Determined to put a stop on school pupils getting wet during this rainy season with their attendant wet floors, a Non-Governmental Organization, Third-Estate has donated all season skecher shoes to selected schools in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Making the presentation at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group in Ilorin Emirate, the President of the association, Mallam Bolaji Nagode said the gesture apart from being a morale booster to the students, was also geared towards unifying the councils within the Ilorin Emirate.

Nagode said: “With supports from Assist International, Ripon, California through Lanre Gidado, Third-Estate presents the Skechers shoes to the selected schools in Moro Local Government to protect students during the raining season and for exercises and is also a symbolic gesture to the people of the community that all local governments in Ilorin Emirate are in one spirit of equity, justice and fairness in politics and economic development.”

Speaking on the activities of the association in the last one year, Mallam Nagode said: “We have commenced free medical outreach for elderly people in the communities and initiated Skills acquisition programmes in ICT through credible IT learning centres.

“We also have a plan to sponsor young graduates to acquire skills in Solar PV Installation and maintenance as part of creating self-empowerment job opportunities for the youths.”

The President also disclosed that a database program on eminent personalities from Ilorin Emirate who contributed to the growth and development of the community and Nigeria is being conducted by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, a reputable PR firm in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of Good Friends of Moro People, Alhaji Raji Mohammed expressed gratitude to Third-Estate for the donation of Skecher Shoes and its various activities in supports youths empowerment and skill acquisition programmes.

In the cause of his education, he obtains General Certificate of Education (GCE) 1979, Ordinary National Diploma (Business Administration) 1984, Higher National Diploma (Business Administration) 1987 and Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Science 1997.

Employed by Federal Ministry of Agriculture in 1980, he was granted scholarship and proceeded on Study leave between 1983 – 1988. After his studies, he had worked in various departments of the Ministry of Agriculture between 1988 and 2001.

He was thereafter posted to Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Abuja in 2001 before he eventually retired as the Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in 2015.

Presently, Mr. Hassan is self-employed and working as Consultant on ICT.

A very active member of the Third-Estate Forum of Ilorin Emirate, his hobbies include Volley Ball, Reading, Table Tennis, Travelling and Farming.

A respected communication expert, Dr. Yahaya had a working experience as a journalist when he was appointed Editor IlorinWatch, Ilorin between January 1988 to December 1990. He was also a Senior Political Correspondent with Post Express Newspaper, Lagos between April 1995 – February 1997.

In January 1991 he was appointed Public Affairs Officer I at the National Population Commission, Abuja, Nigeria and rose to the position of Deputy Director, Information, Education November 2010.

Dr. Yahaya served as Part-time Lecturer – National Open University, Abuja Study Centre, from 2009 to 2016; National Expert Media Specialization, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Nigeria Democracy Governance for Development project from November 2010 to December 2012 and Assistant Political Analyst, European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) in 2015.

He is currently Senior Electoral Administration Expert European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) since September 2017 to Date. He has wide experience in sustainable capacity building, knowledge management, experience sharing and engagements and trainings for electoral stakeholders.

He belongs to various professional bodies including Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (Abuja Chapter), PRNigeria Network, an online interactive forum for PR Professionals; Nigeria Political Science Association and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He has been the Secretary-General of the Third-Estate Forum of Ilorin Emirate.

He attended Government High School, Ilorin, Kwara State where he obtained West African School Certificate (WASC) before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University for Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1984. He also obtained Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 1996 and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) in 2002 from the same university. He was at Nigeria Law School Bwari and was call to the bar in 2004.

He has worked in the public and private sector for 33 years rising to the position of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Crittall-Hope Kaduna Ltd in 2013.

He has also served on the Boards of various companies as Company Secretary and Director acquiring extensive boardroom experience over time. Some of the positions he held included Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Co-operatives Kwara State 1998 – 1999; Chairman, Laekmind Investments Ltd, Kaduna; Director, Crittall-Hope Kaduna Ltd, Kaduna; Director, Woodkraft Industries Ltd, Kaduna; Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Kaduna South East Branch; Member, Governing Council, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Board Member, Kaduna State Water Corporation; Member, Tripartite Committee on the Review of the Minimum Wage.

