… State Hospitals Get Solar Power and Modern Equipment
The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in the state. The administration has taken bold steps to ensure that state hospitals function optimally to save lives and enhance the quality of life for residents.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Kwara Hospital Management Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, during his appearance on Kwara State Television’s popular program, Network Kwara.
Dr. Malik highlighted that the state government has begun equipping hospitals with solar-powered lighting systems to address the persistent issue of epileptic power supply.
This move aims to ensure uninterrupted operations, particularly during critical medical procedures, thereby enhancing service delivery and patient outcomes.
Modern Equipment and Skilled Workforce
According to Dr. Malik, the administration has provided modern and relevant medical equipment to hospitals, enabling them to deliver high-quality healthcare. Additionally, the Kwara Hospital Management Board has prioritized training and retraining healthcare workers to improve service delivery across the 46 secondary care hospitals in the state.
“The state government is dedicated to equipping hospitals with the tools and knowledge needed to deliver better services to the people,” Dr. Malik said. Dr. Malik noted a significant improvement in public perception of government hospitals. “Government hospitals are now receiving commendations and recommendations from the public due to the noticeable enhancement in service quality, a stark contrast to the challenges faced before this administration,” he stated.
In a bid to address patient concerns effectively, the administration has implemented SERVICOM (Service Compact with All Nigerians) across state hospitals.
This platform allows patients to lodge complaints and receive assistance, even from the comfort of their homes.
Hospital Renovations Underway
Dr. Malik further revealed that the government has embarked on comprehensive renovations of state hospital facilities, with work currently ongoing in many of these locations.
He concluded by commending Governor
AbdulRazaq’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that healthcare services in the state align with global standards, driven by his administration’s love for humanity and commitment to saving lives. Through these initiatives, Governor AbdulRazaq continues to cement his legacy as a leader deeply invested in the health and wellbeing of Kwarans, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare.
The AbdulRazaq-led administration’s focus on innovation, inclusivity, and quality care ensures a brighter and healthier future for all government-owned facilities, ensuring accessibility to residents in every corner of the state. Over 500 health facilities and more than 10,000 settlements have benefitted from various interventions aimed at improving health outcomes.
This was revealed by Dr. Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, during the 4th Quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin. Represented by Dr. Ayodeji Adeniran, Deputy Director of Primary Health Care Systems, Dr. Elelu emphasized the administration’s relentless efforts to enhance the quality of life through robust healthcare initiatives.
Dr. Elelu highlighted the agency’s delivery of a wide range of services, including immunization, health education, nutritional promotion, safe water advocacy, sanitation, and maternal and child health services. These programs, delivered through fixed and outreach strategies, aim to reduce disease burdens and improve overall public health.
Among the significant activities in 2024 were Zero-dose mapping to track immunized and partially immunized children, two rounds of Polio immunization, the Big Catch-Up campaign, and two optimized Maternal Newborn and Child Health Weeks (MNCHW). The agency also distributed folic acid supplements for pregnant women, organized food demonstrations at Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), and held regular strategy meetings with local health workers to improve service delivery.
Acknowledging Governor AbdulRazaq’s Leadership. Dr. Elelu praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to healthcare. “The Governor’s massive investments in the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency have ensured access to quality healthcare services for residents in all nooks and crannies of the state,” she said.
This dedication has earned the agency recognition as the best in basic healthcare delivery across the North-Central region for the second consecutive time. The achievement underscores the administration’s focus on inclusivity and excellence in healthcare.
The agency has prioritized health sensitization campaigns, strengthened collaborations with stakeholders, and maintained consistent communication with community leaders to support the vision of an inclusive healthcare system. These efforts are designed to enhance resources at health facilities and ensure that healthcare services meet the needs of the population.
Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, the State Commissioner for Communications, described the Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing as a critical platform for fostering transparency and accountability. He explained that the briefing allows the public to stay informed about the government’s activities and achievements, promoting trust and engagement between the administration and the people.
With Governor AbdulRazaq at the helm, Kwara State continues to lead in healthcare delivery, setting a benchmark for others to follow. His administration’s focus on innovation, inclusivity, and quality care ensures a brighter and healthier future for all Kwarans.
