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Youth Group Rejects Call To Rename UNILORIN After Sheikh Alimi
A socio-cultural organisation, under the aegis of the Kwara South Consultative Forum, has opposed the call by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for the renaming of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) after Sheikh Alimi of the Alimi Dynasty in Ilorin Emirate.
It is recalled that the monarch had made the call at the 50th anniversary celebration of Unilorin recently.
The group said that the call is indifferent to the diversity and divergent history of other ethnic groups in the state.
The Forum also called on the state government to rename the Government House after the late General David Bamigboye, being the pioneer military governor of the state, instead of renaming it Ahmadu Bello House
In a statement by its Secretary General, Engineer Adebayo Simon Daramola, while alluding to a call for the renaming of UNILORIN after Sheikh Alimi, the people said that: “The entire state of Kwara is the catchment area of the University of Ilorin. We are just not homogeneous enough in Kwara state for that idea to ever be mooted.
“Neither do we want to go into needless arguments with members of other ethnic groups in other senatorial districts because of mutual respect between us and other such organisations towards the development of the State, Kwara.
“The fact that the University is located in Ilorin does not confer ownership on the city. The privilege of being the host does not confer ownership on the city, while the privilege of being the host community should not be confused to mean exclusive ownership either.
“It should be noted that the significance of the history of the head of the Alimi dynasty bears no relevance to the people of Ekiti, Ibolo and Igbomina descent of Kwara South and even of the other Senatorial District (Kwara North).
“It will, therefore, be uncalled for to contemplate imposition of a name that does not have a ‘state-wide spread’ on our collective inheritance.
“As of today in Kwara South, there are six private Universities, Viz: Landmark University, Omu-Aran; Thomas Adewumi University, Oko; Abubakar Abdulrazak Toyin University, Gamo; Summit University, Ira Road, Offa; Offa University, Offa; Lens University, Offa/Ilemona Ira Road, as well as Lens Polytechnic, Ira Road, Offa.
“So, we are advising you to take a cue from Kwara South by establishing a private university in the name of Sheikh Alimi if you are so concerned and desirous about naming a university in the name of the Alimi dynasty”.
On the naming of the State Government House, the Forum noted that “of recent, the Government House was renamed Ahmadu Bello House without consultation with other ethnic communities in Kwara State, especially, the Yoruba ethnic group in Kwara South.
“If at all the Government House would be named after anybody, after due consultations, it should have been named after the pioneer Military Governor of the State, Brigadier General David Lasisi Bamigboye (Rtd), of blessed memory, as David Lasisi Bamigboye House.
“It is still not too late to right the wrong by renaming the Kwara State Government House as David Lasisi Bamigboye House, considering the fact that Bamigboye was the pioneer Military Governor of the State who had served the state diligently and left worthy legacies, including the Government House.
“Justice, equity and fairness make this our demand salient and incontrovertible. We, therefore, appeal to our amiable Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to passionately look into this matter by reversing this glaring injustice done to a man who gave his all to give Kwara State a solid foundation.
“We wish to emphasise and advise that equity, justice and fairness should be our watchwords in Kwara State, a state with the sobriquet, ‘State of Harmony’.
“We should not do anything by our actions or inactions, and conduct that can tamper with our resolve to perpetually live together in peace and harmony”.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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