… Summit to explore intersection of people, policy, and technology innovation
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The Kwara State Government has announced plans to host the Kwara AI Summit 2025, a landmark event that will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts to explore how Artificial Intelligence can drive inclusive growth and digital transformation across Africa.
The two-day summit, themed “AI in Harmony — Bridging People, Policy, and Possibilities,” will hold on November 27 and 28, 2025, featuring high-level discussions, panel sessions, and exhibitions aimed at aligning AI development with human needs, governance frameworks, and social progress.
According to the organisers, the event will serve as a platform for dialogue, discovery, and collaboration among key stakeholders, including government representatives, academia, entrepreneurs, and youth innovators who are shaping the continent’s digital economy.
They said the summit will focus on how AI can be responsibly harnessed to improve governance, create jobs, enhance education, boost healthcare delivery, and promote sustainable development in Kwara and beyond.
The Kwara AI Summit 2025 is expected to feature a mix of keynote addresses, expert workshops, policy roundtables, and technology showcases highlighting homegrown innovations and start-ups in the AI ecosystem.
… Kwara sustains scholarships, expands ICT infrastructure, and strengthens partnerships across tertiary institutions
The Kwara State Government has recorded another milestone in its education sector, with all academic programmes presented by the Kwara State University (KWASU) and the Kwara State Polytechnic earning full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), respectively.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, announced this during the third quarter inter-ministerial press briefing in Ilorin, where she highlighted the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration’s sustained investments in tertiary education between April and September 2025.
She said the state has witnessed remarkable progress in infrastructure, research, innovation, and institutional governance, supported by peaceful industrial relations and regular payment of staff salaries. These efforts, she noted, have ensured uninterrupted academic calendars across all state-owned institutions.
According to her, the Ministry secured approvals for the renovation and upgrading of 14 facilities at the College of Education, Ilorin, to serve both the College and the newly established Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED). The Governor also approved the procurement of laboratory equipment, library furniture, e-learning tools, and a fully integrated ICT system for KWASUED, including a website, bursary automation, HR management, and a learning management platform.
Hajia Modibbo Kawu added that Governor AbdulRazaq approved a 100% increase in bursary and scholarship awards for Kwara indigenes, including law students. She also announced that 200 youths completed technical training at IVTEC Ajase-Ipo under the Kwara Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (KWYEEGS), while over 600 female students of the Kwara State Polytechnic benefitted from Smart Agriculture training under the French Government’s WATEA Project, in partnership with IITA.
KWASU, she said, has taken a lead in clean energy innovation, converting old government vehicles to electric and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems. The University also signed an MoU with Yasin Logistics to establish CNG conversion and repair centres under the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PiCNG), which will provide buses and motorcycles for intra-campus transportation.
Other major collaborations include Kwara Polytechnic’s partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation; IVTEC’s MoU with the Federal Polytechnic, Offa; and the College of Education, Ilorin’s research exchange with Rudn University, Russia.
The Commissioner further revealed that the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, and the College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi, have new substantive Provosts, while the College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS) has inaugurated its Governing Council to strengthen institutional governance.
She also commended the performance of Kwara State Polytechnic students at the 2024 NIPOGA Games, where they won six gold, six silver, and two bronze medals, as well as the College of Education, Ilorin, which clinched first place at the ECHIPS National Competition organized by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Highlighting progress in aviation education, Hajia Modibbo Kawu said the Kwara State Aviation College completed commercial pilot licence (CPL) training for three students, who were decorated by the Governor, while the institution acquired new aircraft engines and logistics equipment to enhance flight operations and safety.
She concluded that the Ministry continues to prioritize staff training through workshops on entrepreneurship, ICT, and digital learning, reinforcing the state’s drive toward sustainable educational development and innovation.
Expands “Buy Kwara” initiative to support local pharmaceutical companies
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The Kwara State Government has strengthened its healthcare workforce and infrastructure with the employment of more medical doctors, restoration of pharmacy training accreditations, and clinical training for 1,320 medical students across state-owned hospitals.
Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board (KW-HMB), Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, announced this during an inter-ministerial press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin. He said the move reflects Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, promoting health equity, and ensuring sustainable operations across secondary health facilities in the state.
Dr. Malik confirmed that the Governor approved the recruitment of additional medical doctors and 30 intern pharmacists to address manpower shortages and enhance service delivery. He also disclosed that six hospital pharmacy departments had regained accreditation from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) after more than two decades, allowing them to train graduate pharmacists.
“For the first time in Kwara’s history, intern nurses will also be trained in five secondary health facilities under the Board, following successful due diligence and approval processes,” he added.
