Kwara Rising

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  • Gov AbdulRazaq Engages Citizens as Kwara Opens 2026 Budget Consultations

    Gov AbdulRazaq Engages Citizens as Kwara Opens 2026 Budget Consultations

    ….Governor urges residents to speak truth to power, shape government priorities

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday launched the 2026 budget preparation process with a call on citizens to provide candid feedback and help shape government priorities for the coming year.

    Speaking at a citizens’ engagement session in Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government, the Governor said the administration is committed to inclusive governance and will continue to harvest the views of the public through consultations with civil society groups, traditional rulers, the private sector, and ordinary residents.

    “I am glad to be back in Moro today and for this large turnout. This session is good for our development because it helps us to plan well,” AbdulRazaq said. “A budget is a statement of intent which focuses on the direction the government is headed in the financial year. Citizens’ engagement has served as a barometer to know what the public needs and how resources should be allocated across the state.”

    The Governor urged residents to “let us know your truth,” stressing that their direct input is crucial to improving service delivery. He noted that projects ranging from roads and water facilities to health centres, agriculture, and technology hubs are all essential to driving sustainable development.

    “We are excited with the volume of development going on across the state. Basically, the support of the people is what motivates us to do better,” he added, assuring that the administration is entering a new phase of growth.

    Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, described the citizens’ engagement initiative as a compelling necessity for effective governance, saying it enhances accountability and strengthens citizens’ participation in decision-making.

    Traditional rulers and community representatives at the session also presented their requests. The Ohoro of Shao, Oba Dr. Obalowu Atolagbe, lauded the Governor for promoting gender balance in governance and human capital development, while urging the rehabilitation of township roads and the Shao/Sobi water project. Prince Olatunji Adebara of Jebba called for the establishment of a School of Nursing in the town.

    Director of Planning, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Samsudeen Aregbe, gave a breakdown of the state’s budget performance for 2024 and 2025, describing it as “excellent.”

    The engagement session drew stakeholders from across Kwara North.

  • Kwara Govt, UNICEF Train 100 New Health Workers to Boost Primary Healthcare

    Kwara Govt, UNICEF Train 100 New Health Workers to Boost Primary Healthcare

    …Programme funded through UNICEF’s $500,000 Leadership Challenge Award

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has trained 100 newly recruited health workers to strengthen the delivery of effective, safe, and timely primary healthcare services across the state.

    The nine-day training, which took place in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government, was facilitated by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA) with funding support from UNICEF. The funds came from the $500,000 Leadership Challenge Award won by the state, marking the second time Kwara has clinched the North Central prize.

    Executive Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, said the programme was designed to build the capacity of the new recruits, many of whom were employed during the state’s last recruitment exercise and had little or no prior experience in primary healthcare facilities.

    “This training is crucial because it provides an opportunity to introduce them to the basics of Primary Health Care. Some of them are coming into this space for the first time, and we must equip them to serve effectively,” she said.

    Director of Primary Health Care Systems, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, explained that the trainees were taken through the principles of PHC, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services. He stressed that the exercise would improve health outcomes and promote healthier communities.

    “This training will ensure that even those who have never worked in a PHC setting are adequately prepared to function well in their duty posts,” Dr. Oguntoye added.

    Also speaking, the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Mr. Olayioye Ajide, briefed the participants on civil service rules guiding health workers, warning against acts of misconduct and urging them to remain law-abiding and diligent in their duties.

    The State Coordinator of Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Femi Olatunbosun, lauded the state government and the agency for sustaining capacity-building initiatives for health workers, describing it as a step toward improved healthcare delivery in Kwara.

  • AbdulRazaq Visits Babanla, Oke-Ode as Security Reinforcements Restore Calm

    AbdulRazaq Visits Babanla, Oke-Ode as Security Reinforcements Restore Calm

    …Governor commiserates with victims’ families, pledges support through KWASSIP

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend visited Babanla, Oke-Ode and other communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting livelihoods.

    The Governor, accompanied by security chiefs including the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, and the State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commiserated with families affected by the recent attacks and pledged that government would prevent further breaches. He also directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to provide immediate support to those affected.

    “We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities that we will ensure this does not happen again. It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail,” AbdulRazaq said.

    The Governor explained that the influx of criminal elements into the area was a spillover from increased military pressure in other parts of the country, but assured residents that security forces are determined to flush them out.

