Health comes first before any other thing. Live a good life today by taking care of your body.
Prioritise your health over everything else
Journalism must be practised with skill, knowledge, ethics — PR executive
A Public Relations Executive, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, has tasked journalists to be grounded in skill, knowledge, and professional ethics to serve society with credible information.
Shuaib gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Cohort of PR Nigeria Young Professionals Fellowship on Friday in Ilorin.
The PR executive, who was represented by Muhammad Lawal, Head of Investigations and Special Projects, PR Nigeria, said that the programme was organised to build the capacity of young graduates in Nigeria on various aspects of media and communication.
“The field of journalism and public relations is filled with people who do not have the necessary knowledge, qualifications, or even ethics to practice, but yet are practising.
“So we want to see how we can build a pool of people who not only practice from the point of view of knowledge, they should also practice from the point of view of skills, understanding and ethical conduct.
Speaking during the event, Mr Gabriel Ogunade, Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kwara, said that the outlook of the fellowship aligns with NIPR vision, for rapid reform and growth of the PR ecosystem.
Ogunade, represented by Mr Sani Suleiman, a Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigeria Customs Service, said that creativity and uncommon perception remain key to driving innovation and sustaining development.
“In an age of Artificial Intelligence, we must be deliberate and lead this era with superior natural instincts to ensure balance and the sustainability of humanity.
“AI is a complement, not competition, but it takes smartness and strategy to domesticate its wild tendencies to our advantage,” Ogunade said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdulfatai Beki, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), called on the federal government to mandate media house owners to pay salaries and improve the welfare of workers adequately.
“There should be a law enacted for those that establish media houses to ensure payment of salaries and adequate staff welfare, just as government handle universities.
“Whether the university belongs to the state, private or federal, they are being regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC). So, the same thing should be done for the media.
“If the law is enacted, young journalists would not be running after money bags, and they would be factual with their reports without bias,” he said.
A benficiary of the training, Saadat Bibire, a graduate of mass communications, said that she attended the fellowship in order to learn.
“I did not realize how much I will take away from this experience because we have learnt about PR, branding, public speaking, strategic communication, fact-checking, investigative journalism, solution journalism, AI, and so much more.
“The biggest part has been the people: meeting people from different backgrounds, hearing their perspectives, asking questions, sharing ideas, and even the small conversations in between sessions,” Bibire said.
She applauded PR Nigeria for the opportunity, saying, “it has been ten days, but it definitely feels like we have been here much longer, and honestly, I am grateful for the experience.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training started in the year 2024, with the 2026 edition being the third set and cohort two, having held one in Abuja and planning for the third cohort in Kano.
2027 Hajj: Kwara Governor appoints Mashood Mustapha as Ameerul Hajj
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state has approved the appointment of Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, Wakili of Ilorin Emirate, as the leader of the state’s contingent for the 2027 Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday, in Ilorin, by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Moshood Agboola.
Mustapha, popularly known as MM, is a seasoned entrepreneur, public servant, and community leader.
The newly appointed Ameerul Hajj is the chairman of Crystal Group of Companies and a former cabinet member of the Kwara government.
He also served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015.
An alumnus of Kwara State Polytechnic and Lagos State University, Mustapha also attended the Rome Business School in Italy.
As Ameerul Hajj, Mustapha will coordinate the state’s 2027 Hajj operations in collaboration with relevant statutory bodies and other stakeholders at various levels of government.
His appointment is expected to provide leadership and coordination for the state’s pilgrims throughout the preparations and conduct of the 2027 Hajj exercise.
Emir of Ilorin turbans Gov. AbdulRazaq
The turbaning of Kwara Governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari begins with dance and celebration at the Emir’s palace, Ilorin.
The title was conferred on Governor AbdulRazaq in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to peace, unity, and the remarkable developmental strides recorded across Kwara under his administration.
The Emir said that the occasion would be used to offer special prayers for continued peace, progress, and prosperity in Ilorin Emirate, Kwara, and Nigeria at large.
