…Governor AbdulRazaq prioritizes health sector development, supports young specialists
The Kwara State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to healthcare development with the prompt disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to 37 resident doctors in the state civil service.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, this marks the third consecutive year that the state has fulfilled its obligation to support medical professionals with the MRTF—an initiative that significantly eases the financial burden of specialist training.
Dr. El-Imam expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support to the health sector, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the administration’s priority on human capital development.
“The MRTF is not just a financial intervention—it is a statement of this administration’s priorities and values. Our resident doctors are the future of our healthcare system, and this support ensures that their journey to becoming specialists is not hindered by financial constraints,” she said.
The Commissioner added that the prompt disbursement was intended to help the young doctors focus on their clinical education and deliver quality healthcare to the people of Kwara State.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for health workers and ensuring access to quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services across the state.
…Says Easter reminds us of triumph through adversity, prays for joy and happiness in all homes
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has extended warm greetings to Christians in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the 2025 Easter celebrations.
In a statement on Friday, the Governor called on the Christian faithful to reflect on the deeper significance of Easter and its associated holy days — Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday — describing them as powerful reminders of sacrifice, hope, and renewal.
He said the triumph of Jesus Christ over adversity, as symbolized by Easter, should inspire everyone to deepen their faith in God and remain steadfast in the face of life’s trials.
“The Easter season speaks to God’s power to bring beauty out of pain and purpose out of sacrifice,” the Governor said. “May this season bring joy, renewed hope, and happiness to every home in Kwara and beyond.”
He prayed for peace, love, and continued unity among all communities in the state.
Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Govenor of Kwara State Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Thursday led a delegation of the Forum to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau over the recent violence in parts of the state.
While commiserating with the families of the victims, he also commended the interventions of the security agencies, which prevented further escalations.
The NGF delegation was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Abdulrazaq said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.
“We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace. Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind. We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective taking.
“Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potentials especially in agriculture and tourism. But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities.
“We commend His Excellency the Governor for his leadership at this critical moment. Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and good people of Plateau State. We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities.”
Rafiu Ajakaye Chief Press Secretary to the Governor April 17, 2025
… Governor pledges sustained partnership to preserve Kwara’s peaceful status
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on Thursday received the newly posted Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, at the Government House in Ilorin.
Welcoming the new Police boss, Governor AbdulRazaq pledged the continued support of his administration to the State Police Command, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Kwara’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
“We will continue to work hand in hand with the Police and other security agencies to ensure our people remain safe and secure,” the Governor said.
CP Ojo Adekimi, who had previously served in various leadership roles within the Kwara Command, thanked the Governor for the warm reception and promised full cooperation with the state government to sustain the existing peace and security architecture.
… Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Urges Dialogue, Condoles with Victims’ Families
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is deeply saddened by reports of new violence in parts of Plateau State, leading to multiple deaths and injuries.
The NGF commiserates with the Government and people of Plateau State and families of those affected, calling the development sad and unhelpful at a time Plateau was seeing a long stretch of harmony and peace borne out of concerted efforts of government, traditional rulers, and thought leaders.
“We call on community and religious leaders to rally behind His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang to douse tension, reconcile minds, and build sustainable peace in Plateau. We call on everyone to understand that the souls already lost are not just numbers; they are the breadwinners, hopes, and pride of many families. We call for immediate cessation of violence of any kind against fellow members of the human community,” according to the NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of the victims and wish those injured speedy recovery, while everyone embraces dialogue and peace.”
… Commissioner applauds community-focused interventions across key sectors
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The Kwara State Government has commissioned a series of multi-million Naira projects in Ilorin South Local Government Area (LGA), reaffirming its commitment to grassroots development and improved quality of life for residents.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, lauded the Executive Chairman of Ilorin South, Hon. Nuhu Abdulmajeed, for his people-oriented approach and impactful project delivery.
While expressing delight at the visible support of the benefiting communities, Hon. Bata noted that the projects cut across vital sectors including water supply, healthcare, education, and electrification.
“I’m highly impressed by the thoughtful execution of these projects and the large turnout of community members to express their appreciation. This is what governance should look like,” he said.
The Commissioner urged other local government councils to emulate the Ilorin South model, describing the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of the Council as commendable and essential for meaningful development.
“There’s no offence in imitation, especially when it’s positive and beneficial to the people,” he added, while calling on the communities to take ownership of the projects and ensure their sustainability.
In his remarks, Hon. Nuhu Abdulmajeed thanked the Commissioner for his visit and kind words, noting that the projects were delivered in line with the development vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the promises made during the electioneering period.
“We are replicating the giant strides of Governor AbdulRazaq at the grassroots. More projects will come as funds become available, and we ask for patience from communities still waiting,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Iyabo Modupe Adekeye, commended the Chairman for aligning with the needs of the people and urged all Council professionals to continue adhering strictly to procurement regulations in project execution.