Dr. Malik further announced the expansion of the state’s ‘Buy Kwara’ initiative, which now includes the sourcing of essential hospital supplies such as scrubs, lab coats, bedsheets, and work jackets from the Kwara Garment Factory (KGF), as well as pharmaceuticals from local manufacturers including Tuyil, Sam’s, HMA, and Biomedical.
He said the Hospitals Management Board plans to introduce a digital appointment system that will allow patients to book consultations with their preferred doctors ahead of visits, reducing waiting time and improving hospital efficiency.
Highlighting human capital development, Dr. Malik revealed that 1,320 medical students completed clinical training across state facilities, while new medical equipment worth millions of naira was deployed to strengthen diagnostics and treatment capacity in secondary hospitals.
“These steps align with the Governor’s vision of building a healthcare system that is people-centred, innovative, and sustainable,” he said.
It looks like Kwara PDP PRO Olusegun Adewara Sholyment is now working for the Kwara State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC), inadvertently. The scope and quality of his press statements have helped to promote and edify the policies and decisions of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq more often than not, even if he thought he was attacking him.
Take, for instance, today’s own. Sholyment has rushed to write in acknowledgement of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s approval of another 8.1bn to pay the gratuities of state and local government retirees in Kwara.
This follows the N4bn released in January 2025 for the same purpose.
Since 2019, this administration has paid 20bn in gratuities in total — apart from the new approval. A vast amount of these funds was used to defray backlogs inherited from the previous administration.
The above shows that gratuities are gradually cleared but in phases because of other obligations, including the much-acknowledged building of several developmental projects across the state.
Like every Kwaran, Sholyment and his PDP folks are happy to witness the impact of a responsible and caring government steadily addressing critical issues of governance to improve the quality of life of the citizens. But in order to save face, he would claim that the Governor has taken action merely because of the criticism of a Bishop Isreal Amoo, who was himself, a staunch appointee of successive PDP-led administrations in Kwara.
Assuming without conceding this claim, how does that take anything away from the altruistic decision of the people’s Governor? It would rather further raise his stock as a democratic, humble, and patriotic leader who places high value on the feedback of the citizens regardless of their political leanings.
This shows his difference from the tone-deaf, obstinate, insensitive leaders who racked up the pension and gratuities arrears in the first place.
These were Senator Bukola Saraki and Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed between 2003 and 2019. They defaulted in paying pension and gratuities for retirees, but awarded themselves humongous packages as their own pension benefits.
We do not owe Bishop Amoo any apology. If Sholyment were to be fair, he should be helping the former governors from his party to draft one to Amoo and entire Kwarans for failing to prioritise the welfare of workers when they held sway. He should also encourage them to be thankful for the grace of a more competent and magnanimous predecessor who helps them to wipe their dirty behind.
The Governor’s approval, obviously, is beyond the comedy of that fact-free assertion at Oke-Onigbin that led to a deluge of more horrendous revisionist takes on gratuities and pension arrears in Kwara. It is inherent in his belief for probity, prudence, and respect for workers, as seen in the prompt payment of salaries, clearance of promotional exercises, and historic implementation of minimum wage twice in office.
Or, may I ask, who will PDP give the credits and ‘apologies’ for these? 😂
I recognise PDP’s profound lack of discernment that this is another moment of thanksgiving for the senior citizens for their trust in politics that works in 2019.
I wager that even Bishop Isreal Amoo now shares in this beautiful moment of fulfilment in dreams and possibilities under a purposeful government, which is held by Kwarans of all classes, who elected to vote Governor AbdulRazaq into office to clean the mess that had been made of our state. I commend their bravery, patience, and continued faith in his leadership.
However, the Governor also does not expect any gratitude from Bishop Amoo or the PDP for yet another action in cleaning the Augean stables. He simply did his job.
He would rather take pride in the joy and happiness with which thousands of people have received the announcement since yesterday. It is noted as a referendum in the governor’s style of progressive leadership that places the people first.
We hear you, Kwarans. We hear you. 👊
●Abdullateef is Senior Special Assistant to Kwara Governor on Communication
… Over 100km of roads already completed across the region
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the construction of the 15.150km Ojoku–Ilemona Road in Oyun Local Government Area, marking another major milestone in his administration’s ongoing drive to open up communities and promote inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ojoku on Thursday, the Governor said the project builds on his administration’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across the state.
He noted that more than 100 kilometres of roads have already been completed in Kwara South, alongside landmark investments in health, education, water, and social protection.
“This project is part of our broader vision to ensure that every community in Kwara has access to quality roads that support trade, agriculture, and mobility,” he said. “Road infrastructure is key to development, and we are determined to sustain this momentum.”