Dignitaries, including government officials, captains of industries, traditional rulers from within and outside the state, religious leaders, members of the public and well-wishers graced the occasion at the Emir’s palace.
Egbewole felicitates with Gov. AbdulRazaq as Sardauna Ngeri Ilorin
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, has congratulated the Governor of Kwara, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on his turbanning as the Sardauna of Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement signed by UNILORIN’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun.
The Vice-Chancellor described the title as a befitting honour for the Governor, as he had been a passionate defender of the Ilorin values and heritage over the years.
Egbewole said that Malam AbdulRazaq had before and since his election as the Governor of Kwara proved himself to be a great and unassuming patriot.
He thanked the governor for ensuring the positive physical transformation of Ilorin and Kwara.
“The construction of the flyover bridge at Tanke and the rehabilitation of the road connecting the University with the town are two of the several projects that the University would continue to cherish.
“Also, the establishment of Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED), Ilorin, and facilitating the favourable environment encourages establishment of more private universities across the state,” he said.
UNILORIN Boss specifically commended the governor for appointing several alumni and staff members of the university into sensitive positions in his government and institutions of higher learning owned by the state.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked the Emir for finding the Governor worthy of being conferred with the prestigious traditional title and wished the celebrant a peaceful, successful, and eventful tenure.
Arewa for Tinubu supporters felicitates Gov. AbdulRazaq as Sardauna Ngeri Ilorin
The Kwara Structure of Arewa for Tinubu (A4A) extends its warmest congratulations to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on his conferment with the traditional title of Sardauna Ngeri Ilorin.
The historic turbaning will be done by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on September 16, at the Emir’s palace, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement signed by Malam Nurudeen Imam, Coordinator, Arewa for Tinubu, Kwara Structure.
The Coordinator said that the traditional title was a profound testament of the Governor’s exemplary leadership and deep-rooted connection with the people of Kwara.
“The title of Sardauna Ngeri is not merely an honor; it is a recognition of a leader who has dedicated himself to the service and transformation of his people.
“Under your visionary stewardship, Kwara has undergone a remarkable transformation.
“Your administration’s various strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment have not only elevated the state’s profile but also improved the lives of countless citizens,” Imam said.
He said that Gov. AbdulRazaq’s commitment to good governance and inclusive development had set a new standard for leadership in the country.
“We also commend you for your unwavering support for Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and your tireless efforts in rallying your colleagues to support the President’s transformative agenda for Nigeria.
“You have consistently demonstrated that true leadership is about fostering unity and working collaboratively towards a common goal.
“Your role as a bridge-builder and a champion of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda has been instrumental in advancing the cause of progress at the national level,” he said.
The Coordinator noted that the governor’s emergence as the President of a prominent African body, Forum of African Regions (FORAF) brought immense pride to Kwara and the entire nation.
“This achievement underscores your growing influence and stature as a statesman on the continent, further validating your exceptional leadership capabilities.
“On behalf of the entire structure of Arewa for Tinubu in Kwara, we celebrate this well-deserved honour and pray that Almighty Allah continue to guide and strengthen you as you serve the nation,” he said.
UNILORIN researchers identify poisonous risks from milling food
A total of 10 researchers from the University of Ilorin have identified potentially hazardous levels of metallic contaminants in milling food.
They warned that particles released from cast-iron grinding discs during milling could enter commonly consumed food and pose long-term health risks.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin.
Akogun said that the research was funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under the National Research Fund.
The research, titled “Documented contamination levels, sources and health risks associated with metallic wear from cast-iron grinding discs commonly used across Nigeria and other developing nations”.
He said that the team comprises the Principal Investigator, Prof. Sulaiman Abdulkareem of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Ismaila Idowu Ahmed, Prof. Jamiu Kolawole Odusote and Prof. Rasheedat Modupe Mahamood.
