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Kwara Govt Backs Stakeholders’ Ideas to Grow Sports Sector as Ahmed Ayinla Foundation Seeks Immortalisation of Late Alyusuf Roacks  Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to embracing progressive ideas from stakeholders in the sports industry aimed at enhancing sports development in the state. The Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji, stated this during the 3rd Annual Public Ceremony and Sports Excellence Awards organized by the Ahmed Ayinla Foundation. Mallam Mogaji, who described the event as laudable, said it was significant to recognize and celebrate sports heroes, stressing that the labour of past heroes should not be in vain, hence the need for such accolades. He commended the organizer, Alhaji Ahmed Ayinla Agaka, for deeming it fit to honour sports icons in Kwara State for their contributions to sports development. Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Ahmed Ayinla Foundation, Alhaji  Ahmed Ayinla Agaka descri...

Kwara United Sets Record Straight on Anioke Saga Contrary to allegations of abandonment levelled against Kwara United by former player, Anthony Anioke, the club’s Chairman, Mr Kumbi Titiloye, has dismissed the claims as false and misleading. Reacting to the allegation, Mr Titiloye stated that Kwara United paid Anioke’s salary for four months while he was injured, adding that the player refused to undergo treatment from the club’s medical team before eventually disappearing. According to the Chairman, Kwara United is a professional club that fully understands and adheres to the rules guiding football administration. “No player can subject the club to ridicule or cheap blackmail after refusing medical treatment from our approved medical team,” Titiloye said. He further explained that the club has a strong history of supporting injured players, noting that several players with more severe injuries were treated by the club for periods of up to 18 months while still receiving their salaries...

Waziru Markaz Describes Death of Ilorin Chief Imam as Personal Loss The Waziru Markaz, Sheikh Adam Yahaya Alfulani, has described the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu, as a personal loss, noting that the revered Islamic scholar passed away at a time when his knowledge and wisdom were still greatly needed. Sheikh Yahaya Alfulani made this known while speaking with journalists on Sunday, shortly after the fidau prayer held in honour of the late Chief Imam. According to him, the death of Imam Bashir Salihu was painful and unfortunate, as he played a vital role in the spiritual and moral guidance of the Ilorin Emirate. “The death of the Chief Imam is a personal loss to me. I am deeply pained and grieved. I pray that Almighty Allah grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” he said. The Waziru Markaz also prayed for the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and other notable personalities within the Emirate who supported and cared for the late Imam ...

Kwara 2027: Opposition, APC Outliers Ticket Battle Begins Quietly as Heavyweights Jostle for Platforms As 2027 draws closer, parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other smaller platforms are witnessing a familiar pattern: weak structures, thin grassroots presence, and internal fragmentation—yet growing pressure from heavyweight politicians eager to grab the sole governorship ticket available in each party. No major contender has openly declared intention to run. But in Ilorin, Lagos and Abuja, the signs are already visible: private consultations, silent alliances, discreet meetings with stakeholders, and movement around party leaders who control the levers of nomination. In a state where party loyalty is often weaker than personal influence, insiders say the battle ahead will be driven less by party ideology and more by the personalities who manage to dominate primaries. A race driven by men, not platforms ...

Kwara Volleyball Association Announces 9th DKITS Secondary Schools Championship Preliminaries The Kwara State Volleyball Association has announced the commencement of the 9th edition of the DKITS Kwara State Secondary Schools Volleyball Championship preliminaries, scheduled to begin on January 21, 2026. Speaking on behalf of the Association, Coach Wale Badamosi, said the preliminaries will be staged across selected local government areas and zones in the state. According to him, the fixtures are scheduled as follows: Ilorin West Local Government: January 21, 2026, at the Stadium Outdoor Volleyball Court, Ilorin. Ilorin South Local Government: January 22, 2026, at the Stadium Outdoor Volleyball Court, Ilorin. Ilorin East Local Government: January 23, 2026, at the Stadium Outdoor Volleyball Court, Ilorin. Asa Local Government: January 26, 2026, at Lasoju Comprehensive High School. GSS Alapa Zone: January 27, 2026. GSS Afon Zone: January 28, 2026. Moro Local Government: January 29, 2026, ...

2027 Kwara: Zoning, Money, or Structure—What Will Decide APC’s Next Governor? With two years to the 2027 election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has quietly entered succession mode. While public declarations are still absent, consultations, Abuja movements, and shifting alliances show that the governorship contest is already taking shape. At the heart of the race is a familiar question: will the APC prioritise zoning, loyalty to the current power structure, or raw political strength? Saliu Danladi Yakubu – Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly As Speaker and a key figure within the current administration, Yakubu is widely viewed as a beneficiary if zoning favours Kwara North. His closeness to the governor strengthens his hand, though critics worry he represents continuity rather than renewal. Senator Sadiq Umar – Kwara North Calm, experienced, and widely respected, Sadiq Umar fits the zoning and competence arguments neatly. However, his independent profile raises ...