He belongs to several professional bodies. He is Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association (IBA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and a Fellow Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

For Postgraduate Programmes, he obtained Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 2003 and Master of Science Degree in Forensic Accounting and Criminal Investigation (Msc) from St. Monica University, Yaounde Cameroon in 2015. His Msc Project is title The Effects of Capital Structure on the Performance of Selected Nigerian Banks

He also obtained Certificate in Proficiency in International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria 2012

He belongs to relevant professional bodies. He is a Fellow, Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA); Associate, Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI) of Nigeria and Fellow, Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals (FCFIP) from the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals
He started his working experience with Olusola Adekanola & Co. Chartered Accountants Professional Accounting Firm as a Tax Consultant in Auditing, Tax and Management Consultancy between 1988 to 1991 . He was also at Merril Guaranty Trust Ltd, a Finance House for Management Information Service between 1991 and 1994.

He later moved to the public sector in 1994 as Internal Auditor at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) where he is currently an Assistant Director.

Born on August 10 1962, Ahmed Bolaji Nagode the current President of Third-Estate Ilorin Emirate Forum, attended United Primary School, Ilorin, 1969 – 1974; Government Secondary School, Ilorin 1974- 1979 and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1979 – 1984 and University of Ilorin 1989- 1991. Some of his academic qualifications includes Diploma in Management, Bachelor of Science (B.SC) Political Science, Master of Public Administration (MPA) and University of Lagos.

After the completion of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Benue State, he was employed by Kwara State Education Management Board in 1986 and became Personal Assistant to Hon. Commissioner of Education in the state.

He later had a brief stint as a Lecturer, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin 1992. It was in 1993 that he got federal appointment as Manager (Personnel and Administration). It was at the electricity company that he got rapid promotion up to the position of Assistant General Manager (Learning & Performance Management) 2009.

Mr. Nagode was later appointed Deputy Director (Training Programme) National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in February 2013 and became Director (Business Services) in February 2014- 2016. He is currently the Acting Director General NAPTIN since 2016.

Apart from speaking on Human Resources Management as Seminars and Workshop, Ahmed Nagode is a full Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (IPM) and Chartered Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

He joined the services of the Board as an Administration Officer I, in the then Department of Matriculation and Examination between 1989 – 1991 from the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, between 1991-1994 he was an Assistant Registrar in the Office of the Registrar; he became Senior Assistant Registrar between 1994-1996; Principal Administrative Officer between 1996-1997, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer between 1997-2000 and Chief Administrative Officer between 200-2004 all in the Office of the Registrar.

He became a Deputy Director in 2004 still in the Registrar’s Office until he was transferred to Test Administration Department in 2013 as an Acting Director before his recent elevation to the post of the Director of Test Administration Department.

Dr. Lawal, as the Director of Test Administration Department has brought new zeal to the Department and transformed its operations. He is a witty goal-getter, who has demonstrated good leadership and his presence on the Board’s Management team is a great asset to the Board. He is a Member, Institutes of Management Consultant and Member, Institutes of Management.

He has attended Trainings, Workshops and Conferences both locally and internationally.

The programme which was held at the Emir’s palace, Ilorin was at the instance of the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, (IEYDA).

Speaking at the event, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari called on the association to intensify more efforts on other programmes and activities that would further accelerate socio-economic growth of the Ilorin Emirate and the state in general.

Alhaji Sulu Gambari who was represented by the Balogun Agba of Ilorin, Alhaji Aliu Adebayo urged the members of the association to be more united advised the executives to see their position a rotational towards serving the interest of the people.

Earlier, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Salaudeen, said IEYDA was established to assist the less privileged in the Ilorin Emirate and beyond.

He added that the group has continued to embarke on projects that would inspire the lives of people positively.

The National President however mentioned the establishment of primary school, modern block industries, rental service and other vocational engagement to address the unemployment problem amongst the youth.

In a remark, the chairman of the event, Professor Saka Nuhu urged the political office holders to involve community development associations and traditional rulers in their empowerment programmes to actually reach the needy.

