The Proxima News

 AOT Sponsors 50 Students for NECO as Education Support Drive Gains Momentum By Abdulsalam Ibrahim Lahdan  Governorship aspirant, Dr. Oluwatoyin Alabi (AOT), has sponsored 50 Nigerian students for the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, in a move aimed at expanding access to education and supporting young talents. The sponsorship, which covers examination participation for the beneficiaries, is part of efforts to ease the financial burden on students and their families, particularly at a time when economic pressures continue to affect access to basic educational needs. Dr. Alabi has consistently emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone of sustainable development, maintaining that investing in young people remains one of the most effective ways to secure the future of society. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to human capital development, with a focus on ensuring that capable students are not denied opportunities due to financia...

 Senatorial Aspirant drums support for AbdulRazaq’s Leadership, Commits to APC Decisions in Kwara North Senate Bid By Idris Alooma  A frontline Kwara North Senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Engr. Taoheed Daud Toyin, has declared total loyalty to Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, affirming that he would abide by all decisions of the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Engr. Taoheed , an APC chieftain from Moro Local Government Area, described AbdulRazaq as the undisputed leader of the party in Kwara State, commending his style of leadership, commitment to development, and efforts at sustaining party unity. In a statement issued on Sunday, the aspirant said the governor had continued to provide purposeful direction for the APC in the state through inclusive leadership and strategic governance initiatives. He noted that AbdulRazaq’s administration had also created business and economic opportunities that have contributed to the empow...

 Massive Debt Wiping Out Gains of Subsidy Removal — Economists By Idris Alooma  Two economists have warned that Nigeria’s huge debt profile and poor spending culture are preventing citizens from feeling the expected benefits of fuel subsidy removal, despite the federal government’s repeated assurances on economic reforms. Speaking during an interview with Newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital, Prof. Tunde Ijaiya Gafar of the Department of Economics, University of Ilorin, and former regional manager of First Bank of Nigeria, Babatunde Salami, said rising debt servicing costs, naira devaluation and weak budget implementation were worsening economic hardship across the country. Ijaiya said the removal of fuel subsidy ought to have stabilised the economy by now, but argued that “massive debt obligations” had absorbed most of the expected gains. “There is nothing wrong with borrowing. If you don’t borrow, you may not survive because resources are limited. But Nigeria is highly ind...

 At 70, Unilorin’s Prof Soetan Bows Out, Leaves Global Footprint with Indigenous Language Innovations By Idris Alooma  As Prof. Aderonke Kofo Soetan marked her 70th birthday, she retired from the University of Ilorin with gratitude and fulfillment after a distinguished career that elevated the institution’s global profile in indigenous language education. The former Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Education said she glorifies God and remains thankful to the university system for the opportunity to serve God, humanity, and both present and future generations. Her legacy rests on two patented instructional resources — _Opon Onka_ and the _ede yoruba dotun_ App — which she said placed Unilorin on the world map for promoting indigenous languages. She said the University of Ilorin, where she served for several decades, is second to none in all ramifications in producing icons, leaders, and illustrious citizens who have been immensely beneficial to humanity. Prof. Soetan’s academic mento...

 Kwara NIPR Celebrates Gov AbdulRazaq’s CPS Ajakaye Over PhD Achievement  By Idris Alooma  The Kwara State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has congratulated Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on the completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. In a congratulatory message signed by the State NIPR Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Ogunade, and General Secretary, Mr. Abdul Rahman Sanni, the institute described the milestone as proof of Ajakaye’s commitment to intellectual growth, professional excellence, and continuous learning. The statement noted that attaining the highest academic qualification demands discipline, resilience, and dedication — qualities Ajakaye has consistently shown in his career as a communication professional and public affairs strategist. NIPR praised Dr Ajakaye for distinguishing himself through responsible communication, strategic information management, and ethical public relation...

