A youth-driven progressive group, City Boy Builds Nigeria (CBN), Kwara Central Chapter, has thrown its weight behind the Senator representing Kwara South, Lola Ashiru, endorsing him as its preferred governorship aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the group’s Joint Consultative Assembly, held on Wednesday in Ilorin, where members expressed strong confidence in Ashiru’s leadership style and political pedigree.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Bashir Alabi Erubu said the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders across the four local government areas that make up Kwara Central Senatorial District.

According to him, the group unanimously agreed that Senator Ashiru possesses the experience, maturity and unifying capacity required to steer the state towards sustainable growth.

“Senator Ashiru’s political maturity, consistency and legislative competence set him apart. His loyalty to progressive ideals and proven ability to build bridges across divides clearly qualify him to consolidate and expand on the gains already recorded in Kwara,” Erubu said.

He added that the group is convinced Ashiru has the capacity to effectively domesticate and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda in the state for the benefit of all residents.

“We are calling on all progressives, youths and stakeholders across Kwara Central and beyond to rally behind principled leadership with clear values and a shared vision. The future of Kwara must be deliberately built, not left to chance,” he added.

The assembly noted that the state now requires leadership that will promote deeper inclusion, strategic development and long-term political and economic stability.

It also commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his efforts in sustaining the progressive governance tradition in the state, saying such foundations must be strengthened rather than abandoned.

Also speaking, CBN Mobiliser, Mr Hammed Bolaji, said the group’s confidence in Ashiru is rooted in his track record of service and people-centred politics.

“Our choice of Senator Ashiru is based on his long-standing progressive mindset and his consistent demonstration of commitment to the welfare of the people. His record gives us confidence in the journey ahead to reposition Kwara,” Bolaji said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that City Boy Builds Nigeria is a youth-focused progressive movement aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Kwara Govt Tasks New Ilorin Radio Station on Responsible Broadcasting

The Kwara State Government has charged media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy and responsible journalism, warning that unverified or sensational reportage could threaten public peace and security.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gave the charge on Monday in Ilorin at the official inauguration of Emirate FM 98.5, a privately owned radio station. He described the media as a critical partner in promoting stability, unity and sustainable development in the state.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, said the establishment of Emirate FM was a welcome development that would further strengthen information dissemination and public enlightenment in Kwara State.

“The establishment of this radio station is a positive addition to the media landscape of Kwara State. Our administration will continue to provide an enabling environment for private businesses, including media organisations, to thrive,” AbdulRazaq said.

He cautioned broadcasters against sensationalism and the spread of unverified information, noting that careless reporting could undermine security not only in Kwara State but across the country.

Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, described the inauguration of the station as a landmark achievement that should be commended and emulated.

According to him, Emirate FM has expanded the platforms available for public education and enlightenment in the state, urging media organisations to always uphold truth, fairness and responsibility.

“Media organisations must avoid fake news and the tendency to project the state and the nation in a bad light. The media should be guided at all times by ethical standards,” Abdullahi said.

He further urged the management of Emirate FM to use the station as a platform for promoting peace, humanity and moral values.

In his remarks, the founder of Emirate FM 98.5 Ilorin, Abdulazeez Arowona, said his passion for journalism and public service inspired the establishment of the radio station.

Arowona assured listeners and stakeholders that the station would remain committed to ethical journalism, social development and unity, while contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Kwara State.

“Our goal is to operate a station that serves humanity, promotes peace and supports the overall development of our society,” he said.