TRCN RANKS KWARA BEST IN NORTHERN NIGERIA IN TEACHERS’ QUALIFYING EXAMINATION State records 93.8% pass rate as 578 out of 616 candidates successfully pass professional examination By Poet of Afrique Reporter ILORIN, KWARA STATE — August 19, 2026: Kwara State has emerged as the best-performing state in Northern Nigeria in the recently concluded Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) conducted by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), recording an impressive 93.8 per cent pass rate . The recognition was conveyed in a congratulatory letter addressed to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq , and signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive of TRCN, Dr. (Mrs.) Ronke Soyombo . According to the council, 678 candidates registered for the examination, while 616 candidates sat for the test . Of those who participated, 578 candidates passed , representing a success rate of 93.8 per cent. TRCN said the impressive performance reflected the high cali...

  APC RELEASES TIMETABLE FOR 2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIMARIES IN FIVE STATES Party schedules primaries for restored constituencies and legislative bye-elections ahead of September 19 polls By Poet of Afrique Reporter ABUJA, NIGERIA — August 19, 2026: The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its timetable and schedule of activities for primary elections ahead of the 2026 legislative elections in five states. The affected states are Delta, Kogi, Gombe, Bauchi and Kano , with the timetable covering four State House of Assembly constituencies recently restored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as constituencies where legislative bye-elections are scheduled to take place.  The development follows INEC's restoration of four previously suppressed State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta and Kogi states following court judgments directing their restoration. The restored constituencies are Abraka, Isoko North II and Ughelli South II in Delt...

  EBOLA OUTBREAK IN DR CONGO ‘FAR FROM UNDER CONTROL’ — WHO CHIEF WARNS Nearly 5,000 infections and more than 2,300 deaths reported as Bundibugyo virus spreads across six provinces By Poet of Afrique Reporter KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — August 19, 2026: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains “far from being under control,” amid concerns over the rapid spread of the disease and the increasing difficulty of tracing infections. WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , issued the warning during an emergency meeting on the outbreak, saying the epidemic was spreading faster than previous outbreaks and that containment efforts were struggling to keep pace. According to the WHO, nearly 5,000 people have been infected and more than 2,300 have died across six provinces and 55 health zones. Dr Tedros said the epidemic had gained a significant head start, leaving health authorit...

  YOUTH, TECHNOLOGY AND PARTNERSHIP: LUKMAN URGES AFRICAN YOUTHS TO BUILD A BORDERLESS GENERATION Former West Africa Youth Parliament Speaker delivers keynote address at 2026 International Youth Day celebration in Abuja By Poet of Afrique Reporter ABUJA, NIGERIA — August 12, 2026: A former Speaker of the West Africa Youth Parliament, Hon. Comrade S. A. Lukman , has called on young Africans to harness technology, embrace strategic partnerships and move from being mere consumers of innovation to becoming creators of solutions capable of transforming the continent. Lukman made the call while serving as Guest Speaker at the 2026 International Youth Day Celebration of the West Africa Youth Parliament , held at the Nigeria Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja . The programme was organised under the theme: “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships.” Lukman, who previously served as a Regional Speaker of the organisation during his active years i...

  ALAKA URGES GOVERNOR ABDULRAZAQ TO PICK WOMAN AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR IN 2027 Kwara women have never occupied deputy governor’s office, says Special Adviser on Party Affairs By Poet of Afrique Reporter IDOFIAN, KWARA STATE — August 11, 2026: The Special Adviser on Party Affairs to the Kwara State Governor, Hon. Moshood Alaka , has appealed to the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq , to consider a woman for the position of Deputy Governor ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Alaka made the call while addressing participants at the Kwara South Women SYD Unique Women Grassroots Mobilization , held at the Idofian Town Hall, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State . The Special Adviser commended the AbdulRazaq administration for providing women with opportunities to serve in government through appointments into the State Executive Council and other strategic positions. He said the development had demonstrated that women possess the capacity and competence to contribut...

