Kwara Rising

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  • Kwara Trains 193 Health Workers to Tackle Maternal Mortality with Lifesaving Partograph Tool

    Kwara Trains 193 Health Workers to Tackle Maternal Mortality with Lifesaving Partograph Tool


    … The state government, in collaboration with the World Bank’s IMPACT project, equips frontline PHC workers with critical skills to improve labour monitoring and reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

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    In a decisive move to reduce maternal mortality and improve delivery outcomes, the Kwara State Government has trained 193 health workers from Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state on the effective use of the Partograph — a critical labour-monitoring tool.

    The 3-day training, which concluded on Wednesday, was organised by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA) with support from the World Bank’s IMPACT project (Immunization Plus Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services). It aimed to bridge the knowledge gap among newly recruited health workers and also served as a refresher course for existing staff.

    Executive Secretary of the Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, represented by Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of Primary Health Care Systems and Programme Manager of IMPACT, said the training would equip participants with the skills needed to monitor maternal and fetal health, detect complications early, and make informed decisions for timely referrals.

    “The Partograph is a lifesaving tool. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce the risks women face during childbirth,” she said, while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investment in the health sector.

    Dr. Medinat Olaosebikan, Focal Person for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health + Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), added that the training would lead to measurable improvements in the quality of care at PHC facilities. “This will ensure safer deliveries, early detection of poor labour progress, and prompt interventions that protect the lives of mothers and babies,” she said.

    The training is part of the administration’s broader commitment to strengthening Kwara’s healthcare system and promoting safe motherhood for all.

  • Kwara Civil Service Commission Announces Interview Dates for Medical and Healthcare Recruitment

    Kwara Civil Service Commission Announces Interview Dates for Medical and Healthcare Recruitment

    … Shortlisted candidates to appear on May 21 and 22 at Commission headquarters in Ilorin; no rescheduling for absentees, says Permanent Secretary.

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    The Kwara State Civil Service Commission has scheduled oral interviews for candidates shortlisted for various medical and healthcare positions in the state civil service. The interviews will take place on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, and Thursday, 22 May 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters on Ahman Patigi Road, GRA, Ilorin, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on both days.

    According to a statement from the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Hajia Kifayat Jimoh, the interview exercise is part of the ongoing recruitment process to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce.

    The breakdown of the interview schedule is as follows:

    ● Wednesday, 21 May 2025: Consultants, Resident Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Records Officers, and Medical Laboratory Scientists.
    ● Thursday, 22 May 2025: Health Attendants and Cleaners.
    Hajia Jimoh urged all shortlisted candidates to adhere strictly to their assigned dates and arrive early with the necessary documentation, stressing that no make-up interviews will be granted to absentees.

    The recruitment drive reflects the Kwara State Government’s commitment to boosting healthcare delivery by filling critical vacancies with qualified professionals across state health facilities.

    Oniye Munirat Abimbola, Press Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to conduct a smooth and transparent interview process.

  • Kwara Builds West Africa’s Tallest Flagpole in Ilorin

    Kwara Builds West Africa’s Tallest Flagpole in Ilorin

    … 70-meter structure on Unity Road symbolizes Kwara’s rising prominence and civic pride

    Kwara State has achieved a new milestone in national symbolism with the mounting of a 70-meter flagpole—now the tallest in Nigeria and West Africa—in the state capital, Ilorin. The monumental structure, located along Wahab Folawiyo Unity Road, was officially mounted on May 15th, 2025, and proudly flies a massive 14 by 21-meter Nigerian flag.

    The announcement was made during the Q1 inter-ministerial press briefing by Engineer Abdulquawiy Olododo, the state’s Commissioner for works, who described the project as “a symbol of Kwara’s rising prominence and collective pride.”

    Before this development, the tallest flagpole in Nigeria stood at 50 meters, located at Alau farms in Jigawa State. The new Ilorin flagpole now holds the record regionally, although the global record remains with Cairo, Egypt, where a 201.952-meter flagpole towers over the skyline.

