Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A renowned industrialist, Dr Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, has felicitated Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on his turbaning as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, describing the traditional title as a worthy recognition of his selfless service and humility.

In his congratulatory message, the Industrialist, who is the Group Managing Director of Kam Holding Limited, commended the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for finding the Governor worthy of the covetous title, adding that he had witnessed how AbdulRazaq administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise have created an environment where business and community life co-exist.

Yusuf recalled that the traditional title is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, noting that Governor AbdulRazaq has exemplified what it requires to be conferred with the title.

While appreciating the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, for gracing the conferment ceremony, the industrialist said the VP’s presence underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward Kwara.

“It gives me immense personal joy and pride to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your royal turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), on this Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

“This historic title is a fitting recognition of your selfless service, humility, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Kwara State. As an individual operating closely within Kwara’s industrial landscape and beyond through our globally recognised company, KAM Holding Ltd, I have witnessed firsthand how your administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise has created an environment where business and community life can thrive together.

“The title of Sardauna is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, and you have proven to be just that.

“I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), who honours our state by representing His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), at this grand event. Your presence in Ilorin, Vice President Shettima, underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward our state and adds great prestige to this milestone,” the congratulatory message read in part.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade has commended the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF) for the successful completion of its 14-day Vocational Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Training for 20 vulnerable people, noting that the technical support by the organisation showed its commitment to the well-being of the less privileged people in the society.

The Commissioner gave the commendation at the end of the training held at the Adolescent Friendly Center Facility, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin.

The Commissioner stated that the recovery process of survivors goes beyond immediate care and protection to include economic empowerment, skills acquisition and providing opportunities that would enable the beneficiaries to become independent and productive members of the society, adding that “the training represents an important step towards turning vulnerability into strength and creating a pathway to sustainable livelihoods”.

Chief (Mrs) Afolashade encouraged the participants to put the skills acquired into productive use and embrace every opportunity available to them to achieve their goals.

The Coordinator for the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), Dr Omotayo Oyerinde, said the training was meant to impact the lives of survivors and provide them with the skills needed to overcome life’s challenges.

The participants appreciated the RHHF for the training and pledged to continue to utilize the skills acquired for the betterment of their lives and development of the society.

• As Govt Begins Rehabilitation Of 30 Rescued Children

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Kwara State chapter, has disowned the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, where 30 children were rescued by the state government, saying the facility was neither registered with the association nor known to it.

ASOHON, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Dr Mrs Omolehin Christie and the secretary, Ayub AbdulGaniy, said its members operated only recognised and approved homes and distanced itself from the facility a day after the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development carried out the rescue operation.

“The illegal orphanage recently detected by government officials, where 30 children were rescued, is not a registered member of our association and is not known to us,” the association stated.

The children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, were rescued from the unapproved facility in Ilorin on Thursday following concerns about their welfare and living conditions.

ASOHON said registered operators in the state were expected to comply with the rules and regulations governing the operation of childcare facilities.

“ASOHON Kwara State operates only recognised, registered, and approved homes that adhere to the guidelines and regulations of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development,” it said.

The association further condemned the operation of unapproved homes, saying children in such facilities could be exposed to abuse, neglect and other forms of danger.

“We therefore totally dissociate ourselves from the operations of such illegal home(s) and condemn any act that endangers the welfare and safety of children,” ASOHON stated.

The association also commended the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, and officials of the ministry for their prompt intervention.

“We commend and sincerely thank the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Social Development and her dedicated staff for their prompt action and commitment to child protection in Kwara State,” the association said.

ASOHON said it would continue to collaborate with the ministry to ensure that children in the state are protected and adequately cared for.

“We remain committed to working with the Ministry to ensure all children in Kwara State are safe and well cared for,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has commenced the post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of the 30 children, who have been moved to a government-approved shelter.

The Ministry of Social Development said the children were receiving proper care, medical attention, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling as officials assessed their immediate and long-term needs.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children while determining their health, educational and family circumstances.

“The children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate,” the commissioner said.

She explained that children who could not be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities after proper documentation, assessment and follow-up.

Imam also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other childcare institutions operating in Kwara State to ensure that they were duly registered and approved by the ministry.

She directed approved facilities to prominently display the inscription, “Approved by the Kwara State Government,” on their signposts to enable members of the public identify facilities authorised to operate.

The Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention had reinforced the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders involved in child protection.

“This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together. We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives,” Abdulfatah said.

The ministry said efforts were ongoing to trace the families of the rescued children and determine appropriate care arrangements for those who could not be reunited with their relatives.