Opinion/Feature
New Kwara Ultramodern Police Station Illicits Mixed Reactions From Residents
By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho
A few weeks ago, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alikali Baba, commissioned an ultra modern police station newly built at Madi, an area that linked a part of the heartland of Ilorin (Kwara State capital) to Oko-Olowo, a fringe of the town.
The choice of Madi for a police station which is well furnished and which also have a modern barracks for personnel is not without connection with increasing cases of kidnappings.
The police boss, while speaking with journalists after commissioning the project, said that the new police station was built to bring policing closer to the people, and expressed hope that the personnel that would be working there would be motivated to be dedicated to their duties.
He said: “The Police would work under a conducive environment in terms of office environment, decent accommodation and that would enable them provide more services. They would be here 24/7. Very close to the office is the house and vice versa. We expect there would be more dedication and more motivation. We expect that service delivery would be enhanced.”
The reporter in this report, garnered residents opinions on the new police station.
A resident of Madi community, Mr. Abdulkareem said the new station has brought peace to the terror-ridden community.
“The problems that inhabitants of this community faced are unpredictable, it made us to loss peace. I understand the essence of bringing us this huge opportunity; it is to contain attack from kidnappers and evil doers. I must commend the hard working of our incomparable governor (Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq) for making it up to us,” he added.
Also, a commercial motorcycle rider in the community expressed his happiness about the development as he added that the sight of a police station has ameliorate crimes and fears in the community.
“When I notice that the government has built a police station in this area, I felt so happy and started feeling peace of mind,” he expressed. Honestly, we always scared of this community, especially at night. Anything 5:00 p.m in the evening, I didn’t usually carry passengers in this area, but now that the police station is here, I can be able to pass at anytime freely.”
Mrs. Abike, a former resident of Madi elucidated how fear of insecurity made her stop constructing her house in Madi community. “I had an uncompleted building in this area, I stopped the construction due to the kidnapping news about the area. I am now happy that measure has been take to protect the community,” Abike said.
Mr. Taiwo (not real name) said that he used to park his car in another street to avert avert being stolen.
He said, “I now have peace of mind by having police men near my house and they are ready to secure us and our properties,” said the man.
THOSE WHO FEEL OTHERWISE
On the other hand, Mr. Yekini (not real name) said the new police station makes him sad. Mr. Yekini, was earlier sighted by this reporter on Monday, November 21, 2022, when the police station was officially opened. He was sitting at a corner looking downcast. He appeared furious and confused, his uncertained appearance tempted this reporter to moved close to him for interview.
The young man said that, “I am happy and sad about the police station at the same time. Not that I am not happy about the station because it will solve our long time problem, but the road linking the community to the police station is not motorable.
“If the station’s road is poor, how do you think the security will secure us?” he asked rhetorically.
Another resident of the community, Mr. Lukman corroborated the above assertion: “It has been a while that the road has damaged but there was nobody to come to our aid. Sometimes ago, the bridge that linked the road also collapsed and everyone in the community was struggling to move about in their cars. The bridge was later repaired after a year, but nothing is being done on the road untill now.
“I hope the government will do something on the road now due to the new police station built there. The road is not a peaceful way home, it can even make one to lose pregnancy if care is not taken.”
Another resident who won’t have his name in prints said, the Madi community association has, on behalf of the residents, reached out to the Kwara State Government,” but their response was that we should be patient and pray for a better Kwara.”
The state’s government response read thus, “Work will start on the road soon, just give us some time, it is not only your road that damaged, there are many places that destroyed than yours. Just keep patient and pray for a better Kwara State.”
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria