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 Aishat Mohammed Jamiu Wins 22nd Edun Ramadan Quran Recitation Competition Aishat Mohammed Jamiu has emerged as the overall winner of the 22nd Annual Ramadan Quran Recitation Competition organized by the Edun Development Association, Ilorin. A student of Alhaja Hannatu Nagode Quran Memorization Foundation, Aishat outperformed other contestants in the Mujadalat category, clinching the star prize of ₦100,000. Delivering a sermon at the event, Ustaz Kehinde Saheed Abubakar urged parents and guardians to support their children in memorizing the Quran and living by its teachings. He emphasized that Ilorin is known for its strong Islamic heritage in Quran and Hadith, urging participants to shun actions contrary to Allah’s commandments. Earlier, the Chairman of the Edun Development Association, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail, represented by Vice Chairman Mallam Abdulwaheed Mutalubi, acknowledged the unwavering support from the Edun community in sustaining the event. He highlighted a ₦500,000 donat...

 Kwara Government Reaffirms Support for Athletes Ahead of National Sports Festival The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the state's athletes ahead of the National Sports Festival (NSF), scheduled to take place in Ogun State this May. The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, made this declaration on Friday at the Government House while receiving the Torch of Unity, which is currently on a nationwide tour in preparation for the festival. Mr. Alabi encouraged Team Kwara to deliver an outstanding performance at the national event, assuring them that all necessary support will be provided to ensure their success. A former handball player, the Deputy Governor emphasized that Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration is fully committed to sports development, citing ongoing investments in sports infrastructure at the George Inih Stadium and across the state’s senatorial districts. Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Spo...

 Kwara Declares Interest In Hosting Next National Sports Festival  Kwara State has officially declared its interest in hosting the next edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF), according to Coach Bola Mogaji, Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission (KSC). Mogaji made this announcement on Friday during the official presentation of the Torch of Unity ahead of the forthcoming NSF in Ogun State. "We have all the facilities needed to host the tournament, and I can say that Kwara will be bidding to host the next edition of the sports festival," he stated. In recent years, the George Agbazika Innih Stadium in Ilorin has undergone significant renovations. Its indoor sports hall has been refurbished, while the stadium now boasts newly constructed squash courts—the first of their kind in Africa—and a world-class table tennis arena, among other improvements. "I dare say that our facility is better than that of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja because it is ...

 M uslims Urged to Uphold Ramadan Teachings as Holy Month Nears End Muslims have been encouraged to reflect on the teachings and lessons of Ramadan as the sacred month gradually comes to an end. Speaking at the Radio Kwara Tafsir marking the climax of the 2025 Ramadan, Hajia Shaadat AbdulRaheem Owowami emphasized the importance of sustaining the moral and spiritual discipline cultivated during the fasting period. She urged believers to permanently abandon sins and societal ills they had forsaken during Ramadan, as this would attract continuous blessings from Allah . The renowned female Islamic scholar also stressed the need for parents to educate their children and wards on the fundamental principles of Islam, ensuring they remain steadfast in their faith. Hajia Owowami further noted that the blessings of Ramadan would only endure if people remain committed to its teachings beyond the fasting period. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the Chairperson...

 Encourage Youth Participation in Sports to Combat Drug Abuse – Kwara Sports Commission Chairman The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has urged parents and guardians to actively support their children’s involvement in sports as a proactive measure against drug abuse and other social vices. He made this appeal during the closing session of the 2nd Kwara Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, held on March 20, 2025, in Ilorin. Speaking at the event, Mogaji emphasized that the Kwara State government, under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, remains dedicated to youth empowerment through sports, recognizing its role in shaping character, instilling discipline, and keeping young people away from negative influences.  “I urge every parent to support the Kwara State government by encouraging their children to participate in sports. Engaging in sporting activities will help them stay focused, develop discipline, a...

 Justice Oniye Urges Muslims to Uphold Qualities of True Believers Performing daily prayers (Solats) with utmost fear of Allah and abstaining from sins, including shirk (associating partners with Allah), has been identified as a key quality of a true believer. Justice Masu'd Adebayo Oniye of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal made this submission on Thursday during the Radio Kwara Annual Tafsir. Quoting from Qur'an 23:1-10, Justice Oniye emphasized that giving charity through Zakat, abstaining from adultery, and fulfilling promises are additional attributes of a righteous believer. He noted that those who uphold these virtues will be rewarded with Paradise in the Hereafter. He further urged Muslims to intensify their worship in the last 10 days of Ramadan, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings. He cautioned against actions that could jeopardize their Ibadah, stressing the importance of maintaining righteousness beyond Ramadan for everlasting divine rewards. Among those prese...

