Kwara Rising

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  • We’re Glad to Model Budgets After Public Needs, Says Kwara Governor in Afon

    We’re Glad to Model Budgets After Public Needs, Says Kwara Governor in Afon

    …Administration records 90.6% budget performance in 2024, completes 120km of roads in two years

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance, saying the state budget will continue to reflect the true needs of citizens.

    The Governor spoke at the Citizens’ Engagement on the 2026 budget held in Afon, Asa Local Government, where residents from across Kwara Central gathered to present their priorities for the coming fiscal year.

    “We are here for the second of the three-legged citizens’ engagement on the 2026 budget. This is for the people of Kwara Central to have their input in the next budget cycle,” the Governor said. “The whole idea of this engagement is to democratise the budget process in line with global best practices of transparency and inclusion.”

    Governor AbdulRazaq, who was joined by lawmakers and top officials, said previous engagements had shaped the administration’s policies and projects since 2019, leading to visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, job creation, and food security. He assured residents that the administration would build on its record despite the challenges of governance.

    Stakeholders at the event, including traditional rulers, lawmakers, community leaders, and government officials, lauded the administration’s achievements and presented fresh demands ranging from rural road construction to water supply and market upgrades.

    Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed that the government has completed 120km of roads in the last two years, apart from hundreds of kilometres still ongoing. Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the engagement underscored the Governor’s belief that citizens’ voices must guide policy decisions.

    Director of Budget, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, announced that Kwara achieved 90.6% budget performance in 2024, the highest in recent years, with capital projects accounting for the bulk of spending.

    Stakeholders including Asa LGA Chairman Alhaji Shehu Yahaya, Hon. Yunus Oniboki, Hon. Arinola Lawal, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, and other leaders commended the Governor for his inclusive leadership and sectoral interventions.

    The Governor said the administration’s determination is to “beat its own record of good and impactful governance” while urging citizens to continue to provide honest feedback to guide government priorities.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Holds Security Meeting, Commends Operatives Amid Ongoing Clearance Operations

    Gov AbdulRazaq Holds Security Meeting, Commends Operatives Amid Ongoing Clearance Operations


    …Security commanders report arrests, arms seizures as state steps up public safety drive

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday chaired a marathon security council meeting in Ilorin to review ongoing operations aimed at strengthening public safety across the state.

    The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, including the police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Senior government officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Attorney General, Special Adviser on Security, and Senior Special Assistant on Security also participated.

    Briefings covered recent operations across the state, with security chiefs reporting multiple arrests, prosecutions, and the interception of arms from criminal elements.

    Governor AbdulRazaq commended the security forces for their dedication and sacrifice, assuring them of the government’s continued support.

    “Our security agencies are putting in everything to keep our people safe. They deserve every support that they get,” the Governor said, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide actionable intelligence to aid the work of security operatives.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure Kwara remains secure and peaceful.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Reconstruction of Ita Amoh—Gaa Saka—Madi Road

    Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Reconstruction of Ita Amoh—Gaa Saka—Madi Road

    …Project to ease traffic, boost commerce, and support rural-urban renewal agenda

    The Kwara State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Ita Amoh—Gaa Saka—Madi Road in Ilorin West Local Government Area, one of the busiest commercial routes in the state.

    The rehabilitation works, flagged off under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, have entered the first phase, involving the removal of the failed surface layer in preparation for laying new base layers and asphalt.

    When completed, the project is expected to significantly improve vehicular movement, enhance user comfort, and stimulate local economic activities in the area.

    Governor AbdulRazaq has over the past six years invested heavily in infrastructure development, rebuilding and expanding road networks across the state as part of his rural-urban renewal initiative.

    Residents and road users in the area have welcomed the project with excitement, praising the Governor for fulfilling his commitment to social and infrastructural development.

  • Kwara Welcomes Ban on Raw Shea Butter Export, Set to Launch Second-Largest Processing Factory in Nigeria

    Kwara Welcomes Ban on Raw Shea Butter Export, Set to Launch Second-Largest Processing Factory in Nigeria

    …Governor AbdulRazaq says Kaiama project will boost jobs, value chain growth

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to ban the export of raw shea butter, describing it as a bold step that will strengthen Nigeria’s value chain and create more opportunities for local producers.

    The Governor’s commendation comes as Kwara prepares to inaugurate a 50-tonne shea processing factory in Kaiama, which will be the second-largest in Nigeria and the biggest owned by any state government.

    Governor AbdulRazaq said the policy will stimulate higher production, enhance quality, and open up thousands of jobs across the shea value chain. He noted that the Kaiama factory, one of the flagship economic projects of his administration, is strategically designed to empower women farmers, pickers, and other local workers.

