…Move reinforces administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the 2024 cash backing for 3,594 teaching and non-teaching staff of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), with immediate effect.
The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, announced this on Wednesday while addressing the management staff of the commission.
He described the approval as another clear testimony of Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers across the state.
Bello recalled that since assuming office in 2019, the Governor had cash-backed pending promotions from 2015, 2016, and 2017, and has consistently sustained the practice through to 2023.
He assured staff that the present administration will continue to ensure that all promotions are backed with cash as and when due.
While appreciating Governor AbdulRazaq’s huge investment in teachers’ welfare, Bello pledged the commission’s continued loyalty and dedication to duty, promising that staff will justify the government’s gesture through hard work and commitment.
…Initiative marks new phase in state’s education reform agenda
The Kwara State Government has introduced a one-day training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pedagogy for selected public senior secondary school teachers across the state.
The training, themed “Empowering the 21st Century Educator”, was held at the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development Resource Centre, Tanke, Ilorin.
Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the initiative as a turning point in Kwara’s education reform drive.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey to transform education in Kwara State and prepare our students and teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world,” he said.
He urged teachers to embrace their role as “architects of transformation,” noting that AI integration is not just about technical tools but about re-imagining how knowledge is delivered in classrooms.
“Let today be the beginning of a new chapter, one where Kwara classrooms become hubs of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration,” he added.
The Commissioner praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for innovation through sustained investment in education.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, also applauded the Governor’s commitment to education reforms, urging participants to put the knowledge gained to practical use for the benefit of students.
Lead trainer Mrs. Fadimu Benedicta Toyosi described the workshop as a “golden opportunity” for teachers to adapt to digital realities, commending the Ministry for spearheading efforts to modernise teaching methods.
Participants expressed appreciation to the government and called for AI training to be expanded to reach more teachers across the state.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Abduraheem Abiodun Rufai, and Director of Human Capital Development, Mrs. Oludare Olawumi Victoria.
…Olupo, stakeholders laud Governor’s achievements, highlight fresh community needs
The Kwara State Government on Thursday concluded its citizens’ engagement for the 2026 budget in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, giving residents of Kwara South a platform to shape the next fiscal plan.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Olubukola Babalola, said the engagements are designed to ensure that the state budget reflects the true needs and aspirations of citizens across all districts.
“For a budget to be effective, it must reflect the needs of the people. Our government believes that planning for the people without the people is planning to fail. That is why this engagement is crucial,” the Governor said.
He added that past engagements had produced results in healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, and education, stressing the need to deepen government–citizen partnership for inclusive and sustainable development.
Deputy Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Oyebode, commended the administration’s investment in road infrastructure in the region, citing the ongoing Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road. He also requested more roads linking rural communities to markets.
Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the exercise underscores AbdulRazaq’s commitment to listening to the people. She noted that projects across Kwara South have shown that development is spread across the state.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, listed key projects in the region, including Ajase-Ipo to Bayero road, Arandun-Esie-Oro road, and Ijara-Isin-Sabaja-Owa Onire road, while announcing upcoming contracts such as Omu Aran township road and Olofa Way in Offa.
Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, disclosed that work will begin at the long-abandoned Offa stadium within two weeks, while housing projects are underway to benefit at least 600 households in Kwara South.
Council chairmen and community leaders praised the Governor’s open-door policy, requesting additional roads, water projects, and security interventions.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, commended AbdulRazaq’s people-focused governance, declaring the full support of monarchs in the region for his administration.
The engagement marks the final leg of the three-phase consultation, following similar sessions in Bode Saadu (Kwara North) and Afon (Kwara Central).
…Project set to ease traffic flow, improve safety, and boost local businesses
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commenced the upgrade of the popular Ahman Pategi Road in Ilorin, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to transform critical infrastructure and make roads safer and more accessible across the state.
The project, which is part of the government’s rural-urban renewal initiative, is expected to enhance vehicular movement, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate economic activities along the route, which is home to several businesses including Kingstone Grand Suites.
