Kwara Rising

Author: admin

  • Children Deserve the Best Start in Life — Gov AbdulRazaq Reaffirms Commitment to Kwara Children

    Children Deserve the Best Start in Life — Gov AbdulRazaq Reaffirms Commitment to Kwara Children

    … promise to invest in education, healthcare, and protection for every Kwara child

    As Nigeria commemorates Children’s Day 2025, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to policies and investments that give the Kwara child a strong head start in life.

    In a message issued to mark the occasion, the Governor said his administration remains focused on creating a future where every child in the state can live and prosper in dignity.

    “Every child deserves to live and prosper in dignity, and this depends on all of us that they look up to,” the Governor said. “As a government, we continue to invest in quality basic education and basic healthcare, while implementing policies that make the world a better place for them.”

    The Governor cited ongoing reforms and initiatives including KwaraLEARN, the Education Trust Fund, the state’s anti-hawking stance, six-month paid maternity leave, child protection laws, and improved access to maternal and child healthcare services as practical demonstrations of his administration’s commitment.

    Aligning with the 2025 Children’s Day theme, “Stand up, speak up: building a bullying-free generation,” Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the administration has equipped schools and communities with tools to protect children from harm. He highlighted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and direct engagement mechanisms that allow school children to escalate their concerns to the highest levels of educational oversight in the state.

    “Our premium KwaraLEARN gives us an unfettered access to classrooms in every corner of the state. Similarly, we have since enacted the Violence Against Persons Law to protect every Kwaran, including children, from any form of violence,” he added.

    Governor AbdulRazaq also celebrated recent policy outcomes that have placed Kwara among the best-performing states in both education and health indices, including having the lowest under-five mortality rate nationwide.

    “As our multi-pronged approaches to children’s welfare show,” the Governor said, “I invite all stakeholders to do their bit in ensuring that the Kwara child thrives.”

  • Kwara Government Intensifies Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation

    Kwara Government Intensifies Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation

    …Ministry of Social Development sensitises communities across 16 LGAs on health risks and legal consequences


    The Kwara State Ministry of Social Development has embarked on a statewide sensitisation campaign across all 16 Local Government Areas to raise awareness about the dangers and legal implications of female genital mutilation (FGM).

    The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to curb the harmful practice and promote the health and rights of girls in the state.

    Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, warned that those who continue to engage in FGM risk facing prosecution under Nigerian law. Represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Elder Kayode James, she highlighted the long-term health complications of the practice, including infections, infertility, reduced sexual function, and psychological trauma.

    At stops including Bode Saadu, Ijagbo, Ira, Okaka, Taiwo, and Isale Koko, the Commissioner explained that FGM not only violates the rights of girls but also exposes them to diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B, and HIV, often due to the use of unsterilised instruments.

    She urged community members to report individuals involved in the act to the appropriate authorities, reinforcing the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on FGM.

    Also speaking during the campaign, Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Alhaji Hamzat Fatai, described FGM as a harmful traditional practice that must be eradicated. He advised the public to rely only on certified medical personnel for any form of circumcision and to avoid roadside practitioners.

    Community members at the various locations pledged their support for the government’s efforts, promising to spread awareness and discourage the practice in their localities.

  • Kwara Government Sponsors Kwara Kre8 to Empower Young Creatives

    Kwara Government Sponsors Kwara Kre8 to Empower Young Creatives


    … Governor AbdulRazaq backs digital storytellers and content creators through partnership with Kwara Kre8 initiative

    #KwaraRising


    The Kwara State Government has announced its sponsorship of the Kwara Kre8 initiative, an emerging platform aimed at supporting photographers, filmmakers, social media influencers, and digital creatives across the state. The collaboration, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, underscores the administration’s continued support for youth-driven innovation and cultural expression.

    Kwara Kre8 made the announcement through its Creative Lead, Adebisi Oyelere, who acknowledged the Governor’s support as a major boost for the creative community. He said the initiative will help young creatives build their skills, gain industry exposure, and connect with mentors who can guide them on their career journey.

