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/

Some leaders of Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State have petitioned the Presidency, National Assembly, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and security agencies, claiming that no part of Moro LGA belongs to the Ilorin Emirate led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

The members under Moro Concerned Elders Movement spoke about the petition during a media briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Wednesday.

The President of the group, Ayinde Jimoh, in an address read by its Director of Publicity, Theophilus Oyebiyi, said its argument that Moro LGA did not belong to Ilorin Emirate was confirmed by the judgment of a competent court of jurisdiction delivered by Justice J.A. Ibiwoye on October 22, 1997.

Jimoh demanded immediate recognition and grading of some traditional rulers in Moro LGA.

According to him, the traditional ruler include Okutala Lanwa, Bielesin, Ejidongari, Olooru Bode-Saadu, Budo-Are, Malete, Elemere, Oloworu, and Babaloke.

He also demanded the immediate return of the pre-1984 third class grading of both Ohoro of Shao and Oba of Jebba, and the immediate upgrading of the duo to the first class status.

Jimoh on behalf of the Moro group further demanded immediate stoppage of the five per cent deduction from the Moro LGA federal allocation allegedly remitted to the Ilorin Emirate.
Source: http://punchng.com/moro-elders-petition-fg-say-our-lg-not-under-ilorin-emirate/

The police in Kwara have arrested 11 suspects over cult-related killings and clashes in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN gathered that the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID).

A police source told NAN in Ilorin on Monday that those arrested were suspected members of the Eiye and Aiye confraternities.

According to the source, the suspects were arrested at their hide out in Kulende area of Ilorin following a marching order for their arrest by the Police Commissioner, Ado Lawan.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the arrest of the 11 suspects.

He said the police would not relent until the state was rid of cultism and other crimes.

NAN recalls that the Ilorin Emirate Descendant Union (IEDPU) had revealed that nearly 30 people had been killed by cultists within the last six months.

The National President of the union, Alhaji Abdulhammed Adi, who spoke at a stakeholders meeting in Ilorin, expressed concern on the rise in cult-related killings in the state.
Source: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2017/08/21/11-arrested-kwara-cult-related-killings/