……Governor AbdulRazaq praised for sports investment, Rashidi Yekini Stadium upgrade
Mallam Abdullahi Yusuf, Chairman of Abraysports FC and the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) Kwara Chapter, has praised Kwara United’s technical crew and players for their strong showing at the Value Jet Preseason Football Tournament.
Speaking after watching the team secure a 3-2 win over Ikorodu United and a 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors, Yusuf — popularly known as Abray — said the matches reflected notable tactical improvements.
However, he urged the technical team to give other goalkeepers and players a chance to prove themselves, stressing that preseason is the best time to integrate new signings and build squad confidence.
“Suraju Ayeleso is excellent, but others deserve a chance to prove themselves as well,” Abray said.
He noted that the focus of the preseason should not be solely on winning, but also on preparing adequately for the CAF Confederation Cup and the 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Abray also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his investment in sports, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the Rashidi Yekini Stadium. While admitting that the stadium’s readiness for the Confederation Cup remains uncertain, given the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) approval of Uyo Township Stadium and MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, he said the upgrades will be of long-term benefit to the state’s sporting development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Colonel Abdulwahab Ademola Lawal, PhD, FIMC, from Offa in Kwara State, as a member of the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The appointment was announced alongside other board members, with Idris Olorunnimbe named as Chairman and Dr. Aminu Wada retained as Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.
Col. Lawal’s selection brings to the board a wealth of leadership experience from military service, governance, and management consulting.
A seasoned officer, he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1974 after graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Over the years, he served in critical command and operational roles, including Battalion Intelligence Officer, Company Commander, Brigade Major in Liberia under ECOMOG, and Sector Operations Officer for the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG).
Beyond the battlefield, Lawal has been deeply involved in peacebuilding, security governance, and policy development. He has worked as a Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College, served on ministerial and presidential committees, and published works on democratic management of the armed forces and accountable security sector governance.
His expertise has been sought by government agencies, state governments, and development organisations for capacity building programmes, particularly in areas of intergovernmental collaboration and policy formulation.
In 2024, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq appointed him Chairman of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund (ETF), tasking him with mobilising resources to improve educational infrastructure, support teacher development, and ensure sustainable funding for schools in the state.
Under his leadership, the ETF has begun laying the groundwork for projects aimed at bridging funding gaps and fostering educational excellence in Kwara.
Col. Lawal’s Offa roots remain central to his public service philosophy.
Educated at the Anglican College of Commerce in Offa before joining the military, he has maintained close ties with his community, often lending his expertise to local initiatives and youth development programmes.
His appointment to the NCC board signals not just recognition of his professional pedigree but also an opportunity for Kwara State to have a voice in shaping Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
The NCC, as the country’s telecoms regulator, plays a critical role in driving digital inclusion, expanding broadband penetration, and ensuring fair competition in the sector.
For Offa and Kwara State, his appointment represents another milestone in the growing national recognition of indigenes contributing to governance and development at the highest levels.
…Al-Hikmah University founder’s pledge sets new record for Education Trust Fund support
In what has been described as a major boost for education in Kwara State, Alhaji Raheem Oladimeji, founder of Al-Hikmah University, has donated ₦20 million to the Kwara State Education Trust Fund.
The contribution, announced through his Alhaji Dr. Raheem Oladimeji Foundation (ADROEF), marks the largest individual pledge to the fund since its establishment.
The donation will not only strengthen KwaraETF’s infrastructure to deliver on other priority initiatives across the state’s education sector but will also sponsor 10 of Kwara’s highest-scoring pupils in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination.
Each student will receive a full six-year scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, uniforms, feeding, and all essential learning materials.
Oladimeji said his gesture reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering young people through education, stressing that no child should be denied quality schooling due to financial constraints. He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration for creating the Education Trust Fund, which he described as a visionary platform for improving learning outcomes in the state.
Officials of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund praised the intervention, saying it demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in transforming education. They expressed optimism that the donation would inspire other well-meaning individuals and organisations to contribute toward the state’s goal of providing equitable and quality education for all.
…Gov showcases road projects statewide, commends President’s support
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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday inspected the ongoing construction of the multistorey Oluremi Tinubu Hospital in Ilorin, a few days after approving an additional N20 billion for the upgrade of public school infrastructure across Kwara State.
Speaking with reporters at the construction site, the Governor described the hospital as one of his administration’s flagship investments in public health, education, road infrastructure, and social programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.
Last Tuesday, the Governor toured rural road projects in Asa Local Government, including the 23.23-kilometre Oko Olowo Express–Sokoto–Tafatafa–Elere–Owode Oja Baba Kudu–Akopari–Otte Oja Road and the 17.7-kilometre Madi Peeke Road.
AbdulRazaq said the administration has completed several roads within and outside Ilorin, while many others are still under construction. He noted that other states are also recording progress in healthcare and infrastructure delivery, citing large-scale hospital projects in Lagos, Kaduna, and elsewhere.
He linked the increased pace of development across Nigeria to the rise in federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, and he commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Kwara’s development drive.