    “Locating the factory within Kaiama puts the people at the centre of local shea production. It ensures that benefits such as job creation, reduced post-harvest losses, and value retention stay within the community,” the Governor said in a statement on Tuesday.
    He added that the project reflects “true backward and forward integration” by combining raw material sourcing, processing, and market access in one locality.
    Kwara North is one of Nigeria’s shea production hubs, with over 250,000 naturally growing trees across 6,000 hectares of land. Alongside Niger State, it accounts for a major share of the country’s shea nut production.

    The Kaiama factory is expected to position Kwara as a leading player in the global shea industry, while also advancing the administration’s agenda of driving industrialization and rural development.

  • NYG Asaba 2025: Team Kwara Shines With Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals Across Multiple Sports

    NYG Asaba 2025: Team Kwara Shines With Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals Across Multiple Sports

    …Athletes deliver strong performances in para-powerlifting, cycling, swimming, karate, and table tennis

    #KwaraRising

    Team Kwara athletes are making their mark at the ongoing 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), holding at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, with a haul of gold, silver, and bronze medals across several categories.

    Ridwan Adebayo powered to victory in the 49kg Para-powerlifting event, clinching a gold medal for the state. His win was followed by another golden moment from cycling champion Abdulrasaq Falilat, who triumphed in the women’s road race to secure Kwara’s first gold in cycling at this year’s Games.

    In swimming, Team Kwara earned two bronze medals. Ojo Shammah impressed in the 100m butterfly (female category) to claim a spot on the podium, while the girls’ 4×100m medley relay team also battled strongly to win bronze.

    Para-table tennis added another medal to the tally, with Ridwan Mustapha securing bronze in the boys’ singles event after a spirited performance against his Abia State opponent in the semi-final.

    Kwara’s karate team also delivered medals despite tough challenges. Awe David secured the state’s first medal in the sport, winning silver in the Kumite male (-50kg) category after narrowly losing to Edo State’s Desmond Izengbuwa in the final. Later, Adam Ajayi fought bravely through injury to win bronze in his category, raising the karate medal count to one silver and one bronze.

    With these results, Team Kwara continues to show resilience and promise in Asaba, positioning itself as a strong contender at the 2025 National Youth Games.

  • AbdulRazaq Upgrades Saadu Alanamu Road in Ilorin G.R.A.

    AbdulRazaq Upgrades Saadu Alanamu Road in Ilorin G.R.A.

    …Governor’s rural-urban renewal drive continues to boost connectivity and economic activities

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has commenced the upgrading of the Saadu Alanamu Road in Ilorin, reaffirming Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and road safety across the state.

    Located within the G.R.A. axis of the state capital, the project is expected to ease vehicular movement, enhance connectivity, and boost commercial activities in the area. It is part of the Governor’s rural-urban renewal initiative, which has delivered unprecedented development projects in recent years.

    Over the last six years, Governor AbdulRazaq has prioritised infrastructural renewal, with significant investments in road construction and rehabilitation across the state.

    The Saadu Alanamu upgrade follows this trajectory, bringing further relief to residents and businesses. Residents of the area have commended the Governor for fulfilling his promise

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Engages Citizens as Kwara Opens 2026 Budget Consultations

    Gov AbdulRazaq Engages Citizens as Kwara Opens 2026 Budget Consultations

    ….Governor urges residents to speak truth to power, shape government priorities

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday launched the 2026 budget preparation process with a call on citizens to provide candid feedback and help shape government priorities for the coming year.

    Speaking at a citizens’ engagement session in Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government, the Governor said the administration is committed to inclusive governance and will continue to harvest the views of the public through consultations with civil society groups, traditional rulers, the private sector, and ordinary residents.

    “I am glad to be back in Moro today and for this large turnout. This session is good for our development because it helps us to plan well,” AbdulRazaq said. “A budget is a statement of intent which focuses on the direction the government is headed in the financial year. Citizens’ engagement has served as a barometer to know what the public needs and how resources should be allocated across the state.”

    The Governor urged residents to “let us know your truth,” stressing that their direct input is crucial to improving service delivery. He noted that projects ranging from roads and water facilities to health centres, agriculture, and technology hubs are all essential to driving sustainable development.

    “We are excited with the volume of development going on across the state. Basically, the support of the people is what motivates us to do better,” he added, assuring that the administration is entering a new phase of growth.

    Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, described the citizens’ engagement initiative as a compelling necessity for effective governance, saying it enhances accountability and strengthens citizens’ participation in decision-making.

    Traditional rulers and community representatives at the session also presented their requests. The Ohoro of Shao, Oba Dr. Obalowu Atolagbe, lauded the Governor for promoting gender balance in governance and human capital development, while urging the rehabilitation of township roads and the Shao/Sobi water project. Prince Olatunji Adebara of Jebba called for the establishment of a School of Nursing in the town.