  • KWGIS Processes 354 Charting Requests, 247 Certificates of Occupancy in Q1 2025

    KWGIS Processes 354 Charting Requests, 247 Certificates of Occupancy in Q1 2025

    …Agency attributes land administration milestones to automation reforms, Governor AbdulRazaq’s visionary leadership

    The Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS) has announced significant progress in land administration for the first quarter of 2025, including the processing of 354 “Charting for Confirmation Papers” and 247 Certificates of Occupancy.

    The Executive Chairman of KWGIS, ESV. Abdulkareem Babatunde Sulyman, made this disclosure at the Q1 inter-ministerial press briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin. He explained that the charting documents were processed at the Directorate of Survey, Office of the Surveyor General, to help applicants confirm land location, size, and the validity of survey plans prior to securing land titles.

    He further revealed that 247 Certificates of Occupancy were completed and are currently awaiting gubernatorial assent, crediting the agency’s efficiency to the state government’s successful transition to an automated land administration system.

    “This achievement is a direct result of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to a modern, transparent, and efficient land management structure aligned with the state’s master plan,” Sulyman said.

    On the urban renewal front, Sulyman stated that the Directorate of Physical Planning and Development Control has intensified reclamation of government setbacks around public institutions and major roads in the state capital and beyond.

    Also speaking on survey activities, the KWGIS boss noted that 16 applications were received for land registration certificates, with 12 successfully issued. Additionally, 238 survey reports were processed and forwarded to the Lands Directorate for the issuance of Statutory Rights of Occupancy.

    He emphasized that ongoing land reforms and automation initiatives have not only sped up service delivery but are also positively impacting the state’s internally generated revenue.

    In a related development, ESV. Sulyman announced key land acquisitions spearheaded by the state government under Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration. These include:

    1,057.14 hectares for a large-scale agricultural project at Budo-Alfa, Ipaye-Ajisafe Road in Moro LGA;
    2,000 hectares for an industrial park along Old Ogbomosho Road, with compensation exceeding ₦500 million;
    And preliminary assessments for land acquired at Oke-Oyi for the proposed Smart City project.
    These initiatives, according to Sulyman, are part of the government’s strategic vision to drive industrialization, modern agriculture, and urban transformation across Kwara State.

  • Kwara Partners NYSC to Launch Livestock Agribusiness Programme for Youths

    Kwara Partners NYSC to Launch Livestock Agribusiness Programme for Youths

    …Initiative to train and empower corps members, young agripreneurs in livestock value chain

    The Kwara State Government is set to launch a transformative livestock agribusiness programme targeting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other young people across the state, in a bid to drive youth empowerment, rural development, and innovation in the livestock sector.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp at Yikpata, Tsaragi District in Edu Local Government Area over the weekend. Accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the Commissioner explained that the initiative will train, equip, and fund young livestock entrepreneurs.

    “Our goal is to turn job seekers into job creators,” Mrs. Thomas said. “This partnership with the NYSC allows us to deliver practical training in livestock production, business development, and access to finance within a supportive environment.”

    Scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, the programme will be implemented through a public-private partnership secured by the state government. Participants will undergo an intensive three-month training at the Yikpata camp, after which they will receive starter packs and support to launch or grow their agribusinesses.

    While corps members will be the primary beneficiaries during the orientation periods, the facility will also be made available to other youths during off-camp seasons.

    NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, expressed strong support for the initiative, assuring the state’s readiness to collaborate fully and urging the government to prioritize security around the camp.

    The Commissioner also paid a courtesy visit to the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, to seek royal blessings and inform the traditional ruler about the planned youth empowerment programme.

    The Kwara Youth Livestock Empowerment Programme is positioned to become a flagship project under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, further cementing the state’s commitment to agribusiness, innovation, and youth development.

