Yesterday, I formally submitted my Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Ticket for Kwara State.
This marks my official entry into the party’s screening process and represents a significant step in the journey toward building a more progressive and inclusive Kwara State.
I look forward to continued engagement with the people of Kwara State, party leaders, and political stakeholders as the process progresses. Together, we will continue to work towards the future our state truly deserves.
SM
I joined my colleagues yesterday for the screening of Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Authority Chief Executive (ACE) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The exercise was conducted by a joint committee of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and the Senate Committee on Gas, where I serve as a member.
Following the engagement, it is evident that Mr. President selected a round peg for a round hole. I remain committed to supporting processes that strengthen transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Nigeria’s energy sector.
SM
As we mark the blessed occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I call on all of us to sustain the enduring lessons of Ramadan. The values of devotion, compassion, discipline, and sacrifice which define us as a people of faith.
Eid is not only a time for celebration, but also a moment for gratitude, reflection, and a renewed commitment to building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous society. Let us continue to embody these virtues in our daily lives, for the progress of our communities and the strength of our nation.
I extend my warm greetings to the people of Kwara Central, all Kwarans, and the entire Muslim Ummah. I also congratulate His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the Kwara State Council of Ulamah on the successful completion of Ramadan.
May Almighty Allah accept our acts of worship as Ibadah and grant us abundant rewards.
Eid Mubarak!
#eidmubarak #eidalfitr #ramadanreflections #kwaracentral #kwarastate
SM
This holy month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and renewed commitment to compassion and ethical living. In the spirit of these values, I joined distinguished Islamic scholars, leaders, and Muslim faithful yesterday at the 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayer for the Nation, organised by the Ashraf Islamic Foundation.
The gathering, themed “Faith and Justice: The Islamic Judicial Perspective on Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria,” provided a meaningful platform to examine the moral and ethical responsibilities that faith demands, particularly in addressing the security challenges confronting our nation.
It was truly insightful listening to the speakers, and I commended them for their thoughtful contributions in shedding light on how faith and justice can guide our collective response to terrorism and banditry in our country. May this Ramadan inspire us all to act with integrity, strengthen unity, and work toward a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.
SM
Yesterday, I chaired the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Agricultural production services and rural development, where we engaged stakeholders on three key bills aimed at advancing Nigeria’s agricultural development.
These bills, which include the Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) Bill, the National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill, and the Rice Development Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, are designed to strengthen our agricultural policies, promote food self-sufficiency, and empower local farmers across the country.
As Chairman of the Committee and sponsor of two of the bills under consideration, I emphasized the need to diversify our food sources, reduce dependence on imports, and create sustainable value chains that support farmers and agro-entrepreneurs.
The hearing provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue among legislators, experts, and industry stakeholders, a necessary step toward formulating laws that reflect both national aspirations and grassroots realities.
Together, we remain committed to building a stronger, more resilient agricultural economy that serves as a cornerstone for national growth and food security.
SM
#Agriculture #FoodSecurity #NigeriaAgriculture #AgroDevelopment #RenewedHope
Last night, I had the honour of hosting the Ilorin Emirate community in the United Kingdom for a dinner.
It was a pleasant and engaging gathering during which I commended their commitment to the development of Ilorin and Nigeria, even while living abroad, and assured them of my continued support.
I sincerely appreciate the Ilorin Emirate community in the UK for their commendations, prayers, and dedication to our shared heritage. I am confident that, together, we will continue to promote unity and progress for our Emirate and Nigeria at large.
SM
I extend my warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Kwara Central and across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Mawlid Nabiyy.
As we celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), I urge us all to emulate his exemplary life, teachings, and virtues of honesty, compassion, tolerance, and justice. These values remain guiding lights for peaceful coexistence and nation-building.
In this critical moment, as our state and nation confront pressing security challenges, we pray for strengthened resolve and protection for our dedicated security personnel. May our communities stand united and resilient, as the government works tirelessly to restore peace and safeguard every citizen.
May this blessed occasion bring joy, blessings, and progress to our families, our dear state and Nigeria at large.
SM
In line with my commitment to creating opportunities for our people and promoting growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, I recently received some of the newly recruited officers of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) from Kwara Central Senatorial District.
