Kwara Rising

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  • Governor AbdulRazaq Gives N80m to Families of Fallen Forest Guards

    Governor AbdulRazaq Gives N80m to Families of Fallen Forest Guards

    …Approves N100m Support for Edu and Patigi Heroes

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented cheques worth N80 million to the families of forest guards and vigilantes who lost their lives in recent encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin areas of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.

    The Governor also announced an additional N100 million support package for the families of men from Edu and Patigi who were killed in an ambush by kidnappers in July while defending their communities.

    Speaking during the presentation in Ilorin at the weekend, Governor AbdulRazaq praised the courage and patriotism of the fallen heroes, describing them as men who gave their lives for the safety of others.

    “We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service, and the government cannot but sympathise with the families,” he said. “We will continue to support them and ensure the safety of our state and our country. As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We will keep supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.”

    Those present at the ceremony included Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Femi Yusuf; Chairman of Ilorin West, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Ladan; Chairman of Asa, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya; and family members of the deceased.

    In their remarks, Alhaji Alakawa and Alhaji Yusuf commended the Governor’s compassionate gesture, saying it would bring relief to the bereaved families. They also praised his determination to restore peace and strengthen security in the affected areas.

    Meanwhile, the state government has supplied additional logistics support, including motorcycles and fighting equipment, to forest guards and vigilantes stationed in flashpoint communities. The new resources are expected to enhance their mobility and effectiveness in ongoing joint operations with security agencies to secure the state.

  • Reverend Amao’s gaffe and matters arising on Isin Road Project

    Reverend Amao’s gaffe and matters arising on Isin Road Project

    By Tejumola Olusegun Orilemola

    Considering the vehemence with which, Most Rev. Israel Amoo, on Saturday, openly rebuked the Kwara State Government over what he described as the unbearable suffering of pensioners and the deplorable state of rural roads across the state, it is however embarrassing how the church have allowed itself to be used by politicians.

    Amao antecedents reveal that he was part of the failed political dynasty which had a backlog of pension arears that was settled by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    He was Chairman, Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (2003–2007 and 2011–2015); Chairman, Kwara State Library Board (2008–2011) and Chairman, Fact-Finding Committee on the Kwara State College of Education, Oro (2006). This shows that he was part of the 16 years administration of Governor Bukola Saraki.

    His political history reveals that he served the administration of Governor Saraki, yet he never knew or investigated before mounting the pulpit to accuse Governor AbdulRazaq of the plight of pensioners.

    His gaffe should not be pardoned but viewed from the prism of being used to project the hot ambition of the opposition to demarket the ruling government.

    Ordinarily, it is a terrible absurdity for the pulpit to be used, and worrisome is the flame of furry exhibited by Reverend Amao in remembering Governor AbdulRazaq that power is transient, when he and his masters present; Saraki and Ahmed should be ones seeking restitution for plunging Kwara state into abysmal bliss for their horrendous 16 years administration.

    The implication of Amao’s gaffe was clear to many discerning Kwarans. He is religious linchpin of the opposition. Everyone knows that 2027 is around the corner, and their hearts have been in turmoil and heads aching violently with the massive acceptance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq across the state .

    However, we wish to remind Amao that his present base, according to the website of Anglican Church is New Bussa in Niger state.
    The Niger State Government has banned unlicensed religious preaching across the state, directing that anyone who wishes to preach must first obtain official authorisation. Probably, it is safe to state that Amao’s outburst was a planned action to embarrass the Government, which he couldn’t have been able to attempt in Niger state.

    The rumour that Segun Adebayo is having political romance with the opposition which has been hatched in utmost secrecy is not without foundation. Yet it was TAHL ENGINEERING. LTD owned by Segun Adebayo, the son of the late former Governor C.O. Adebayo that was awarded the contract for the construction of Isin road. He abandoned the project and absconded with the state government funds till date.

    With the failure of Segun Adebayo’s company to deliver on the dilapidated road project, it would have been Amao’s wisdom to speak the truth no matter whose ox is gored, but he decided to call a spade by another name.