 AATU Chancellor Restates Commitment in Making the Varsity,Harvard University of USA By Idris Alooma  The Chancellor of AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin, has reaffirmed his commitment to building the institution into a globally competitive university comparable to Harvard University and other world-class institutions. Speaking during the maiden Founder’s Day and Public Lecture in honour of the former President of the Court of Appeal, and the University Board of Trustees chairman, retired Justice Issa Ayo Salami held at the university’s  campus in Ganmo, Kwara State, the Chancellor said he would not relent in his vision of positioning AATU as a centre of academic excellence.  Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Alhaji AbdulRasaq encouraged students to remain focused, disciplined, and prayerful, noting that success is achievable through determination and commitment and assured that the institution would continue to produce graduat...

 AATU Chancellor Restates Commitment in Making the Varsity,Harvard University of USA By Idris Alooma  The Chancellor of AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin, has reaffirmed his commitment to building the institution into a globally competitive university comparable to Harvard University and other world-class institutions. Speaking during the maiden Founder’s Day and Public Lecture in honour of the former President of the Court of Appeal, and the University Board of Trustees chairman, retired Justice Issa Ayo Salami held at the university’s  campus in Ganmo, Kwara State, the Chancellor said he would not relent in his vision of positioning AATU as a centre of academic excellence.  Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Alhaji AbdulRasaq encouraged students to remain focused, disciplined, and prayerful, noting that success is achievable through determination and commitment and assured that the institution would continue to produce graduat...

 2026 May Day: Why Labour Matters in 2027 Polls By Issa Aremu_ Today Friday 1st of May marks 2026 Workers’ Day. A day globally set aside to celebrate the dignity of labour as a critical factor of development.  This year’s May Day in Nigeria assumes triple importance of history, relevance (workers’ welfare) and democratic context (2027 presidential and state elections!). First the history. 2026 May Day marks the 46th anniversary of Workers’ Day as a public holiday in Nigeria. That is if we date it from 1980.  There were once radical two progressive Governors, Abubakar Rimi and Alhaji Balarabe Musa of Kano and Kaduna States respectively, under the platform of Mallam Aminu Kano led-Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). The duo audaciously declared May 1st a public holiday in show of solidarity with the demand of NLC led by its founding president, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu.  There was once a democratic second Republic with competitive ideological politics led by popular parties an...

 Al-Hikmah Don Urges FG to Extend Student Loan Scheme to Students in Private Universities Professor Olaolu Paul Akinnubi of the Department of Educational Management and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has urged the Federal Government to extend the student loan scheme to students in private universities in order to reduce dropout rates in such institutions. Akinnubi made the call while delivering the 7th Inaugural Lecture of Al-Hikmah University, held at the Atere Campus, Ilorin, on Thursday. The professor also advocated that private universities be granted access to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to boost infrastructural development and enhance the productivity of academic staff. He further called on both the Federal and State Governments to ensure the recruitment of adequate academic staff across university programmes on merit, to prevent the overburdening of existing personnel. “Universities in Nigeria, especially privately owned inst...

 May Day: Senator Saliu Mustapha urges dialogue over disruption in Labour Relations The Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, has called on Nigerian workers to prioritise industrial harmony and constructive engagement as the nation navigates its path to economic recovery. In his Workers’ Day message, Mustapha encouraged labour unions to embrace dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  He emphasised that maintaining stability in the workforce is essential for sustainable growth and national development. The lawmaker noted that while the concerns of workers remain valid and important, resolving them through continuous engagement and negotiation would yield more lasting solutions than disruptions. He urged all stakeholders to work together in the spirit of partnership, fostering an environment where progress can thrive without setbacks. “ Strikes should be a last resort. Constructive engagement remain...

 AOT Sends Jumu’ah Message, Urges Faith, Discipline, Unity Among Muslims Kwara State Governorship aspirant, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), has extended warm greetings to Muslims across Kwara State and beyond on the occasion of this week’s Jumu'ah prayer, calling for renewed commitment to faith, discipline, and peaceful coexistence. In his Jumu’ah message, Dr. Alabi urged the Muslim Ummah to reflect on the spiritual significance of Friday as a day of mercy, forgiveness, and divine blessings, encouraging believers to strengthen their relationship with Almighty Allah through sincere worship and righteous conduct. He emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, and mutual support within the community, noting that these values are essential in building a harmonious and progressive society. “Jumu’ah reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold justice, kindness, and humility in all our dealings,” he stated. Dr. Alabi also called on Muslims to use the sacred moment to pray f...