2027 Kwara APC: The Names on Everyone’s Lips (Even If They Deny It) They may say “it’s too early,” but Kwara politicians are already moving. Quiet meetings, Abuja visits, and sudden alliances suggest the APC governorship race is on. Speaker Saliu Danladi Yakubu is gaining attention as zoning pressure grows for Kwara North. Senator Sadiq Umar is seen as experienced and steady. Senator Saliu Mustapha remains a force in Ilorin politics, while Ambassador Yahaya Seriki is widely mentioned for his financial strength. Senator Lola Ashiru is challenging zoning from Kwara South. Chief Iyiola Oyedepo still commands influence from the shadows. Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman and diaspora-backed Prof. Wale Sulaiman add technocratic and outsider appeal. No declarations yet—but the game has clearly started.

Lebanese Winger Arkan Chafii Eyes Kwara United Move, Inspired by NPFL Physicality A Lebanese right winger, Arkan Chafii, currently undergoing trials with Kwara United Football Club, has expressed strong willingness to play in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), citing the league’s physicality as a major motivation. The 23-year-old winger said the intensity and competitiveness of the NPFL inspired his decision to pursue a career in Nigeria, adding that he is confident he can contribute positively to Kwara United’s attacking strength if given the opportunity. “I’m here to add value and bring my experience to bear if Kwara United avail me the opportunity,” Chafii remarked. Chafii revealed that his father has been living in Nigeria for the past 20 years, noting that he was educated in Lekki, Lagos, before relocating to Jebba, where he currently resides. He further disclosed that he has featured for several football academies in Nigeria, experiences which he said have helped him und...

Hon. Shola Odetundun Donates Patrol Vehicle to Irepodun Vigilante Group, Distributes Cash, Food Items Hon. Shola Odetundun, the lawmaker representing Irepodun Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, has donated an operational patrol vehicle to the Irepodun Local Vigilante Group as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and enhance community safety. The presentation, which took place at the legislator’s constituency office, forms part of Hon. Odetundun’s sustained commitment to supporting community-based security initiatives and improving the welfare of residents at the grassroots. The patrol vehicle is expected to significantly improve the mobility, response time and overall operational effectiveness of the vigilante group, thereby complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in protecting lives and property across Irepodun Local Government and its environs. In the spirit of the New Year, the lawmaker also distributed cash and food items to members ...

NOA DG Defends Osimhen Over On-Pitch Clash With Lookman at AFCON The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, has defended Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen over his on-field altercation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against Mozambique at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Mallam Onilu clarified that Osimhen’s actions were driven by genuine passion for the country and not intended to disrespect any teammate. He added that Ademola Lookman has also exonerated Osimhen, stressing that the incident was misunderstood and did not amount to disrespect. Speaking to journalists in Fez, Morocco, where he is part of a Federal Government delegation rallying support for the Super Eagles, the NOA boss explained that the agency’s presence in Morocco is to mobilise Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike in support of Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title. According to him, NOA has distributed over 5,000 Nig...

 Kwara Ready for Global Sports Events — BFN President Orbih …hails Gov. AbdulRazaq’s investment in world-class indoor facility President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has declared Kwara State fully ready to host national and international sporting events following his inspection of the newly renovated Indoor Sports Hall, Ilorin. Orbih made the declaration on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after a guided tour of the facility led by the Director of Sports, Kwara State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako, alongside the Technical Director of BFN, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, former Commissioner for Sports Hammed Adio, and other key stakeholders. Impressed by the upgrade, the BFN President described the Indoor Sports Hall as one of the best rehabilitated sports facilities anywhere in the world, noting that it meets all the fundamental requirements for hosting elite badminton and other indoor sporting competitions. According to Orbih, the renovation is a clear testa...

 Araba Femi Sanni Positions Stefolga Group’s Youth-Driven CSR At Centre Of 2026 Outlook Chairman of the Stefolga Group, Araba Femi Sanni, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development and community-focused corporate social responsibility as the group enters 2026. In a New Year message issued on behalf of Stefolga Group’s subsidiaries—Stefolga Conglomerate, Flow FM 92.7, and Araba FC—Sanni thanked clients, partners, listeners, and stakeholders, noting that sustained trust and collaboration remain critical to the group’s growth and social impact. The statement underscored Stefolga Group’s expanding CSR footprint, particularly through initiatives linked to media, sports, and youth engagement. Platforms such as Flow FM and Araba FC have become vehicles for talent development, youth inclusion, and grassroots empowerment across Kwara State and the wider North Central region. Business analysts say Sanni’s influence as a leading corporate figure from Ilorin has grown steadil...