    Tejumola is the Convener, Society for Sustainable Governance.

  • Kwara Govt Flags Off Measles-Rubella, Polio Vaccination Campaign

    Kwara Govt Flags Off Measles-Rubella, Polio Vaccination Campaign

    First Lady Olufolake AbdulRazaq urges parents to ensure full participation as state targets 1.8 million children in 10-day health drive

    The Kwara State Government has launched an integrated vaccination campaign against Measles-Rubella and Polio to safeguard children from life-threatening diseases.

    The 10-day exercise, which begins on Saturday, October 11, 2025, aims to reach at least 1.8 million children across the state. Children aged 9 months to 14 years will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, while those aged 0 to 5 years will be given the oral polio vaccine.
    The campaign, organised by the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), was flagged off on Thursday in Ilorin.

    Kwara’s First Lady, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described the vaccination drive as a life-saving initiative that reflects the state’s commitment to child health and family wellbeing.

    “This initiative is not just a policy milestone but a life-saving intervention for our children and families,” she said. “I urge all parents and guardians to present their children for vaccination.”
    She explained that Nigeria’s low vaccination coverage, with only 60 percent of children receiving the first dose of measles vaccine and 38 percent getting the second, has contributed to frequent outbreaks. The introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, she noted, would help close this gap and protect more children.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Abdullahi Taoheed, called the campaign a transformative public health effort and urged stakeholders to raise awareness and overcome any barriers to vaccination.

    Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Professor Nusirat Elelu, said over 8,600 trained health workers, supervisors, and security personnel have been deployed for the exercise.

    “Measles remains one of the most contagious and fatal viral diseases affecting children worldwide, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines,” she said, noting that global vaccination efforts have averted over 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023.

    She warned that Rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women and unborn babies, stressing that immunization, antenatal services, and non-complicated deliveries remain free in all primary healthcare centres across the state.
    Professor Elelu praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi for their support, and thanked the First Lady for her consistent advocacy for maternal and child health.

    Representatives of WHO, UNICEF, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency all reaffirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines and encouraged parents to cooperate with vaccination teams.

    The event was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, lawmakers, and community leaders who pledged to support the campaign and help ensure every eligible child is vaccinated.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Hails Milestone as Kwara Sugar Film Studios Unveils First Movie ‘Ajuwaya’

    Gov AbdulRazaq Hails Milestone as Kwara Sugar Film Studios Unveils First Movie ‘Ajuwaya’

    …The state-owned studio, supported by Nigeria’s First Lady, releases its debut production as Kwara strengthens its position in Nigeria’s creative industry.

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commended the unveiling of Ajuwaya Series, the first movie produced at the state’s Sugar Factory Film Studios, describing it as a major step forward for the film and entertainment sector in Nigeria.

    The film, 85 per cent of which was produced at the studio, was supported by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who contributed N350 million to the project.

    Speaking during a media briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Sugar Factory Film Studios, Gbenga Titiloye, said Ajuwaya signals the beginning of a new phase for creative work in Nigeria, highlighting the Governor’s foresight and the growing appeal of Kwara as a destination for film production.

    “What the Governor has achieved here is remarkable because this is the only fully functional film studio in Africa, and most of this production was done here,” Titiloye said.

    He also thanked Senator Tinubu for her support, describing her gesture as an investment in Nigeria’s creative future and an effort to showcase local talent to global audiences.

    Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola, encouraged young people to use the studio to develop skills and build careers in the creative industry. She said the project would drive economic growth and position Kwara as a leader in film and culture.

    Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said the film’s production created more than 1,200 jobs for people including designers, caterers, transporters, and artisans, reflecting the wide reach of the creative economy.

    General Manager of the Studio and Producer of Ajuwaya, Grace Babasola, said the project reflects the Governor’s confidence in the potential of young creatives to shape the future of Nigeria’s film industry.

    “Ajuwaya is only the beginning,” she said. “It shows that when opportunity meets passion, great stories can emerge that entertain and inspire.”