Projects commissioned include:
Drilling and installation of a motorized borehole at Olomoda Community
Electrification and installation of 500KVA/33/415 KVA transformers at Adunbarin Community
Reconstruction of the Primary Health Care Centre at Ajibesin Community
Construction of four units of modern toilets at Tanke Market
Borehole installation at Fate Community
Complete renovation and furniture provision at GDJSS, Zango Eleboto School
Renovation of two classrooms at Oke-Aluko Primary School
Completion, metering, and energising of 100KVA/11/415 transformer at Olufadi Maternal Referral Centre
Commissioning of the AGF AbdulRazaq Shopping Complex at Offa Garage
The event was attended by community leaders, residents, council officials, and other stakeholders who expressed gratitude to the state government for the developmental strides in the area.
…Third round of the Big Catch-Up campaign targets children aged 0–5 in Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs
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The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other health partners, is set to launch the third round of the Big Catch-Up vaccination campaign. Scheduled to run from Saturday, April 12 to Thursday, April 17, 2025, the campaign aims to immunize over 80,000 children against life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.
This round of the campaign is focused on bridging immunity gaps among children who missed their routine immunization doses, particularly those affected by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, disclosed this during a strategy meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters in Ilorin.
Professor Elelu emphasized that the campaign will cover three Local Government Areas—Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun—identified as having the highest number of unimmunized children in the state. She described the Big Catch-Up as a vital strategy to strengthen routine immunization services and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.
“Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and proven public health tools for saving lives,” she said. “This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that every child in Kwara is protected, no matter where they live.”
The Executive Secretary called on parents, caregivers, school heads, religious and community leaders, as well as Islamic institutions, to fully support the exercise by ensuring eligible children—those aged 0 to 5—are available for vaccination. She reassured the public of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, which are provided free of charge by the State Government.
Professor Elelu reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting child health and well-being through sustained access to immunization, noting that the vaccines will be administered across all health facilities and outreach posts in the targeted LGAs.
“The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains unwavering in its commitment to the health and safety of all residents, especially our mothers and children,” she added.
The Big Catch-Up campaign is part of Kwara’s broader strategy to achieve universal health coverage and reduce child mortality through proactive, community-based health interventions.
…disqualified applicants will be replaced by next-best candidates in a merit-based recruitment exercise backed by NDLEA and Governor AbdulRazaq
At least eight applicants among the 1,800 shortlisted for the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) jobs have tested positive for banned substances, automatically disqualifying them from the ongoing recruitment process. This was revealed in a statement issued on Monday by TESCOM Chairman, Bello Taoheed Abubakar.
According to the statement, the disqualified individuals tested positive for substances including benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine—all classified as dangerous drugs and considered harmful to human health.
The drug test, conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with full support from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was a critical screening phase in the recruitment process.
Abubakar emphasized that the disqualified candidates will be replaced by the next-best performing applicants from their respective local government areas, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and merit-driven hiring process.
“A major implication of this development is that the affected individuals will be replaced by the candidates who are next to them in performance from their respective local government areas,” the TESCOM chair said.
He added that the zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse is a deliberate policy to ensure that only mentally and physically fit individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the future of Kwara’s children.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has again etched his name in gold for insisting that recruitment into the teaching profession must be strictly on merit. His leadership continues to prioritize quality education and integrity in governance,” the statement added.
…Creative students to win boxes of food ingredients in social media challenge
In a vibrant effort to uplift young creatives and encourage entrepreneurship, Bamdo LOD Services, in partnership with Flow 92.7 FM, has launched a unique giveaway campaign tagged Empowering Content Creators.
The initiative is specially designed for students of the University of Ilorin and rising content creators within the region.
The campaign calls on participants to produce a short video highlighting Bamdo Lod’s brand and services, using a pre-written script that will be provided. These videos are to be posted on social media platforms where creativity, clarity, and engagement will be key to winning.
The rewards are enticing: the best video, along with the first five entries to reach 300 likes, will each receive two boxes filled with essential food ingredients—completely free.
The initiative is more than just a competition; it’s a creative challenge that blends digital storytelling with practical rewards that support student living.
Flow 92.7 FM, a known promoter of grassroots innovation and youth-centered campaigns, is proudly sponsoring the project as part of its broader commitment to fostering local talent and driving positive impact through media partnerships.
… Governor hails 400-level student Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem for exemplary resilience and brilliance in world record attempt.
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has joined the academic and broader community in celebrating Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem, a 400-level Mathematics student of the University of Ilorin, who recently delivered a marathon 31-hour, 42-minute, and 54-second mathematics lesson—poised to break the Guinness World Record for the longest mathematics class, currently held at 26 hours.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq commended Kazeem’s determination and intellectual tenacity, describing the feat as a bold step toward global recognition. The Governor said the accomplishment reflects not just academic brilliance but also remarkable courage, resilience, and the spirit of excellence that defines the Kwara youth.
While the official verification by the Guinness World Records is awaited, the Governor noted that Kazeem has already secured a place of pride for himself, his university, and Kwara State.
The Governor also extended congratulations to Kazeem’s family, academic mentors, and the University of Ilorin community for the support and foundation that enabled this outstanding effort.
“Kazeem has exhibited not just brilliance and capacity; his achievement is, in fact, a rare act of bravery, resilience, and can-do spirit,” the Governor said. “Whatever the decision of the Guinness World Records, we celebrate this Maths nerd for his efforts and his determination to be great.”