  • Ilorin Aims for Global Tech Spotlight with Virtual Townhall Featuring Flutterwave Co-Founder

    Ilorin Aims for Global Tech Spotlight with Virtual Townhall Featuring Flutterwave Co-Founder

    … Iyin Aboyeji to Discuss Building Innovation Hub at Event Hosted by Ilorin Innovation Hub, Partners

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    Ilorin Innovation Hub, in collaboration with IHS Towers, CcHUB, and Future Africa, will host a virtual townhall on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, featuring tech entrepreneur Iyin Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave and Future Africa. The session, themed “Building a Global Tech Hub from Ilorin,”aims to chart pathways for positioning Kwara State’s capital as a nucleus of innovation.

    Scheduled for 5:00 PM WAT, the event will explore strategies to leverage local talent, infrastructure, and partnerships to create a globally competitive tech ecosystem. Aboyeji, renowned for his role in Nigeria’s fintech revolution, is expected to share insights on scaling startups, attracting investments, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

    “This townhall is a call to action for stakeholders to unite in transforming Ilorin into a beacon of technological excellence,” organizers stated. Registration is open via https://bit.ly/IIHTownhall.

  • Kwara Trains Over 5,500 Students in Coding, Digital Literacy Across State

    Kwara Trains Over 5,500 Students in Coding, Digital Literacy Across State


    …Gov AbdulRazaq’s Initiative Expands to Target 7,500 Youths, Boosts Tech Education in Public Schools

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    Kwara State has onboarded 5,503 students in its Coding and Digital Literacy Program, marking a significant stride in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agenda to position the state as a regional tech hub. Hon. Kayode Ishola, Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovations, disclosed this on Sunday, announcing the program’s expansion to 50 public secondary schools with a revised target of 7,500 students by 2025.

    Launched as a pilot in 2024 with 684 students across six schools, the initiative—now the largest state-led digital education program in Nigeria—equips youths with skills in coding, computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy using existing school infrastructure. As of April 25, 2025, 73.4% of the target has been met, with participation across senatorial districts: Kwara North (1,222), Kwara South (2,186), and Kwara Central (2,095). Gender inclusivity remains a highlight, with 53.4% female (2,939) and 46.6% male (2,564) trainees.

    “The program will resume seamlessly on Monday, May 5, 2025, to deliver future-ready skills as schools begin their third term,” Ishola stated, emphasizing the administration’s focus on making public schools “competitive and desirable” in tech education. Participants will receive Certificates of Participation, while schools get commendations and prompt remuneration for their roles.

    The initiative, praised by groups like Women in Tech and KidsTech Africa, aligns with AbdulRazaq’s broader vision as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, further underscore its cross-sector impact.

    “This program is a testament to Kwara’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment,” the statement added, noting its role in bridging the gap between public institutions and high-cost private tech training.

  • Kwara Commences 2025 Hajj Airlift, First Batch of 560 Pilgrims Depart for Saudi Arabia

    Kwara Commences 2025 Hajj Airlift, First Batch of 560 Pilgrims Depart for Saudi Arabia

    …Governor Charges Pilgrims to Be Good Ambassadors, Pray for Nigeria’s Peace

    Kwara State has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage with the successful airlift of its first batch of 560 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

    . The departure ceremony took place at the Babatunde Idi-Agbon International Airport in Ilorin, where a Max Airline flight carrying the pilgrims and two NAHCON officials took off at 12:40 pm local time bound for Medina. All pilgrims from this initial batch have since arrived safely in Medina, as confirmed by an official video release from the state government.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Special Adviser and Councillor Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen, addressed the pilgrims before their departure, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of both Kwara State and Nigeria during their spiritual journey. The Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining good conduct and peaceful relations with fellow pilgrims while in the Holy Land. He specifically charged the pilgrims to use the opportunity to offer special prayers for Nigeria’s peace and unity, particularly for Kwara State.

