Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), under the aegis of Threshold of Hope Foundation, has empowered no fewer than 500 vulnerable individuals, men and women, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, with working tools in order to make them self-reliant.

The empowerment programme was part of the activities to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Hajia Mariam Bolanle Yusuf, who is the Founder of the Foundation.

Items distributed to beneficiaries at the occasion included 40 grinding machines, 30 sowing machines, 20 freezers, 5kg bags of rice to 500 people, and cash gifts ranging from N50,000 to N100,000.

Speaking at the epoch-making event, Hajia Bolanle Yusuf appealed to wealthy Nigerians to always come to the aid of the less privileged in the society, adding that she has made up her mind to make it a yearly event to support the vulnerable people in her empowerment programmes.

She appreciated her husband, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf, the Group Managing Director of KAM Holding Limited, the Chief Executive Director of JMK, Chief Jumoke Harb, the management and staff of Threshold of Hope Foundation for their unalloyed support to her projects.

According to her, the empowerment programme is her own way of giving back to the society in her own little way and promised to continue to assist the vulnerable people in as much as she is still able and capable.

In her brief remarks at the occasion, Chief Jumoke Harb commended and congratulated Hajia Bolanle Yusuf on her birthday and for embarking on various people-centred programmes, urging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate her.

Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event lauded the Founder of Threshold of Hope Foundation for rekindling their hopes in life, stressing that the empowerment has not only made them able and capable to take care of their families but also made them employers of labour in their own small way.

The Threshold of Hope Foundation is a Non Governmental Organisation that provides financial support, vocational training, and healthcare outreach to improve the lives of the less privileged in the community.

It would be recalled that the Foundation had also provided cash gifts to women in Omu-Aran in Irepodun local government area to support their economic well-being, vocational training programmes for youths, orphans, and vulnerable children, while equipping them with skills to start their own businesses, as well as conducting healthcare outreach programmes, offering free treatment and assistance with hospital bills.

The Foundation has similarly provided support to various institutions like motherless babies’ homes, including donations of relief materials.

On community Impact, while the
foundation’s initiatives are driven by a commitment to philanthropy and community support, geared towards creating positive change and promoting economic empowerment.

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Nigeria’s former Minister of Niger Delta, Peter Godsday Orubebe, and Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), a former Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, have both been awarded Doctoral Degrees in Public Governance and Leadership from University of Abuja.

The duo achieved the significant academic milestone after successfully defending their theses on June 27, 2025, at the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), a TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Leadership and Public Governance.

The Director of the Centre, Prof. Philip Dahida, described the event as historic, noting that Orubebe and Boroh are the first individuals to earn doctorate degrees since the establishment of ALC.

Dahida commended all the postgraduate students who defended their theses and dissertation, and assured attendees of the Centre’s commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards while promoting leadership development and good governance in Nigeria through knowledge.

In response, Orubebe and Boroh expressed their dedication to applying the knowledge they have gained to benefit society by educating current leaders and followers about governance and leadership complexities. They aspire to contribute to the vision of a better and more effective Nigeria.

Both Orubebe and Boroh also declared their readiness to accept political appointments if called upon by any government, emphasizing their willingness to leverage their experiences and the new knowledge acquired during their doctoral studies to improve Nigerian society.

Orubebe explained his motivation for pursuing further academic achievements: “During my time in public service, from being a councillor to the chairman of a local government area, and Minister of Nigeria Delta, I observed many gaps. I felt compelled to contribute to the knowledge that would help leaders in Nigeria understand their roles in relation to their followers so that we can achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.

“I believe that my experiences can add value and guide leaders in making Nigeria great. It’s crucial that we elevate Nigeria’s status. I’m still actively in politics, and I am ready to step into any role that any government may require of me, utilizing my experience effectively,” Orubebe stated.

Similarly, Brig. Gen. Boroh (Rtd) explained that his academic pursuit was motivated by his concerns about gaps in democracy and security, which directly impact the quality of leadership and governance in the country. He expressed his commitment to human capacity and infrastructural development.

“This pursuit of knowledge started even during my military career. After serving in the military, I was called back to public office, where I worked to ensure peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

“My concerns about the gaps in democracy and security led me to choose the topic on public governance and security for my thesis. I am pleased to have thoroughly examined the subject. I plan to share the knowledge I have gained by engaging in teaching at various levels of governance, including state, and local government levels.”

When asked if he plans to return to public office, Boroh said, “I am open to serving. I was trained by the federal government of Nigeria and I am ready to take on any assignment, anywhere. I am committed to serving the Federal Republic of Nigeria whenever called upon,” Boroh declared.

On the same day, Benjamin Pever was awarded a Master’s Degree (M.Sc) in Public Governance and Leadership after successfully defending his dissertation.

• As Emir lauds members for a job well done

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, under the Chairmanship of Engr. Yahaya Alapansanpa, who is also the Danmasani of Ilorin has submitted the 2025 durbar report to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at the Emir’s palace.

While receiving the report, the Emir, who described this year’s festival as highly successful, historic and eventful, noted that the festival again showcased the culture, heritage and peaceful nature of people of the Emirate.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari commended the government and people of the Emirate for their support in ensuring that the festival ended without any rancour, expressing satisfaction with the arrangements put in place.

The Emir described members of the committee as people of impeccable character, stressing that since he inaugurated them eight years ago, they have not disappointed him and the people of the Emirate, and, therefore, urged them to continue to further promote the festival, value and culture of the Emirate across the globe.

The Monarch offered special prayers for members of the committee and described their efforts as that of humanity service.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Yahaya Alapansanpa thanked the Emir for the confidence and trust he reposed in members, promising not to disappoint him.

Engr Alapansanpa specifically appreciated the state government for its immense support to the committee and for creating an enabling environment before, during and after the festival, which led to the success of the event.

He also praised all sons and daughters of the Ilorin Emirate both at home and abroad, security operatives, donor agencies, tourists, members of the committee, the media and other individuals for adding colour and glamour to the yearly cultural gathering.

He prayed God to continue to grant the Emir good health, and peace in the Emirate and the entire state.

Members of the main organising committee, including Retired Justice Idris Haroon, former Grand Kadi, Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal; Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, National President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU); Professor AbdulGaniyu Jawondo, Dr Ahmed Sebutu, Retired AIG Adisa Bolanta, Alhaji Y.O. Ahmed, Barrister Bushra Ayegbami, Alhaji Nurudeen Ibrahim, Alhaji Bolaji Ahmed , Alhaji Yinka Yahaya, Alhaji Tunde Akanbi, and Mohammed Jamiu, were on the entourage of the committee chairman.

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