Kwara Rising

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  • Kwara Announces September 15 as Resumption Date for Schools

    Kwara Announces September 15 as Resumption Date for Schools

    … Government assures safe, conducive environment for learners

    The Kwara State Government has fixed September 15, 2025, as the official resumption date for the 2025/2026 academic session for all basic, junior, and secondary schools across the state.

    The announcement was made in Ilorin on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who said adequate measures are in place to guarantee a safe and conducive learning atmosphere in schools.

    Olohungbebe explained that the decision followed resolutions reached at the recent education stakeholders’ meeting convened by the ministry to review preparedness for the new academic year.

    He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support for the education sector, which, according to him, continues to yield positive results in learning outcomes and the welfare of teachers and students alike.

    “A review of the previous academic year has been undertaken, and areas requiring more attention have been identified. As a government, we reassure all stakeholders, including our partners, of our commitment to uninterrupted education for all learners in Kwara State,” the commissioner said.

    He noted that recent examination results showed remarkable improvements in students’ performance across the state, saying the achievement will spur the administration to intensify efforts in strengthening the education system.

    The commissioner disclosed that the government is finalising a new policy framework to further enhance the sector, with details to be announced after ongoing consultations with stakeholders are concluded.

    Olohungbebe urged parents, school heads, learners, and administrators to support government initiatives aimed at delivering quality and inclusive education. He added that several programmes, including technological solutions, are being deployed to make learning more attractive and accessible to every child in Kwara State.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Approves 2024 Cash Backing for 3,594 TESCOM Staff 

    Gov AbdulRazaq Approves 2024 Cash Backing for 3,594 TESCOM Staff 

    …Move reinforces administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the 2024 cash backing for 3,594 teaching and non-teaching staff of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), with immediate effect.

    The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, announced this on Wednesday while addressing the management staff of the commission.

    He described the approval as another clear testimony of Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers across the state.

    Bello recalled that since assuming office in 2019, the Governor had cash-backed pending promotions from 2015, 2016, and 2017, and has consistently sustained the practice through to 2023.

    He assured staff that the present administration will continue to ensure that all promotions are backed with cash as and when due.

    While appreciating Governor AbdulRazaq’s huge investment in teachers’ welfare, Bello pledged the commission’s continued loyalty and dedication to duty, promising that staff will justify the government’s gesture through hard work and commitment.

  • Kwara Govt Launches AI Training to Empower Teachers 

    Kwara Govt Launches AI Training to Empower Teachers 


    …Initiative marks new phase in state’s education reform agenda 

    The Kwara State Government has introduced a one-day training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pedagogy for selected public senior secondary school teachers across the state.

    The training, themed “Empowering the 21st Century Educator”, was held at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development Resource Centre, Tanke, Ilorin.

    Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the initiative as a turning point in Kwara’s education reform drive.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey to transform education in Kwara State and prepare our students and teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world,” he said.

    He urged teachers to embrace their role as “architects of transformation,” noting that AI integration is not just about technical tools but about re-imagining how knowledge is delivered in classrooms.

    “Let today be the beginning of a new chapter, one where Kwara classrooms become hubs of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration,” he added.

    The Commissioner praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for innovation through sustained investment in education.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, also applauded the Governor’s commitment to education reforms, urging participants to put the knowledge gained to practical use for the benefit of students.

    Lead trainer Mrs. Fadimu Benedicta Toyosi described the workshop as a “golden opportunity” for teachers to adapt to digital realities, commending the Ministry for spearheading efforts to modernise teaching methods.

    Participants expressed appreciation to the government and called for AI training to be expanded to reach more teachers across the state.

    The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Abduraheem Abiodun Rufai, and Director of Human Capital Development, Mrs. Oludare Olawumi Victoria.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Pledges Greater Inclusion as Citizens’ Budget Engagements Wrap Up in Kwara South

    Gov AbdulRazaq Pledges Greater Inclusion as Citizens’ Budget Engagements Wrap Up in Kwara South

    …Olupo, stakeholders laud Governor’s achievements, highlight fresh community needs 

    The Kwara State Government on Thursday concluded its citizens’ engagement for the 2026 budget in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, giving residents of Kwara South a platform to shape the next fiscal plan.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Olubukola Babalola, said the engagements are designed to ensure that the state budget reflects the true needs and aspirations of citizens across all districts.

    “For a budget to be effective, it must reflect the needs of the people. Our government believes that planning for the people without the people is planning to fail. That is why this engagement is crucial,” the Governor said.

    He added that past engagements had produced results in healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, and education, stressing the need to deepen government–citizen partnership for inclusive and sustainable development.