    Director of Planning, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Samsudeen Aregbe, gave a breakdown of the state’s budget performance for 2024 and 2025, describing it as “excellent.”

    The engagement session drew stakeholders from across Kwara North.

  • Kwara Govt, UNICEF Train 100 New Health Workers to Boost Primary Healthcare

    Kwara Govt, UNICEF Train 100 New Health Workers to Boost Primary Healthcare

    …Programme funded through UNICEF’s $500,000 Leadership Challenge Award

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has trained 100 newly recruited health workers to strengthen the delivery of effective, safe, and timely primary healthcare services across the state.

    The nine-day training, which took place in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government, was facilitated by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA) with funding support from UNICEF. The funds came from the $500,000 Leadership Challenge Award won by the state, marking the second time Kwara has clinched the North Central prize.

    Executive Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, said the programme was designed to build the capacity of the new recruits, many of whom were employed during the state’s last recruitment exercise and had little or no prior experience in primary healthcare facilities.

    “This training is crucial because it provides an opportunity to introduce them to the basics of Primary Health Care. Some of them are coming into this space for the first time, and we must equip them to serve effectively,” she said.

    Director of Primary Health Care Systems, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, explained that the trainees were taken through the principles of PHC, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services. He stressed that the exercise would improve health outcomes and promote healthier communities.

    “This training will ensure that even those who have never worked in a PHC setting are adequately prepared to function well in their duty posts,” Dr. Oguntoye added.

    Also speaking, the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Mr. Olayioye Ajide, briefed the participants on civil service rules guiding health workers, warning against acts of misconduct and urging them to remain law-abiding and diligent in their duties.

    The State Coordinator of Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Femi Olatunbosun, lauded the state government and the agency for sustaining capacity-building initiatives for health workers, describing it as a step toward improved healthcare delivery in Kwara.

  • AbdulRazaq Visits Babanla, Oke-Ode as Security Reinforcements Restore Calm

    AbdulRazaq Visits Babanla, Oke-Ode as Security Reinforcements Restore Calm

    …Governor commiserates with victims’ families, pledges support through KWASSIP

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend visited Babanla, Oke-Ode and other communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting livelihoods.

    The Governor, accompanied by security chiefs including the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, and the State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commiserated with families affected by the recent attacks and pledged that government would prevent further breaches. He also directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to provide immediate support to those affected.

    “We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities that we will ensure this does not happen again. It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail,” AbdulRazaq said.

    The Governor explained that the influx of criminal elements into the area was a spillover from increased military pressure in other parts of the country, but assured residents that security forces are determined to flush them out.

    “You can see that the security commanders are also here, and you have witnessed the return of normalcy in the past week. We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace,” he added.

    The Governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye II, who commended the administration’s swift intervention and the federal government’s support in restoring calm.

    “Your visit today is a great relief for our people. We commend your actions to restore peace. The attack led to the loss of nine motorcycles, food items, and phones, but with your assurances, our people can now feel safer,” the monarch said.

    Also on the Governor’s entourage were the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu, and Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Femi Yusuf.

  • Kwara Gov Hails Lafiagi-born Scientist for Winning $150,000 Global HIV Research Grant

    Kwara Gov Hails Lafiagi-born Scientist for Winning $150,000 Global HIV Research Grant

    … AbdulRazaq says Dr. Abdullahi’s feat places Kwara, Nigeria on global health map

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated Dr. Adam Hussein Abdullahi, a Lafiagi-born global health scientist, on winning the prestigious Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) Grant.

    Valued at $150,000, the CIPHER Grant was awarded to just four researchers worldwide after a highly competitive process involving over 1,000 applicants. Dr. Abdullahi, a child of Dr. Abdullahi Amanah, President of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU), emerged as one of only two Africans selected in this cycle.

    A former Harvard Takemi Fellow and Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Abdullahi has made notable contributions in global health, with his work covering SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunogenicity in West Africa and Mpox transmission risks in Nigeria.

    Governor AbdulRazaq described the award as a reward for Dr. Abdullahi’s years of research, dedication, and professional commitment to advancing solutions in global health.

    “We are proud of the achievements of Dr. Adam Hussein Abdullahi. This global recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Kwara and Nigeria. His research and humanitarian mission to help young children live meaningful lives despite their HIV status are inspiring. We wish him many more breakthroughs and recognitions in the years ahead,” the Governor said in a statement.

    The Governor urged Dr. Abdullahi to remain steadfast in his mission of improving lives through science and innovation, noting that his feat has placed Kwara and Nigeria on the global map of health research excellence.