Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Rt. Hon. Muhammed Bio, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), unveiling a five-point development agenda anchored on security, energy, agriculture, education, and economic transformation.

The epoch-making event, held at the Royal Rock Hotel and Event Centre, Gaa Odota Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, was witnessed by party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters in their numbers.

In his declaration speech, Bio said his decision followed “wide and deep consultations with critical stakeholders, traditional institutions, progressive minds, and ordinary citizens across Kwara.”

“I come before you to humbly and officially declare my intention to contest for the exalted office of Governor of Kwara State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In Sha Allah, I seek your mandate to lead our State into a new era of security, prosperity, and shared greatness,” he said.

The lawmaker, who represents Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency, described himself as “a son of the soil, a servant of the people, and a proud product of this blessed State,” emphasising that his political journey has been driven by service and impact.

“Leadership is not about position or power, but about touching lives, solving problems, and building a future where every Kwaran can stand tall with dignity and hope,” he said.

Bio highlighted his experience as former Executive Chairman of Baruten Local Government Area from 2013 to 2016, noting that his administration prioritised “basic education, primary healthcare, rural roads, and youth empowerment,” while strengthening revenue generation without burdening the people.

“At the National Assembly, I have remained a consistent voice for accountability and good governance,” he added, pointing to his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research and his contributions to key committees.

He stressed that his record in office “speaks through actions, not mere words,” citing projects such as boreholes under a Water-For-All initiative, construction of classrooms and laboratories, rural road development, and youth empowerment programmes, among others.

“We have sunk dozens of borehole constructed modern classrooms, built the critical River Iguwa Bridge and distributed palliatives and relief materials during difficult times,” he said.

According to him, these efforts have earned recognition from civil society groups, though he maintained that “the greatest reward remains the smiles on the faces of constituents whose lives have been touched.”

Presenting what he described as a “solemn Covenant of Renewal,” Bio outlined a five-pillar agenda to transform the State.

On security, he pledged to make Kwara “a true sanctuary of peace and safety,” noting that “no administration can thrive in an atmosphere of fear.”

“Our first and non-negotiable priority will be to make Kwara a true sanctuary of peace and safety,” he said. “Farmers must return to their fields without trepidation. Traders must ply their routes in confidence. Our children must walk to school and play without anxiety.”

He added that his security strategy would combine collaboration with federal agencies and community-based intelligence systems, extending beyond physical safety to “economic security—protecting livelihoods—and social stability.”

On energy, the APC chieftain promised a power revolution to end unreliable electricity supply in the state.

“Darkness has stolen too many dreams for far too long,” he said. “Reliable electricity will no longer be a luxury but a daily reality.”

He outlined plans to invest in infrastructure, pursue partnerships, and deploy off-grid solutions for rural communities, assuring that “load-shedding will become a distant memory.”

Turning to agriculture, Bio described it as the “true oil” of Kwara, pledging to transform the sector into a driver of wealth and food security.

“We will turn agriculture into the true ‘oil’ of our state—the engine of wealth creation and food security,. Farmers will become entrepreneurs. Rural communities will transform into centres of prosperity,” he declared.

He promised mechanisation, improved inputs, storage facilities, and market access, adding that “Kwara will not only feed itself and Nigeria but also export to the world.”

On education, he emphasized “learning for empowerment,” promising significant investments across all levels.

“Education must equip our young people with the power to create, innovate, compete, and lead. We will pursue free and qualitative education as the great equalizer, ensuring no child is left behind because of poverty,” he said.

He also pledged to revive the Teachers College and establish technical and vocational institutions across the state’s three senatorial districts.

Bio, however, reaffirming his commitment to results-driven leadership, declaring: “I have never been a leader who only promises change. I am a leader who has consistently delivered it.”

He urged party members and the electorate to support his ambition, expressing confidence that his vision would usher in “a shining beacon of safety, prosperity, and progress” for Kwara State.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has condemned the growing trend of installing Eze Ndigbo leaders in foreign countries, warning that the practice is creating diplomatic concerns and putting Nigeria in a difficult position internationally.

The position was made known in a statement issued by Dr. Magnus Eze, media aide to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

According to the government, efforts are underway in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to put an end to the practice outside Igbo land.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu raised the issue during a meeting of Imeobi, the apex decision-making body of Ohanaeze, held in Enugu. She noted that while Igbo communities abroad often promote their culture through events, establishing traditional leadership structures overseas has led to internal disputes and tensions with authorities in host countries.

She stressed that cultural identity can be preserved without actions that may disrupt local systems or trigger unrest, adding that the trend has attracted negative attention to both Nigeria and the global Igbo community.

The concern follows recent unrest in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, where the installation of an Eze Ndigbo in East London sparked protests, violence, and clashes with security agencies. Authorities, including the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, reportedly declared the coronation unlawful.

The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated diplomatic engagements to address the situation, while the country’s mission in South Africa clarified that such coronations are cultural and not officially recognised institutions.

In response, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has aligned with traditional rulers in the South East to ban the recognition of Eze Ndigbo titles outside Igboland.

The group’s President-General, Azuta Mbata, said individuals who assume such titles abroad will no longer be recognised by the Igbo community, adding that governments and Nigerian missions worldwide will be notified of the directive.

The Federal Government also assured that it would support the enforcement of this decision through its embassies and foreign missions to prevent further conflicts and misunderstandings.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has commenced the first phase of its 2026 promotion exercise for senior officers across its paramilitary agencies.

The exercise covers officers in the ranks of Deputy Controllers, Comptrollers, Commandants, and Controllers within the four services under the Board: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Fire Service.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Board’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Okeh Juliet.

At the flag-off ceremony held at the Army Resource Centre, the Board’s Secretary, Abdulmaleek Jibrin, urged officers to uphold discipline and professionalism throughout the process.

He noted that the promotion examination is designed to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of officers, ensuring improved service delivery across all four agencies.

Jibrin added that the exercise aims to promote only qualified and competent officers, in line with the Board’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and excellence.

The development follows the successful completion of the 2025 promotion exercise, during which over 24,000 officers were elevated.

It also comes amid continued anticipation from applicants awaiting the resumption of the Board’s recruitment process, which was postponed indefinitely in December 2025 after the completion of the computer-based test.