The Proxima News

 2027 Election: CAN Olorunsogo LG Warns Against Mixing Religion with Politics Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Olorunsogo Local Government chapter in Igbeti, Oyo State has cautioned residents and political parties against injecting religion into politics, especially in the choice of candidates for political offices.  In a press release signed by its Chairman, Pastor Williams Kunle  Gbolahan  , the association appealed for free and fair opportunities for all aspirants, noting that this has been the tradition “from times immemorial.” CAN urged stakeholders to prioritize competence, knowledge, and experience over religious affiliation when selecting those who will represent the community. The Christian body stressed that political participation must not exclude Christians, Muslims, or traditional worshippers. It noted that Olorunsogo LG and Igbeti have long enjoyed peace and religious tolerance, reminding residents that they are “from t...

 Kwara Guber Race: Frontline Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen AOT  Picks APC Nomination Form Amid Fanfare The federal capital  Abuja was agog today as frontline Kwara gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen, popularly known as AOT, officially obtained his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the 2027 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress. The official purchase , held at Ladi Kwali Conference center Abuja drew a massive crowd of friends, well-wishers, political associates, and party faithful who turned the event into a carnival of solidarity and confidence. Addressing supporters after picking the forms, Dr. Alabi invoked a Japanese proverb, stating, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” He described the move as the first decisive step toward Government House, Ilorin, expressing strong faith that “by God’s grace, the journey will be a smooth and easy ride.”  Visibly elated, the   entrepreneur a...

 AOT Officially Enters Kwara Governorship Race, Pledges Continuity of Good Governance The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, came alive on Wednesday as frontline Kwara State governorship aspirant, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), officially obtained his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The exercise, held at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre in Abuja, attracted a large gathering of supporters, political associates, party faithful, and well-wishers who turned the occasion into a celebration marked by excitement, solidarity, and optimism. Speaking shortly after receiving the forms, Dr. Alabi described the moment as a significant milestone in his political journey and expressed confidence in the task ahead. Quoting a popular proverb, he said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” adding that the formal purchase of the forms represented a decisive move towa...

 MINILS raises alarm over rising workplace deaths, pushes safety education as national priority By Idris Alooma  The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, on Tuesday raised fresh concerns over the scale of workplace accidents and deaths globally , describing the trend as “unacceptable and criminal,” and called for sustained workers’ education on safety across the country. Aremu, who spoke at the 2026 International Day for Safety and Health at Work organized by the Institute in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central cited global data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) showing that about 2.93 million workers die annually from occupational accidents and diseases, including over 350,000 fatal injuries and nearly two million deaths linked to work-related illnesses. He said the figures underscore a deeper crisis in workplace safety culture, noting that “it is unacceptable that workplaces have been turned ...

 A Rejoinder: Truth, Integrity, and the Future of Kwara: Why Dr. Toyin Alabi Stands Apart By Bukola Olushola In 2015, during a fiercely contested gubernatorial race in a West African country, a leading aspirant publicly claimed he had secured the endorsement of a revered former head of state, an influential figure respected across political and ethnic divides.  The campaign machinery quickly amplified the narrative. Flyers were printed, jingles composed, and rallies electrified by the supposed “blessing.” However, within weeks, the elder statesman issued a firm rebuttal: “I have never met this man, nor do I know his policies.”  That singular statement dismantled the campaign’s credibility. The aspirant’s political ambition collapsed, not for lack of resources or structure, but because it was anchored on falsehood. This cautionary tale resonates deeply within Nigeria’s political landscape. Time and again, aspirants have sought to manufacture legitimacy through fictitious e...

 At  70, A Life Of Impact: AOT Celebrates Igbaja Philanthropist Alhaji Saka Niyi Atunde Frontline APC gubernatorial aspirant Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen has congratulated Alhaji Saka Niyi Atunde, an illustrious son of Igbaja,Kwara state, on his 70th birthday. In a personally signed statement, Dr. Alabi described the celebrant as “a living testament to what it means to serve God through service to humanity,” noting that Igbaja and Kwara State are richer because of his life of selfless giving. Dr. Alabi hailed Alhaji Atunde as a humble philanthropist and human capital developer whose quiet generosity has transformed lives for decades. From paying school fees for indigent students to empowering artisans and young graduates, his interventions have changed the trajectory of countless families in Igbaja and beyond. Beyond his benevolence, his unflinching love for Igbaja endears him to his people. For Alhaji Atunde, hometown is a responsibility, not just a location. His God-fearing...

 Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen’s Vision Is Not an Indictment but a Commitment to Progress by Christie Doyin By Christie Doyin It is not unusual in Nigeria’s political space for statements to be taken out of context, reframed, and redeployed for partisan advantage. However, when such misrepresentations are deliberate, they deserve a clear and factual response. The recent commentary by Mr. Rotimi Oladipo of the PDP, attempting to portray the Arise Television interview of Dr. Oluwatoyin Tajudeen Alabi as an indictment of the incumbent administration in Kwara State, falls squarely into this category of political distortion. Dr. Alabi’s interview was forward-looking, policy-driven, and anchored on a vision to consolidate and expand development in Kwara State, it is not to disparage or discredit the current administration under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. To suggest that outlining plans to “ensure better life,” “reduce poverty,” “improve security,” and “lower the number of out-of-sc...

 Rejoinder: Setting the Record Straight on Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen’s Interview The attention of our campaign has been drawn to a misleading and politically motivated interpretation of an Arise TV interview granted by Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), a leading governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State. Ordinarily, such distortions would have been  ignored. However, in the interest of truth, clarity, and the good people of Kwara State, it is necessary to set the record straight. At no point did Dr. Alabi indict or criticize Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The attempt by opposition elements, particularly from the PDP, to twist a forward-looking development agenda into an attack on the incumbent governor is both dishonest and desperate. Dr. Alabi’s statements during the interview were clearly aspirational—focused on consolidating gains, addressing existing challenges, and advancing Kwara State to greater heights. In any progressive d...

 Rejoinder: Setting the Record Straight on Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen’s Interview The attention of our campaign has been drawn to a misleading and politically motivated interpretation of an Arise TV interview granted by Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), a leading governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State. Ordinarily, such distortions would have been  ignored. However, in the interest of truth, clarity, and the good people of Kwara State, it is necessary to set the record straight. At no point did Dr. Alabi indict or criticize Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The attempt by opposition elements, particularly from the PDP, to twist a forward-looking development agenda into an attack on the incumbent governor is both dishonest and desperate. Dr. Alabi’s statements during the interview were clearly aspirational—focused on consolidating gains, addressing existing challenges, and advancing Kwara State to greater heights. In any progressive d...

 Rejoinder: Setting the Record Straight on Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen’s Interview The attention of our campaign has been drawn to a misleading and politically motivated interpretation of an Arise TV interview granted by Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), a leading governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State. Ordinarily, such distortions would have been  ignored. However, in the interest of truth, clarity, and the good people of Kwara State, it is necessary to set the record straight. At no point did Dr. Alabi indict or criticize Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The attempt by opposition elements, particularly from the PDP, to twist a forward-looking development agenda into an attack on the incumbent governor is both dishonest and desperate. Dr. Alabi’s statements during the interview were clearly aspirational—focused on consolidating gains, addressing existing challenges, and advancing Kwara State to greater heights. In any progressive d...

 Woman in purdah joins race for Senate seat in Kwara By Idris Alooma  A woman observing purdah, Hajia Halimat Funmilayo Hassan Zarruq, has declared her intention to contest the Kwara Central senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Zarruq, from Balogun Fulani Ward 1 in Ilorin South Local Government Area, is a longstanding member of the PDP with a record in grassroots mobilisation and local political organisation. Her declaration was contained in a statement released recently. She has held public service roles as a medical personnel and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Kwara State Water Corporation in 2003, where she was involved in oversight of public utility services. In the statement, she said her ambition is focused on representation that delivers “tangible benefits” to constituents. She listed her priorities to include inclusive governance, economic support for small businesses and artisans, improved access to education and healthca...

 KWACCIMA seeks removal of mining from Exclusive List to curb insecurity, boost states’ revenue The Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has called for the removal of mining from Nigeria’s Exclusive Legislative List to allow state governments assume greater control over solid minerals, arguing that the move would significantly improve security and boost internally generated revenue (IGR). President of the chamber, Engineer Abu Salami, made the call while engaging Newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital with the chamber’s leadership, including First Deputy President, Ibraheem Yinka Yahaya and Acting Director-General, Ahmed Maigida. Salami said decentralising control of mineral resources would enable state governments to take direct responsibility for securing mining communities, noting that local authorities are better positioned to monitor activities and respond swiftly to threats. He linked the growing insecurity in mining areas to weak local oversight and the...

 Beyond the Calm: Rethinking Security and Opportunity in Kwara’s Changing Landscape By Christie Doyin Kwara State, long celebrated as the “State of Harmony,” now finds itself grappling with a troubling reality, rising insecurity and growing anxiety among residents. Once known for its relative peace, the state is increasingly confronted with reports of violent attacks and persistent threats to lives and livelihoods. Despite these challenges, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq is regarded as a steady and understated leader. While some believe that his administration has recorded notable strides in key sectors such as education and healthcare, reflecting a governance style focused more on impact than rhetoric, there are many others finding it difficult to see what he has done, if any. Yet, as insecurity deepens, attention is shifting toward what more can be done, and how. Security experts and stakeholders argue that the current approach, heavily reliant on conventional military and polic...