Governor AbdulRazaq further revealed that the state is also undertaking or preparing to launch additional road projects covering over 109 kilometres in the region, including those under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
The 15.150km Ojoku–Ilemona Road will run through the following routes:
Residents of the benefiting communities expressed excitement at the flag-off, describing it as a long-awaited development that will ease movement, improve commerce, and enhance the overall quality of life in the area.
The Kwara State Government has announced plans to conduct its first-ever Computer-Based Test (CBT) promotion examination for staff of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), marking a new milestone in the state’s education sector.
Executive Chairman of TESCOM, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, disclosed that the 2025 promotion examination will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Kwara State College of Education CBT Centre, Ilorin.
Speaking during a management meeting, Abubakar commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving the initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking move that places Kwara ahead of other states in the digital transformation of public service examinations.
He said TESCOM is the first government parastatal in Kwara to conduct a computer-based promotion examination, adding that the development aligns with global best practices and prepares teachers for the digital shift already adopted by national examination bodies such as WAEC and NECO.
“Since His Excellency, the Governor, is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, it is only fitting that this kind of innovation begins from his state. This marks a new era of professionalism and accountability in our education system,” Abubakar said.
He explained that the examination will commence at 9:00 a.m., and all participants are expected to arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes early with the original copies of their credentials.
To facilitate proper documentation, TESCOM has launched a dedicated portal — tescom.kwarastate.gov.ng which will open at 12:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025. All eligible staff are required to submit their information via the portal, as those not captured will not be allowed to sit for the examination.
Abubakar added that interviews will immediately follow the CBT exercise at the same venue, during which officers will be required to present their Enhancement Certificate or Clearance for verification before being interviewed.
He urged all TESCOM staff to embrace the new digital process and prepare adequately for the examination, noting that the exercise reflects the government’s commitment to merit-based progression and capacity building in the education sector.
Projects to boost access to life-saving oxygen supply across Kwara North and South
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The Kwara State Government has commissioned two state-of-the-art Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants at the General Hospital, Lafiagi, and the Thomas Adewumi Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran. The projects, donated by the Global Fund, mark another major step in the state’s effort to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency response capacity.
The plants are designed to serve as regional hubs for the production of medical-grade oxygen, ensuring a steady, affordable, and locally sourced supply to hospitals across Kwara State, particularly in the northern and southern senatorial districts.
Speaking at the technical commissioning ceremonies, Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Assistant Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Alhaji Toyin Raji, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare journey.
“Medical oxygen remains a critical life-saving resource used daily in neonatal care, surgeries, and respiratory treatments. With these plants, our hospitals will now enjoy a reliable and affordable oxygen supply produced locally. That means more hope and better health outcomes for our patients,” she said.
Dr. El-Imam expressed appreciation to the Global Fund for its generous support and to the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for their collaboration. She said the initiative aligns with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all Kwarans.
Zonal Coordinator for North Central Oxygen at the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Onoja Kingsley, who led the technical inspection, said all components of the plants—including the air compressor, PSA oxygen generator, booster compressor, and filling ramp—were tested and certified for efficiency and purity.
He advised the state to establish an Oxygen Committee and create a sustainability plan to ensure the plants’ continuous operation beyond their five-year warranty period. “The plants should not only produce oxygen but also generate revenue through sales, with proceeds reinvested in maintenance and operations,” he added.
Chief Medical Director of Lafiagi General Hospital, Dr. Saliu Bolakale, commended the state government and the Global Fund for their commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. He said the plant would enhance service delivery and save countless lives through reliable oxygen access.
“This project marks a major advancement in our healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates government’s consistent dedication to the wellbeing of its people,” he said.
The event was attended by representatives of the Global Fund, NACA, the Federal Ministry of Health, and senior officials from the Kwara State Ministry of Health, who all described the commissioning as a landmark achievement in the state’s ongoing health sector transformation.
…Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Launches KW-GIS Platform as Part of Broader Reform Agenda
KwaraRising
Kwara State has entered a new era of digital governance with the official launch of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), a comprehensive digital land information system designed to revolutionize property administration, enhance transparency, and accelerate economic development.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq presided over the landmark event on Monday, joined by top government officials, traditional rulers, and development partners.
The platform replaces manual land processes with a fully digital framework that enables online applications, real-time tracking of land titles, and streamlined issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
In his keynote address, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized the system’s role in reducing bureaucratic delays, eliminating corruption opportunities, and positioning Kwara as a leader in efficient public service delivery.
International development expert Dr. Paul Adepelumi, who delivered the main address, described KW-GIS as a “revolution in land administration” that reflects the state’s commitment to innovation and accountability.
He highlighted how the system aligns with World Bank-supported reforms under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program, where Kwara recently ranked first nationally. “This is not just a platform; it is a bold symbol of visionary leadership,” Dr. Adepelumi stated.
