Kwara Rising

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  • Kwara Govt Hands Over Hospital Equipment, Drugs to Healthcare Centres

    Kwara Govt Hands Over Hospital Equipment, Drugs to Healthcare Centres

    … 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.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Flags Off 15.1km Ojoku–Ilemona Road, Joins Minister Umahi to Inspect Eiyenkorin–Offa Highway

    Gov AbdulRazaq Flags Off 15.1km Ojoku–Ilemona Road, Joins Minister Umahi to Inspect Eiyenkorin–Offa Highway

    #KwaraRising


    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.

  • Video : Kwara Govt Completes Construction of Interlocked Access Road at Gaa Akanbi Community

    Video : Kwara Govt Completes Construction of Interlocked Access Road at Gaa Akanbi Community

    #KwaraRising


    The Kwara State Government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has completed the construction of an interlocked access road at the Alangua Gaa Akanbi community, off Gaa Akanbi Main Road in Ilorin.

    According to the Alangua of Gaa Akanbi, Alhaji A. Usman Akanbi, the road had been in a deplorable state for over 50 years before the Governor’s intervention. He said construction began less than a week after the Governor personally promised to fix the road.

    “I was told that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq never makes promises he does not fulfill. The timely completion of this road has confirmed that to be true. Work began less than a week after he gave us his word,” Alhaji Usman said.

    The newly completed access road is expected to ease movement for residents and improve access to homes, shops, and businesses within the community, ultimately boosting local economic activity.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has continued to prioritise infrastructure development across the state through the construction and rehabilitation of roads as part of its rural-urban renewal initiative.

    Residents of Gaa Akanbi and neighbouring areas expressed their appreciation to the Governor for the project, noting that the road had caused hardship for decades before the intervention. They described the development as another example of the administration’s commitment to improving lives and expanding access to essential infrastructure across Kwara State.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Inaugurates Rehabilitated Otte/Budo-Egba Waterworks

    Governor AbdulRazaq Inaugurates Rehabilitated Otte/Budo-Egba Waterworks

    … Residents Excited over Improved Access to Clean Water

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Otte/Budo-Egba Waterworks in Asa Local Government Area to improve access to clean and safe water for residents.

    The Governor said the completion of the 500,000-litre capacity water facility reflects his administration’s commitment to modernising water infrastructure across the state.

    “This is not just about giving clean water to our people. The project brings comfort and renewed confidence in the power of government to deliver,” the Governor said at the commissioning ceremony in Otte town.

    “As an administration, we recognised that access to safe and reliable water supply must be a priority. That is why we launched a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate and modernise water infrastructure across the state. The story of Otte and its environs today is a reflection of that vision. Access to clean water improves public health by reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases. It also supports education, as children no longer have to spend hours fetching water instead of being in school.”

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, the Governor commended the contractors for their professionalism and praised residents of Otte and neighbouring communities for their patience, cooperation, and trust in the government’s efforts.

    He also appreciated development partners and agencies whose support contributed to the success of the project.

    The Governor listed other ongoing water rehabilitation projects across the state, including Omu-Aran, Oyun, and Sobi Waterworks. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Kwaran has access to clean and safe water.

    Dignitaries at the event included Chairman of the Kwara House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Yunus Oniboki; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade; Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Amasa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmeigoro; Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja; Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; APC chieftain, Alhaji Abdulrahman Giwa; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Salman Jawondo (SAN); and the Daudu of Afon, Alhaji Anafi Balogun.

    Hon. Oniboki commended the project, describing it as a timely intervention that would ease water scarcity in the area. Commissioner Lade urged residents to take ownership of the facility and guard against vandalism, while Alhaji Amasa expressed gratitude to the Governor for addressing a long-standing challenge in the community.

    Prof. Adaramaja and Alhaji Alakawa both praised the administration for spreading development evenly across the state and pledged continued support for the government. Adaramaja also called for the revival of the Otte market and other local infrastructure to complement the new water project.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Gives N80m to Families of Fallen Forest Guards

    Governor AbdulRazaq Gives N80m to Families of Fallen Forest Guards

    …Approves N100m Support for Edu and Patigi Heroes

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented cheques worth N80 million to the families of forest guards and vigilantes who lost their lives in recent encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin areas of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.

    The Governor also announced an additional N100 million support package for the families of men from Edu and Patigi who were killed in an ambush by kidnappers in July while defending their communities.

    Speaking during the presentation in Ilorin at the weekend, Governor AbdulRazaq praised the courage and patriotism of the fallen heroes, describing them as men who gave their lives for the safety of others.

    “We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service, and the government cannot but sympathise with the families,” he said. “We will continue to support them and ensure the safety of our state and our country. As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We will keep supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.”

    Those present at the ceremony included Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Femi Yusuf; Chairman of Ilorin West, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Ladan; Chairman of Asa, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya; and family members of the deceased.