  IEDPU HAILS UNILORIN AS SALMAN, NAGODE, MUSTAPHA BAG PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS Emirate Union describes awardees as illustrious icons; commends university for promoting excellence and patriotism By Poet of Afrique Reporter ILORIN, KWARA STATE — August 11, 2026: The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has congratulated three distinguished sons of Ilorin Emirate who are set to receive prestigious awards from the University of Ilorin on Monday, August 17, 2026. The award recipients are the Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Prof. Medinat Folorunso Salman ; the Dan Amana Gari of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Abdulkadir Tunji Nagode ; and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sobi 101.9 FM, Ilorin, Dr. Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha . In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of IEDPU, Mallam Suleiman Shuaib Dagbo , on behalf of the National President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik , the Union described the three awardees as "il...

 A Proud Academic Milestone and a Fulfilment of Mentorship By Prof. Rasheed Jimoh Vice Chancellor Muhammad Kamalud-deen University  One of the most rewarding moments in my academic journey is witnessing the growth and accomplishments of scholars I have had the privilege to mentor. Today, I had the honour of serving as External Examiner at the Ph.D. defence of a scholar I am particularly proud of, Dr. Maruf Oyelakin, the current Dean, College of Computing, Crescent University, Abeokuta. Dr. Oyelakin is one of the 20 Ph.D. graduates I have produced, and today, he has proudly produced his first Ph.D. graduate. This is a remarkable testimony to the power of academic mentorship, knowledge transfer and the continuity of scholarship. Seeing a former Ph.D. student become a Dean and, in turn, successfully mentor and produce his own Ph.D. graduate is deeply fulfilling. It is a beautiful demonstration that the true measure of a teacher is not only in what he teaches, but in what his stud...

  NSCDC Deploys 10,000 Personnel for Osun Governorship Election Poet of Afrique Reporter The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel to Osun State as part of comprehensive security arrangements for the forthcoming governorship election. The deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process , with personnel expected to provide security at polling units, collation centres and other critical locations across the state. The extensive deployment forms part of broader efforts by security agencies to prevent electoral violence, voter intimidation, disruption of voting and other forms of electoral malpractice before, during and after the election. NSCDC personnel are expected to work closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to maintain law and order, protect election materials and safeguard voters, electoral officials, accredited observers and other participants in the democratic process. Th...

  Sultan Has No Preferred Candidate for 2027, Media Team Denies Endorsement of Tinubu By Poet of Afrique Reporter The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has dismissed reports claiming that the revered monarch has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any other individual ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement, the Sultan's media office described the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate misrepresentation of the Sultan's position on partisan politics. The team stressed that the Sultan has not publicly or privately declared support for any presidential or political candidate for the 2027 elections, urging members of the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise. According to the statement, the Sultan remains a father to all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation and is committed to promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence, and good governance rather than partisan political inte...

  Why Olopoenia Remains Our Leader Against All Odds – SAO Founder By Poet of Afrique Reporter The Founder and Proponent of the SAO Group, a socio-political and humanitarian organisation, Hon. Sunday Adeleke, has described Alhaji Abass Olopoenia as an exceptional leader whose commitment to peace, unity, and grassroots development has continued to earn him admiration across Oyo State and beyond. Adeleke made the remarks while speaking on the leadership philosophy of the respected political figure, whom he described as a father figure and a symbol of reconciliation in Nigerian politics. According to him, Olopoenia's enduring influence stems from his consistent commitment to inclusive leadership, peaceful coexistence, and selfless service to humanity. "Alhaji Abass Olopoenia is a blessing to Oyo State because of his immense personal contributions to the growth and development of the state and the country. Above all, his reconciliatory approach to politics deserves commendatio...

