… Amolegbe highlights sustained reforms and partnerships driving education growth in Kwara
#KwaraRising
The Kwara State Education Trust Fund has again taken the global stage as its Executive Secretary, Oluwadamilola Fatima Amolegbe, joined panelists at the World Bank’s “Entertaining Change: Next-Generation Media Partnerships for Social Impact and Gender Equality Forum” held in Abuja.
Speaking during the session on policy and advocacy, Amolegbe shared how Kwara is building durable systems that ensure reforms remain in place beyond any single programme or administration. She referenced the Kwara Education Futures Summit held shortly after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq declared a state of emergency in the sector. The summit, led by education stakeholders including former World Bank Senior Education Specialist Dr. Tunde Adekola, produced a communique that now guides major reforms in the state.
She highlighted three key outcomes from that policy shift. KwaraAGILE, which supports adolescent girls in secondary schools. KwaraETF, which ensures a sustainable and transparent approach to funding education. And KwaraLEARN, the ongoing digital learning programme transforming public primary schools.
The Abuja forum is part of a wider global engagement convened by the World Bank Development Impact Group with support from IFC, the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Eden Venture Group, Women In Film, and the Gates Foundation. The gathering focuses on how evidence, technology, and creative storytelling can support gender equality and learning outcomes.
KwaraETF’s appearance at the forum reinforces its reputation as one of the country’s leading models for education funding reform and public–private collaboration.
… Governor Reiterates Support for Mechanisation as Emir Commissions Ultra-modern Mosque
Kwara State played host on Tuesday to top policymakers, researchers, and agricultural engineers as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum led the 25th International Conference and 45th AGM of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers. The event took place at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Idofian, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
In his remarks, Governor AbdulRazaq said the state is investing in policies and tools that support young innovators, researchers, and agripreneurs in scaling productivity and improving food systems.
He said more than 10,000 farmers in Kwara have benefitted from tractors, ploughs, processing machines, and other implements distributed under government-backed programmes aimed at boosting food production and strengthening value chains.
“The NIAE has pushed mechanisation with research and locally developed machines that reduce cost and increase yields for farmers across Nigeria. Being home to NCAM, Kwara has seen first-hand the impact of this progress,” he said.
The Governor added that agriculture in the state has moved beyond subsistence, noting that improved mechanisation has expanded productivity and farm capacity. He also encouraged participants to use the conference to address new realities including climate change, technology adoption, and land-use challenges.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, joined other experts and industry stakeholders at the gathering. Governor AbdulRazaq later received an Award of Excellence from the association for his efforts in repositioning agriculture in the state.
After the conference, the Governor attended the official commissioning of the Imam Gambari Ultra-modern Mosque in Ilorin. He was joined by Governor Zulum and Senator Kyari.
The event drew senior Islamic scholars, including the Chief Imam of Ilorin Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, key traditional title holders, and notable community leaders.
The Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, and APC stalwart Alhaji Abdulfatah Yahya Seriki received the dignitaries at the mosque, which was earlier commissioned by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR.
The historic structure dates back to the early 19th century and has now been remodelled into a modern worship facility.
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has praised Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support for local content development and his commitment to empowering indigenous contractors across the state.
In a letter to the Governor dated October 2025, the COREN Chairman in Kwara State, Engr. Bashiru Lawal, said the Governor’s deliberate policy of engaging local professionals and companies aligns with the Council’s advocacy for the promotion of indigenous expertise in project execution.
“On behalf of COREN Kwara State Office and the entire engineering community, we express our appreciation to Your Excellency for your exemplary commitment to empowering indigenous contractors through the recent award of contracts, especially the engagement of Messrs CPN for the construction of the Ojoku–Ilemona Road,” the letter read in part.
Engr. Lawal added that this approach strengthens local capacity, creates jobs, encourages technology transfer, and supports sustainable development within the state. He described the Governor’s leadership as a model worthy of emulation by other states and public institutions across Nigeria.
At a recent press briefing, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. AbdulQuawy Olododo, said that over 70 percent of construction projects in Kwara are handled by local contractors. He noted that this policy has significantly boosted the state’s economy by creating employment opportunities and retaining value within the local market.
The statement reaffirmed COREN’s commitment to working with the state government to uphold professional and ethical standards in all engineering-related projects across Kwara State.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has praised the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining peace and public safety.