    In their remarks, Alhaji Alakawa and Alhaji Yusuf commended the Governor’s compassionate gesture, saying it would bring relief to the bereaved families. They also praised his determination to restore peace and strengthen security in the affected areas.

    Meanwhile, the state government has supplied additional logistics support, including motorcycles and fighting equipment, to forest guards and vigilantes stationed in flashpoint communities. The new resources are expected to enhance their mobility and effectiveness in ongoing joint operations with security agencies to secure the state.

  • Reverend Amao’s gaffe and matters arising on Isin Road Project

    Reverend Amao’s gaffe and matters arising on Isin Road Project

    By Tejumola Olusegun Orilemola

    Considering the vehemence with which, Most Rev. Israel Amoo, on Saturday, openly rebuked the Kwara State Government over what he described as the unbearable suffering of pensioners and the deplorable state of rural roads across the state, it is however embarrassing how the church have allowed itself to be used by politicians.

    Amao antecedents reveal that he was part of the failed political dynasty which had a backlog of pension arears that was settled by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    He was Chairman, Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (2003–2007 and 2011–2015); Chairman, Kwara State Library Board (2008–2011) and Chairman, Fact-Finding Committee on the Kwara State College of Education, Oro (2006). This shows that he was part of the 16 years administration of Governor Bukola Saraki.

    His political history reveals that he served the administration of Governor Saraki, yet he never knew or investigated before mounting the pulpit to accuse Governor AbdulRazaq of the plight of pensioners.

    His gaffe should not be pardoned but viewed from the prism of being used to project the hot ambition of the opposition to demarket the ruling government.

    Ordinarily, it is a terrible absurdity for the pulpit to be used, and worrisome is the flame of furry exhibited by Reverend Amao in remembering Governor AbdulRazaq that power is transient, when he and his masters present; Saraki and Ahmed should be ones seeking restitution for plunging Kwara state into abysmal bliss for their horrendous 16 years administration.

    The implication of Amao’s gaffe was clear to many discerning Kwarans. He is religious linchpin of the opposition. Everyone knows that 2027 is around the corner, and their hearts have been in turmoil and heads aching violently with the massive acceptance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq across the state .

    However, we wish to remind Amao that his present base, according to the website of Anglican Church is New Bussa in Niger state.
    The Niger State Government has banned unlicensed religious preaching across the state, directing that anyone who wishes to preach must first obtain official authorisation. Probably, it is safe to state that Amao’s outburst was a planned action to embarrass the Government, which he couldn’t have been able to attempt in Niger state.

    The rumour that Segun Adebayo is having political romance with the opposition which has been hatched in utmost secrecy is not without foundation. Yet it was TAHL ENGINEERING. LTD owned by Segun Adebayo, the son of the late former Governor C.O. Adebayo that was awarded the contract for the construction of Isin road. He abandoned the project and absconded with the state government funds till date.

    With the failure of Segun Adebayo’s company to deliver on the dilapidated road project, it would have been Amao’s wisdom to speak the truth no matter whose ox is gored, but he decided to call a spade by another name.

    Tejumola is the Convener, Society for Sustainable Governance.

  • Kwara Govt Flags Off Measles-Rubella, Polio Vaccination Campaign

    Kwara Govt Flags Off Measles-Rubella, Polio Vaccination Campaign

    First Lady Olufolake AbdulRazaq urges parents to ensure full participation as state targets 1.8 million children in 10-day health drive

    The Kwara State Government has launched an integrated vaccination campaign against Measles-Rubella and Polio to safeguard children from life-threatening diseases.

    The 10-day exercise, which begins on Saturday, October 11, 2025, aims to reach at least 1.8 million children across the state. Children aged 9 months to 14 years will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, while those aged 0 to 5 years will be given the oral polio vaccine.
    The campaign, organised by the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), was flagged off on Thursday in Ilorin.

    Kwara’s First Lady, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described the vaccination drive as a life-saving initiative that reflects the state’s commitment to child health and family wellbeing.

    “This initiative is not just a policy milestone but a life-saving intervention for our children and families,” she said. “I urge all parents and guardians to present their children for vaccination.”
    She explained that Nigeria’s low vaccination coverage, with only 60 percent of children receiving the first dose of measles vaccine and 38 percent getting the second, has contributed to frequent outbreaks. The introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, she noted, would help close this gap and protect more children.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Abdullahi Taoheed, called the campaign a transformative public health effort and urged stakeholders to raise awareness and overcome any barriers to vaccination.

    Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Professor Nusirat Elelu, said over 8,600 trained health workers, supervisors, and security personnel have been deployed for the exercise.

    “Measles remains one of the most contagious and fatal viral diseases affecting children worldwide, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines,” she said, noting that global vaccination efforts have averted over 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023.

    She warned that Rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women and unborn babies, stressing that immunization, antenatal services, and non-complicated deliveries remain free in all primary healthcare centres across the state.
    Professor Elelu praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi for their support, and thanked the First Lady for her consistent advocacy for maternal and child health.