    Participants in the Kwara Kre8 workshop will receive training in areas such as content development, digital marketing, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. The event also promises to provide networking opportunities with established professionals and showcase the work of emerging talents to a wider audience.

    Keynote speakers for the event include the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq, Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo, and Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development, Sadiq Rabiu.

    The Kwara Kre8 team expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for supporting the programme. They noted that the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and its willingness to invest in platforms that promote innovation and economic inclusion.

  • Kwara Government Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Promotion at 2025 Orugbo Festival in Omu-Aran

    Kwara Government Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Promotion at 2025 Orugbo Festival in Omu-Aran

    … Commissioner Bola Olukoju says cultural heritage is key to unity, youth engagement, and tourism; Governor AbdulRazaq hailed as a champion of tradition

    The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting, expanding, and promoting the cultural heritage and traditions of the state as a means of boosting revenue through cultural tourism.

    The State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bola Olukoju, made this known over the weekend during the 2025 edition of the annual Orugbo/Ite-Oba festival in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area.

    Represented by the Director of Information Services in the Ministry, Alhaji Olayinka Jimoh Salau, the Commissioner stated that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq remains passionate about preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural legacy.

    “Culture is not just a relic of the past—it is a dynamic force that binds us, inspires us, and propels our growth as a people,” Olukoju declared.

    She emphasized that the state government is working assiduously to document and promote Kwara’s cultural festivals for national and international recognition, adding that these festivals hold immense value for unity, economic empowerment, youth engagement, and tourism development.

    “Through the Ministry of Communications, we have continued to support festivals like this, recognizing them as avenues for unity, economic empowerment, youth engagement, and tourism development,” she said. “So, as we promote digital innovation and modern governance, we are equally committed to preserving the very roots that define us.”

    Commending the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti, for his steadfast role in preserving his community’s heritage, Olukoju described the Orugbo festival as a reminder of the dignity, leadership, and spiritual essence of traditional institutions.

    She also called on the youth to take greater interest in their cultural identity by learning their history, speaking their local dialects, and actively participating in traditional festivals, stressing that the future of cultural preservation lies in their hands.

    In his remarks, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti, Olomu Efon II, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support in ensuring the successful hosting of the 2025 Orugbo/Ite-Oba festival. He lauded Governor AbdulRazaq as a chief promoter of culture and tradition in Kwara State, noting that the government’s involvement had given the festival a significant boost.

    The Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Hon. Abdulazeez Yakubu Tinuola, and the National President of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Mr. Niyi Adeyeye, in separate goodwill messages, thanked the Governor for providing financial support to the festival for the first time and urged him to continue on that path.

    A major highlight of the annual socio-cultural celebration was the once-a-year traditional dance by the Olomu of Omu-Aran, led by the Eesa Omu, High Chief AbdulRazaq Oyinloye. The ceremony concluded with special prayers offered by the custodian of Ogbo and Onigemo of Omu-Aran, High Chief (Barr.) Ademola Ajiboye, for the Olomu, indigenes at home and abroad, and the entire community, seeking growth, peace, and progress.

    The 2025 Orugbo/Ite-Oba festival drew dignitaries from across the state and beyond, further cementing its role as a key cultural event in Kwara’s calendar.

  • Kwara Govt Makes KWASRRA Registration Mandatory for All KWASSIP Beneficiaries

    Kwara Govt Makes KWASRRA Registration Mandatory for All KWASSIP Beneficiaries

    …No SSID, No Benefit: State Tightens Access to Social Investment with Data-Driven Strategy

    #KwaraRising

    In a decisive move to enhance data accuracy and promote targeted access to social investment opportunities, the Kwara State Government has mandated immediate registration of all beneficiaries under the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) with the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA).

    This was announced in a press statement released on Tuesday by the General Manager of KWASSIP, Dr. Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini, who emphasized the importance of the exercise in ensuring a credible, inclusive, and secure database of residents benefiting from government interventions.