Residents and business owners have expressed excitement at the development, describing it as a major relief that will ease daily movement and promote commerce in the area.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has in the past six years invested significantly in road construction and rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts of Kwara, a move that has earned him recognition as one of the nation’s high-performing governors in infrastructure delivery.
The ongoing upgrade of Ahman Pategi Road, residents said, is another clear example of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of citizens while driving sustainable economic growth.
…Dr. Jetawo-Winter says state’s investment in healthcare attracts strong donor support, assures more civil servants and families will soon be enrolled
Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, says more than 100,000 residents have so far enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme.
She explained that the beneficiaries cut across students, informal sector workers, persons living with disabilities, and private organizations, with civil servants and their families expected to join soon.
Dr. Jetawo-Winter credited the success of the scheme to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s investments in healthcare, which she said have also attracted strong support from international donors.
“Today, we have more than 100,000 beneficiaries enjoying health insurance in the state,” she said at a community engagement in Ijomu Oro, Irepodun Local Government, organized in collaboration with the European Union through the EU-SARAH Initiative.
“In recent years, Kwara has received unprecedented donor support in health, covering under-5 children, young women and pregnant mothers, the physically challenged, and people living with diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. One of such is the EU-SARAH initiative, powered by the European Union with UNICEF and UNFPA technical assistance. These accomplishments have made Kwara State attractive to donor organizations.”
She disclosed that under the EU-SARAH Initiative, 15,000 people in the target population will get free access to quality healthcare services at nearby facilities for the next few years.
Dr. Jetawo-Winter also commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s deliberate investments in healthcare infrastructure and manpower, noting: “From primary healthcare centres to tertiary hospitals, our Governor is intentional about the health and safety of citizens.”
Last week, the agency sensitized residents of Afon, Reke, and Aboto-Oja in Asa Local Government on the benefits of the scheme.
The event in Ijomu Oro was attended by dignitaries, including Kwara House of Assembly member for Irepodun Constituency, Hon. Shola Odetundun; Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; Barr. Teju Oguntoye; Hon. Olabode Adekanye; Prince Samuel Alebiosu; APC Chairperson in Irepodun, Hajia Rasheedat Kareem; General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, Mr. Yomi Adeboye; and President of Kwara South Youth Organisation, Abolarin Dan-Sarafa.
The Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye II, was represented by the Eesa of Oro, High Chief Samuel Taiye. Baale of Ijomu Oro, High Chief Matthew Taiye Ademola, and High Chief Samuel Oguniyi also attended.
In their goodwill messages, Hon. Odetundun and Barr. Oguntoye praised the turnout of community members and encouraged them to embrace the health insurance scheme.
Oba Titiloye, through his representative, urged residents to take advantage of the affordable healthcare programme, commending Governor AbdulRazaq’s passion for development, particularly in the health sector.
Oloriewe Raheem also lauded the Governor’s initiatives across key sectors, describing the EU-SARAH partnership as a recognition of the government’s commitment to healthcare.
… Commissioner says new equipment will boost electricity, strengthen security, and drive economic growth across the state
The Kwara State Government has procured 30 new electricity transformers as part of efforts to improve power supply, enhance security, and stimulate economic growth across communities in the state.
Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Kola AbdulAzeez AbdulGaniy, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Ministry’s premises while receiving the second batch of the transformers.
He explained that the first batch of 16 transformers was received on August 15, 2025, while the remaining 14 arrived earlier today.
Engr. AbdulGaniy said the initiative underscores the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the welfare and security of citizens, noting that access to reliable electricity is critical for economic development, social well-being, and safer communities.
He assured that the administration will continue to prioritize infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of residents, stressing that the new transformers will be deployed to areas of need across the state.
…Administration records 90.6% budget performance in 2024, completes 120km of roads in two years
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance, saying the state budget will continue to reflect the true needs of citizens.
The Governor spoke at the Citizens’ Engagement on the 2026 budget held in Afon, Asa Local Government, where residents from across Kwara Central gathered to present their priorities for the coming fiscal year.