    Representatives of WHO, UNICEF, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency all reaffirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines and encouraged parents to cooperate with vaccination teams.

    The event was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, lawmakers, and community leaders who pledged to support the campaign and help ensure every eligible child is vaccinated.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Hails Milestone as Kwara Sugar Film Studios Unveils First Movie ‘Ajuwaya’

    Gov AbdulRazaq Hails Milestone as Kwara Sugar Film Studios Unveils First Movie ‘Ajuwaya’

    …The state-owned studio, supported by Nigeria’s First Lady, releases its debut production as Kwara strengthens its position in Nigeria’s creative industry.

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commended the unveiling of Ajuwaya Series, the first movie produced at the state’s Sugar Factory Film Studios, describing it as a major step forward for the film and entertainment sector in Nigeria.

    The film, 85 per cent of which was produced at the studio, was supported by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who contributed N350 million to the project.

    Speaking during a media briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Sugar Factory Film Studios, Gbenga Titiloye, said Ajuwaya signals the beginning of a new phase for creative work in Nigeria, highlighting the Governor’s foresight and the growing appeal of Kwara as a destination for film production.

    “What the Governor has achieved here is remarkable because this is the only fully functional film studio in Africa, and most of this production was done here,” Titiloye said.

    He also thanked Senator Tinubu for her support, describing her gesture as an investment in Nigeria’s creative future and an effort to showcase local talent to global audiences.

    Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola, encouraged young people to use the studio to develop skills and build careers in the creative industry. She said the project would drive economic growth and position Kwara as a leader in film and culture.

    Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said the film’s production created more than 1,200 jobs for people including designers, caterers, transporters, and artisans, reflecting the wide reach of the creative economy.

    General Manager of the Studio and Producer of Ajuwaya, Grace Babasola, said the project reflects the Governor’s confidence in the potential of young creatives to shape the future of Nigeria’s film industry.

    “Ajuwaya is only the beginning,” she said. “It shows that when opportunity meets passion, great stories can emerge that entertain and inspire.”

  • Army Deploys Full Brigade to Kwara Forests as AbdulRazaq Hails Tinubu’s Intervention

    Army Deploys Full Brigade to Kwara Forests as AbdulRazaq Hails Tinubu’s Intervention

    The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade, supported by heavy equipment, to parts of Kwara State in a renewed onslaught against kidnappers operating from the forests.

    Troops and machinery were on Wednesday seen moving through communities in Ifelodun Local Government, particularly around Oke Ode and Babanla, ahead of intensified operations. The operation is also extending to Edu and Patigi local governments, where dense forests have served as hideouts for kidnappers staging attacks and abductions for ransom.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who had raised the matter with President Bola Tinubu over the weekend during a visit to Jos, commended the President for approving the deployment and the military high command for their intervention.

    “We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen security of lives and properties,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement.

    He expressed confidence that the operation, being conducted under Operation Fasan Yanma, would clear out all threats in the affected areas. “We are confident that the Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and restore lasting calm,” the governor added.

    AbdulRazaq also thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army for their continued support.

    The deployment follows weeks of coordinated attacks by kidnappers in Kwara South and parts of Kwara North, which left several residents dead and many abducted.

  • Kwara Trains 200 Schoolchildren in Artificial Intelligence

    Kwara Trains 200 Schoolchildren in Artificial Intelligence

    … Govt partners Digital Equity Africa on ‘Future Minds AI Bootcamp’

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has trained at least 200 schoolchildren from across the state on how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to think, create, and solve real-world problems.

    The five-day programme, tagged Future Minds Independence AI Bootcamp, was organised in partnership with Digital Equity Africa and held between October 1 and 5, 2025. Participants were drawn from both public and private primary and junior secondary schools through what organisers described as a seamless selection process.

    Speaking at the grand finale in Ilorin on Sunday, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, said the government’s sponsorship of the 200 participants underscores its commitment to digital inclusion among young people.

    “It is very impressive to see young kids under the age of 10 presenting websites they built, storybooks they authored, and even music they composed with the help of AI. If they can do this at this stage, we can imagine what they will achieve in the next five to ten years,” Kolawole said.

    He added that such early exposure fosters curiosity, innovation, and creativity.

    CEO of Digital Equity Africa, Mrs Justina Nnam Oha, said the bootcamp was not only about teaching technology but also about shaping mindsets and nurturing innovation.

    “Over the past few days, these children have explored the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, learning how machines think, create, and solve real-world problems. They have collaborated, built, and imagined boldly – proving that the future belongs to the curious, courageous, and creative,” she said.

    Mrs Oha commended the Kwara State Government and the Ilorin Innovation Hub for their commitment to digital literacy and inclusion, stressing that the initiative ensures that children, regardless of background, have access to opportunities of tomorrow.

    Participants, including Abdulkareem Khadijat, Ahmed Imam Ayodeji, and Aminat Akanbi, expressed gratitude to the government and Digital Equity Africa for providing them with a platform to acquire digital skills and become AI-compliant.