NEWS
Panic as Fire Razes 12 Shops in Kwara Shopping Complex
Panic broke out in the Mandate Market area of Ilorin, Kwara State, after a fire engulfed parts of a shopping complex in the early hours of Saturday.
No fewer than 12 shops were affected in the inferno, which occurred opposite Alkad Filling Station at about 1:14am.
The shopping complex, which contains about 40 shops, was already engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene.
SEE MORE: Firefighters Avert Disaster as Fire Guts Laundry Shop in Kwara
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Adekunle said the fire service immediately deployed two fire appliances after receiving the distress call, while personnel of the Federal Fire Service later joined the operation.
According to him, the combined effort of the firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties.
“Despite the prompt intervention of the firefighters, 12 shops were affected, largely due to the late notification of the incident,” Adekunle stated.
He said preliminary findings suggested that a power surge might have triggered the fire.
Adekunle explained that some people sleeping near the shopping complex reportedly heard a loud combustion sound shortly after electricity was restored.
“The exact cause of the incident remains subject to further investigation,” he added.
The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters and the Federal Fire Service for their response and collaboration.
Muhammed urged business owners to ensure that electrical installations were carried out by qualified professionals and that electrical appliances and power sources were properly monitored.
He also stressed the need for residents and business owners to report fire outbreaks promptly.
“Early notification gives firefighters a better opportunity to contain incidents before they escalate and cause extensive damage,” Muhammed said.
The incident occurred just two days after another fire outbreak affected a residential building behind the Industrial Training Fund in the Asa-Dam area of Ilorin.
The Thursday fire affected three bedrooms in a building comprising three-bedroom flats and a room-and-parlour self-contained apartment.
The Fire Service said the blaze had spread significantly before firefighters arrived but was eventually contained, preventing it from reaching an adjoining block of apartments.
A power surge was also suspected in that incident, although the exact cause had not been conclusively established.
The Kwara State Fire Service consequently urged residents and business owners to regularly inspect and maintain their electrical installations and immediately alert emergency responders whenever a fire outbreak occurs.
NEWS
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
NEWS
Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC
In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
NEWS
Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.