  Alaka Celebrates Moro Councillor, Hon. Olarewaju Habeebat Taye, on Birthday The Special Adviser on Party Affairs to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Hon. Moshood Alaka , has congratulated the Councillor representing Abati Alara Ward in Moro Local Government Area, Hon. Olarewaju Habeebat Taye , on the occasion of her birthday anniversary. In a goodwill message issued on Tuesday by his Press Secretary, Sanni Yusuf Olatunji , Alaka described the celebrant as a dedicated, hardworking, and exemplary public servant whose commitment to grassroots development and public service continues to inspire many. He commended Hon. Olarewaju's passion for excellence, loyalty, and significant contributions to governance and community development, noting that her service to the people of Abati Alara Ward has earned her admiration and respect. The Special Adviser prayed that Almighty Allah grants the councillor many more years of sound health, wisdom, peace, and greater accomplishments in ...

  2027: Asiwaju Mashood Shittu Joins OK Movement National Leadership as Director of Political Engagement. By Poet of Afrique Reporter Asiwaju Mashood Shittu (AMS), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election and National Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN), has been appointed Director of Political Engagement of the OK Movement. The appointment was announced during the inauguration of the movement's national leadership as part of efforts to strengthen its nationwide structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. The OK Movement is a grassroots political coalition bringing together supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to promote accountable leadership and advocate a joint Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. In his new role, Shittu will be responsible for coordinating political mobilisation, deepening engagement with key stakeholders, and strengthenin...

  Supreme Court Prohibits Use of 'Barrister' as Official Title in Correspondence By Poet of Afrique Reporter The Supreme Court of Nigeria has prohibited legal practitioners, litigation staff, court registrars, and lawyers from using the title "Barrister" as a prefix to their names in all official correspondence and engagements with the apex court. The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026 , signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir E. Akanbi, Esq. , acting on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. The circular, titled "Prohibition of the Use of the Title 'Barrister' as a Prefix to Names," was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars, and lawyers. It stated that the practice is inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court. According to the memorandum, the use of the title "Barrister...

  FUDECO Congratulates Dr. Alimi Abdul-Razaq at 70, Presents Commemorative Gifts The Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO), a prominent Fulani socio-cultural group in Kwara State, has congratulated the Mutawalin of Ilorin, His Eminence, Dr. Alimi Abdul-Razaq, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as an exemplary leader and a pride of the Ilorin Emirate. The FUDECO delegation, led by Hon. Salihu Umaru Sanda, joined other dignitaries and well-wishers at the special birthday celebration and prayer session organised in honour of the elder statesman. During the visit, the delegation presented commemorative gifts to Dr. Abdul-Razaq in recognition of his outstanding contributions to humanity, community development, education, youth empowerment, and the promotion of peace and unity in Kwara State. Hon. Salihu Umaru Sanda congratulated the celebrant on attaining the milestone age of 70, noting that his remarkable achievements, generosity, and unwavering com...

  Mutawali at 70: Kwarans Celebrate Dr. Alimi Abdul-Razaq's Enduring Legacy of Service and Philanthropy Kwarans from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Mutawalin of Ilorin, His Eminence, Dr. Alimi Abdul-Razaq, LL.B (Hons), LL.M, Ph.D (Hull), B.L., FCIArb., ACTI, with tributes pouring in for his decades of exemplary service, philanthropy, and commitment to humanity. Speaking on behalf of the Organising Committee at the special prayer held in honour of the revered elder statesman, former Special Adviser on Party Affairs to the Governor of Kwara State, Hon. Moshood Alaka, described Dr. Abdul-Razaq as a distinguished legal luminary, educationist, public administrator, and humanitarian whose life has been devoted to the service of Allah, the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, and Nigeria. Welcoming Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, legal practitioners, public office holders, family members, friends, and well-wishers, Alaka said the occasion was not merely ...

 *Hon. Moshood Alaka Celebrates an Iconic Birthday of His Eminence, Dr. Muhammed Alimi Abdul-Razaq, The Mutawalin of Ilorin* Hon. Moshood Alaka, former Special Adviser on Party Affairs to the Executive Governor of Kwara State has extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence, Dr. Muhammed Alimi Abdul-Razaq, LL.B (Hons), LL.M, Ph.D (Hull), B.L., FCIArb., ACTI., Member, Body of Benchers, The Mutawalin of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday. Describing the celebrant as an exceptional legal luminary, philanthropist, educationist, and community leader, Hon. Alaka commended Dr. Abdul-Razaq for his unwavering commitment to justice, education, youth empowerment, and humanitarian service. He noted that the celebrant's contributions have transformed the lives of thousands through scholarship programmes, employment opportunities, and continuous support for the less privileged, widows, and vulnerable members of society. According to Hon. Alaka, Dr. Abdul-Razaq's remarkable leg...

 UNILAG Advises Female Students Against Risky Situations in Anti-Rape Safety Campaign The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has issued a series of safety advisories to female students as part of efforts to prevent sexual harassment and rape on campus. The guidance, displayed on a roll-up banner by the institution's Student Affairs Division, outlines precautionary measures aimed at promoting personal safety in response to concerns over incidents of sexual assault within the university community. Among the recommendations are warnings to avoid secluded places with men, reject unnecessary favours, refrain from accepting intoxicants, remain vigilant when served drinks, and be assertive in refusing unwanted advances. The advisory also encourages students to avoid watching pornographic materials, exercise caution in their interactions, and "learn to say no," while stressing the importance of making informed decisions about sexual relationships. According to the Student Affairs Divis...

  NANC Condemns Remand of Former FUOYE SUG President, Demands Immediate Release The National Association of Nigerian Comrades (NANC) has strongly condemned the remand of the immediate past Students' Union Government (SUG) President of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Comrade Adio, describing the action as a violation of due process and an infringement on his fundamental rights. In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Johnclaude Peter, JP, the association expressed concern over reports that Comrade Adio, who allegedly approached a Magistrate Court in Ekiti State as a complainant, was subsequently remanded following actions said to have involved the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the presiding magistrate. According to NANC, the development represents a "judicial rascality" and a "travesty of justice," insisting that no student leader should be criminalised for seeking justice through lawful means. The association called ...

  NANS Declares July 28 'Black Tuesday' Over Killings of Nigerian Students Student Body Condemns Rising Insecurity, Demands Urgent Action to Protect Lives By Poet of Afrique Reporter The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared Tuesday, July 28, 2026 , as "Black Tuesday" in response to what it described as the persistent and inhumane killings of Nigerian students across different parts of the country. In a statement issued by the National Secretariat, the association said the declaration was prompted by the growing wave of violence that has claimed the lives of students in several states, including Adamawa, Ondo, Gombe, Bauchi, Osun, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Plateau, and Ogun. NANS expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of killings, kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry, stressing that the safety and security of students must become a national priority. Describing the situation as unacceptable, the association reiterated its belief...

  Training a Male Child: A Father's Sacred Responsibility By: Sanni Yusuf Olatunji.  The training of a male child is one of the greatest responsibilities entrusted to a father. While mothers and fathers both play vital and complementary roles in raising children, a father's influence in shaping the character, identity, and direction of his son is unique and irreplaceable. This topic left me with tears and fear for the youths who are becoming a father. A father is more than a provider of food, clothing, and shelter. He is a mentor, a guide, a teacher, a protector, and a role model. Long before a boy becomes a man, he watches his father closely. He observes how his father speaks, treats people, handles conflict, honours commitments, responds to failure, and carries himself with dignity. These daily observations become powerful lessons that shape the kind of man the child will become. A well-trained male child is not simply one who excels academically or possesses professional qu...

 POLICE RAID DISRUPTS SECRET PARTY IN LAGOS; HOUSE OWNER DECLARED WANTED OVER ALLEGED SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIP The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged clandestine gathering at a residential property in Lagos following a midnight raid on August 31, 2024. The operation, reportedly conducted at about 11:30 p.m. following intelligence from residents, led to the arrest of 10 young women who were allegedly attending a private birthday gathering. Police sources said the gathering was suspected to be linked to activities prohibited under Nigeria's Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act. Among those arrested were 23-year-old Olasumbo Okanlawon and her close friend, Yetunde. The investigation reportedly took a new turn after Yetunde allegedly told investigators that she had been involved in a secret relationship with the homeowner, Mrs. Osebola Oluwafiropo Maja. According to the police account, investigators suspect that the alleged relationship may have influe...