“The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was here six months ago to lay the foundation of this world-class hospital, and work has progressed tremendously,” the Governor said. “Hopefully, by the second quarter of next year, we’ll be done with it. The majority of the equipment have been ordered already — radiography machine, CT scanner, MRI, PET scan machines, and other vital tools.”
The Governor said other key projects are underway across Kwara, including the International Conference Centre, ICT Centre in Shonga, Patigi Regatta Motel, Sheabutter Factory in Kaiama, and Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Offa.
“This is not the only thing going on in the state,” he said. “We have major infrastructure projects beyond healthcare, and it’s the same across Nigeria. Recently, in Kaduna, we joined the President to commission a hospital built by the state government. Lagos is building a huge children’s hospital, Katsina is doing the same, and healthcare facilities are improving nationwide due to increased federal revenue.”
AbdulRazaq stressed that road construction often gets the most public attention, but significant investments are also being made in education, agriculture, and other critical sectors.
“I have recently approved another N20 billion spending on education infrastructure,” he said. “Education is not a low-hanging fruit, so people don’t quickly see its impact. But alongside roads, we’re investing heavily in agriculture and other sub-sectors, and we’ll continue to deepen those investments.”
The Governor listed completed and ongoing road projects in Kwara South, including the Oro–Arandun Road, Omu-Aran–Oko Road, Orisa Bridge along Oro-Ago, and the access road to Owu Waterfall. He added that work is ongoing on the Ajase-Ipo–Oke Ode Road in phases and plans are in place for the Ilemona bypass, among others.
… Governor reaffirms commitment to stronger security measures across the state
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday held a strategic security meeting with senior officers of the army, police, and other security agencies in Kwara South.
The meeting followed reviewed security reports from various stakeholders, including the outcome of a recent routine gathering of Kwara South Leaders convened by Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi. Present were Irepodun Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abdulazeez Yakub; Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju; Prince Olanrewaju Shuaib (SOFAB); and top security officers.
The Governor commended the Nigerian Army, police, local vigilantes, and community leaders for their collaboration, which he said has been vital in maintaining peace and safety across the state.
He directed security agencies to maintain a lockdown in areas showing signs of potential threats, stressing the importance of keeping Kwara inhospitable to criminal elements. He also assured residents that the state government is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to strengthen security measures.
Governor AbdulRazaq urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing operations by security forces, assuring them that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard lives and property.
..: Projects aim to boost farmers’ access to markets, improve rural livelihoods
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday toured multiple rural road projects in Asa Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to spreading development and connecting rural communities to economic opportunities.
The Governor inspected the 17.7km Madi–Peeke Road and the 23.23km Okolowo Express–Sokoto–Tafatafa–Elere–Owode Oja–Baba Kudu–Akopari–Otte Oja Road, both part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The initiative, jointly funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency, has received over N4bn in counterpart funding from the state government.
AbdulRazaq urged contractors to deliver quality work within reasonable timelines, stressing that improved road access would empower farmers, facilitate trade, and boost grassroots GDP. “Access to the market means empowerment and an increase in GDP for people at the grassroots,” he said.
During the visit, the Governor stopped at a Garri processing centre in Owode Oja, where he pledged support for mechanisation to enhance productivity without displacing jobs. He also visited the local Primary Health Care Centre, underscoring his administration’s focus on sustainable livelihoods, health, and business growth in rural areas.
Speaking on the broader economic outlook, AbdulRazaq noted that the new tax regime introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would increase revenue at state and local government levels. He assured that his government is determined to ensure the gains are felt by communities at the grassroots.
State RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Isaac Kolo, said construction work currently includes line drains and culverts, with earthworks and surface dressing set to commence after the rainy season.
Community leaders, including APC Women Leader Mrs. Suleiman Hamdalat and Gari Processing Association Chairperson Mrs. Khadijat Jimoh, lauded the Governor for his continued engagement and commitment to rural development.
Kwara State’s political scene has been shaken by the defection of 24 prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The wave of departures, which includes former governors, legislators and grassroots organisers, is seen as one of the biggest setbacks yet for the PDP in the state.
The exodus was led by former governor Abdulfatai Ahmed, who announced in July that he was leaving the PDP for the ADC. Citing a “lack of vision and internal democracy,” Ahmed said he was convinced the party could no longer deliver on the aspirations of its members.
His move opened the floodgates for other senior figures to leave.
Among those who have crossed over are Gbenga Makanjuola, the PDP’s deputy gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, and Dare Bankole, a two-time House of Representatives candidate.
Both joined the APC, pledging support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s development agenda. At a rally in Omu-Aran, Makanjuola said the PDP had “lost its soul” and that Kwara’s future lies in “a party that works for the people.”
Bolaji Abdullahi, the PDP’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Kwara Central and a former APC national publicity secretary, also joined the ADC. In a speech in Ilorin, Abdullahi accused the PDP of “stagnation” and called the ADC “the only viable opposition in Kwara.”
Others who have defected to the APC include Hon. Wahab Issa, a former member of the House of Representatives; Kehinde Alex Bankole, a 2019 state constituency candidate; Haliru Dantsoho, former PDP youth leader; Hon. Adam Zakaria, a ward chairman; Hon. Toyin Ibrahim, a former councilor; Samson Osoba, a former council secretary in Oyun; and Hon. Joshua Omokanye Jalalala, a former Oyun local government chairman.