 Sheikh Tajudeen Omolehin Urges Sincerity in Charity as Ramadan Nears Night of Majesty As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches its most sacred nights, renowned Ilorin-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Tajudeen Omolehin Al-Adabiy, has called on Muslims to ensure their charity and generosity are rooted in sincerity of purpose to earn Allah’s blessings. Speaking on Tuesday during the Radio Kwara Annual Tafsir at its Jummat Mosque, Sheikh Omolehin emphasized that charity should not be done for accolades or public recognition, as such actions contradict the true essence of giving in Islam. "Some people embark on charity based on sentiment or with the intention of receiving applause, which negates Allah’s commandments on charity," he stated. Sheikh Omolehin urged Muslims to give charity to those who genuinely need it rather than based on favoritism, Seek only Allah’s reward, rather than human praise, when engaging in acts of kindness. He added that Utilizing the last 10 days of Ramadan...

Kwara Sports Commission Chair, Bolakale Mogaji Hails Eniola Bolaji for Second Historic Gold in Spain The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has congratulated Nigeria’s para-badminton star, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, on winning another historic gold medal at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Pristinegist Media on March 16, 2025, Mogaji described Bolaji’s back-to-back victories in Spain as a monumental achievement that has once again put Nigeria on the global para-badminton map. Bolaji, currently ranked World No. 2, dominated the SL3 category, defeating Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in straight sets 21-7, 21-10 to claim her second gold medal in two weeks. She had also won gold at the Spanish Para-Badminton International II in Vitoria last week, setting a new African record in the process. "On behalf of the Kwara State Sports Commission and the entire sports community in Nige...

 Eniola Bolaji wins gold Again, sets African Record in Spain 2025 World number 2 Eniola Bolaji has solidified her dominance in para-badminton SL3 by winning her second medal in two weeks.  The Paralympic bronze medallist triumphed over Turkey's Halime Yildiz 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) in the women’s final at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain, today Sunday 16th March 2025. Bolaji began her campaign by defeating India’s Sanjana Kumari 2-0 (21-15, 21-8) in the second round, followed by a 2-0 (21-9, 21-12) win over Turkey's Halime Yildiz in the third round.  The multiple African champion then dispatched Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) in the semifinal. An elated President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih praised Eniola Bolaji’s resilience and continued record-breaking achievements in para-badminton.  He highlighted her status as the only African player to win 12 gold medals in all internationals played. Orbih said, “I ex...

Ramadan: Coach Mogaji Tasks Administrators, Coaches On Managing Athletes During Fasting Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, KSC, Coach Bola Mogaji, has called on sports administrators and coaches to be more careful in planning their calenders so as to get maximum results from athletes during the fasting period. Muslims across the world are observing the month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and abstinence as part of their faith. Also, most Christian denominations are not left out in the practice which often depletes the body of sustenance needed for sporting rigours. But Coach Mogaji said that only a detailed schedule of timetable and routine can help sport administrators and coaches achieve good results with their Athletes. "Fasting can affect athletes and lead to low productivity if careful planning of sports calendar doesn't take the period of abstinence into consideration. "But for us as Muslims, the Almighty has made it clear that it is not compulsory ...

 Top Star Publishing CEO Attends London Book Fair The Chief Executive Officer of Top Star Publishing, Pastor Omotayo Folorunsho Joseph, is currently attending the 2025 London Book Fair, joining industry professionals from around the world. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Pastor Omotayo Folorunsho Joseph  expressed his excitement about participating in the prestigious event. He acknowledged the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues globally while giving thanks to God for making it possible. Top Star Publishing, an Ilorin-based publishing house, is recognized as one of the leading publishers in Kwara State and Nigeria.