I congratulated them on this new phase of their careers and encouraged them to serve with diligence, integrity and dedication to national development.
I wish them every success as they begin this important journey in service to our nation.
SM
I was delighted to receive some newly recruited officers of the Federal Fire Service from Kwara Central who paid me a courtesy visit at my residence on the successful completion of their training and passing out program.
During our interaction, I charged them to be dutiful in discharging their responsibilities and to be worthy ambassadors of Kwara Central wherever they are deployed. I also encouraged them to remain committed, disciplined, and patriotic in their service to our dear nation.
As I wished them continued success and safety, I reaffirmed my dedication to the progress and advancement of my constituents.
SM
Today in Jos, I joined fellow lawmakers and stakeholders at the North Central Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
This engagement provides a critical platform to listen to the voices of citizens across our region and ensure that their inputs shape the future of our nation.
As the public hearing continues tomorrow, I remain dedicated to promoting an inclusive, people-driven process that strengthens our democracy and reflects the true aspirations of Nigerians.
SM
This morning, I attended the 2025 World Cassava Day celebration, held at the instance of the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
The event, organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, brought together major stakeholders such as Afreximbank, the Gates Foundation, FMN Agro, Cavista Holdings, and the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
With the theme “Farm to Global Markets – Driving Industrialization, Food Security & Exports”, the celebration highlighted the enormous potential of cassava as a driver of economic diversification, industrial development, and international trade.
This aligns seamlessly with the President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agribusiness transformation and inclusive rural development.
As we continue to strengthen our commitment to agricultural advancement, I remain focused on supporting initiatives that empower farmers, strengthen value chains, and contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.
SM
All politics is local. Over the past few days in Ilorin, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with various leaders and stakeholders of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These engagements provided an opportunity to update our grassroots leaders on my work at the National Assembly, while also listening to their valuable feedback to shape and strengthen our collective efforts.
Together, we remain committed to building a stronger party structure and delivering impactful representation for the good of our people.
SM
Today on the floor of the Senate, I joined the debate on Senator Suleiman Umar Sadiq’s motion urging greater engagement of local Indigenous contractors for small-scale Federal Government projects - an important strategy to stimulate grassroots economic development.
I emphasized the critical need to examine how these contracts are executed, especially the role of local labour. Too often, foreign contractors not only take the contracts but also import their workforce to execute these contracts, worsening our unemployment crisis. In some alarming instances, these imported labourers include criminal elements - at the expense of our own young, skilled, and eager school leavers.
It’s time we prioritize our people, our talents, and our future.
SM
Today, I had the honour of attending the Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture, graciously organized in my honour by the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ilorin.
The landmark event, themed “The Political Economy of Livestock Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” featured the erudite Professor Attahiru Jega, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform, as the guest lecturer.
I sincerely appreciate the Faculty for this profound recognition and for creating a platform to engage in meaningful dialogue around a sector as critical as livestock development.
It was indeed a moment of reflection, learning, and renewed commitment to the service of our people and our nation.
SM
Yesterday, I attended a One-Day Climate-Smart and Gender-Inclusive Financing Validation Workshop organized by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) in collaboration with GIZ.
This workshop is a vital step toward strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector by promoting inclusive financing solutions that address climate challenges and empower women farmers.
I commend NADF and GIZ for this timely initiative, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these efforts on Nigeria’s food security, climate resilience and economic growth.
SM
I attended the inauguration ceremony of the newly appointed chairmen of the boards of National Agricultural Research Institutes, Federal Colleges of Agriculture, and other agencies under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
This event marks a significant step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector, as these appointees bring a wealth of expertise to help advance the ministry’s mandate.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production, Services, and Rural Development, I warmly congratulate the newly inaugurated board chairmen. I look forward to collaborating with them to develop and implement policies that will further enhance the productivity and sustainability of our agricultural sector.
SM
Today, I received Alhaji Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun, the newly appointed Commissioner representing the North Central in the National Assembly Service Commission.
I congratulated him on this well-deserved appointment and wished him a successful and impactful tenure in office. His wealth of experience and dedication to public service will no doubt contribute meaningfully to the Commission and our democratic institutions.
SM
My sincere appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for taking time out of his tight schedule to attend the Turaki Geri of Ilorin Football Championship 2022.
#grassrootsfootball#annual#talents