Several other figures, including Hon. Amuda Kanike, a former member of the House of Representatives; Hajiya Nana Suleiman, PDP North-Central zonal women leader; and Engr. A.T. Asanloko, a former council secretary, have moved to the ADC. They say the PDP’s leadership has failed to provide opportunities for inclusion and growth.
Bukola Saraki, the PDP’s most influential figure in the state, called an emergency meeting in Ilorin to try to prevent further losses, but his appeal fell on deaf ears.
The defections continued, with some openly challenging Saraki’s leadership and calling time on what they described as “one-man politics.”
Governor AbdulRazaq has welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a vote of confidence in his government’s direction.
At a rally in Kaiama, he said: “Kwara is moving forward, and the APC is the vehicle for progress. We welcome all who share our vision.”
For the PDP, the fallout has been severe. Many grassroots leaders, councillors, and organisers who have formed the backbone of the party’s political structure in the state have abandoned it. With the departure of such a large number of leaders and their followers, observers say the PDP faces an uphill battle to remain relevant.
…Programme targets early-grade literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving
The Kwara State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and New Globe Educational Services, has commenced a three-day training programme for 1,325 teachers from public basic schools across the state.
The exercise, which began on Monday and will end on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, focuses on two thematic areas — “Foundational Literacy Skills” and “Springs and Stride” — aimed at improving early-grade reading and fostering productivity in software development, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja said the initiative was designed to strengthen teachers’ capacity for maximum impact on pupils and the wider education system.
“The foundational literacy training is aimed at ensuring and sustaining yearly increases in the average literacy skills of early-grade pupils in government schools,” he said. “The Spring and Stride training, on the other hand, will focus on promoting productivity in software development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.”
According to him, the beneficiaries include 500 teachers from Primary One classes, another 500 from Primary Two, 250 from Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE), and 75 from the Pre-Basic level.
He outlined the training schedule across the state’s local government areas, with sessions holding from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Teachers from Ilorin West and East LGAs will be trained at Bishop Smith School from July 28–30; Asa, Moro, and Ifelodun at LGEA School, Idofian; Kaiama at Kaiama Central School (July 31–Aug. 2); Baruten at LGEA School, Baruten; and Edu and Patigi at Central School, Tsaragi. Others include Offa and Oyun at Offa Grammar School (Aug. 4–7); Isin and Irepodun at Muslim School, Oro (Aug. 4–6); and Oke-Ero and Ekiti at Osi Central School, Osi (Aug. 4–6).
UBEC Deputy Director Mrs. Patient Abasi commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, human capital development, and teacher welfare.
Mrs. Olaide Abel of New Globe Educational Services described the administration’s efforts as historic, noting that Kwara has become a reference point for educational development in Nigeria.
The event was attended by SUBEB Permanent Member II, Mrs. Dorcas Ibikunle, and other board members.
… Education Commissioner Reveals Plan Targeting 1,254+ Classrooms, Labs
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved N20 billion in supplementary funding for comprehensive school infrastructure rehabilitation across the state. Education Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe confirmed the allocation targets classroom construction, laboratory upgrades, and sanitation facilities in public schools.
“This directive accelerates our unprecedented education overhaul,” stated Olohungbebe, noting designs are already underway. The investment builds on the administration’s renovation of over 1,254 classrooms since 2019 and successful resolution of UBEC funding bottlenecks inherited in 2020.
The Commissioner emphasized this marks the first completion of SUBEB-UBEC projects stalled since 2014, calling it a signature achievement of Governor AbdulRazaq’s education agenda. “Despite transforming hundreds of learning spaces, infrastructure gaps persist. This N20bn injection systematically addresses those needs,” he explained.
The funding will be distributed across urban and rural schools, complementing ongoing SUBEB interventions. Implementation begins immediately upon legislative approval of the supplementary budget.
…Government Clarifies Project is Not New Government House
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Kwara State has officially commenced the construction of new office facilities designed to enhance public service operations in Ilorin. The project, awarded to Mapet Construction Ltd., was formally handed over during a ceremony attended by top government officials at the site adjacent to the Deputy Governor’s Office.
Housing and Urban Development Commissioner Dr. Segun Ogunsola emphasized that the one-storey structure will provide modern office spaces, conference facilities, and other amenities to improve working conditions for civil servants. He specifically refuted circulating claims about building a new Government House, clarifying this as a dedicated administrative complex aimed at optimizing government operations.
“The AbdulRazaq administration remains committed to creating functional work environments that enable efficient service delivery across urban and rural communities,” Ogunsola stated. The Ministry pledged strict oversight to ensure timely completion within the 12-month timeline, with contractor representatives guaranteeing adherence to specifications.
The project launch witnessed participation from key stakeholders including Kwara State Public Procurement Agency General Manager QS Raheem Abdulbaki, Ministry Permanent Secretary Alhaja Risikat Atinuke, and representatives from the consulting firm Baron Architecture.