… Tescom’s Boss commends AbdulRahman’s continued investment in education
#KwaraRising
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has approved the recruitment of 1,800 senior secondary school teachers, 100 non-teaching staff, and 200 security guards to enhance the safety and quality of education in schools across the state.
The recruitment will particularly target rural areas, where there is a pressing shortage of teachers.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, it was announced that the application process will soon be made available online. Applicants will be required to possess a university degree in education or a degree in a relevant field with a teaching certificate, such as B.Ed, BSc. Ed, B.A. Ed, BSc plus PGDE, or NCE. Those without the specified qualifications will not be considered.
The recruitment is aimed at addressing the human resource gap in rural schools, with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
Applicants in the Arts and Commercial fields will also be considered, and the relevant subject areas will be listed on the application portal. TESCOM has urged applicants whose subject areas are not specified not to apply.
Further, all applicants will be required to upload their certificate of local government origin and provide proof of their local government of residence at different stages of the recruitment process. Additional requirements may be announced as the process progresses.
After the online application, applicants will undergo a Computer-Based Test (CBT), with only those who meet the required standards being shortlisted for interviews and peer teaching sessions.
In line with the state government’s commitment to fighting drug abuse, all shortlisted candidates will undergo mandatory drug tests.
TESCOM also stated that applicants must not exceed 35 years of age by January 31, 2025. Any candidate who exhibits behavior unfit for a teacher will be disqualified at any stage of the recruitment process.
The commission commended Governor Abdulrazaq for his continuous investment in public education since taking office in 2019, highlighting the Governor’s focus on improving educational standards across Kwara State.
The Kwara State Government, through its Ministry of Environment, has issued a public announcement inviting applications from reputable commercial and private waste management organizations, as well as interested members of the general public, to participate in the collection of waste from households, shops, and companies across the state. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to improve waste management and sanitation services by engaging qualified service providers.
According to the Ministry, selected applicants will be required to work closely with the Kwara State Ministry of Environment and its agencies. Successful organizations will be assigned specific areas for waste collection and will be responsible for transporting the collected waste to government-approved dump sites. In return for their services, these organizations will collect an affordable fee from residents and businesses in their designated areas.
To qualify, applicants must be incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and demonstrate financial capability, evidenced by a reference letter from a reputable Nigerian commercial bank. Additionally, applicants must be registered with the Kwara State Ministry of Environment and relevant professional bodies. They should also possess modern waste management vehicles capable of handling either solid or liquid waste, depending on the service required. A comprehensive waste management work plan for areas with a population of at least 500,000 people is also mandatory. Furthermore, applicants must have key personnel with the requisite knowledge and experience in waste management and propose a fee structure for collection, alongside an amount to be remitted to the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).
Interested organizations are required to submit their applications in a sealed envelope clearly marked “APPLICATION AS COMMERCIAL (PRIVATE) WASTE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION.” All submissions must be delivered to the Honourable Commissioner, Kwara State Ministry of Environment, Ilorin, by no later than 12 noon on Monday, February 10, 2025. Applications must be written in English and signed by an authorized official.
The Ministry of Environment emphasized that only companies meeting the stipulated eligibility criteria will be contacted. Those whose applications are not approved will not receive any official communication. The government also reminded prospective applicants that previous waste management companies’ engagements expired on December 31, 2024, following their disengagement by the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA).
The Kwara State government has made significant strides in its development agenda by acquiring 3,000 hectares of land in Malete, Moro Local Government Area, for livestock production. In addition, another 2,000 hectares have been secured for the construction of an Industrial Park along the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road.
This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), Abdulkareem Sulyman, during an interview with LEADERSHIP in Ilorin on Monday. Sulyman revealed that the payment of compensation for the land in Malete has reached 70% completion, while the compensation process for the land along Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road is currently underway.
KwaraRising can report that Sulyman also highlighted the progress on the Ilorin SmartCity project, with preliminary activities already completed on 19,000 hectares earmarked for the initiative. This project is part of the state’s broader vision to drive urban development and economic growth.
