Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has arrested two suspected members of a burglary syndicate allegedly linked to cult activities, recovering two locally fabricated firearms and a live cartridge during intelligence-led operations across the capital city of Ilorin.

The arrests followed separate reports of burglary and housebreaking in parts of the state capital, where residents reportedly lost mobile phones, laptops, electronic appliances and other valuables to suspected criminals.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC I Ayoola Michael Shola, operatives of the Command’s Tracking Unit launched investigations based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of one of the suspects, Ajiboye Adedamola Oluwatobi, popularly known as “Kush-T,” at a suspected criminal hideout in the Danialu area of Gaa-Akanbi, Ilorin.

The statement added that sustained intelligence gathering led to the arrest of another suspect, Dayo Sesan, also known as “Sexy,” during which officers recovered two locally fabricated firearms and one live cartridge from his possession.

According to the NSCDC, preliminary investigations indicate that the two suspects are allegedly connected to a criminal syndicate believed to be responsible for burglary and related offences in Tanke, Pipeline and Gaa-Akanbi areas of Ilorin.

The Command further disclosed that the suspects identified themselves as members of the Aiye Confraternity, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of their alleged criminal activities and apprehend other members of the syndicate.

“The suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the Command said it would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to tackle crime across Kwara State.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Abbas Nda Mohammed, remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led operations, proactive crime prevention strategies, and sustained collaboration with sister security agencies and members of the public,” the statement read.

The Command also appealed to residents of the state to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid efforts to combat criminal activities and improve public safety.

• Cocoa, oil palm plantations underway: Rector

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has intensified efforts to diversify its revenue base and deepen practical learning for students with the commencement of commercial cassava harvesting at its institutional farm.

The maiden harvest, held at the polytechnic’s commercial farm in Ilorin, marked a significant step in the institution’s drive to combine academic training with agricultural entrepreneurship while supporting food security in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists during the harvest, the Rector of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, said the institution deliberately ventured into commercial agriculture to reduce dependence on government funding, create additional income and expose students to practical farming experience.

According to him, agriculture remains a critical sector capable of generating employment, increasing food production and driving economic development.

“What we are witnessing today is just the beginning. Agriculture provides enormous opportunities for employment, ensures food availability and serves as a reliable source of income. That is why we have decided to invest in it,” the Rector said.

Mohammed disclosed that the institution had already embarked on large-scale cultivation of cassava and maize, while simultaneously developing cocoa and oil palm plantations as part of a broader agricultural expansion programme.

According to him, the tree crop projects are designed as long-term investments that will continue to benefit the institution well beyond the tenure of the current administration.

“We have started with cassava and maize, and we have also expanded to cocoa and oil palm plantations. These are investments that will outlive this administration because good leadership is about planning beyond your tenure,” he said.

The Rector added that the Department of Food Science and Technology would process farm produce into finished products to maximise value addition and strengthen the institution’s internally generated revenue.

“I want to assure you that our Food Science and Technology Department has been charged with the responsibility of processing all these farm produce. In the coming years, we expect to see products such as Polytechnic palm oil, cocoa products and several processed food items produced right here by the institution,” Mohammed stated.

He further revealed plans to establish a distinct institutional brand for products including cassava chips, palm oil and cocoa-based products, expressing confidence that the initiative would improve students’ practical knowledge while opening new income streams for the polytechnic.

The Rector noted that proceeds from the cassava harvest would be reinvested to sustain and expand the commercial farming project, stressing that profitability in agriculture requires patience because of the huge initial investment involved.

“In every investment, there is always a starting capital. We do not expect to recover everything within one farming season because land clearing alone takes a significant portion of the cost. With time, however, we will break even and begin to generate profit,” he explained.

Mohammed commended the Kwara State Government for providing agricultural equipment to support the project, noting that the intervention had reduced production costs and improved operations on the farm.

