Kwara Rising

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  • Gov AbdulRazaq Hails President Tinubu Over Arrest of Terror Leaders

    Gov AbdulRazaq Hails President Tinubu Over Arrest of Terror Leaders

    …Governor reassures residents, directs KWASSIP to support affected persons

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has applauded President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the arrest of top leaders of terrorist groups, describing the breakthrough as a major boost to the nation’s counterterrorism efforts.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Governor said the capture of Mahmud Muhammad Usman, leader of Ansaru, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri (popularly called Malam Mahmuda), demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations under the present administration. “These arrests are a big win for the country,” AbdulRazaq said. “We commend the President, the National Security Adviser, and the leadership of the Armed Forces, Police, and other agencies for this feat. On our part, we will continue to support their efforts on all fronts.”

    The Governor reassured residents of Kwara that his administration is working closely with security operatives to neutralize threats and protect lives and property. He stressed that the absence of public details about ongoing operations should not be mistaken for inaction.
    “A lot is being done behind the scenes in collaboration with security agencies, leading to intelligence gathering, arrests, and prevention of planned attacks,” he said. “Our people must remain alert but calm, and report any suspicious activities promptly.”

    AbdulRazaq disclosed that more operatives, including forest guards, are being deployed to safeguard rural areas. He also directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to immediately take inventory of affected persons for support, working with community leaders to ensure accountability.
    The Governor further urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperative, and confident in the renewed efforts to curb insecurity across the state and beyond.

  • Kwara Govt, KWASU Unveil Converted Electric Vehicles in Push for Sustainable

    Kwara Govt, KWASU Unveil Converted Electric Vehicles in Push for Sustainable

    … Governor AbdulRazaq hailed for visionary support as university showcases innovation

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has unveiled converted electric vehicles as part of its drive to promote sustainable transportation and technological innovation.

    At the official handing-over ceremony, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, described the project as a landmark achievement in the state’s collaboration with KWASU. He said the initiative underscores the potential of electric vehicles to cut carbon emissions and foster eco-friendly mobility in Kwara.

    Hon. Adelodun praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his visionary leadership and support, noting that training sessions for relevant staff will soon follow to ensure the smooth adoption of the new technology.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, also commended KWASU for conceiving and executing the project at a time when global attention is shifting towards renewable energy. She expressed gratitude to the Governor for championing forward-thinking projects that “put smiles on the faces of the people.”

    Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Chairman of KWASU Holdings Committee, Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi, said the university was proud to work with the state government on a project that demonstrates Kwara’s potential in electric mobility. He described the initiative as proof of what public-private and public-public partnerships can achieve under an enabling environment.

    Prof. Adeyemi explained that KWASU successfully converted scrapped petrol-powered vehicles into electric models, serving as a proof of concept for wider adoption of sustainable technologies in the state. He lauded the Governor’s infrastructure-driven vision for building a “new Kwara State.”

    The initiative, jointly championed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology and KWASU, is expected to drive innovation, strengthen environmental awareness, and inspire further research into sustainable energy solutions.

    Dignitaries present at the event included senior officials from the Ministry, members of KWASU Holdings Committee, representatives of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, and university management staff.

  • Kwara Govt, KWASU Unveil Converted Electric Vehicles in Push for Sustainable

    Kwara Govt, KWASU Unveil Converted Electric Vehicles in Push for Sustainable

    … Governor AbdulRazaq hailed for visionary support as university showcases innovation

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has unveiled converted electric vehicles as part of its drive to promote sustainable transportation and technological innovation.

    At the official handing-over ceremony, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, described the project as a landmark achievement in the state’s collaboration with KWASU. He said the initiative underscores the potential of electric vehicles to cut carbon emissions and foster eco-friendly mobility in Kwara.

    Hon. Adelodun praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his visionary leadership and support, noting that training sessions for relevant staff will soon follow to ensure the smooth adoption of the new technology.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, also commended KWASU for conceiving and executing the project at a time when global attention is shifting towards renewable energy. She expressed gratitude to the Governor for championing forward-thinking projects that “put smiles on the faces of the people.”

    Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Chairman of KWASU Holdings Committee, Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi, said the university was proud to work with the state government on a project that demonstrates Kwara’s potential in electric mobility. He described the initiative as proof of what public-private and public-public partnerships can achieve under an enabling environment.

    Prof. Adeyemi explained that KWASU successfully converted scrapped petrol-powered vehicles into electric models, serving as a proof of concept for wider adoption of sustainable technologies in the state. He lauded the Governor’s infrastructure-driven vision for building a “new Kwara State.”

    The initiative, jointly championed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology and KWASU, is expected to drive innovation, strengthen environmental awareness, and inspire further research into sustainable energy solutions.

    Dignitaries present at the event included senior officials from the Ministry, members of KWASU Holdings Committee, representatives of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, and university management staff.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Presents Staff of Office to Three New Monarchs in Kwara.…

    Gov AbdulRazaq Presents Staff of Office to Three New Monarchs in Kwara.…

    … Governor charges traditional rulers to uphold peace, unity, and grassroots development

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday officially presented the Staff of Office to three newly appointed monarchs in the state.

    The royal fathers are Oba Isiaka Malik, the new Alagunjin of Agunjin (3rd Class, Ifelodun Local Government), Oba AbdulRazaq Adekola Salau, the Olowo of Ita-Olowo (4th Class, Ifelodun), and Oba Afolabi Odeniyi Gabriel, the Elepe of Epe-Opin (4th Class, Ekiti).