The Governor gave the commendation on Friday at the closing ceremony of a two-week intelligence training for 142 newly recruited police constables in Ilorin, organized by the Kwara State Police Command.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, the Governor urged the new officers to approach their duties with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility to the nation.
“Distinguished constables, as you step into the field, remember the oath you swore to the people of our country. Let integrity be your compass, courage your fuel, and service your legacy,” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the new officers had been trained in critical areas such as threat assessment, digital forensics, and community intelligence, which he described as vital to strengthening public safety. He urged them to view every assignment as a patriotic duty to protect lives and prevent crises before they happen.
The Governor also appealed to residents to continue supporting the government and security agencies in their collective efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, said the training was aimed at improving professionalism, discipline, and operational efficiency among the new constables. He charged them to uphold the core values of integrity, courage, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.
“You are ambassadors of the Force and the face of policing in our communities. The knowledge and skills you have gained must reflect in your daily conduct and interactions with the public,” CP Ojo said.
He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for fully sponsoring the training and for his consistent support to the State Police Command. The Commissioner also appreciated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun Adeolu Kayode, for his leadership and commitment to professionalism within the Force.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including former Assistant Inspectors General of Police Baba Adisa Bolanta, Babatunde Ishola Babaita, Fimihan Adeoye, and Tokunbo Owolabi.
Ten creative brands based in Ondo City have joined forces to recreate the magic of the 1980s in a nostalgic visual project that celebrates African culture, fashion, and style.
From the Afrocentric hairstyles to the vintage outfits, the picture tone, and the carefully chosen locations, the collaboration captures the spirit of an era known for its bold expression and originality.
The project brings together the talents of:
Ejibunu Caroline
Mercy Ejibunu-Fadoju
Kuteyi Olusola Malcolm
Orisabunmi Olasegha
Frances O. Akinkuoye
Oyefeso Janet
Mofiyinfoluwa Oguntunsin
Fasuyi Oluwaremilekun Cyril
Peter Omikunle
Olakanye Olanrewaju The participating brands include Carolaura Hair, Helidiiam Couture, Kayomakeovers, Peteromikunle, Accessories by Apefolaji, Wajuloyaa Photography, Itbobfilms, Fiyinshoots, The BTS Factory, and Elementola Events.
Together, they revived the essence of 80s fashion and art, reminding the world of the beauty of African creativity when tradition meets modern storytelling.
The Kwara State Government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the multi-storey Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, with construction work progressing steadily in line with approved standards.
Named after Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the hospital is one of the flagship health projects initiated by the AbdulRazaq administration to expand tertiary healthcare facilities in Kwara and support the Federal Government’s broader effort to improve medical services nationwide.
During an inspection visit in August, Governor AbdulRazaq restated his government’s focus on projects that directly serve the public interest, citing ongoing investments in health, education, agriculture, and the digital economy. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting development initiatives across the states.
Over the past six years, the administration has invested heavily in the health sector through the construction, renovation, and upgrade of hospitals, supply of modern medical equipment, and installation of solar power systems across healthcare facilities in the state.
When completed, the Oluremi Tinubu Hospital will improve access to advanced medical care, ease the burden on existing hospitals, and strengthen the state’s emergency and critical-care capacity.
…Another major federal approval strengthens infrastructure drive across the state
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦43 billion for the reconstruction of the Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egbe Road in Kwara State, further consolidating Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for large-scale infrastructure renewal across the state.
The approval came barely a month after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inspected the newly-approved 42.6km Eiyenkorin–Afon–Ojoku–Offa Road, also facilitated by the Governor under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme.
According to Umahi, who briefed reporters after the FEC meeting, the Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egbe project will begin with the first phase covering 31 kilometres of the entire 207-kilometre stretch. He explained that the reconstruction will be done using full concrete pavement for greater strength and durability.
The road serves as a major link between several communities in Kwara South and Okunland in neighbouring Kogi State. It is also a vital economic route for trade and daily movement between the two states.
This latest approval adds to a growing list of major road interventions secured by Governor AbdulRazaq, who has made infrastructure renewal a central focus of his administration. Only recently, he flagged off the construction of the 15.1km Ojoku–Ilemona Road to further improve access and connectivity across rural and urban areas in the state.