Others include, Dr Jeleel Adekunle Adebisi, Dr Segun Isaac Talabi, and Mr Taiwo Yahaya from the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering.
Prof. Lawrence Aderemi Olatunji of the Department of Physiology and Dr Mariam Kehinde Sulaiman of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology contributed medical and biological expertise to the investigation.
While Prof. Jamiu Adetayo Adeniran of the Department of Chemical Engineering was later invited to join the team, contributing environmental source apportionment and health-risk modelling expertise.
The Director noted that Prof. Abdulkareem disclosed that the findings highlighted the need for improved milling practices and stronger quality-control standards for grinding discs, used in food processing.
“The researchers found that up to 1.7 grams of metallic contaminants can be introduced into 10 kilograms of ground maize during dry grinding operations, according to the study published in Engineering results.
“The team said the average contaminant particle size was approximately 43 micrometres, making the particles small enough to pass into the stomach unnoticed,” he said.
Akogun said that Prof. Abdulkareem discovered that dry grinding produced significantly higher quantities of metallic contaminants than wet grinding, with water serving as a lubricant that reduces wear during the process.
“The researchers said the research demonstrated significant corrosion susceptibility among all the grinding discs when exposed to simulated gastric solution, a fluid matching the human stomach environment at pH 1.7 and 37°C.
“Corrosion occurred at varying degrees among the discs, with the imported sample showing the highest susceptibility, while the pit furnace-produced disc showed the most resistance,” he said.
According to the team, the health-risk assessments examined concentrations of eight potentially toxic elements in milled maize and found that the mean concentrations of lead, cadmium and arsenic exceeded permissible limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, respectively.
The researchers said Positive Matrix Factorisation modelling identified grinding-disc wear as a significant contributor to contamination levels, alongside other sources including vehicle traffic emissions, application of pesticides and herbicides, use of manure and zinc-enriched fertilizer, irrigation with industrial wastewater, lubrication oil leakage and emissions from leaded-fuel combustion.
He said although the hazard-index assessments showed that immediate non-cancer risks were not significant, the potential for long-term accumulation of toxic elements, particularly cadmium, lead and arsenic, remained concerning.
The team said children were found to be 9.3 times more vulnerable than adults to health risks from the contaminants, saying that the ingestion pathway contributed over 94% of non-cancer risk and over 97% of cancer risk, making dietary exposure the primary concern.
The researchers also established that corrosion of metallic contaminants in simulated gastric solution followed an exponential trend, with hydrogen gas evolution occurring within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure to the acidic environment.
The team said a related study published in the Nigerian Journal of Technological Development demonstrated that adding ferrochromium to the cast iron used for grinding discs substantially improved performance.
They stated further that the study, which utilised recycled Toyota engine-block scrap as base material, found that hardness increased from 543 to 600 kgf/mm² with up to 1.5 weight percent ferrochromium addition.
The researchers said yield strength improved from 10 to 28 megapascals, while specific wear rate was reduced by approximately 27% at higher applied loads.
The team said corrosion resistance also improved significantly, with corrosion potential increasing from -0.91 to -0.69 volts.
The researchers called for multiple interventions based on their findings, including implementation of quality-control standards for grinding-disc manufacturing, promotion of wet grinding over dry grinding and adoption of ferrochromium-alloyed discs by local foundries.
The team also recommended the development of magnetic scavenging devices to capture metallic contaminants, public-awareness campaigns and further research into the long-term health effects of exposure to the contaminants.
According to him, the proposed solutions were practical and could be implemented using locally available materials and existing foundry equipment.
The researchers said the interventions would support safer food-processing practices and contribute to the objectives of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 on healthy living and well-being.
2027: Group calls for re-election of President Tinubu
Hajiya Risikat Lawal, North-Central Coordinator of Mavelous Assembly Group has called on Nigerians to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general election.
She made the call during the declaration of support and solidarity for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is in solidarity with 193 wards in Kwara, under the auspices of BAT-IG North central project coordinator, on Monday, in Ilorin.