    Speaking through the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, the Governor congratulated the monarchs and their communities, urging them to use their positions to foster peace, unity, and development in their domains.

    “I congratulate the new monarchs and their communities on this momentous occasion. May your reigns be marked by wisdom, peace, and progress,” AbdulRazaq said.

    He also called on the traditional rulers to promote harmony among their subjects, stressing that community support is vital to achieving progress at the grassroots.

    The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and community development across the state.

    The ceremony drew several dignitaries, including the Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ganiyu Gabriel; Chairman of Ifelodun LG, Hon. Femi Yusuf; Hon. Awelewa Olawale Gabriel (Ekiti); State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi; high chiefs from the affected communities; and family members of the monarchs.

    In separate goodwill messages, Hon. Yusuf and Hon. Gabriel urged the new monarchs to make peace and harmony their guiding principles, noting that no community can thrive in an atmosphere of division. Prince Fagbemi echoed the call, warning against disunity and encouraging the traditional rulers to complement the Governor’s efforts in sustaining peace and development across the state.

    Responding, the monarchs thanked the government and their communities for the confidence reposed in them. They pledged to promote unity, peace, and progress while calling for the cooperation of their people to achieve these goals.

  • Kwara Hospital Receives State-of-the-Art Equipment

    Kwara Hospital Receives State-of-the-Art Equipment

    …CMD Applauds Governor AbdulRazaq

    #KwaraRising

    The Chief Medical Director of Kwara State Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Dr. Bola Ahmed, has praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state. Dr. Ahmed spoke during a ceremony marking the presentation of advanced critical medical equipment to the hospital’s Dr. Amuda Aluko Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

    Describing the equipment delivery as “another landmark achievement” of the current administration, Dr. Ahmed highlighted the tangible improvements in healthcare infrastructure and patient care. The newly provided items aim to bolster the hospital’s capacity across several specialties, including surgery, anesthesia, and emergency medicine.

    Equipment unveiled at the event includes a high-powered C-ARM imaging system (10 kW) for precise surgical guidance, a modern operating table designed for optimal patient care, a diathermy machine for elective tissue procedures, a ventilator, and an anesthesia machine—each set to elevate the hospital’s capability to deliver advanced healthcare services.

    Dr. Idowu Ogunlaja, Chairperson of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, also commended the state government for equipping the hospital and reaffirmed the management’s commitment to protecting and utilising the investments to improve treatment services effectively.

    The presentation was attended by several hospital officials, including the Hospital Secretary, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf, and the Head of Nursing Department, Mrs. Yusuf Nimota.

    This milestone reflects Governor AbdulRazaq’s wider strategy to position Kwara State as an exemplar in quality and accessible healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

  • New NCCC Director-General Assumes Office

    New NCCC Director-General Assumes Office

    …Signals Bold Climate Action for Nigeria

    Tenioye Majekodunmi has taken the helm as Director-General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), pledging to transform climate governance in the country. A climate finance expert and environmental lawyer, Majekodunmi was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and assumed office on August 6, 2025. In her maiden address at the NCCC headquarters, she emphasized unity and ambition, aiming to position Nigeria as a global leader in climate action. “We are one team, and we will win as one,” she told staff, stressing a proactive, professional approach to tackling the urgent climate crisis.

    In her first official engagement on August 11, 2025, Majekodunmi attended a stakeholder session to review a draft Climate Finance Guide, developed under the UK-funded Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE). The guide will help state governments access climate financing from global sources like the Green Climate Fund. She announced that the NCCC is finalizing Nigeria’s National Climate Finance Strategy to mobilize funds from diverse sources, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to collaboration with state governments, development partners, and the private sector to drive impactful climate solutions.

  • Kwara to Renovate 898 Public Secondary Schools Statewide

    Kwara to Renovate 898 Public Secondary Schools Statewide

    …Over 5,000 community leaders to be trained to oversee facility upgrades

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has launched plans to renovate 898 junior and senior public secondary schools across the state as part of its ongoing education reform agenda.

    Under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, specifically the 1.2 Renovation sub-component, over 5,000 members of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) are being trained to supervise these school upgrades. The announcement was made during a monitoring visit to the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin by AGILE Project Coordinator, Mr. Adeshina Salami.

    During the five-day training, SBMC members are being equipped with essential skills in needs assessment, development of School Improvement Plans (SIP), and project management. Coordinated across the state’s three senatorial districts, the training involves six SBMC members from each of the 898 schools, including the chairman, principal (as secretary), female treasurer, a teacher representative, and two technically skilled artisans.

    Renovations will focus not only on classroom upgrades but will also include improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Stakeholders emphasise that community ownership, transparency, and quality assurance are at the core of the implementation model.

    The AGILE Project’s Renovation sub-component aims to create safe and enriching learning environments—particularly for adolescent girls—by encouraging school completion through improved infrastructure. SBMCs, drawn from local stakeholders, are expected to oversee the renovations at the community level.

  • Abraysports Boss Applauds Kwara United, Urges More Player Rotation In Preseason

    Abraysports Boss Applauds Kwara United, Urges More Player Rotation In Preseason

    ……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.

  • Tinubu Appoints Rtd. Col. Abdulwahab Lawal, FIMC to NCC Board

    Tinubu Appoints Rtd. Col. Abdulwahab Lawal, FIMC to NCC Board

    …Kwara shines yet again on national roll-call

    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.

  • Kwara Billionaire Stuns State with ₦20m Gift, Full Scholarships for Top Pupils

    Kwara Billionaire Stuns State with ₦20m Gift, Full Scholarships for Top Pupils

    …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.