  • Army Deploys Full Brigade to Kwara Forests as AbdulRazaq Hails Tinubu’s Intervention

    Army Deploys Full Brigade to Kwara Forests as AbdulRazaq Hails Tinubu’s Intervention

    The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade, supported by heavy equipment, to parts of Kwara State in a renewed onslaught against kidnappers operating from the forests.

    Troops and machinery were on Wednesday seen moving through communities in Ifelodun Local Government, particularly around Oke Ode and Babanla, ahead of intensified operations. The operation is also extending to Edu and Patigi local governments, where dense forests have served as hideouts for kidnappers staging attacks and abductions for ransom.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who had raised the matter with President Bola Tinubu over the weekend during a visit to Jos, commended the President for approving the deployment and the military high command for their intervention.

    “We will not spare any resources in support of the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies as they work to strengthen security of lives and properties,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement.

    He expressed confidence that the operation, being conducted under Operation Fasan Yanma, would clear out all threats in the affected areas. “We are confident that the Brigadier General A.A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and restore lasting calm,” the governor added.

    AbdulRazaq also thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army for their continued support.

    The deployment follows weeks of coordinated attacks by kidnappers in Kwara South and parts of Kwara North, which left several residents dead and many abducted.

  • Kwara Trains 200 Schoolchildren in Artificial Intelligence

    Kwara Trains 200 Schoolchildren in Artificial Intelligence

    … Govt partners Digital Equity Africa on ‘Future Minds AI Bootcamp’

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has trained at least 200 schoolchildren from across the state on how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to think, create, and solve real-world problems.

    The five-day programme, tagged Future Minds Independence AI Bootcamp, was organised in partnership with Digital Equity Africa and held between October 1 and 5, 2025. Participants were drawn from both public and private primary and junior secondary schools through what organisers described as a seamless selection process.

    Speaking at the grand finale in Ilorin on Sunday, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, said the government’s sponsorship of the 200 participants underscores its commitment to digital inclusion among young people.

    “It is very impressive to see young kids under the age of 10 presenting websites they built, storybooks they authored, and even music they composed with the help of AI. If they can do this at this stage, we can imagine what they will achieve in the next five to ten years,” Kolawole said.

    He added that such early exposure fosters curiosity, innovation, and creativity.

    CEO of Digital Equity Africa, Mrs Justina Nnam Oha, said the bootcamp was not only about teaching technology but also about shaping mindsets and nurturing innovation.

    “Over the past few days, these children have explored the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, learning how machines think, create, and solve real-world problems. They have collaborated, built, and imagined boldly – proving that the future belongs to the curious, courageous, and creative,” she said.

    Mrs Oha commended the Kwara State Government and the Ilorin Innovation Hub for their commitment to digital literacy and inclusion, stressing that the initiative ensures that children, regardless of background, have access to opportunities of tomorrow.

    Participants, including Abdulkareem Khadijat, Ahmed Imam Ayodeji, and Aminat Akanbi, expressed gratitude to the government and Digital Equity Africa for providing them with a platform to acquire digital skills and become AI-compliant.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Scraps PTA Levy, Approves Grants for Public Primary Schools

    Gov AbdulRazaq Scraps PTA Levy, Approves Grants for Public Primary Schools

    Textbooks to be distributed free as govt opens fresh UBEC/SUBEB projects

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has abolished the payment of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy across all public primary schools in the state, replacing it with annual school grants to serve as running costs.

    The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, announced this on Thursday in Ilorin during the bid opening for the 3rd and 4th quarters of the 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

    “The Governor has approved the stoppage of PTA payments in all public primary schools in Kwara. From Primary 1 to 6, no more payment of PTA in the state,” Adaramaja said, confirming that grants will immediately be disbursed to at least 1,717 schools.

    The Chairman also disclosed that the Governor approved the procurement of English and Mathematics textbooks for free distribution to pupils in Primary 1 to 6 across Kwara State.

    Speaking on the intervention projects, Adaramaja said the programme will cover the construction of classrooms, VIP toilets, remodeling and renovation of existing blocks, drilling of solar-powered boreholes, rehabilitation of digital literacy centres, procurement of literacy materials, fabrication of two-seater desks, and safe school initiatives in selected local governments.