The KWGIS Chairman noted that ongoing reforms, including the collation and harmonization of all land-related agencies and the transition from analogue to digital land operations, have significantly reduced bottlenecks and enhanced efficiency. These reforms have also curtailed the activities of land grabbers, ensuring smoother land administration in the state.
“The success of my agency is tied to the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has ensured that all developmental activities align with the state’s master plan, promoting growth and rapid development,” Sulyman stated. He emphasized that the automation of land administration has not only streamlined processes but also boosted the state’s internally generated revenue.
Sulyman clarified that the ongoing reclamation exercise of government setbacks around public offices and institutions is a federal government directive aimed at enhancing security across the country. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for its residents.
With these strategic land acquisitions and reforms, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq continues to lay a solid foundation for Kwara State’s sustainable development and economic transformation.
The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has taken a systematic approach to developing the state as a major location for food processing and value chain addition. This vision was recently underlined when the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, paid a visit to the “I-Need Rice Mill” at Elerinjare Ibobo Community, facilitated by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The visit highlighted the commitment of the state in changing the face of Kwara’s agricultural landscape through the promotion of local processing to reduce dependence on imported goods.
During her visit, Mrs. Thomas commended the “I-Need Rice Mill” for playing a vital role in the elevation of Kwara State’s agricultural profile. According to her, the government is strategically focusing on processing goods in the state in order to add value, stimulate local economies, and create jobs. “We are building a new Kwara, one which not only produces but also processes and adds value to our agricultural commodities, particularly rice,” she said. The commissioner emphasized that the status of Kwara as the leading producer of rice puts the state in a position to dominate the area of processing, hence guaranteeing the locals’ benefitting from locally produced and processed food.
Advancing Value Addition and Export Potential
The Commissioner also flagged the huge successes recorded by the “I-Need Rice Mill,” which has a 100-ton rice polishing machine and produces more than 2,000 bags of rice every day. He said this was in consonance with the state’s goals of reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing livelihoods along the agricultural value chain. Mrs. Thomas extolled the commitment of the mill to gender inclusion, as it involves women in its workforce, in line with Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision for empowerment and gender equality.
Mr. Tajudeen Olaoye from the NEPC praised the government’s advancements in agriculture and expressed the council’s dedication to promoting Kwara’s agricultural products for export. “Kwara State, under Governor AbdulRazaq, has made significant progress in farming, harvest, and food processing. Our goal is to support this progress, especially in rice processing, which holds great potential for national and global markets,” Olaoye noted.
The Chairman of I-Need Agro-Allied Investment Ltd., Mr. Sodiq Ibrahim, praised the government and NEPC for unrelenting support, saying it would continue showing its mission to contribute to Kwara development. His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Bello—Olaitan II—Olusabi of Elerinjare Ibobo, also applauded the state government’s commitment in agricultural development, community building, and promised continued investment in his community.
The facility tour, which includes the cassava processing unit, paddy rice storage, and rice processing plants, further explains the holistic approach by the government to ensure maximum exploitation of every aspect of the agricultural value chain. There is a new benchmark being set by Kwara State, away from raw material production and towards becoming the leading food processor and exporter in Nigeria—a move guaranteeing long-term economic growth and food security for the state.
…to Settle Gratuity Arrears and Execute Priority Projects
In a commendable show of commitment to the welfare of retirees and the broader community, local government chairmen in Kwara State have pledged to use their recently received N7.43 billion ‘signature bonus’ from the Federation Account to settle gratuity arrears dating back to 2011 and fund essential projects across the state.
Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kwara State chapter, announced on Wednesday that N4 billion of the ‘signature bonus’ would be allocated towards clearing part of the outstanding gratuity arrears, which exceed N34 billion. This effort will provide much-needed relief to local government retirees who have been awaiting their entitlements for over a decade.
“This payment will cover the 2011 gratuity obligations and more. The disbursement will be managed to ensure that all retirees with outstanding gratuities receive their share,” Hon. Danladi affirmed.
Additionally, the remaining N3.36 billion will be invested in priority projects identified by each local government. These projects are expected to address pressing needs at the grassroots level, improving the quality of life for residents and fostering development within the communities.
“This decision underscores our dedication to serving the grassroots, including our retirees who have dedicated their lives to the service of their local government areas,” Danladi stated, emphasizing the unanimous agreement reached during their recent meeting.