  Kwara Government Upgrades Baboko Community Secondary School with New Educational Facilities State Hands Over Renovated Classrooms, Laboratories to Enhance Learning  By Poet of Afrique Reporter The Kwara State Government has delivered a major boost to educational infrastructure with the handover of newly constructed and renovated facilities at Baboko Community Secondary School, Ilorin. The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, formally handed over the projects on Monday, describing the intervention as a reflection of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's commitment to improving the quality of education and advancing human capital development across the state. The projects include the renovation of four classroom blocks, the remodeling of a five-classroom block, the upgrade of four laboratory blocks equipped with modern facilities, offices and stores, as well as renovated toilet facilities aimed at improving the learning environment ...

  AMS Attends Third-Day Fidau Prayer for Late Hon. Alhaji Kolawole Ambali Yusuf NDC House of Representatives Candidate Joins Family, Associates in Prayers for Deceased Statesman By Poet of Afrique Reporter The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Asiwaju Mashood Shittu (AMS), on Tuesday attended the third-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the late Hon. Alhaji Kolawole Ambali Yusuf, the Asiwaju of Oke-Ode Land. The prayer session took place at the residence of the deceased in Ilorin, Kwara State, attracting family members, political associates, community leaders, religious figures, and other well-wishers who gathered to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. AMS, accompanied by members of his entourage, joined other mourners in paying tribute to the late elder statesman, whose contributions to politics, community development, and public service earned him widespread respect across Kwara State and beyond. During...

  Hon. Moshood Alaka Hosts APC House of Representatives Candidate, Reaffirms Commitment to Party Unity Former Special Adviser Pledges Support for APC Candidates Ahead of General Election By Poet of Afrique Reporter Former Special Adviser on Party Affairs to the Governor of Kwara State and leading aspirant for the Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat, Hon. Moshood Alaka, has reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a courtesy visit by the party's House of Representatives candidate for the constituency, Hon. Mamman Tswako. The visit, which formed part of ongoing consultations ahead of the forthcoming general election, also featured former aspirants from the constituency, Hon. Mohammed Baba Ibrahim and Hon. Abubakar Taoheed Bello (popularly known as Car-Wash). The meeting provided an avenue for discussions on strengthening the APC in the Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency and sustai...

 2027: Salihu Yakub Danladi Confirmed on INEC Portal as APC Governorship Candidate By Poet of Afrique Reporter Rt. Hon. Engr. Salihu Yakub Danladi (SYD) has officially emerged on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP) as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Kwara State ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The development follows the commencement of the nationwide upload of APC governorship and State House of Assembly candidates to the INEC portal in compliance with the electoral timetable. According to reports, the exercise is being coordinated by the party's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja, with priority given to incumbent governors seeking re-election as well as newly nominated governorship candidates across the country. Among the incumbent governors whose details have reportedly been uploaded are Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Hyacinth Alia (Benue...

  AMS Mourns Ex-Lawmaker Kolawole Yusuf, Hails Legacy of Service and Leadership Describes Late Statesman as a Pillar of Leadership and Community Development L-R Asiwaju Moshood Shittu and Hon. Kolawole Yusuf (Late) OFFA, KWARA STATE — July 18, 2026 By Poet of Afrique Reporter The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Asiwaju Mashood Shittu (AMS), has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Asiwaju of Oke-Ode, Honourable (Alhaji) Kolawole Yusuf. In a condolence message, Shittu described the late elder statesman as a distinguished political leader whose contributions to governance, democratic development, and community service left a lasting impact on Kwara State and beyond. According to him, Alhaji Yusuf dedicated his life to public service and played a significant role in mentoring emerging political leaders while promoting peace, unity, and development within his community and the ...