Productivity
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Kwara Government has stressed the need for principals and teachers across the state to avoid complacency and improve their productivity.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, stated this during her visit to selected schools in Ilorin on Friday.
Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu said that the purpose of the visit was to monitor the students writing National Examinations Council (NECO) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
She told the principals and teachers to avoid actions that could negatively impact teaching and learning.
”Principals and teachers must be steadfast and committed to their legitimate duties to reciprocate the kind gestures of the current administration,” she said.
The commissioner assured them of government’s commitment to creating a conducive working environment to achieve the goal of revitalising education sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner also addressed the students the examinations, urging them to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future careers.
She emphasised the importance of diligence and focus during the examination period.
The Principal of Mount Carmel College, Oloje, Ilorin, Mr Olaoye Benedict, praised the efforts of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration in transforming education sector in the state.
He, however, appealed to government to renovate the dilapidated buildings in the school to prevent overcrowding in classrooms.
The principal also called for completion of the perimeter fence to ensure that students remained in the school premises during school hours.
NAN reports that the schools visited by Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu included: Mount Carmel College, Oloje, and Ansarul Islam Secondary School, both in Ilorin. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
Author: Bushrah Yusuf
Avoid complacency, improve your productivity, Kwara govt. urges principals, teachers
Abrogate trial within trial to expedite justice – Kwara DPP
Justice
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Kwara Director of Public Prosecution, Idowu Akande, has called for the amendment of the Provision of the Evidence Act by abrogating trial within trial to ensure quick dispensation of justice.
Akande made the call in Ilorin on Friday at the sidelines of a two-day Performance Appraisal Workshop on the Legal Framework on Parole and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria.
He said the federal and state governments needed to unanimously amend the act, which made it mandatory for the court to first determine if a statement was made voluntarily or not.
“We need to replace the section that says confessional statements shall not be admissible unless it’s voluntary, with, ‘Confessional statements may be admitted by the judge pending the time of the confirmation of its voluntariness’.
“If the judge confirms that it was not voluntarily made, the judge will expunge it.
“’With this, we will not have to hold a trial within trial which takes too much time,” he said.
According to Akande, the fastest trial within a trial takes at least six months, which is a great impediment to a quick dispensation of justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the workshop, which started on Thursday, had representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Federation of Women Lawyers and the National Human Rights Commission.
The Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and the Nigeria Customs Service also had their representatives in attendance.
NAN also reports that the workshop was organised by Cleen Foundation with the support of MacArthur Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/MAS
Edited by Moses Solanke
Prison congestion: NCS official canvasses use of non-custodial measures
Prison
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Mr Okunola Adebayo, the Assistant Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS), Kwara Command, has advocated for use of non-custodial measures in punishing offenders to reduce congestion in correctional centres across the country.
Adebayo made the call on the sidelines of a two-day Performance Appraisal Workshop on the Legal Framework on Parole and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria, in Ilorin on Friday.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that victims should not always rush to take cases to court, but should endeavour to explore other means, such as alternative dispute resolution, out of court settlement and community service.
”One of the ways to reduce congestion of our custodial centres is the introduction of non-custodial measures, which include the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
”For instance, instead of allowing all cases to go through the court process, we should use the ADR vis-a-vis restorative justice. We should try to mediate between warring parties to ensure out of court settlements.
”Another way is through community service. Menial offences that are not criminal in nature, instead of giving them jail term, you can make them go through community service.
”Those are some of the measures that the present Controller-General of NCS is encouraging judicial personnel to explore,” he said.
NAN reports that the workshop, which started on Thursday, had representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Federation of Women Lawyers, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Civil Society Organisations, NGOs and Nigeria Customs Service in attendance.
NAN also reports that the workshop was organised by Cleen Foundation, with support from MacArthur Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale SadeeqParole system: Stakeholders hold appraisal workshop on criminal justice law
Parole system: Stakeholders hold appraisal workshop on criminal justice law
Stakeholders at the Workshop
Parole
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in the judicial system on Thursday converged to appraise the legal framework of the parole system and the criminal justice law in Nigeria.