    According to Dr. Tejidini, all beneficiaries are expected to complete the KWASRRA registration process and obtain the State Security Identification (SSID) number or card. This unique identifier will become a prerequisite for participating in any current or future KWASSIP disbursements and social benefit schemes.

    “The registration is to ensure a reliable and verifiable database for all categories of beneficiaries. It enables effective planning, prevents duplication, and guarantees that government resources are reaching the right people,” the statement read.

    The statement further clarified that beneficiaries who fail to obtain the SSID number will be disqualified from receiving any financial incentives or support from KWASSIP going forward.

    Bukola Abdulganiyu, Press Secretary of the Agency, reiterated that the mandatory registration is key to both security and economic planning. She urged all residents to comply with the directive, noting that the policy will contribute to the overall wellbeing of citizens through transparent and data-driven governance.

  • North Central Has Never Had It This Good — Gov AbdulRazaq Rallies Stakeholders Behind President Tinubu

    North Central Has Never Had It This Good — Gov AbdulRazaq Rallies Stakeholders Behind President Tinubu

    Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North Central region to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing unprecedented gains the region has recorded under his administration.

    Speaking at the APC North Central Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting held Tuesday night in Abuja, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude for the turnout and loyalty of party faithful, noting that the North Central has never been more favored in national appointments and development strides.

    He highlighted the recent establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) as a direct result of the region’s engagement with the President in May 2024 — a move he described as a “big win” for the zone.

    “Our sons and daughters have been appointed to lead the commission. This is a big win for us, and we are grateful to Mr. President,” he said.

    Governor AbdulRazaq also commended recent federal initiatives such as the national forest guards policy, which he said places local communities at the heart of national security strategy, and the appointment of key North Central indigenes, including the new NNPC Group CEO.

    While acknowledging early transitional challenges, the Governor insisted that President Tinubu’s economic reforms are yielding results, with positive signs across key economic indicators.

    “The North Central has never been this favoured in national reckoning. Yet our region stands to gain a lot more,” he asserted.

    He concluded by urging stakeholders to rally behind President Tinubu beyond 2027, saying that continued support would promote national cohesion, economic growth, and political stability.

    “This is good for national cohesion, sustained economic growth, and political stability of our country,” he said.

  • Kwara Govt Showcases Bold Strides in Economic Transformation

    Kwara Govt Showcases Bold Strides in Economic Transformation

    …10 Key Projects, Youth-Focused Tech Initiatives, and Industrial Growth Take Centre Stage in Q1 Briefing

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology has reaffirmed its commitment to economic growth through an integrated approach that blends innovation, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure development.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, during the first quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held Wednesday at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Ilorin. The session provided a comprehensive update on the Ministry’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.

    Hon. Damilola revealed that the Ministry is currently managing ten strategic projects across Kwara Central Senatorial District, with four completed and six still in progress. These projects, she emphasized, align with the Governor’s vision for a digitally driven, opportunity-rich Kwara.

    Among the completed projects are:

    Ilorin Innovation Hub – a thriving centre for technology and entrepreneurship;
    Gasoline-to-Electric Vehicle Conversion Project – executed in collaboration with Kwara State University, which has delivered two electric buses and a Hilux EV to the Ministry;
    Kwara Garment Factory – a significant employer in the fashion and garment sector;
    Sugar Film Factory – a creative industry powerhouse positioning Kwara as an emerging entertainment hub.
    Ongoing projects highlighted by the Commissioner include:

    The Ilorin International Conference Centre, featuring a 1,500-seat auditorium and a 129-room hotel, set for completion by Q1 2026;
    The Kwara Hotel Remodeling Project, at 63% completion, targeted for October 2025;
    A 50-ton Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama;
    The rehabilitation of Patigi Regatta Motel;
    The Daada Pottery Facility; and
    An ICT Hub in Shonga.
    Hon. Damilola also spotlighted the Kwara State Government Coding & Digital Literacy Programme (Holiday Edition), which is being coordinated through the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation. The initiative targets students from 50 public schools across the state’s 16 LGAs, equipping them with 21st-century digital skills.