    Deputy Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Oyebode, commended the administration’s investment in road infrastructure in the region, citing the ongoing Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road. He also requested more roads linking rural communities to markets.

    Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the exercise underscores AbdulRazaq’s commitment to listening to the people. She noted that projects across Kwara South have shown that development is spread across the state.

    Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, listed key projects in the region, including Ajase-Ipo to Bayero road, Arandun-Esie-Oro road, and Ijara-Isin-Sabaja-Owa Onire road, while announcing upcoming contracts such as Omu Aran township road and Olofa Way in Offa.

    Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, disclosed that work will begin at the long-abandoned Offa stadium within two weeks, while housing projects are underway to benefit at least 600 households in Kwara South.

    Council chairmen and community leaders praised the Governor’s open-door policy, requesting additional roads, water projects, and security interventions.

    Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, commended AbdulRazaq’s people-focused governance, declaring the full support of monarchs in the region for his administration.

    The engagement marks the final leg of the three-phase consultation, following similar sessions in Bode Saadu (Kwara North) and Afon (Kwara Central).

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Upgrade of Ahman Pategi Road

    Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Upgrade of Ahman Pategi Road

    …Project set to ease traffic flow, improve safety, and boost local businesses

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commenced the upgrade of the popular Ahman Pategi Road in Ilorin, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to transform critical infrastructure and make roads safer and more accessible across the state.

    The project, which is part of the government’s rural-urban renewal initiative, is expected to enhance vehicular movement, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate economic activities along the route, which is home to several businesses including Kingstone Grand Suites.

    Residents and business owners have expressed excitement at the development, describing it as a major relief that will ease daily movement and promote commerce in the area.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has in the past six years invested significantly in road construction and rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts of Kwara, a move that has earned him recognition as one of the nation’s high-performing governors in infrastructure delivery.

    The ongoing upgrade of Ahman Pategi Road, residents said, is another clear example of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of citizens while driving sustainable economic growth. 

  • Over 100,000 Residents Benefit from Kwara Health Insurance Scheme

    Over 100,000 Residents Benefit from Kwara Health Insurance Scheme

    …Dr. Jetawo-Winter says state’s investment in healthcare attracts strong donor support, assures more civil servants and families will soon be enrolled

    Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, says more than 100,000 residents have so far enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme.

    She explained that the beneficiaries cut across students, informal sector workers, persons living with disabilities, and private organizations, with civil servants and their families expected to join soon.

    Dr. Jetawo-Winter credited the success of the scheme to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s investments in healthcare, which she said have also attracted strong support from international donors.

    “Today, we have more than 100,000 beneficiaries enjoying health insurance in the state,” she said at a community engagement in Ijomu Oro, Irepodun Local Government, organized in collaboration with the European Union through the EU-SARAH Initiative.

    “In recent years, Kwara has received unprecedented donor support in health, covering under-5 children, young women and pregnant mothers, the physically challenged, and people living with diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. One of such is the EU-SARAH initiative, powered by the European Union with UNICEF and UNFPA technical assistance. These accomplishments have made Kwara State attractive to donor organizations.”

    She disclosed that under the EU-SARAH Initiative, 15,000 people in the target population will get free access to quality healthcare services at nearby facilities for the next few years.

    Dr. Jetawo-Winter also commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s deliberate investments in healthcare infrastructure and manpower, noting: “From primary healthcare centres to tertiary hospitals, our Governor is intentional about the health and safety of citizens.”

    Last week, the agency sensitized residents of Afon, Reke, and Aboto-Oja in Asa Local Government on the benefits of the scheme.

    The event in Ijomu Oro was attended by dignitaries, including Kwara House of Assembly member for Irepodun Constituency, Hon. Shola Odetundun; Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; Barr. Teju Oguntoye; Hon. Olabode Adekanye; Prince Samuel Alebiosu; APC Chairperson in Irepodun, Hajia Rasheedat Kareem; General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, Mr. Yomi Adeboye; and President of Kwara South Youth Organisation, Abolarin Dan-Sarafa.

    The Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye II, was represented by the Eesa of Oro, High Chief Samuel Taiye. Baale of Ijomu Oro, High Chief Matthew Taiye Ademola, and High Chief Samuel Oguniyi also attended.

    In their goodwill messages, Hon. Odetundun and Barr. Oguntoye praised the turnout of community members and encouraged them to embrace the health insurance scheme.

    Oba Titiloye, through his representative, urged residents to take advantage of the affordable healthcare programme, commending Governor AbdulRazaq’s passion for development, particularly in the health sector.

    Oloriewe Raheem also lauded the Governor’s initiatives across key sectors, describing the EU-SARAH partnership as a recognition of the government’s commitment to healthcare.