At the appraisal workshop organised by the Cleen Foundation in Ilorin, they agreed that the Parole Act as introduced in 2015 was one of the ways to reduce prison congestion and an improvement on the country’s criminal justice system.
Executive Director, Cleen Foundation, Mr Peter Gad, said the workshop was to bring stakeholders together to discuss the need to depoliticise the parole process as well as standardise the criteria for selection of inmates.
Gad represented by the Finance Officer, Helen Anwanna, said the administration of justice was the cornerstone of any society that upholds the rule of law.
According to him, collective efforts are pivotal in ensuring that this cornerstone remains robust and effective.
”This workshop provides an invaluable platform for us to engage in critical discussions, share insights, and evaluate the current state of our legal framework on parole and its broader implication on criminal justice administration in Nigeria.
”Parole is a critical component of our justice system, aimed at rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into the society as law-abiding citizens.
”It reflects a balance between punitive measures and the need for rehabilitation, recognising that the potential for reform and positive change exists within every individual.
”However, for parole to achieve its intended outcomes, it must be underpinned by a sound legal framework and effective administration,” he said.
Mr Gad said all stakeholders should work towards a more efficient and humane criminal justice system that would not only punish wrongdoing but also promoted rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Assistant Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Kwara Command Mr Okunola Adebayo, said no one has actually enjoyed parole in Nigeria because the modus operandi was yet to be institutionalised.
Adebayo, who is the Secretary of the Parole Board and the Head of NonCustodial Measure in Kwara, said the National Technical Committee was yet to formalise the modules through which the states could domesticate the system.
”The parole system is a new phenomenon under the Nigerian justice system, even as it is being introduced into NCS, and we are still learning the rope on how to exploit its benefits.
”As it is presently, there is no modus operandi, as it has not been well institutionalised.
”In Nigeria today, no one has actually benefited from parole because the National Technical Committee on parole in Abuja is yet to formalise the modules through which the states can domesticate.
”So that we can follow the tenets and enjoy parole system,” he said.
Senior Sulyman, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Kwara, said the workshop was apt and timely as justice was not only for the defendant, but also for the victim and the society, which parole among other things sought to reintegrate inmates back to the society.
The commissioner represented by the state Director of Public Prosecution, Idowu Akande, said the parole system in the state will work with three pointers namely remittance of unserved term, reduction of the sentence and substitution of the sentence.
He said part of the conditions to be fulfilled for the paroles include having served 2/3 of their terms with good conduct and those with critical health conditions.
Mrs Ibijoke Olawoyin, the Chief Registrar, Kwara High Court, said the parole system was laudable but the ball needed to be set rolling as it was yet to start working in Kwara.
She said if the system was well put in place, it would go a long way in decongesting the correctional centres, as well as serve a form of reformation and reintegration to the society.
Olawoyin said it was unfortunate that there was no clear cut of how the parole system ought to work, but pledged the court’s willingness to synergise with other stakeholders once institutionalised.
She further advised the government to have a reintegration process in place to accept the inmates released on parole either as a form of training or skills acquisition.
The Vice Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ilorin, Mrs Aisha Temim, commended Cleen Foundation for looking inwards to what happened to inmates next after sentence?
The Secretary, Community Policing Advisory Committee, Alhaji Shola Mause, said it was laudable that reforms like this were being brought to the criminal justice system in the country as it was long overdue.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other stakeholders represented at the workshop are Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and the media.
NAN also reports that the workshop was organised by Cleen Foundation with support from MacArthur Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
FIFA Ranking: Nigeria drops from 30th to 38th position
FIFA Ranking: Nigeria drops from 30th to 38th position
Ranking
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped by eight points from 30th to 38th in the FIFA World Ranking for June after lacklustre performances in the World Cup Qualifying matches.
According to the ranking table released by the world football governing body on Thursday, Nigeria dropped from 1,520.27 points it had in April to 1,498.93.