 Dr Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen: Enterprise, Integrity, and Governorship Vision for Kwara  By Felix Ajide As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT) is emerging as a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the broader political landscape. A businessman, community leader, and philanthropist, Dr. Alabi represents a blend of private sector experience and grassroots engagement increasingly seen as essential in Nigeria’s evolving governance space. With over four decades of leadership experience, his career reflects a consistent focus on enterprise, discipline, and service. Dr. Alabi is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Catering Company Limited, the parent company of the Promise Fast Food brand. From modest beginnings, the company has grown into a recognised name, with expansion plans extending to international cities such as Dubai, London, and Houst...

 Etsu Nupe confers Saliu Mustapha with traditional title of 1st Tabariki Nupe By Idris Alooma  The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, is set to confer the traditional title of 1st Tabariki Nupe on the Senator representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha. A delegation from the Bida Emirate Council conveyed the decision during a formal presentation of a Letter of Credence to the senator in his office in Abuja. The delegation was led by Barje Nupe and Chairman of the Bida Emirate Traditional Turbaning Committee, Alhaji Kassim N. Yawa and the Wakilin Labarai Nupe, who serves as the committee’s secretary, Alhaji Isah Isah Muhammad. According to the delegation from the Bide Emirate Council, the title Tabariki is derived from the Arabic word Tabarakah, meaning abundance and infinite blessings, and is interpreted to signify the “Blessed Son of the Nupe Emirate.” Reacting ...

 Mutawali of Ilorin celebrates Emir Sulu-Gambari on birthday By Idris Alooma  The Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, has felicitated with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the occasion of his birthday, praising his enduring leadership and commitment to peace and unity in the Ilorin Emirate. In a goodwill message on Wednesday, AbdulRazaq described the Emir as a revered monarch whose reign continues to exemplify wisdom, dignity and a deep sense of responsibility to his people. He said the Emir has remained a custodian of the Emirate’s cultural and religious heritage, noting that his foresight and compassion have strengthened harmony and cohesion across the community. “Your Royal Highness has been a pillar of stability and a guiding force whose leadership continues to inspire unity and progress within the Emirate and beyond,” he said. AbdulRazaq, who is the Managing Partner of A. Abdul-Razaq (SAN) & Co, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitr...

 Elesa of Oke-Ode congratulates Emir of Ilorin on 86th birthday  By Idris Alooma  The Elesa of Oke-Odeland,  HRH Oba Mufutau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim,  Ilufemiloye I, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, HRH Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 86th birthday.  Oba Mufutau, in a congratulatory message issued on his behalf by the Akogun of Oke-Odeland and Secretary to the Elesa-in-Council,  Chief Kunle Akogun, said that Ilorin Emirate and the entire Kwara State are lucky to have been blessed with the Emir's peaceful and forward-looking reign that has brought immense development to the traditional institution in the State. The Elesa specifically  commended Dr Sulu-Gambari's commitment to justice, fairness, and equitable development of all parts of the state, saying that these attributes have marked him out as an avid advocate of inter-communal harmony.  Oba Mufutau wished the Emir long life in contin...

 Elesa of Oke-Ode congratulates Emir of Ilorin on 86th birthday By Idris Alooma  The Elesa of Oke-Odeland,  HRH Oba Mufutau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim,  Ilufemiloye I, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, HRH Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 86th birthday.  Oba Mufutau, in a congratulatory message issued on his behalf by the Akogun of Oke-Odeland and Secretary to the Elesa-in-Council,  Chief Kunle Akogun, said that Ilorin Emirate and the entire Kwara State are lucky to have been blessed with the Emir's peaceful and forward-looking reign that has brought immense development to the traditional institution in the State. The Elesa specifically  commended Dr Sulu-Gambari's commitment to justice, fairness, and equitable development of all parts of the state, saying that these attributes have marked him out as an avid advocate of inter-communal harmony.  Oba Mufutau wished the Emir long life in continuous s...

 Elesa of Oke-Ode congratulates Emir of Ilorn on 86th birthday  By Idris Alooma  The Elesa of Oke-Odeland,  HRH Oba Mufutau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim,  Ilufemiloye I, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, HRH Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 86th birthday.  Oba Mufutau, in a congratulatory message issued on his behalf by the Akogun of Oke-Odeland and Secretary to the Elesa-in-Council,  Chief Kunle Akogun, said that Ilorin Emirate and the entire Kwara State are lucky to have been blessed with the Emir's peaceful and forward-looking reign that has brought immense development to the traditional institution in the State. The Elesa specifically  commended Dr Sulu-Gambari's commitment to justice, fairness, and equitable development of all parts of the state, saying that these attributes have marked him out as an avid advocate of inter-communal harmony.  Oba Mufutau wished the Emir long life in continu...

