…Governors extend condolences to grieving families and sports community
In a statement released on Saturday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of several young athletes from Kano State who lost their lives in a road accident.
The incident occurred as the athletes were returning home from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
“The entire Nigeria Governors’ Forum stands with the Government and people of Kano State in this moment of grief. We are heartbroken by the untimely loss of these promising young talents who represented their state and the country with pride and passion,” the statement read.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, their teammates, the Kano State Government, and the entire Nigerian sports community. May Allaah forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest. We pray for strength and healing for their families and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The Forum reaffirmed its support for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes and called for collective prayers for the departed souls.
Ilorin has officially entered the ranks of the world’s most promising startup cities, landing a spot in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index released by StartupBlink. The Kwara State capital debuted at 885th globally and 6th in Nigeria, a stunning leap that places it ahead of several long-established urban centres including Kano, Benin City, and Kaduna.
This is the first time Ilorin has appeared in the global index, signaling a sharp rise in its reputation as a city where ideas can thrive and startups can scale. While Nigeria as a country dropped in both global and continental rankings, Ilorin’s breakthrough offers a bold contrast and a compelling signal of regional momentum.
The ranking, accessible at https://www.startupblink.com/startupecosystemreport2025.pdf credits Ilorin’s emergence to a mix of grassroots innovation, expanding startup visibility, and decisive government backing. Much of this progress has been driven by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose administration has made innovation a cornerstone of its agenda. Investments in digital skills, tech infrastructure, and youth-led enterprise have begun to deliver tangible outcomes.
Key initiatives include the launch of state-backed innovation hubs, funding support for tech-driven solutions, partnerships with national and global accelerators, and regular bootcamps designed to turn Kwara’s youth into builders and creators. These moves have not only sparked a culture of entrepreneurship but positioned Ilorin as one of the most forward-looking cities in Nigeria’s startup scene.
As Lagos remains the national leader and Abuja posts the fastest growth, Ilorin’s entry into the top 1,000 is proof that emerging cities are capable of punching far above their weight. With a growing pool of developers, founders, and creative talent, the city is charting a new course for regional innovation.
This achievement belongs to the ecosystem builders, entrepreneurs, and bold thinkers who call Ilorin home. It marks the start of a new chapter for Kwara’s digital economy — one that signals that the global stage is no longer out of reach.
… Governor AbdulRazaq lauded for strategic investment in sports development
#KwaraRising
Team Kwara continues to make headlines at the ongoing National Sports Festival (Gateway Games 2024) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with impressive performances across multiple events, clinching medals in squash, badminton, and deaf table tennis.
Kwara’s squash team emerged as a top contender, bagging both gold and silver medals. Champions Rofiat Abdulazeez and Isaac Blessings led the charge by defeating their Bayelsa State counterparts in the Women’s Doubles event, securing a gold medal for the state. The team also earned a silver medal in the Men’s Doubles event, after a close contest against Lagos State. These victories underscore Kwara’s rising profile in squash on the national stage.
In badminton, Team Kwara claimed a silver medal after a spirited performance that ended in a final match loss to Oyo State. The team’s determination and skill drew admiration from spectators and affirmed the state’s growing strength in racquet sports.
Adding to the medal haul, Lukman Bashirat won bronze in the Deaf Women’s Singles event in table tennis, marking a notable achievement and representation in the inclusive sports category.
The commendable performance of Team Kwara at the Gateway Games 2024 has drawn accolades for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, whose strategic investment in sports infrastructure, youth development, and athlete welfare continues to yield results.
Sports enthusiasts and stakeholders have attributed the state’s success to the Governor’s long-term commitment to reviving grassroots sports, upgrading facilities, and providing platforms for young talents to shine nationally and internationally.
… Kwara Government moves to accelerate seedling delivery and project implementation during the rainy season
The Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) project team has carried out an on-the-spot assessment at the Lata Grazing Reserve to inspect ongoing preparations for the project’s implementation.
Led by State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe, the team assessed the nursery and inspected seedlings meant for planting during the current rainy season. The delegation included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Christianah Omolola Asonibare.
The visit aimed to evaluate the level of preparedness, verify the quality of seedlings delivered, and fast-track the nursery setup as part of efforts to green the environment and enhance climate resilience in the region.
Alhaji Aregbe noted that the project will foster collaboration among farmers, support afforestation, restore soil health, and boost agricultural productivity. He added that the initiative will provide long-term economic value to farming communities while reducing environmental degradation.
Dr. Afeez, who serves as the Co-Chairman of the Steering Committee, commended the team’s efforts and called for swift action in delivering the seedlings. He emphasized that community engagement and ownership would be key to the project’s success and sustainability.
The assessment also involved technical experts from relevant ministries and members of the State Project Implementation Unit, working under the ACReSAL vision of “Greening the Environment, Saving Lives.”
… 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.”
…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.
… 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.
… 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.
…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.
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.