The drop on the global stage also reflected on the continental stage as the Nigerian team also dropped from the 3rd position to the 5th behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Cote d ‘Ivoire.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, Cote d`Ivoire.
On the global scene, no fewer than 187 national team bouts have been contested since the last ranking in April, and the throng of changes in the latest standings comes as no surprise.
The top three, however, remain unshakeable. Argentina (1st) retains their place at the summit, with France (2nd) and Belgium (3rd) hot on their heels.
But there is movement behind them, as Brazil (4th, up 1) and England (5th, down 1) swap places.
Portugal (6th), the Netherlands (7th) and Spain (8th) consolidated their spots in the top 10, while Croatia (9th, up 1) overtook Italy (10th, down 1), which nonetheless held onto a place among the leading pack. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
KWASU gets NUC accreditation for 18 programmes
KWASU gets NUC accreditation for 18 programmes
Accreditation
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted full accreditation status to the 18 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes presented by the Kwara State University (KWASU).
A statement from the Acting Director, University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, on Wednesday in Ilorin stated that the application was in the October/November 2023 round of accreditation of academic programmes in the institution.
The statement indicated that the accreditation was contained in a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, dated June 6, 2024, and signed by the Acting Director of Accreditation, Mr Abraham Chundusu.
”The accreditation is for six post-graduate and 12 undergraduate programmes valid for a period of five years,” the letter stated.
It listed the programmes to include Public Health, Film Studies and Production, Agricultural Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Food Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Fine and Applied Arts.
Others are Chemistry, Plant and Environmental Biology, Political Science, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Mass Communication.
The post-graduate programmes are M.Sc. Accounting, M.Sc. Business Administration, Masters in Business Administration, M.Sc. Finance, M.Sc. Public Administration, and Masters in Public Administration.
The statement quoted the Vice-Chancellor as describing the result as reflective of the commitment of the management and staff of the University.
He equally appreciated the roles played by the Kwara State Government and Ministry of Tertiary Education, commending their support during the accreditation exercise. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
Old students association donates block of 2 classrooms to alma mater in Offa
* The block of two classrooms renovated by the Nawair-Ud-Deen Old Students Association. Renovation
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Offa (Kwara), June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Old Students Association of Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Offa in Offa local government area of Kwara, on Wednesday handed over a block of two classrooms it renovated to the school.
During the project’s handing-over in Offa, the association’s outgoing National President, Alhaji Lukman Babalola, said the donation was in line with the assignment given to his administration upon inception.
”At the last Annual General Meeting when this administration was sworn into office , one of the office assignments adopted was to renovate a block of two classrooms.
”The adoption was made in line with the request of the school management who complained about hoodlums taking over the dilapidated blocks and parading all sorts of immortalities at night in the school premises,” he said.
Babalola commended all members of the association for their support both financially and spiritually towards the completion of the renovated classrooms.
In his remarks, the Principal of the school’s Senior Secondary Section, Alhaji Bashir Bello, said significant projects like this one showed that the ex-students value their roots.
”Your positive impact in making teaching and learning meaningful and purposeful will make the present students in the school to work hard.
”It will be an inspiration to students to learn to be greater achievers because you can only give what you have,” he said.
On her part, Principal of the school’s Junior Secondary Section, Alhaja Bashirat Mustapha, while expressing appreciation about the project however called for more intervention in areas lacking in the school.
These, according to her, include provision of enough teaching staff, more security men to safeguard the school’s property and assets, well-equipped library and laboratory, computer rooms and computer equipment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by several ex-students of the school at home and diaspora.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAY/BEKI/OLAL
==============(Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Olawale Alabi)
Kwara Gov commiserates with ex-Gov Saraki over mother’s death
Kwara Gov. commiserates with ex-Gov. Saraki over mother’s death
Commiseration
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has sent his condolences to the Saraki family on the death of their matriarch, Chief Florence Saraki, which occurred on Tuesday, June 18.