    “You can see that the security commanders are also here, and you have witnessed the return of normalcy in the past week. We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace,” he added.

    The Governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye II, who commended the administration’s swift intervention and the federal government’s support in restoring calm.

    “Your visit today is a great relief for our people. We commend your actions to restore peace. The attack led to the loss of nine motorcycles, food items, and phones, but with your assurances, our people can now feel safer,” the monarch said.

    Also on the Governor’s entourage were the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu, and Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Femi Yusuf.

  • Kwara Gov Hails Lafiagi-born Scientist for Winning $150,000 Global HIV Research Grant

    Kwara Gov Hails Lafiagi-born Scientist for Winning $150,000 Global HIV Research Grant

    … AbdulRazaq says Dr. Abdullahi’s feat places Kwara, Nigeria on global health map

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated Dr. Adam Hussein Abdullahi, a Lafiagi-born global health scientist, on winning the prestigious Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) Grant.

    Valued at $150,000, the CIPHER Grant was awarded to just four researchers worldwide after a highly competitive process involving over 1,000 applicants. Dr. Abdullahi, a child of Dr. Abdullahi Amanah, President of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU), emerged as one of only two Africans selected in this cycle.

    A former Harvard Takemi Fellow and Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Abdullahi has made notable contributions in global health, with his work covering SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunogenicity in West Africa and Mpox transmission risks in Nigeria.

    Governor AbdulRazaq described the award as a reward for Dr. Abdullahi’s years of research, dedication, and professional commitment to advancing solutions in global health.

    “We are proud of the achievements of Dr. Adam Hussein Abdullahi. This global recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Kwara and Nigeria. His research and humanitarian mission to help young children live meaningful lives despite their HIV status are inspiring. We wish him many more breakthroughs and recognitions in the years ahead,” the Governor said in a statement.

    The Governor urged Dr. Abdullahi to remain steadfast in his mission of improving lives through science and innovation, noting that his feat has placed Kwara and Nigeria on the global map of health research excellence.

  • KWASU Council Chair Commends Gov AbdulRazaq for Transforming Health, Education Sectors

    KWASU Council Chair Commends Gov AbdulRazaq for Transforming Health, Education Sectors

    …. Ambali hails conversion of General Hospital to Teaching Hospital ahead of medical school accreditation

    The Chairman of the Governing Council of Kwara State University (KWASU) and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as impactful governance that has brought unprecedented development to Kwara, particularly in the education and health sectors.

    Prof. Ambali made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) in preparation for the final accreditation of the university’s medical school and the commencement of clinical training for medical students.

    He praised the administration’s decision to transform the General Hospital into a Teaching Hospital, saying the move will not only aid the training of medical students and related professionals but also improve healthcare delivery across the state.

    “The present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has embarked on projects that have significant and direct impact on the people, especially the conversion of the General Hospital into a Teaching Hospital. This will support the training of medical professionals and enhance quality healthcare services for Kwarans and neighbouring states,” Ambali said.

    The Council Chairman urged the hospital management to ensure full readiness ahead of the September accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the resumption of clinical training for students immediately afterward.

    In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of KWASUTH, Dr. Bola Ahmed, thanked Prof. Ambali and KWASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sheikh Luqman Jimoh, for their commitment to making the medical school project a reality. He commended the state government for its continued investment in critical medical equipment, noting that these provisions will improve service delivery and position Kwara as a pace-setter in healthcare development.

    Dr. Ahmed assured that the government remains committed to providing the facilities, equipment, and manpower required to further strengthen the hospital’s capacity for medical training and healthcare delivery.

    The meeting was attended by Prof. Jimoh and other top management officials of KWASUTH.

  • Kwara Govt Launches Patient Medical Assistance Trust Fund

    Kwara Govt Launches Patient Medical Assistance Trust Fund

    … New initiative to ensure indigent patients are not denied treatment in state hospitals

    The Kwara State Hospitals Management Board (KWHMB) has announced the establishment of the Patient Medical Assistance Trust Fund, a scheme aimed at providing timely financial support for patients who are unable to afford essential medical care.

    According to the Board, the initiative is designed to ensure that no patient in state hospitals is denied treatment due to financial constraints.

    The Trust Fund will mobilize resources through corporate social responsibility donations and individual contributions, which will be used to cover the cost of critical treatments, surgeries, and medications for indigent patients.

    Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, Executive Secretary of KWHMB, said the scheme underscores the government’s commitment to equity, compassion, and improved access to healthcare for all residents of Kwara State.

    “The Patient Medical Assistance Trust Fund is a vital step in bridging the gap between medical need and affordability. It will ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society can access lifesaving healthcare without the burden of financial hardship,” he said.

  • NGF Chair AbdulRazaq Condoles with Kogi Gov Ododo Over Father’s Death

    NGF Chair AbdulRazaq Condoles with Kogi Gov Ododo Over Father’s Death

    … Late Alhaji Momohsani remembered as a selfless leader and community pillar

    Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday paid a condolence visit to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, following the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.

    Alhaji Momohsani passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 83.

    Governor AbdulRazaq was accompanied on the visit by Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, and Hon. Ahmed Yinka, representing Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives.

    Describing the late patriarch as a revered father, uncle, and grandfather, AbdulRazaq said Alhaji Momohsani was a community leader who dedicated much of his life to serving his people with wisdom and humility.

    He noted that the loss was not only personal to Governor Ododo and his family but also to the entire people of Kogi State, who benefitted from the deceased’s guidance and sacrifices.

    The NGF Chairman prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Alhaji Momohsani and grant him eternal rest, while urging the family to take solace in the worthy legacies he left behind.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Condoles With APC National Chairman Over Mother’s Passing

    Gov AbdulRazaq Condoles With APC National Chairman Over Mother’s Passing

    … Governor describes late Mama Lydia Yilwatda as a woman of faith, discipline, and service

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has paid a condolence visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, at his residence in Jos, following the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.

    The Governor was accompanied by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    Speaking during the visit, Governor AbdulRazaq described the late Mama Lydia as a fulfilled matriarch who lived a life of faith, discipline, and service. He urged Professor Nentawe and his family to take solace in her exemplary legacy.

    He prayed to God to grant Mama Lydia eternal rest and to strengthen the APC National Chairman and his family during this period of mourning.  

  • Kwara Governor Intensifies Crackdown on Hinterland Criminals

    Kwara Governor Intensifies Crackdown on Hinterland Criminals

    …Abdulrazaq Urges Vigilance as Security Operations Target Gunmen in Northern Kwara

    Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has announced intensified efforts to curb criminal activities in the state’s hinterlands, particularly in the northern district, where recent gunmen attacks have caused unrest. In a statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye, the governor called on residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to security forces and state authorities.

    Abdulrazaq praised President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for their recent success in apprehending top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, describing the arrests as a testament to the administration’s commitment to combating terrorism. He highlighted the role of intelligence-driven operations in achieving these arrests, calling them a “significant victory for the nation.”

    “We commend the President, the National Security Adviser, and the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, including the army, air force, navy, and police, for their remarkable efforts,” Abdulrazaq said. “These achievements strengthen our resolve to support national security initiatives on all fronts.”

    The governor expressed optimism that the clampdown on terrorist leaders would enhance ongoing efforts to eliminate criminality across Nigeria. He reassured residents that the state government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties. “No effort is being spared to protect our communities,” he emphasized.

    Abdulrazaq urged citizens to remain calm but alert, noting that the lack of public details about specific security operations does not indicate inaction. “Significant work is being done behind the scenes, including intelligence gathering, arrests, and attack prevention,” he explained. To bolster security, additional operatives, including forest guards, are being deployed to vulnerable areas.

    The governor also directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to assess the needs of communities affected by recent incidents, ensuring support is provided to local leaders and residents.

    Abdulrazaq concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to eliminating threats and maintaining peace in Kwara. “We are intensifying efforts to stop these cowardly criminal acts and ensure the safety of our people,” he said.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Approves Salary Increase for KWASRRA Ad-hoc Staff

    Gov AbdulRazaq Approves Salary Increase for KWASRRA Ad-hoc Staff

    …Move ensures compliance with National Minimum Wage, boosts staff welfare

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved an upward review of the salaries of all ad-hoc staff of the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA).

    The Acting General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Tajudeen Jimoh, confirmed the approval in a statement, noting that the adjustment was made to ensure no ad-hoc staff earns below the national minimum wage.

    Jimoh urged the beneficiaries to show appreciation for the Governor’s gesture by carrying out their duties with greater diligence and commitment in line with the agency’s mandate.