He also disclosed that students are actively involved in the farming activities as part of their practical training, describing the initiative as a blend of academic learning, research and entrepreneurship that will position the institution as a leader in agricultural innovation among tertiary institutions.

Also speaking, Chairperson of the Kwara State Polytechnic Commercial Farm and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Engr. Ruth Modupe Bayeri, described the maiden cassava harvest as a landmark achievement for the institution.

She praised the Rector for supporting the project from its conception and ensuring its successful implementation.

“I want to welcome everyone here today. This is a significant occasion for us, and I want to say a few words of appreciation to our Rector for believing in this vision from the beginning. He gave his full support to make this day a reality,” Bayeri said.

She expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the harvest, saying it has justified the institution’s investment in commercial agriculture.

“We are not disappointed, and I am sure the Rector is also not disappointed with what we have achieved,” she added.

Bayeri explained that beyond revenue generation, the commercial farm was established to equip students with practical agricultural skills while contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural development.

She expressed optimism that the successful cassava harvest would encourage further expansion of the institution’s farming activities and strengthen its commitment to innovation, skills acquisition and commercial agriculture.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding investment in the creative industry to breed more talents and create a stronger economy for the state.

Speaking at the 2nd edition of Kwara Kre8ive Workshop in Ilorin, the state capital,, the Governor, who was excited by the display of the participants, said government would continue to work with private sector partners to support the creatives in the state for global competitiveness.

“This (creative industry) is your future. We will invest in you. Those of you that have ideas, talk to Temi (MD, Ilorin Innovation Hub) directly about the ideas. And we will always review and support same,” he said.

“Supporting you to establish yourself means we are supporting ourselves. You are going to become employers of labour and tax payers. You are going to live in this state, work globally, and create a more dynamic economy for the state. That is why we believe in you.”

Reflecting on the establishment of the Ilorin Innovation Hub and the state’s partnership with tech giant IHS Towers, Governor AbdulRazaq said the administration has already accomplished its mission of creating the hub.

He said the partnership has led to the laying of at least 500 kilometers of fibre optics across the state which continues to benefit the creatives and local economy through improved internet traffic.

“Rather than charging this company (IHS) for laying the fibre optics, what was important for us was the traffic that passes through it. So, we are in partnership to achieve this traffic and strengthen the economy. People like you can now benefit hugely from it, market your products, and create innovative ideas through that fibre optics,” he said.

He commended the Convener of Kwara Kre8ives (2.0), Oyelere Adebisi, for the initiative, urging the participants to see the gathering as an avenue to upskill themselves.

Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo, for his part, said the journey from creativity to prosperity is achievable through recognition of the talents, creation of the right institutions, and building of partnerships that translate to success stories.

He said one of the defining moments for Nigeria’s creative economy was the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, saying it gives room for policy formulation, investment and long-term planning.

Adeagbo specifically commended the Governor for investing in policies and projects that nurture talents and for giving them the support to succeed.

Speaking at a panel session, State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, highlighted the state’s growing potential as a thriving creative ecosystem, noting that the administration has continued to invest in infrastructure, policy support, and institutional reforms that position the state as a hub for creativity, innovation, and cultural enterprise.

She cited the establishment of the Visual Arts Centre, the Sugar Film Factory, and reforms in the arts and cultural sector as some of the bold steps the administration has taken to make the environment more conducive for innovators.

Adebisi, in his remarks, said the Kwara Kre8 initiative aims to nurture talent, facilitate collaboration and create platforms for youth empowerment.

He listed photography, videography, cinematography, and content creation as some of the fields that the industry encompasses.

“The creative industry is not just about art; it is about culture, identity, and economic empowerment. It fosters innovation, enhances tourism, promotes local craftsmanship, and amplifies Nigeria’s voice on the global stage,” he said, thanking the federal and state governments for their support and their investments in the industry.

“By investing in our creatives, we are building a resilient economy that harnesses the ingenuity of our people.”