patron of the organization in appreciation of his exemplary leadership and continuous support for youth and agricultural development in the country.

Etudaye commended the Dangote Refinery for its world-class facilities and cutting-edge technology, noting that the project stands as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic transformation. “The refinery is a source of pride to every Nigerian. It represents hope for industrialization, job creation, and energy independence,” he added.

In response, Mr. Edwin thanked the Youth Farmers Organization for the recognition and applauded their commitment to promoting food security and national development, reaffirming Dangote Industries’ resolve to continue investing in youth-oriented projects that drive sustainable growth across the country.

“We remain committed to supporting young Nigerians through empowerment initiatives and by creating opportunities that will secure the nation’s future,” Edwin said.

The youth farmers also invited Mr. Edwin to chair their forthcoming National Food Security Summit in Abuja and extended a special invitation to Alhaji Dangote as Guest of Honour.

The organization pledged to strengthen its collaboration with stakeholders, including Dangote Industries, to advance agricultural development, food security, and youth empowerment for a more prosperous Nigeria.

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