A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday noted that the governor particularly commiserated with the former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the rest of the family on the sad development.
‘The governor urges the Sarakis to be consoled by the fine legacies of their matriarch.
“‘He prayed to God for the repose of her soul and to uphold the family,” it stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/PUO/YGA
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Edited by Perpetua Onuegbu/Gabriel YoughKwara Assembly passed 9 bills, 20 motions in one year — Speaker
Assembly
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, on Thursday said nine bills and 20 motions were passed by the Assembly in the last one year of its 10th legislature.
The Speaker, during the first anniversary of the 10th legislature under his leadership, said eight other bills were also undergoing legislative processes.
”They are at various stages of scaling passage in the House,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10th legislature of the state House was inaugurated early June 2023 after a proclamation.
The bills passed in the last one year include the Kwara State Education Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Revised Appropriation (2023) Bill, 2023.
Others are the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Kwara State Local Government Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and Kwara State Rural Access Roads Agency Bill, 2023.
The remaining bills passed include the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Amendment); and State Roads Fund and Administration Bill, 2023.
The rest are the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and Kwara State University of Education (Establishment) Bill, 2024.
The Speaker however said the House has been enjoying a harmonious working relationship with the other arms of government in the past one year.
He added that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq deserves appreciation for the prompt attention accorded the resolutions of the House when transmitted to him.
Danladi-Salihu noted that the governor has allowed the independence of the three arms of government to be firmly rooted in the state.
“The cordial relationship that exists among the arms of government is paying off in the state, and we the lawmakers envisage the same hand of fellowship from Gov. AbdulRazaq in subsequent legislative years,” the Speaker said.
He stated that the House also introduced new ideas into the conduct of legislative business without sacrificing the norms for innovation.
“For the record, in the first session, the 10th Assembly has as of date at the committee of the whole house considered a total number of nine landmark reports which emanated from different standing and ad-hoc committees of the House.
“These reports which generated robust debates on the floor, and on which resolutions were made in line with transparency, equity and accountability, have significantly assisted in reshaping governance in the state,” Danladi-Salihu noted.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
Scarcity of pepper, tomato hits Ilorin as Eid-el-Kabir approaches
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Pepper, a common spice in the cuisines of many Nigerians, has suddenly become a scarce commodity in Kwara’s capital city of Ilorin as Eid-el-Kabir approaches.
In a market survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday at the Mandate market, in the Ilorin West Local Government Area where pepper is sold in large quantities, the commodity has become expensive in the past few weeks.
NAN reports that the product had become scarce, with little or none in sight, including tomatoes.
Some pepper sellers attributed the scarcity to flooding and pest attacks in the North where pepper is grown in large quantities.
Mallam Jamilu Isa said they were expecting the vehicles that bring pepper and onions, but they were informed that there was no goods for them to load.
He lamented that all had been washed away by flood and those not washed were affected by pests.
A small container of tomatoes formerly sold for N150 now sells for N2,000 while a wastebin basket formerly sold for between N1,500 and N2,000 now goes for N15,000, and big basket of N10,000 now sells for N175,000 and above.
Also, a basket of Scotch Bonnets popularly called “rodo” sold for N1,500 before, now goes for N12,000.
Similarly, a bag of onions now goes for N75,000 as against N50,000 and below that it was sold.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food prices in Nigeria increased 40.53 per cent in April of 2024 over the same month in the previous year and food inflation reached an all-time high of 40.53 per cent in April of 2024.
In a visit to ram dealers, they lamented low sales as buyers complained of the high prices of rams.
A ram seller, Mr Azeez Abdullahi, said the ram that went for N50,000 a few years back is sold for between N170,000 and N200,000 and above this year.
He identified the high cost of feeds and transportation as responsible for the hike in the price of the ram.
A prospective customer, Mr Yahaya Usman said with the exhorbitant price, some of his friends are planning to contribute money to buy a cow and share which is also acceptable in Islam as an alternative to rams. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