This strategic allocation not only addresses long-standing financial obligations to retirees but also ensures that the local governments can continue to implement critical development projects that benefit the wider community.
Following the fencing off of the challenge trade area, the Kwara State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has resorted to a barrage of criticisms aimed at the current administration’s decision to fence the places. Predictably, they have framed this necessary reform as an attack on the livelihood of traders, all while conveniently ignoring the broader context and the genuine intentions behind this move. Let’s be clear: this is not about stifling commerce or punishing traders. It’s about ensuring public safety, fostering urban renewal, and providing a more organized trading environment that benefits everyone.
Urban Renewal vs. Political Rhetoric
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has been steadfast in its commitment to urban renewal. The decision to fence trade area areas, particularly in strategic locations such as the Post Office/Unity axis, is part of a broader effort to modernize the city and prevent the spread of trading activities onto the road. This reform is not arbitrary; it is a thoughtful, well-planned action aimed at improving the quality of life for all Kwarans.
The PDP’s criticism, however, reeks of political opportunism. During their time in power, urban planning and development were glaringly absent. Now, rather than supporting meaningful reforms, they are clinging to a status quo that no longer serves the people. Their rhetoric is designed to stir emotions and create divisions, but it lacks substance and foresight.
One of the primary reasons for fencing the trade areaareas is safety. Allowing traders to extend their activities onto the road poses a significant risk to both the traders and the general public. The chaos of unregulated roadside trading increases the likelihood of accidents, endangers lives, and disrupts traffic flow. Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration is not willing to gamble with the safety of its citizens for political convenience.
By confining trading activities within designated areas, the government ensures a safer, more organized environment for everyone. This decision is not anti-trader—it is pro-safety, pro-organization, and ultimately, pro-progress. The traders are being provided with secure spaces where they can continue their businesses without the looming dangers of the expressway.
What the PDP calls draconian economic strangulation is simply keeping citizens safe but how will they have a news story in their name if they don’t go to town with political rhetoric dressed in the garb of sharp-spoken English?
Critics may argue that fencing the trade areas is disruptive, but the reality is that the land is a G-item in urban planning law. It is strictly meant for railway. The traders were there illegally in the first place. The protective fence is the cheapest option for the traders, it is also the least painful option available. The government could have opted for outright demolition, which would have been far more drastic and would have caused significant hardship for the traders. Instead, an agreeable solution was reached, balancing the need for order and safety with the traders’ right to earn a living.
The two wide and spacious entrances provided at the post office and unity road ends are more than adequate for access to the trade area complex. The notion that multiple entrances must be maintained, allowing trading activities to spill back onto the expressway, is both impractical and regressive. This suggestion, championed by the PDP, is a clear case of status quo bias—a resistance to change simply because it’s different from what people are used to. Change is often met with resistance, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t necessary or beneficial.
Keeping the status quo is not beneficial
As humans, we always want to stay with the familiar, but the familiar, the status quo has never befitted anyone. Lagos is a good example; Lagosians used to dread visiting Oshodi, nothing changed until an administration came along and decided to rewrite the story. it s the same everywhere: Nothing changes until an administration comes along and puts political sentiment aside and rewrite the story.
What would Kwara PDP know about that though? They have always placed political expediency over real developmental work. Kwarans must reject this type of leadership that is all bark and no bite, change is painful but it is beneficial in the long run.
A Secure and Organized Trading Environment
The administration understands the importance of commerce and the role traders play in the local economy. The reforms are not designed to hinder their operations but to enhance them. By creating a secure and organized trading environment, the government is laying the foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable trade area system.
Traders will still have access to their customers and the facilities they need to thrive. The difference is that their businesses will now operate in a more orderly and safer setting. This change will not only benefit the traders but also the general public, who will experience less congestion and safer roads.
It is ironic that the PDP, which failed to implement any significant urban development projects during their time in power, is now positioning itself as the defender of traders. Their sudden concern for the welfare of traders is a thinly veiled attempt to score political points. Where was this concern when they had the opportunity to make meaningful changes? Their criticisms are not rooted in genuine care for the people but in a desperate bid to remain relevant.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has consistently shown that it is committed to the welfare of all Kwarans, including traders. The decision to fence the trade areas is just one example of the many reforms aimed at improving the state. The PDP’s attempts to undermine these efforts are not only baseless but also counterproductive.
