…Army Commends Governor AbdulRazaq’s Investments in Security and Economy During Visit
#KwaraRising
Kwara State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, thanks to its proactive investment in security and economic development, the Nigerian Military has said.
The commendation came from Colonel Usman Hashim Muhammed, the lead officer of the Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, during an interactive session with top government officials in Ilorin on Tuesday.
“Kwara State is one of the most peaceful states, but this fact does not mean that we should relent. It only requires that more efforts are made so that the peace continues and improves in the future,” Col. Muhammed said.
He added that the visit was part of a study tour to understand the strategies behind the state’s peaceful status and that findings from the interaction would help shape further recommendations to sustain and enhance security in the state.
The delegation was received by senior government officials, including the representative of the Secretary to the State Government, Abdulganiy Yita; Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Bashir Adigun; SSA on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; SSA on Religion (Christianity), Revd Timothy Akangbe; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The Nigerian Army praised the AbdulRazaq-led administration’s commitment to peacebuilding and people-centered initiatives that foster economic growth and social inclusion.
In his briefing to the delegation, SSA on Security Muyideen Aliyu outlined the government’s approach to security, which includes logistical and financial support for security agencies, collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, and engagement with community-based vigilante groups.
Speaking at the session, Alhaji Adigun highlighted the vital role of community structures in bolstering security, while appreciating the military for its continued efforts in safeguarding internal peace.
CPS Rafiu Ajakaye, who moderated the session, spoke on the state’s economic growth, citing a 125.82% increase in Internally Generated Revenue—from N30.6 billion in 2019 to N69.1 billion in 2024—achieved through automation, fiscal discipline, and tax reforms.
He detailed flagship projects introduced under Governor AbdulRazaq, including the Garment Factory, Innovation Hub, Film Factory, and Kwapreneur programme, all designed to uplift vulnerable groups, grow the local economy, and expand youth opportunities through skills acquisition and job creation.
Ajakaye noted that the administration has created tens of thousands of jobs across various sectors and recruited over 8,600 teachers between 2019 and 2025—describing it as the highest education-sector employment in recent Kwara history.
He added that the state has committed over N4 billion in counterpart funding to unlock development partnerships, particularly for rural infrastructure, with over 1,000 kilometers of roads already rehabilitated or under construction.
The interactive session affirmed Kwara’s multipronged governance model—anchored on security, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth—as a national example of effective subnational leadership.