    The event was attended by key officials including Professor Mashood Mahmood Jimba, Chairman of the State’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and this year’s Amirul-Hajj, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu. Both leaders joined in advising the pilgrims on proper conduct throughout their pilgrimage. According to Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, Executive Secretary of the Board, a total of 2,174 pilgrims from Kwara State will be transported to Saudi Arabia in four separate flights as part of this year’s Hajj operations. The remaining batches are expected to depart in the coming days, continuing the state’s tradition of well-organized pilgrim transportation.

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  • Kwara’s Buka-Adena Bridge Nears Completion, Set to Transform Rural Connectivity

    Kwara’s Buka-Adena Bridge Nears Completion, Set to Transform Rural Connectivity

    … Moro LGA Residents Anticipate Economic Boost as Vital Infrastructure Project Reaches Final Stage

    The Kwara State Government has announced that construction work on the Buka-Adena bridge along the Jebba-Kaiama road is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s rural infrastructure development agenda.

    The project, initiated in response to longstanding complaints from Moro Local Government Area residents about the bridge’s dilapidated state, is expected to be commissioned in the coming weeks. When operational, the new bridge will serve as a critical link between remote villages and major economic centers in the region.

    “This infrastructure represents our administration’s commitment to improving rural livelihoods and stimulating economic growth,” Governor AbdulRazaq stated. “By fixing this vital connection, we’re enabling farmers to transport their produce more efficiently and giving residents better access to essential services.”

    The completion of the Buka-Adena bridge is projected to:

    • Revolutionize agricultural commerce in the region
    • Reduce transportation challenges for rural communities
    • Enhance access to healthcare and educational facilities
    • Boost overall economic activities in Moro LGA

    The Buka-Adena bridge forms part of the state government’s comprehensive road rehabilitation program, which has seen numerous critical rural roads reconstructed across Kwara State since 2023.

    According to Chief Olayinka Fafoluyi, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, the project’s timely completion demonstrates the administration’s responsiveness to community needs and its focus on even development across all parts of the state.

    Final touches are currently being applied to the bridge, with official commissioning expected before the peak of the rainy season in June. The project has already begun attracting new economic activities to the area, with several agro-businesses expressing interest in establishing operations in the region.

  • Senior Course 47 of Armed Forces Command Visits Kwara Garment Factory

    Senior Course 47 of Armed Forces Command Visits Kwara Garment Factory


    … Military delegation tours state-owned garment facility as part of study on grassroots intelligence and internal security

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    The Kwara Garment Factory in Ilorin on Monday welcomed participants of Senior Course 47 from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, as part of their study tour of Kwara State.

    Led by Colonel Usman Hashim Muhammed, the delegation comprised senior officers from various branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces and allied nations. They were received by the Managing Director of the factory, Hajia Bukola Adedeji, who guided them through the facility’s operations.

    In her welcome remarks, Hajia Adedeji emphasized the factory’s critical role in driving industrialization, creating employment opportunities, and supporting Kwara’s economic diversification agenda. The visitors toured the production line—from fabric cutting to garment finishing—interacting with staff and observing the factory’s modern machinery in action.

    The visit also featured the presence of the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Shuaib, who noted that the tour was part of a broader initiative to expose participants to key institutions in the state and expand their understanding of governance and development processes.

    Colonel Muhammed commended the state government and the factory management for the warm reception and operational excellence. He said the visit, under the theme “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhancing Internal Security,” was designed to explore the intersection of economic development and national security.

    He highlighted the factory’s contributions to youth empowerment and poverty reduction through job creation, stressing the value of such initiatives in fostering peace and stability.

    Interactive sessions between course participants and factory staff underlined how grassroots economic enterprises can bolster internal security by reducing unemployment and encouraging civic engagement.

    The AFCSC delegation was presented with branded souvenirs, including T-shirts and caps, in appreciation of their visit.