Kwara Rising

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  • 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.

  • 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.

    #KwaraRising


    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.

    #KwaraRising

    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

    #KwaraRising

    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.