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Kwara Govt Approves ₦8.1bn to Pay Retirees’ Gratuities
Kwara State government has approved ₦8.1 billion for the payment of gratuities owed to retired state and local government workers, a move aimed at reducing the backlog of unpaid retirement benefits in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The state’s Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hawa Nuhu, announced the allocation during the third-quarter inter-ministerial press briefing held in Ilorin. She said ₦5.6 billion will go to retired state civil servants, while ₦2.5 billion is set aside for retired local government employees.
Dr. Nuhu explained that the government remains committed to settling the outstanding gratuities of retirees despite rising financial obligations from ongoing development projects. She said the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has prioritized the welfare of pensioners as part of its broader plan to improve public service in Kwara.
“The government has approved ₦8.1 billion to clear part of the accumulated gratuities. This shows our commitment to the welfare of our retirees,” she said. “We are not indebted to any local government retiree who has completed the verification exercise. Those who have not should come forward and verify their documents.”
According to Nuhu, gratuity payments have increased significantly due to recent adjustments in pension benefits following the implementation of the ₦30,000 and ₦70,000 minimum wages. She noted that the changes have raised both pension and gratuity costs for the state.
She also highlighted that the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) stands at around ₦15.7 billion, while its domestic debt profile is about ₦57 billion. Despite these figures, she said the government is maintaining a healthy balance between welfare spending and infrastructural development.
Gratuities are one-time lump-sum payments made to public servants at retirement. In many Nigerian states, including Kwara, long delays in payment have caused hardship for retired workers. According to state financial reports, outstanding gratuities in Kwara were estimated at more than ₦19 billion by the end of 2023.
The new ₦8.1 billion allocation is expected to cover a significant portion of the backlog but not all of it. Some retirees who have completed the verification process are expected to start receiving payments in the coming weeks once disbursement begins.
Civil service groups and retirees have welcomed the announcement. “This is a relief for many of our members who have waited years for their gratuities,” said a spokesperson for the Kwara State Pensioners’ Union. “We hope the process will be transparent and that all verified retirees will be paid without delay.”
Observers say the move could also help restore confidence among serving public workers who often fear retirement due to uncertain benefit payments. It could also serve as a model for other states struggling with large pension and gratuity arrears.
Economic analysts, however, caution that sustainability will depend on how consistently the government continues to release funds for future payments. They suggest that regular budgetary allocations for gratuities and improved pension management systems could prevent similar backlogs in the future.
The Kwara State government has promised to continue the verification exercise for local government retirees who are yet to be cleared. Officials said verified lists will be updated to ensure only legitimate beneficiaries receive payments.
The state government’s decision is being seen as part of a broader strategy to maintain fiscal responsibility while fulfilling social obligations. As retirees await payments, the focus now shifts to how soon the funds will reach their accounts and whether the initiative will permanently resolve the lingering issue of unpaid gratuities in Kwara.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have apprehended a Nigerian Army soldier who was declared wanted for allegedly supplying military weapons, gear, and uniforms to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The suspect, Private Mohammed Yusuf, attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility in Lagos, was intercepted at around 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by the 7 Provost Group following a high-stakes surveillance operation.
Intel-Driven Operation Ends Cross-Border Escape Attempt
According to intelligence reports, Private Yusuf had deserted his unit in Lagos earlier this month, prompting the military to launch a manhunt and declare him wanted.
Key details surrounding his movement and arrest include:
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Infiltration to Maiduguri: Yusuf traveled to Borno State on July 7, hiding out in Gomari Costain within the Jere Local Government Area.
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Alleged Military Accomplice: Investigators revealed he was allegedly harbored by another soldier, Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence (Dikwa), who is now also under investigation.
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Cornered at the Bus Stop: Following 24/7 tracking by the 7 Provost Group, Yusuf was cornered at Jidari Bus Stop while attempting to board transport to flee into neighboring Cameroon.
Dismantling Insider Networks
Military authorities view Private Yusuf’s arrest as a major breakthrough in exposing internal sabotage and cutting off supply lines to insurgents in the North-East.
Investigators are currently probing:
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The full extent of military accoutrements supplied to terrorist factions.
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The depth of the insider network assisting Yusuf.
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Whether additional military personnel or civilians were involved in aiding his escape attempt or facilitating illegal trade with terrorists.
entertainment
“NO GOING BACK!” — Rudeboy Reveals The Unforgivable Betrayal That Ended P-Square Forever!
Nigerian music star Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, has offered a candid look into the lingering feud with his twin brother, Peter Okoye, admitting that their fallout has shattered the trust between them.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tribune, the singer revealed that the rift extends far beyond their legendary music group, P-Square, touching on painful family betrayals that make reconciliation almost impossible.
“Some Actions Leave Permanent Scars” — Rudeboy Speaks
Addressing the persistent pleas from fans hoping for a permanent P-Square reunion, Rudeboy explained that the public often overlooks the deep emotional toll and personal conflicts behind the scenes.
Key highlights from his interview include:
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Shattered Trust: The feud is anchored in personal betrayals within the family rather than professional creative differences.
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Years of Silence: Rudeboy noted that he repeatedly chose not to speak publicly in the past to shield his family’s image from controversy.
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Focus on Peace of Mind: Moving forward, he is prioritizing his children, personal growth, and mental peace over trying to repair the broken bond.
In His Own Words
“I don’t think I can forgive my twin brother. What happened is something I never expected from my own blood.
The problem is not music. It’s deeper than that—it’s about family, trust, and betrayal. I have remained silent on several occasions in the past to protect the family’s image, but some actions leave permanent scars. Peace of mind now takes priority over everything else.”
The Delta State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the brief detention of members from VeryDarkMan’s (VDM) Ratel Movement during a sanitation exercise in Ibusa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The clarification follows complaints by group members on social media, who claimed they were wrongfully arrested simply for engaging in community service.
“Intentions Were Genuine, But Communication Was Lacking”
Speaking on behalf of the command, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe confirmed that while the group’s community service initiative was noble, their failure to notify local authorities triggered security concerns among residents.
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Community Alarm: The group began cleaning in an area where they were unfamiliar to locals, prompting suspicious residents to alert law enforcement.
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Lack of Prior Notice: SP Edafe emphasized that organizations entering unfamiliar communities for public activities must notify local leadership and the police beforehand to prevent misunderstandings.
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Immediate Release: Upon interviewing the group at the station, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) verified that their intentions were purely altruistic and cleared them to leave without any charges.
Police Caution Against Social Media Sensationalism
Addressing the group’s online posts, SP Edafe urged activists to prioritize administrative courtesy over social media drama:
“From findings, they were doing community service. However, when you want to do community service in a place you are not known, it’s important to consult the leaders and inform authorities like the police or community heads about your organisation and intention.
The community didn’t recognise them, hence they invited the police. The DPO interviewed them, discovered their intentions were genuine, and allowed them to go. Not everything should be turned to content, please.“
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