… Programme targets improved transparency and service delivery across councils
The Kwara State Government has begun a four-day capacity-building training for budget, finance, and audit desk officers from all 16 local government areas to strengthen fiscal management and transparency in line with global standards.
The training, held under the state’s Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Project, focuses on the adoption of harmonized guidelines and the national chart of accounts. The HOPE Project is a World Bank-supported Performance for Results (PforR) programme covering key sectors including governance (HOPE-GOV), basic education (HOPE-EDU), and primary healthcare (HOPE-PHC).
The programme, which runs from Tuesday, October 21 to Friday, October 24, 2025, brings together cabinet members, local council chairmen, and key government officers. Its theme is “Addressing Constraints in Basic Education, Primary Health Care and Governance, and Understanding the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA), International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), the Budget Implementation Reporting (BIR) Framework and Public Audit.”
Declaring the session open, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Kwara HOPE Project, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, said the training demonstrates Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to strengthening governance, promoting accountability, and improving service delivery at all levels.
She explained that the HOPE Project was introduced to address long-standing challenges that have hindered efficient service delivery in local governments.
“This training is not just about compliance. It is about building institutional capacity and sustaining progress. It is about empowering our officers with the knowledge and tools to drive efficiency, improve reporting accuracy, and support better decision-making,” Dr. Nuru said.
She added that the frameworks being introduced will help ensure that budgets are properly prepared, expenditures are tracked, and reports are generated in line with national and international standards.
According to her, Kwara State has already recorded significant progress through reforms implemented under the AbdulRazaq administration, including the adoption of performance-based programmes like SABER, NG-CARES, and HOPE. The state, she noted, has also benefitted from executive orders that promote fiscal discipline, ease of doing business, and transparency.
Dr. Nuru encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to deepen collaboration between all tiers of government and sustain the confidence of development partners.
Lead Consultant for World Bank Projects in Kwara, Dr. Paul Adepelumi, said the exercise would help local governments meet World Bank requirements for transparency and accountability. He explained that the programme is tied to measurable indicators that determine states’ eligibility for support and funding.
Representatives of local government chairmen, including Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omintuntun (Offa), Hon. Shehu AbdulRahman Ladan (Ilorin West), and Hon. Abdullahi Bello (Edu), commended the state government for creating the platform. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen planning and financial reporting in their respective councils.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of laptops to participants, five per local government, to support the practical sessions and enhance efficiency in financial documentation and reporting.
…Governor’s social protection drive expands to child education, welfare
#KwaraRising
The Kwara State Government has announced that more than 50 street-connected children, from basic to secondary school levels, are currently benefiting from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s tuition-free education and feeding programme. Most of the children were rescued after being abandoned or left vulnerable due to poverty and family neglect.
Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, disclosed this on Tuesday during the Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance conference room, Ilorin. She said the rescued children are currently housed at the State Child Reception Centre (CRC), where their educational, nutritional, and health needs are being met.
According to her, the initiative aligns with Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to child protection and social inclusion, ensuring that every child in Kwara, regardless of background, has access to education and a better future. She added that the government is also collaborating with Al-Sadiq Foundation to empower vulnerable groups through skills acquisition and job creation programmes, designed to help beneficiaries achieve financial independence.
Hajia Imam reaffirmed that the present administration remains resolute in protecting children and supporting the less privileged through policies and partnerships that promote human dignity and social reintegration.
…AbdulRazaq’s investment in education brings long-awaited campus to life
#KwaraRising
Academic activities have officially commenced at the Kwara State University (KWASU) Ilesha-Baruba Campus, as lectures began on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The campus, which hosts the Faculty of Agriculture, welcomed students from the Departments of Animal Production, Crop Production, and Fisheries and Aquaculture. This milestone marks the formal take-off of academic operations at the Ilesha-Baruba Campus, strengthening KWASU’s multi-campus system and advancing efforts to expand access to higher education across Kwara State.
Stakeholders and residents have commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for completing the campus infrastructure and equipping it with modern teaching facilities, transforming it from an inactive project site into a fully functional academic centre.
The completion and activation of the Ilesha-Baruba Campus reflect Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s sustained commitment to providing students in Kwara State and beyond with a safe, modern, and conducive learning environment.