    He commended the state government for prioritising investment in school infrastructure, teacher welfare, and human capital development, adding that Governor AbdulRazaq has also approved the payment of the 2025 counterpart funds for UBEC/SUBEB projects.

    Adaramaja urged contractors to deliver quality projects in line with specifications, warning that shoddy jobs will not be tolerated.

    Responding on behalf of the contractors, Alhaji Maroof Ahmed, Secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Association, thanked the government for the opportunity and pledged that members will deliver quality work that meets expectations.

  • Kwara Governor Announces Civilian Security Force Plan After Emergency Talks

    Kwara Governor Announces Civilian Security Force Plan After Emergency Talks

    …Meets Edu, Patigi Leaders Following Attacks, Vows Support for Victims

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has revealed plans to establish a locally-recruited civilian task force to bolster security in Kwara North, following an emergency meeting with community leaders from Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas. The announcement came during late-night consultations addressing rising kidnapping incidents and violent attacks in the region.

    The proposed community defense unit will involve residents trained and equipped to work alongside security agencies, creating a layered response to unique local threats. “Details will be fine-tuned through broader stakeholder consultations to ensure effectiveness and sustainability,” the Governor stated, emphasizing this would complement existing security measures.

    AbdulRazaq also pledged direct support for victims of recent violence, including personal visits to affected areas, while vowing that forest guards and hunters killed in recent Ifelodun LGA attacks “will not die in vain.” The meeting further addressed infrastructure needs at the College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi and power supply challenges in the axis.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Approves Recruitment of 2,600 New Forest Guards in Fresh Security Push

    Gov AbdulRazaq Approves Recruitment of 2,600 New Forest Guards in Fresh Security Push


    Training for new recruits to commence this week as state steps up fight against banditry

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the recruitment of 2,600 additional forest guards as part of intensified efforts to tackle security challenges, particularly in parts of Kwara North and South.

    The new recruits will join the 700 forest guards earlier engaged, who are already working with security agencies on the frontline to combat banditry and protect communities.

    According to the Governor’s media aide, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, the recruits will begin training this week. Like their predecessors, they will undergo advanced military training, including the handling of sophisticated weapons and modern counter-insurgency strategies.

    The move, Fafoluyi said, underscores Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and ensuring that criminal elements are rooted out to restore lasting peace.

  • Kwara Security Forces Neutralise Notorious Kidnapper Maidawa in Weekend Operations

    Kwara Security Forces Neutralise Notorious Kidnapper Maidawa in Weekend Operations

    …Governor AbdulRazaq visits Oke Ode, meets community leaders as crackdown intensifies across state

    Security forces in Kwara have killed notorious kidnap kingpin Maidawa and several of his associates in fierce engagements over the weekend along the Kwara–Kogi border.

    Intercepted communications obtained by the Department of State Services confirmed Maidawa’s death, which was disclosed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, Baccujo, during a conversation with his associates in Katsina State. The message was reportedly passed along the Igboro–Idofin road.

    Maidawa, long feared for orchestrating kidnappings and attacks on civilian populations, was eliminated as part of sting operations in parts of Kwara South and North, following urgent interventions sought by the state government.

    The operations, which are ongoing, are targeting flashpoints where kidnappers have recently operated, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. Security sources said the aim is to dismantle all hideouts used by criminal gangs who abduct people for ransom.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, meanwhile, visited Oke Ode, Ifelodun LGA on Thursday in company of security commanders and top government officials to reassure residents of government’s support and solidarity.

    The Governor addressed community leaders in Oke Ode and is also billed to meet with leaders from Edu and Patigi LGAs later today to brief them on coordinated efforts between the state government, Federal Government, and security agencies to keep communities safe.

    “The renewed operations are meant to send a strong signal that criminals have no hiding place in Kwara,” the Governor told residents, urging calm and cooperation with security agencies.

    Authorities say the crackdown will continue until all threats are eliminated and peace is restored across the affected areas.