    In addition, the Ministry continues to support small businesses with soft loans and grants through strategic partnerships with Federal Agencies and the Bank of Industry, reinforcing the AbdulRazaq administration’s commitment to job creation, innovation, and economic inclusion.

    The Commissioner commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, pledging the Ministry’s continued dedication to delivering sustainable development across sectors.

  • UNICEF, Kwara Government Launch Major Nutrition Drive to Tackle Child Malnutrition

    UNICEF, Kwara Government Launch Major Nutrition Drive to Tackle Child Malnutrition

    … partnership to combat severe acute malnutrition in children under five.

    In a landmark effort to fight child malnutrition, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Kwara State Government, has commenced the distribution of 3,964 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) across the state. This initiative, funded through the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), aims to tackle the growing burden of severe acute malnutrition among children under five in Kwara.

    The first batch, comprising 1,982 cartons of the life-saving food supplement, has been delivered, with a second batch of equal quantity expected soon. The intervention is part of a broader commitment by both partners to improve child health outcomes and reduce mortality related to malnutrition.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, speaking at the official handover ceremony in Ilorin, described the initiative as a powerful symbol of the government’s unwavering commitment to children’s welfare.

    “Our contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund is a reaffirmation of our continued dedication to eradicating malnutrition among our children in Kwara State. Our partnership with UNICEF is not just a collaboration but a mission to uphold the fundamental rights of women and children,” the Governor stated.

    The CNF operates through a unique matching model where UNICEF matches each dollar contributed by the government on a 1:1 basis. Kwara State contributed $100,000 to the fund, which was matched by UNICEF to procure the RUTF now being distributed to healthcare centres across the state.

    Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, lauded the Kwara State Government for prioritizing nutrition and child health, noting that the CNF model has proven effective in maximizing impact.

    “The Kwara State Government’s commitment to addressing child malnutrition is commendable. The Child Nutrition Fund enables us to double our efforts and reach more children with the essential nutrition they need. We hope this partnership inspires other states to follow suit,” Munduate said.

    She further urged the government to leverage the upcoming Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week in May/June to scale up delivery of integrated health services, including vitamin A supplements, deworming tablets, and multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women. She also called for more personnel to support the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) program across all 16 local government areas.

    Malnutrition remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with thousands of children at risk of severe wasting — a condition marked by extreme thinness that compromises a child’s survival. RUTF, which contains a blend of peanuts, oil, sugar, milk powder, and micronutrients, has been widely proven to effectively treat children with severe acute malnutrition without the need for hospitalization.

    Kwara State is among 11 Nigerian states that have committed funds to the CNF, joining the ranks of Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Kano, Ebonyi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau. UNICEF continues to advocate for expanded participation and sustained investment from other states to ensure broader access to essential nutrition for vulnerable populations.

  • Shielding Kwara from Rural Poverty: How Governor AbdulRazaq’s Visionary Leadership is Transforming Lives

    Shielding Kwara from Rural Poverty: How Governor AbdulRazaq’s Visionary Leadership is Transforming Lives

    The visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has shielded Kwara State from the sharp rise in rural poverty recently highlighted by the World Bank, which reported that 75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below the poverty line.

    Long before this stark statistic emerged, His Excellency had already begun laying the groundwork for rural development and economic empowerment across the state. A Buffer and a Prime Mover, His Excellency’s policies—centered on inclusivity, sustainability, and practical impact—are now producing measurable results in improving the standard of living for citizens.

    Women and youths, once marginalized in economic development plans, have become central to Kwara’s progress story. Through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) and other empowerment schemes, thousands have accessed startup capital, vocational training, and digital skills—translating into jobs, business growth, and improved livelihoods in both urban and rural communities.