Sheikh Solaty Emphasizes Family Bonding, Fulfillment of Promises, and Solat Observance in Ramadan Tafsir Ilorin based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abdullahi Toyin Solaty, has emphasized the importance of family bonding, fulfillment of promises, patience, and strict adherence to daily solats as key pathways to earning Allah's everlasting blessings. Speaking on Tuesday at the Radio Kwara Annual Ramadan Tafsir, Sheikh Solaty urged Muslims to avoid fake promises and breaking family ties, stressing that Allah prioritizes strong family relationships and regular observance of solat above all else.  “Nothing can substitute the observance of solat in Islam, and Allah attaches great rewards to maintaining family ties,” he stated. he cleric also called on Muslims to utilize the sacred period of Ramadan to pray for peace and unity in the country.y

 Kwara United Celebrates Hon. Anthony Adeboye (Sulu Authority)on His Birthday Kwara United Football Club has joined well-wishers in celebrating Hon. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Grassroots Sports Development to President Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. In a congratulatory message signed by the club’s General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, on behalf of Chairman Mr. Kumbi Titiloye, the club felicitated with the iconic Oro-born sports promoter, fondly known as Sulu Authority. The message described him as a blessing to the sports sector, especially grassroots football, highlighting that his role as SSA to the President is a testament to his contributions. The statement further acknowledged Hon. Adeboye’s unwavering support for Kwara United and his passion for promoting the Harmony Boys both locally and internationally.  “From all of us at Kwara United Football Club, we join other well-wishers in rejoicing with you on th...

 Ahmed Musa Rates NPFL Officiating High, Calls for Better Playing Surfaces Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars skipper, Ahmed Musa, has praised the officiating standards in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, citing the increase in away victories as evidence of improvement. Speaking at a brief media parley organized by Kwara SWAN before the NPFL Matchday 28 fixture between Kwara United and Kano Pillars on Sunday in Ilorin, Musa expressed satisfaction with the progress of the league. "I think our league is flourishing with good officiating now, and this is evident in the number of away victories. The standard this season aligns with global best practices, earning the league the respect it deserves in African football." However, the former Leicester City and Al-Nassr forward raised concerns about the quality of some playing surfaces and urged the league body to improve them. "I only have reservations about some pitches. The league body should work ...

  Iconic Super Eagles captain and legend, Ahmed Musa, on Sunday in Ilorin, said that it would amount to total disaster for Nigerian football if Nigeria fails to make to the 2026 World Cup. According to him, a whole generation of talented players would be lost and with it confidence for upcoming players for the country. Musa made this explanation at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Center/SWAN Secretariat, Ilorin, where he also heaped plaudits of the Nottingham Forest ace, Awoniyi for helping the sports writers complete a functional work Secretariat. "The Super Eagles are in a very difficult situation right but we believe in our selves that we can still scale through," Musa said. Adding further, he said:  "Super Eagles cannot be absent from the 2026 World Cup. " It is going to be a big disaster for Nigerian players not to be at the World Cup." Super Eagles is currently in the Fifth position in group C with South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Benin.  But the Super E...

  Kwara Sports Leader Congratulates Mariam Eniola Bolaji on Golden Triumph in Spain The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has congratulated Mariam Eniola Bolaji on her remarkable victory at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria. Bolaji, a Paralympic bronze medalist and multiple African champion, secured gold in the women’s singles SL3 category, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) in the final. This win marks her 11th consecutive international triumph, further cementing her dominance on the global stage. Mallam Mogaji described Bolaji as the "golden queen of Kwara sports" and a role model for young athletes, emphasizing her consistency and dedication. "Mariam Eniola Bolaji has once again made Kwara and Nigeria proud. Her resilience and determination continue to place her among the best in the world. She remains the celebrated face of Kwara sports, and we are confident that she...

Eniola Bolaji clinches gold at Spanish Para Badminton International II Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola has added another prestigious gold medal to her collection, winning at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria. This makes it 11 out of 11 in internationals she has played so far.  The multiple African champion convincingly beat Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) dominating the women’s singles SL3 final category. Bolaji's path to gold was nothing short of impressive. She first defeated Brazil’s Kauana Michelson Beckenka of Brazil 2-0 (21-15, 21-2) and then France’s Caroline Bergeron 2-0 (21-7, 21-8) at the group stage before cruising through the quarterfinals, where she beat Australia's Celine Vinot 2-0 (21-8, 21-12).  In the semifinals, Bolaji showcased her exceptional form with a dominant 2-0 (21-12, 21-6) win over India’s Neeraj, booking her spot in the final. President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih praised Bolaji's rem...