 Prof. Ali Ahmad  Celebrates  Workers On The  Occasion Of Workers Day “The strength of any nation lies in the dedication and productivity of its workforce.” Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, warmly felicitates with Nigerian workers on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day, emphasizing that they remain the engine of growth and the foundation upon which sustainable development is built across the state and the nation.    In a statement signed by his Media dia Assistant Mr Ayinde Sa'ad he said Nigerian workers, across the public and private sectors, remain the driving force of governance, economic stability, and societal progress. Their resilience, diligence, and sense of duty continue to sustain institutions and services, even in the face of mounting challenges. Prof. Ahmad noted that the present economic realities have placed unprecedented strain on workers, significantly affecting their productivity and welfare. He obs...

 2027 Election: Olorunsogo LG — Let Us Bury Sentiment, Crown Competence — “We Are One Blood" Concerned citizens of Olorunsogo Local Government have risen with one voice ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring that religion has never been, and must never become, the yardstick for choosing leaders in the area. In a groundswell of civic resistance against rising religious bigotry, community stakeholders insisted that Igbeti’s political soul has always been bound by competence, character, and capacity — never by the mosque, church, or shrine a candidate attends. In a statement issued and signed by their spokespersons, Mr. Oseni Rabiu and Mr. Mutiu Adesoji, they said the position, echoing a recent press release by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Olorunsogo chapter, reflects a broader community consensus that has held “from times immemorial.” Residents — Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers alike — say the local government’s history is written in peace, intermarriage, a...

 AOT Salutes Nigerian Workers on May Day, Calls for Dignity, Productivity and Inclusive Growth By Abdulsalam Ibrahim Lahdan  Kwara State Governorship aspirant, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), has extended warm greetings to workers across Kwara State and Nigeria on the occasion of International Workers' Day, commending their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to nation-building. In a message marking the annual celebration, Dr. Alabi described workers as the backbone of the economy and the driving force behind development in both the public and private sectors. He acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment of Nigerian workers, noting that despite economic challenges, they continue to demonstrate professionalism and patriotism in their various fields. “Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and dignity of labour. Our workers remain the foundation upon which sustainable development is built,” he said. Dr. Alabi emphasized the need for policies that pr...

 AOT Salutes Nigerian Workers on May Day, Calls for Dignity, Productivity and Inclusive Growth By Abdulsalam Ibrahim Lahdan  Kwara State Governorship aspirant, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), has extended warm greetings to workers across Kwara State and Nigeria on the occasion of International Workers' Day, commending their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to nation-building. In a message marking the annual celebration, Dr. Alabi described workers as the backbone of the economy and the driving force behind development in both the public and private sectors. He acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment of Nigerian workers, noting that despite economic challenges, they continue to demonstrate professionalism and patriotism in their various fields. “Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and dignity of labour. Our workers remain the foundation upon which sustainable development is built,” he said. Dr. Alabi emphasized the need for policies that pr...

 AOT Salutes Nigerian Workers on May Day, Calls for Dignity, Productivity and Inclusive Growth By Abdulsalam Ibrahim Lahdan  Kwara State Governorship aspirant, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), has extended warm greetings to workers across Kwara State and Nigeria on the occasion of International Workers' Day, commending their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to nation-building. In a message marking the annual celebration, Dr. Alabi described workers as the backbone of the economy and the driving force behind development in both the public and private sectors. He acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment of Nigerian workers, noting that despite economic challenges, they continue to demonstrate professionalism and patriotism in their various fields. “Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and dignity of labour. Our workers remain the foundation upon which sustainable development is built,” he said. Dr. Alabi emphasized the need for policies that pr...