“We are here for the second of the three-legged citizens’ engagement on the 2026 budget. This is for the people of Kwara Central to have their input in the next budget cycle,” the Governor said. “The whole idea of this engagement is to democratise the budget process in line with global best practices of transparency and inclusion.”
Governor AbdulRazaq, who was joined by lawmakers and top officials, said previous engagements had shaped the administration’s policies and projects since 2019, leading to visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, job creation, and food security. He assured residents that the administration would build on its record despite the challenges of governance.
Stakeholders at the event, including traditional rulers, lawmakers, community leaders, and government officials, lauded the administration’s achievements and presented fresh demands ranging from rural road construction to water supply and market upgrades.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed that the government has completed 120km of roads in the last two years, apart from hundreds of kilometres still ongoing. Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the engagement underscored the Governor’s belief that citizens’ voices must guide policy decisions.
Director of Budget, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, announced that Kwara achieved 90.6% budget performance in 2024, the highest in recent years, with capital projects accounting for the bulk of spending.
Stakeholders including Asa LGA Chairman Alhaji Shehu Yahaya, Hon. Yunus Oniboki, Hon. Arinola Lawal, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, and other leaders commended the Governor for his inclusive leadership and sectoral interventions.
The Governor said the administration’s determination is to “beat its own record of good and impactful governance” while urging citizens to continue to provide honest feedback to guide government priorities.
…Security commanders report arrests, arms seizures as state steps up public safety drive
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday chaired a marathon security council meeting in Ilorin to review ongoing operations aimed at strengthening public safety across the state.
The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, including the police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Senior government officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Attorney General, Special Adviser on Security, and Senior Special Assistant on Security also participated.
Briefings covered recent operations across the state, with security chiefs reporting multiple arrests, prosecutions, and the interception of arms from criminal elements.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the security forces for their dedication and sacrifice, assuring them of the government’s continued support.
“Our security agencies are putting in everything to keep our people safe. They deserve every support that they get,” the Governor said, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide actionable intelligence to aid the work of security operatives.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure Kwara remains secure and peaceful.
…Project to ease traffic, boost commerce, and support rural-urban renewal agenda
The Kwara State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Ita Amoh—Gaa Saka—Madi Road in Ilorin West Local Government Area, one of the busiest commercial routes in the state.
The rehabilitation works, flagged off under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, have entered the first phase, involving the removal of the failed surface layer in preparation for laying new base layers and asphalt.
When completed, the project is expected to significantly improve vehicular movement, enhance user comfort, and stimulate local economic activities in the area.
Governor AbdulRazaq has over the past six years invested heavily in infrastructure development, rebuilding and expanding road networks across the state as part of his rural-urban renewal initiative.
Residents and road users in the area have welcomed the project with excitement, praising the Governor for fulfilling his commitment to social and infrastructural development.
…Governor AbdulRazaq says Kaiama project will boost jobs, value chain growth
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to ban the export of raw shea butter, describing it as a bold step that will strengthen Nigeria’s value chain and create more opportunities for local producers.
The Governor’s commendation comes as Kwara prepares to inaugurate a 50-tonne shea processing factory in Kaiama, which will be the second-largest in Nigeria and the biggest owned by any state government.
Governor AbdulRazaq said the policy will stimulate higher production, enhance quality, and open up thousands of jobs across the shea value chain. He noted that the Kaiama factory, one of the flagship economic projects of his administration, is strategically designed to empower women farmers, pickers, and other local workers.
“Locating the factory within Kaiama puts the people at the centre of local shea production. It ensures that benefits such as job creation, reduced post-harvest losses, and value retention stay within the community,” the Governor said in a statement on Tuesday. He added that the project reflects “true backward and forward integration” by combining raw material sourcing, processing, and market access in one locality. Kwara North is one of Nigeria’s shea production hubs, with over 250,000 naturally growing trees across 6,000 hectares of land. Alongside Niger State, it accounts for a major share of the country’s shea nut production.
The Kaiama factory is expected to position Kwara as a leading player in the global shea industry, while also advancing the administration’s agenda of driving industrialization and rural development.