In the end
Urban renewal goes beyond aesthetics; it is about creating a safer, more functional city for everyone. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s decision to fence trade area areas is a step in the right direction. It is a balanced approach that considers the needs of the traders while prioritizing public safety and order.
The PDP’s criticisms should be seen for what they are—political posturing devoid of any real solutions or vision. The people of Kwara deserve better than to be subjected to the same tired rhetoric from a party that failed to deliver when they had the chance. Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration is focused on real progress, and the people of Kwara are already reaping the benefits.Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is committed to building a better Kwara, and no amount of political grandstanding will derail this mission.
Assured of safety, Kwarans will go in and shop to their heart’s content. That is how this will go down. By Comrade Yahaya Muyideen Anifowoshe. Anifowoshe writes from Ilorin West
The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved that the newly developed State Security Identification Cards (SSID Cards) be distributed with immediate effect. The revelation was made today by the Acting General Manager, Kwara State Resident Identification Agency, Mr. Tajudeen Jimoh, while briefing newsmen in Ilorin.
Mr. Jimoh noted that the Residents Registration Exercise, inaugurated by Governor AbdulRazaq on July 29, 2024, has started yielding positive results as the agency has begun receiving the SSID Cards, adding that the Governor has ordered their immediate distribution to residents.
“The distribution, which shall be in batches and free, will be simultaneously going on with the continuous registration of other categories of residents in Kwara State as scheduled,” Mr. Jimoh said. He emphasized the importance of the SSID Cards in line with the determination of the government to enhance better planning, economic growth, and social inclusion in the state.
How to Collect SSID Cards and Guidelines for Retrieval
The General Manager called on civil servants whose cards are ready to visit their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from Monday, January 13, 2025, with any valid means of identification such as Staff ID, National ID Card, Voter’s Card, International Passport, or Driver’s License. He emphasized that collection by proxy will not be allowed.
He also directed all staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, and the Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, in the sixteen Local Government Areas to report to their respective offices for the collection of the cards from Monday. The move is a demonstration of the commitment of the present administration to improving security and an effective identification of every resident in the State.
The Kwara State Government has flagged off the 4th edition of its Quarterly Inter-Ministerial Media Chat, with a significant announcement about the launch of a Monthly Media Chat. This initiative is set to enhance regular engagement between the government and the public on its policies, programs, and activities.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, during a ceremony held at the conference room of the Kwara State Ministry of Finance in Ilorin. The two-day briefing is designed as a vital platform for fostering accountability and transparency, providing the public with comprehensive updates on the government’s activities.
Hon. Olukoju emphasized the administration’s commitment to keeping the public informed, stating that the initiative underscores Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s dedication to open governance. She revealed that Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) would present detailed reports on their achievements over the last quarter of 2024.
KwaraRising can report that the briefing will feature key presentations from the Special Assistant on Drug Abuse and the Senior Special Assistant on Community Development. These presentations reflect the government’s strategic focus on social welfare and grassroots engagement.
“In our continuous efforts to bridge the information gap and deepen public engagement, the State Ministry of Communications will soon launch a Monthly Media Chat to further interact with the public on government activities and policies,” Hon. Olukoju explained. She assured that more details would be shared with the press in the near future.
The Commissioner commended the MDAs for their dedication and urged them to deliver impactful presentations. She also lauded the media professionals for their crucial role in disseminating timely and accurate information, calling on all participants to use the platform to strengthen public trust and demonstrate their commitment to the development of Kwara State.
Speaking on the new initiative, Hon. Olukoju explained, “In our continuous efforts to bridge the information gap and deepen public engagement, the State Ministry of Communications will soon launch a Monthly Media Chat to discuss further and interact with the public on government activities and policies. Further details will be shared with members of the press in no distant future.”
With this new initiative, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq continues to set a high standard for transparency and public engagement, reinforcing his administration’s focus on building a more inclusive and informed Kwara State.