Lawal said that the journey in the last three and half years of President Tinubu’s administration has been a replica of pain and pleasure that accompanies the birth of any new baby.
“The present administration came in at a point when the country’s economy was already in the intensive care unit and needed urgent and immediate rescue from total collapse.
“Government policies are usually judged/criticized based on the immediate effects of such reforms, especially when viewed from the point of view of daily lives of citizens.
“The pain is actually real but the pleasure is becoming visible from the execution of the several reforms introduced by the administration to curb the initial pains,” she said.
The Coordinator said that President Tinubu and his team have no pleasure of time than to take urgent and immediate steps before the country sinks further into economic mess.
She noted that several reform initiatives had begun to yield positive results across the country, saying, the removal of the fuel subsidy had made an impact in reforming foreign exchange market and tightening of monetary policy.
“President Tinubu’s administration reforms are now being hailed locally and globally, like the country’s present GDP growth, robust foreign reserve, debt settlement and clean balance sheets with the International Monetary Fund.
“Today, infrastructures such as roads, hospitals, schools, electricity, and others have improved significantly across the country.
“The issue of insecurity being confronted head-on, with greater commitment on funding and political will to defeat all manners of security threats confronting the nation, particularly banditry and kidnapping,” she said.
Lawal stressed that Nigerians no longer queue in filling stations, stay out of school due to strikes, similarly no more delay in workers’ salaries and pensions.
She said that the introduction of NEFUND has ensured that many of our youths’ education are now being taken care of, and several relief funds are being provided to the health sector.
“President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment, intention and action to take Nigeria completely out of the economic nightmare which the country was in before his ascension into office in 2023 is not a joke.
“The President therefore needs the support of all well-meaning Nigerians to return to office in 2027. Consequently, all our people in the 193 Wards in Kwara have resolved to be part of that good intention, support, and solidarity,” she said. (NAN)
Expert urges use of grassroots communication to drive development in Nigeria
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Geri FM 95.5, Ilorin, Dr. Mahmud Abduraheem has advocated for the use of communication to promote grassroots development in Kwara State.
Abduraheem stated this on Saturday in Ilorin while speaking at the Inaugural Meeting of Reconstituted Programmes Advisory Committee in Ilorin.
He spoke on the theme: “The Role of Community Radio in Grassroots Development and Cultural Rejuvenation”.
He explained that the radio station was established five years ago with the mandate to give voice to the people of Ilorin Emirate and also provide an avenue for cultural rejuvenation.
“Radio is not just a sound. It is a trust and a mirror of the community and the drum that calls people to unity and progress.
“As a community radio, our strength lies in how well we reflect the aspirations, values, and culture of our people,” he said.
According to him, the media space is evolving, and listeners expect more depth, relevance, and impact.
Abduraheem therefore appealed to the committee to give guidance in ensuring that content educates, enlightens, unites the communities.
He advised the committee to also uphold the values of Ilorin Emirate, including peace, scholarship, tolerance, and culture.
“Ensure our programme addresses real grassroots needs including health, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment,” he said.
The media expert reminded them to also potential the local language, histzans heritage without division.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Programme Advisory Committee, Alhaji Femi Ibrahim, noted that the Geri FM Station has already become a household name in the State.
He observed that the committee comprised of expert in academia and media practitioners who who are professionals while advising them to share ideas that can elevate the FM Station to greater heights.
NAN reports that some of the committee members include Hajia Amina Sanni, the former Head of Multimedia of NAN, Prof. Razaq Adisa, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin.
Others include Hajia Hadiza Sanni, the former Director of Digital Media of Voice of Nigeria (VON), and Prof. Saudat AbdulBaki, the Dean of Faculty of Communication and Information Science of University of Ilorin, among others.
Keep your body intact, live healthy
Walk into our place today at Mandate market, Ilorin, and live healthy afterwards. For more information, call 07034208478.