    One of the boldest illustrations of this transformation is the Kwara Garment Factory, commissioned in August 2024. Equipped with advanced technology, including the only Oshima Cutting Machine in West Africa, the factory currently employs over 245 trained workers, with plans to scale up to 4,000. The factory produces around 6,000 garments daily and is rapidly becoming a key contributor to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

    The impact of this project has been so significant that the Federal Government recently adopted it as a national model with the creation of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board (CTGDB), domiciled in the Presidency. This step is part of a broader strategy aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy and combating insecurity through agribusiness, livestock development, and industrial growth—initiatives Kwara is already well ahead on.

    Furthermore, value-chain projects such as the Shea Butter Processing Plant and the Innovation Hub (in partnership with HIS) are opening new doors for local producers and tech-savvy youths. These projects are creating a bridge between traditional industries and modern technology, allowing rural communities to connect with broader markets and digital opportunities.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has also strengthened rural development through its active participation in major national and international projects. Under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program, the state is tackling land degradation and improving climate resilience in different parts of the state. These interventions promote sustainable land use, reforestation, and access to clean water.

    Through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Kwara is enhancing animal health services and boosting livestock productivity in multiple rural locations. This initiative has improved food security and increased rural incomes, particularly among women and pastoralist communities.

    Additionally, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Federal Government, is positioning Kwara as a regional hub for agro-industrial growth. With planned hubs and supported communities in various parts of the state, SAPZ will catalyze agribusiness investments, create jobs, and connect farmers to high-value markets.

    As Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, I have observed firsthand how Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership is restoring dignity to rural life and building a foundation for sustainable development. His administration’s choices have not only improved living conditions but also inspired confidence in what purposeful governance can achieve.

    Kwara’s story today is one of foresight, discipline, and people-focused leadership. And in these trying times, that makes all the difference.

    As these transformative initiatives continue to expand, I call on all stakeholders—community leaders, private investors, development partners, and the good people of Kwara—to rally behind His Excellency’s bold rural development vision. Together, we can secure a future where no Kwara community is left behind.

    Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi

    Honourable Commissioner

    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

  • Kwara Trains Medical Doctors on Severe Malaria Management to Strengthen Clinical Capacity

    Kwara Trains Medical Doctors on Severe Malaria Management to Strengthen Clinical Capacity


    … The two-day workshop prepares frontline doctors ahead of the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign.

    #KwaraRising


    In a proactive move to strengthen healthcare delivery and eliminate malaria, the Kwara State Government has conducted a two-day intensive workshop for medical doctors on the management of severe malaria. The Training of Trainers workshop, themed “Strengthening Clinical Capacity for Early Detection, Effective Management, and Reduction of Mortality from Severe Malaria,” was organized by the Kwara State Ministry of Health.

    The capacity-building initiative forms part of the state’s larger malaria control strategy, which includes the upcoming 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign. This program will deliver preventive antimalarial drugs house-to-house to children aged 3 to 59 months in 11 eligible local government areas across the state.

    Declaring the training open, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, emphasized the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, especially for children under five and pregnant women—two groups most vulnerable to severe malaria complications.

    “Severe malaria remains a significant public health concern, despite the progress we’ve made. This training reinforces our resolve to equip doctors with the tools needed to save lives,” Dr. Fakayode said, while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent investment in health system strengthening.

    Alhaja Latifat Abdullahi, Programme Manager of the Malaria Unit, lauded the doctors for their dedication and stressed the value of continuous professional development. “Your commitment to this training shows your passion for better outcomes. We encourage you to translate this knowledge into improved patient care,” she said.

    Dr. Oladapo Kazeem, Head of Malaria Case Management, presented key insights into Nigeria’s malaria landscape, revealing that the country still accounts for 24% of global malaria deaths. However, he celebrated Kwara’s notable progress, citing a drop in malaria prevalence among children under five from 26% in 2015 to 6% in 2021—a feat attributed to increased access to ACTs and robust public health interventions.

    By sharpening clinical competencies and preparing healthcare workers for the SMC campaign, the Kwara State Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to reducing malaria-related deaths and achieving a malaria-free future.