KW-GIS Executive Chairman Alhaji Sulyman Abdulkareem confirmed the system will minimize disputes, support urban planning, and improve revenue collection through accurate land valuation and billing.
He also disclosed that the state government paid N560 million in compensation to landowners affected by the Kwara Smart City project, with all related documents now digitized to prevent future encroachment.
Finance Commissioner Dr. Hauwa Nuru, who chairs the state’s Ease of Doing Business Council, noted the platform directly supports Kwara’s goals under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) by simplifying property registration.
She cited expectations of significant revenue growth, referencing increases of 200% to 500% in other states that adopted similar systems.
The launch reinforces Kwara’s growing reputation for institutional reforms, following earlier successes in education, healthcare, and infrastructure under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration. Officials confirmed that all relevant ministries—including Lands, Finance, and Physical Planning—will integrate operations through the KW-GIS platform to ensure cohesive and data-driven governance.
… Project HOPE initiative strengthens primary healthcare delivery across the state
The Kwara State Government has distributed new hospital equipment, essential drugs, and medical supplies to the State Hospital Management Board and Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
The intervention, carried out under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (Project HOPE) initiative, underscores the administration’s sustained investment in improving access to quality and affordable healthcare, particularly at the grassroots level.
Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Project HOPE Steering Committee, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, who performed the official handover, said the gesture reflects Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision to build a functional and inclusive health system.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision is clear — to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and reliable for every Kwara resident, regardless of location. This gesture is another step towards achieving that vision,” Dr. Nuru said.
She urged the benefiting facilities to put the items to proper use, adding that Project HOPE was designed to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure, manpower, and service delivery across the health sector.
Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, commended the Governor for his continued support and investment in the health sector. She said the intervention is part of the broader plan to revitalise primary healthcare and ensure sustainability.
“We are witnessing the fruits of a deliberate strategy to strengthen our PHC system through infrastructure upgrades, supply of essential commodities, and capacity-building for health workers. This is how we build a healthier Kwara,” Prof. Elelu said.
Receiving the items on behalf of the healthcare facilities, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, expressed appreciation to the government and pledged that the materials would be effectively utilised to improve patient care.
The distributed equipment include outreach tricycles, motorcycles, adult and child weighing scales, hospital beds and mattresses, delivery couches, haematology analysers, laboratory tools, sphygmomanometers, laptops, dressing trolleys, essential drugs, and other medical supplies.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the construction of the 15.1-kilometre Ojoku–Ilemona road in Oyun Local Government Area, describing it as another effort to open up communities for trade, connectivity, and development.
The flag-off coincided with the inspection of the ongoing Eiyenkorin–Afon–Ojoku–Offa Road by the Governor, Minister of Works David Umahi, and the management team of BUA Group, the contractor handling the 42.6km concrete road.
Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration has completed over 100km of roads in Kwara South alone and is currently constructing or preparing to award another 109km of roads, including projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
“This is part of the dividends of democracy and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said. “We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment and sound economic policies that are already yielding results.
This road opens up several agrarian communities for trade and movement of goods and services. Traffic has already picked up even though the project is just about halfway complete.”
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army for recent security interventions and reiterated his appeal to the Minister to prioritise key federal roads in the state, including the Ilorin–Lokoja dualisation, the Share–Patigi road, and the construction of the Moro Bridge.
During the inspection, Minister Umahi announced that the Federal Government has approved the construction of a flyover at Oko Olowo in Ilorin to improve safety and traffic flow along the busy corridor.
He commended the quality of the BUA-constructed concrete road, stating it would last up to 100 years, and praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his leadership, development strides, and consistent support for President Tinubu.
“We are proud of what Your Excellency is doing in Kwara without noise,” Umahi said. “We appreciate your leadership and your commitment to the Renewed Hope vision. We will consider your requests in the coming fiscal year.”
The Governor also highlighted the industrial potential of the road corridor, noting that the ongoing $25 million soybean processing plant by Olam, located nearby, reflects growing investor confidence in the area.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, said the Ojoku–Ilemona project will transform mobility, trade, and access to healthcare and education for residents who had endured decades of poor road conditions.
Traditional rulers including the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh, and the Olojoku of Ojoku, Oba Abdulrazaq Adegboyega Afolabi, thanked the Governor for his developmental vision. The Olojoku also honoured AbdulRazaq with the traditional title of Aare Bobaselu Ojoku.
Community leaders and political figures, including Dr Johnson Bamidele Adewumi of the Kwara South Development Initiative and APC chieftain Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin, described the Governor’s efforts in Kwara South as unprecedented, citing his focus on lasting impact rather than political gains.
The event was attended by lawmakers, local government chairmen, cabinet members, traditional rulers, and senior officials from both the state and federal governments.