 Elesa of Oke-Ode congratulates Emir of Ilorn on 86th birthday  By Idris Alooma  The Elesa of Oke-Odeland,  HRH Oba Mufutau Akanbi Adebayo Ibrahim,  Ilufemiloye I, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, HRH Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 86th birthday.  Oba Mufutau, in a congratulatory message issued on his behalf by the Akogun of Oke-Odeland and Secretary to the Elesa-in-Council,  Chief Kunle Akogun, said that Ilorin Emirate and the entire Kwara State are lucky to have been blessed with the Emir's peaceful and forward-looking reign that has brought immense development to the traditional institution in the State. The Elesa specifically  commended Dr Sulu-Gambari's commitment to justice, fairness, and equitable development of all parts of the state, saying that these attributes have marked him out as an avid advocate of inter-communal harmony.  Oba Mufutau wished the Emir long life in continu...

 DG MINILS Aremu Hails Emir of Ilorin at 86, Describes Monarch as Labour-Friendly Royal Father By Idris Alooma  The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, MINILS, Comrade Issa Aremu, mni, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on his 86th birthday, describing him as a revered statesman, custodian of culture, and enduring symbol of unity whose leadership continues to inspire generations across Kwara State and Nigeria. In a statement issued in Ilorin on Tuesday, Comrade Aremu said the monarch’s life has been defined by wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to peace, progress, and service to Almighty Allah. He noted that in the past 30 years of his eventful reign, the Emir has built an Emirate anchored on stability, cultural revival, and modernization. Major achievements under his watch, Aremu said, include fostering peace, sustainin...

 UNILORIN Pensioners’ Chair Muda Zubair elected FUPA National Secretary By Idris Alooma  Mr Muda Zubair, Chairman of the Federal Universities Pensioners Association, FUPA, University of Ilorin branch, has emerged as the new National Secretary of the Association. He was elected at the 5th National Delegates Conference of FUPA held in Kubwa, Abuja, last  Thursday (April 16, 2026).The newly elected officers are to run the affairs of the association for the next four years. In his acceptance speech, Mr Zubair expressed appreciation to the delegates who elected him into office. He also thanked UNILORIN members of the association for their solid support before and during the election. The new National Secretary further commended the management of the University of Ilorin for providing a good enabling environment during their service years at the university and after retirement. The conference produced a full list of national officers. Mr J.O. Akintaro emerged as National Presid...

 AOT Congratulates Emir of Ilorin at 86, Salutes Monarch’s Legacy of Peace, Devt By Idris Alooma Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), a gubernatorial aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the occasion of his 86th birthday. In a statement personally signed and released in Ilorin on Tuesday, Dr. Alabi described the Emir’s reign as peaceful and impactful, noting that his wise and fatherly leadership has unified the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State.  He added that the monarch’s tenure has brought stability and honour to the throne of his forebears. Dr. Alabi stated that Ilorin has witnessed significant development under the Emir, with notable progress in commerce, infrastructure, religious harmony, and community advancement.  He added that the Emir’s ability to foster peaceful coexistence among diverse gr...

 Your fatherly support, guidance remain invaluable - Senator Mustapha celebrates Emir of Ilorin at 86 T he Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, has joined the people of Kwara State, especially sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate, to congratulate the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 86th birthday anniversary. In a personally signed statement, Senator Mustapha described the monarch, who is the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, as a foremost traditional ruler who distinguished himself as an outstanding legal luminary before ascending the throne as the 11th Emir of Ilorin. The lawmaker praised the Emir’s remarkable life of service, humility, and commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of Ilorin Emirate and beyond. He noted that the Emir’s fatherly role in his life remains invaluable, adding that his counsel and support over the ...

 Gambari felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 86th Birthday  Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 86th Birthday Anniversary. He hailed the monarch for demonstrating exceptional leadership quality through his peace building initiative, aimed at advancing unity and progress of Ilorin township and its environs. In a congratulatory message issued from University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, Gambari, a former Minister of External Affairs, expressed delight that Ilorin has taken a new shape for good, courtesy of the development-driven agenda of the foremost traditional ruler. The Professor of Political Science and International Relations commended the Emir for helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge and good governance in the community, using the instrumentality of his decades of experience in the temp...

 Gambari felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 86th Birthday  Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 86th Birthday Anniversary. He hailed the monarch for demonstrating exceptional leadership quality through his peace building initiative, aimed at advancing unity and progress of Ilorin township and its environs. In a congratulatory message issued from University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, Gambari, a former Minister of External Affairs, expressed delight that Ilorin has taken a new shape for good, courtesy of the development-driven agenda of the foremost traditional ruler. The Professor of Political Science and International Relations commended the Emir for helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge and good governance in the community, using the instrumentality of his decades of experience in the temp...