  • Kwara Govt Procures 30 Transformers to Boost Power Supply, Economic Growth

    Kwara Govt Procures 30 Transformers to Boost Power Supply, Economic Growth

    … Commissioner says new equipment will boost electricity, strengthen security, and drive economic growth across the state

    The Kwara State Government has procured 30 new electricity transformers as part of efforts to improve power supply, enhance security, and stimulate economic growth across communities in the state.

    Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Kola AbdulAzeez AbdulGaniy, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Ministry’s premises while receiving the second batch of the transformers.

    He explained that the first batch of 16 transformers was received on August 15, 2025, while the remaining 14 arrived earlier today.

    Engr. AbdulGaniy said the initiative underscores the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the welfare and security of citizens, noting that access to reliable electricity is critical for economic development, social well-being, and safer communities.

    He assured that the administration will continue to prioritize infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of residents, stressing that the new transformers will be deployed to areas of need across the state.

  • We’re Glad to Model Budgets After Public Needs, Says Kwara Governor in Afon

    We’re Glad to Model Budgets After Public Needs, Says Kwara Governor in Afon

    …Administration records 90.6% budget performance in 2024, completes 120km of roads in two years

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance, saying the state budget will continue to reflect the true needs of citizens.

    The Governor spoke at the Citizens’ Engagement on the 2026 budget held in Afon, Asa Local Government, where residents from across Kwara Central gathered to present their priorities for the coming fiscal year.

    “We are here for the second of the three-legged citizens’ engagement on the 2026 budget. This is for the people of Kwara Central to have their input in the next budget cycle,” the Governor said. “The whole idea of this engagement is to democratise the budget process in line with global best practices of transparency and inclusion.”

    Governor AbdulRazaq, who was joined by lawmakers and top officials, said previous engagements had shaped the administration’s policies and projects since 2019, leading to visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, job creation, and food security. He assured residents that the administration would build on its record despite the challenges of governance.

    Stakeholders at the event, including traditional rulers, lawmakers, community leaders, and government officials, lauded the administration’s achievements and presented fresh demands ranging from rural road construction to water supply and market upgrades.

    Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed that the government has completed 120km of roads in the last two years, apart from hundreds of kilometres still ongoing. Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the engagement underscored the Governor’s belief that citizens’ voices must guide policy decisions.

    Director of Budget, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, announced that Kwara achieved 90.6% budget performance in 2024, the highest in recent years, with capital projects accounting for the bulk of spending.

    Stakeholders including Asa LGA Chairman Alhaji Shehu Yahaya, Hon. Yunus Oniboki, Hon. Arinola Lawal, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, and other leaders commended the Governor for his inclusive leadership and sectoral interventions.

    The Governor said the administration’s determination is to “beat its own record of good and impactful governance” while urging citizens to continue to provide honest feedback to guide government priorities.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Holds Security Meeting, Commends Operatives Amid Ongoing Clearance Operations

    Gov AbdulRazaq Holds Security Meeting, Commends Operatives Amid Ongoing Clearance Operations


    …Security commanders report arrests, arms seizures as state steps up public safety drive

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday chaired a marathon security council meeting in Ilorin to review ongoing operations aimed at strengthening public safety across the state.

    The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, including the police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Senior government officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Attorney General, Special Adviser on Security, and Senior Special Assistant on Security also participated.

    Briefings covered recent operations across the state, with security chiefs reporting multiple arrests, prosecutions, and the interception of arms from criminal elements.

    Governor AbdulRazaq commended the security forces for their dedication and sacrifice, assuring them of the government’s continued support.

    “Our security agencies are putting in everything to keep our people safe. They deserve every support that they get,” the Governor said, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide actionable intelligence to aid the work of security operatives.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure Kwara remains secure and peaceful.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Reconstruction of Ita Amoh—Gaa Saka—Madi Road

    Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Reconstruction of Ita Amoh—Gaa Saka—Madi Road

    …Project to ease traffic, boost commerce, and support rural-urban renewal agenda

    The Kwara State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Ita Amoh—Gaa Saka—Madi Road in Ilorin West Local Government Area, one of the busiest commercial routes in the state.

    The rehabilitation works, flagged off under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, have entered the first phase, involving the removal of the failed surface layer in preparation for laying new base layers and asphalt.

    When completed, the project is expected to significantly improve vehicular movement, enhance user comfort, and stimulate local economic activities in the area.

    Governor AbdulRazaq has over the past six years invested heavily in infrastructure development, rebuilding and expanding road networks across the state as part of his rural-urban renewal initiative.

    Residents and road users in the area have welcomed the project with excitement, praising the Governor for fulfilling his commitment to social and infrastructural development.