The Don, who is also the first Professor of Veterinary Medicine in Ilorin emirate decried the increasing rate of unemployment in the country and commended the association for the programme to reduce the unemployment rate in the society.

In his lecture, an Abuja based Islamic scholar, Alhaji Sarafadeen Abdulsalam Aliagan called on leaders in the society to alleviate the suffering of the masses through empowerment programmes.

Alhaji Abdulsalam Aliagan, who is chief Imam of NASFAT central mosque remained public office holders to see their position as strategies opportunities to serve humanity by contributing positively to the society.

Also speaking on “Participatory government: The way out of effects of democratic deficit in Nigeria”, the Acting Director, Centre for Community Development, Kwara State University, Malete, Mr Lawal Olohungbebe stressed the need for community based organizations to always be involved in any empowerment programmes.

ROYAL NEWS reports that Olohungbebe further urged community development associations like IEYDA to distribute any empowerment items collected on behalf of the people without fear or favour.

While advising the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received to better their lots, he urged well-to-do individuals to assist the needy and the less-privileged in the society.

Speaking with journalist, the National Publicity of the Association, Alhaji Muhammad Uthman Jagunma, praised the donors for their continued support at all time, stressing that the yearly empowerment Programme was meant to support potential youth within the emirate to be self reliance in order to reduce poverty and hardship in the community.

Highlight of the occasion was distribution of empowerment items such as tricycles, sewing machines, generators, clippers, grinding machines and payment of NABTEB fees for intending candidates.
Source: https://www.royalnews.com.ng/2018/02/22/emir-of-ilorin-to-groups-emulate-ilorin-emirate-youths-development-association/

The Justice Yusuf, who retired after two years on the seat died at the age of 85.

The burial of the late chief judge took place on Tuesday at his residence in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Ilorin after the Janazah prayer was led by the chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir Salihu.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, described the death of the former Chief Judge as an exit of a fearless but God-fearing legendary legal luminary.

The governor said he was deeply saddened to receive the news of the demise of Justice Yusuf, said that, “the late Justice Saka contributed his quota to the state and humanity within the opportunities available to him as a Chief Judge of the state and former National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). No doubt, the exit of this legal icon will be missed by his family in particular and the state in general”.

Dr Ahmed prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the families, friends and the entire Emirate the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Ilorin-born Jurist was appointed the Chief Judge of the state in 2005 after the retirement of Justice Timothy Oyeyipo who held the post for 21 years.

Yusuf who was serving at the Kano state judiciary until his appointment as the Kwara state Chief Judge in 2005 retired from service in 2007.

After his retirement, he became the national president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), a post he held until about five years ago when his tenure expired.

The burial programme was attended by the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold.
Source: http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/kwara-ex-chief-judge-dies/

A Fulani group, Fulani Ilorin Emirates Youths Vanguard has protested what it termed “hasty generalisation of Fulanis as terrorists and as a criminally minded ethnic group in Nigeria.”
The Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government chapter, in a statement issued by its Chairman Usman Garba and Public Relations Officer, Oorelope Folarin and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti expressed concern over an alleged blanket tagging of all Fulanis as mindless killers.

It also claimed that the media, as well as members of the public, had little or no knowledge about Cattle Rearing in Nigeria.

They claimed to have been part and parcel of Yoruba community, and Ekiti, having been living there well over 50 yesrs.
“This is our home because many of us and even our fathers were born here. So, we have no reason to cause trouble for anybody because, where to live is not where to destroy”, they said.
They group called on the media to always crosscheck their facts on any issue involving their members, farmers or their host communities before publishing same.

“It is very sad and most unfortunate that each time there was violent clash between herders and farmers, the media always look in the direction of Fulani as culprits.What the media fails to recognize is that there are number of tribes involved in this business.
“Among the tribes are: Hausa, Fulani, Bororo, and Bakolo. Others are Kaje and Tivs from the Northern part of the country,” the statement read in part.
“We are therefore calling on government as well as security agencies to conduct full investigation into renewed hostilities between farmers and herders in the State with a view to apprehending the culprits”, it added.

They, however pledged to cooperate with the security agents in the task.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/union-decries-poverty-rate-youth-unemployment-ilorin-emirate/