Kwara Rising

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  • Kwara Ranks Among Nigeria’s Top Three States in 2025 BudgIT Fiscal Performance Report

    Kwara Ranks Among Nigeria’s Top Three States in 2025 BudgIT Fiscal Performance Report

    Kwara State has been ranked third nationwide in the 2025 edition of BudgIT’s State of States Report, confirming the state’s steady rise as one of Nigeria’s most fiscally responsible and sustainably managed subnationals.

    The latest ranking, which placed Anambra, Lagos, and Kwara in the top three positions respectively, reflects Kwara’s strong financial prudence, improved internally generated revenue, and consistent prioritisation of capital investment under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation that promotes fiscal transparency and accountability, unveiled the report in Lagos with the theme “A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Analysis: Growth, Decline and Middling Performance.”
    The report marks ten years of tracking the fiscal health and governance efficiency of Nigerian states, assessing revenue generation, debt management, expenditure patterns, and sectoral investments in education and health.

    The 2025 ranking highlights Kwara’s upward movement from fourth place in 2024 to third position this year, solidifying its place among the top-performing states. According to BudgIT, Kwara’s fiscal sustainability, prudent spending, and investment in capital projects continue to distinguish it from several subnationals still struggling with over-reliance on federal allocations.

    The report also recognised Kwara among only five states alongside Abia, Anambra, Ogun, and Edo that generated enough internal revenue to cover at least half of their operating expenses. This development underscores the growing strength of Kwara’s economic base and the effectiveness of its revenue reforms.

    BudgIT’s analysis noted that Kwara maintained a healthy balance between recurrent and capital expenditure, prioritising infrastructure and social investment while keeping personnel costs and debt obligations within sustainable limits.

    The organisation also observed that Kwara’s performance over the past few years aligns with the state’s consistent focus on long-term fiscal planning, transparency, and diversification of its revenue sources.

    Overall, BudgIT’s 2025 report identified Kwara as a model for subnational governance, citing its fiscal discipline, reform-driven leadership, and strategic investments that have enhanced economic resilience and improved the quality of life for its citizens.

    Commenting on the new ranking, BudgIT’s Group Head of Research, Vahyala Kwaga, said the decade-long analysis reinforces the importance of sound fiscal management in achieving sustainable development across states.

    Kwara’s top-tier ranking follows similar recognitions in recent years, positioning the state among Nigeria’s most stable, transparent, and investment-ready economies.

  • Kwara Govt to Commission 50-Ton Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama, Completes ICT Hub in Shonga

    Kwara Govt to Commission 50-Ton Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama, Completes ICT Hub in Shonga

    … State sets commissioning timelines for Patigi Regatta Motel, International Conference Centre, and other major projects

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has announced the completion of several key projects aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth across the state, including the 50-ton Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama and the ICT Hub in Shonga.

    Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2025 Third Quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Ilorin.

    She said the Shea Butter Factory has reached the equipment testing stage and will soon be commissioned, adding that the facility will boost local production, support farmers, and enhance the state’s export capacity. The Commissioner confirmed that the newly completed ICT Hub in Shonga, Kwara North, is now at the equipment installation and electrical phase, ready to serve as a digital innovation centre for young entrepreneurs.

    Hon. Adelodun also announced that work on the Ilorin International Conference Centre (IICC) has reached 47% completion and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, while the remodeling of Kwara Hotel stands at 71% completion with the same delivery timeline. The Patigi Regatta Motel is 80% completed, with final works ongoing ahead of commissioning in December 2025.

    She described the projects as part of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration’s vision to create a modern, innovation-driven economy, noting that the government has successfully executed and managed 11 landmark projects across the three senatorial districts.

    The Commissioner cited the Ilorin Innovation Hub—now recognised as the largest tech hub in Nigeria—and the Kwara Garment Factory as examples of projects that are creating jobs and expanding industrial capacity in the state. She added that the Sugar Film Factory has placed Kwara on the national creative industry map, with its first TV series, Ajuwaya, already in production.

    Adelodun further disclosed that the Ministry, in partnership with Kwara State University (KWASU), successfully launched Nigeria’s first gas-to-electric vehicle conversion project, reinforcing Kwara’s leadership in green technology.

    She noted that the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme has trained over 5,500 students from 50 public schools across all 16 local government areas, equipping young Kwarans with digital and creative skills to compete globally.

    Hon. Adelodun reaffirmed that the government remains committed to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth, adding that its participation in national trade fairs and investment summits has continued to attract investors and showcase Kwara’s expanding business ecosystem.

  • Kwara to Host Landmark AI Summit 2025

    Kwara to Host Landmark AI Summit 2025

    … Summit to explore intersection of people, policy, and technology innovation

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has announced plans to host the Kwara AI Summit 2025, a landmark event that will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts to explore how Artificial Intelligence can drive inclusive growth and digital transformation across Africa.

    The two-day summit, themed “AI in Harmony — Bridging People, Policy, and Possibilities,” will hold on November 27 and 28, 2025, featuring high-level discussions, panel sessions, and exhibitions aimed at aligning AI development with human needs, governance frameworks, and social progress.

    According to the organisers, the event will serve as a platform for dialogue, discovery, and collaboration among key stakeholders, including government representatives, academia, entrepreneurs, and youth innovators who are shaping the continent’s digital economy.

    They said the summit will focus on how AI can be responsibly harnessed to improve governance, create jobs, enhance education, boost healthcare delivery, and promote sustainable development in Kwara and beyond.

    The Kwara AI Summit 2025 is expected to feature a mix of keynote addresses, expert workshops, policy roundtables, and technology showcases highlighting homegrown innovations and start-ups in the AI ecosystem.

  • KWASU, Kwara Poly Courses Secure 100% Accreditation as Govt Deepens Investment in Education and Innovation

    KWASU, Kwara Poly Courses Secure 100% Accreditation as Govt Deepens Investment in Education and Innovation

    … Kwara sustains scholarships, expands ICT infrastructure, and strengthens partnerships across tertiary institutions

    The Kwara State Government has recorded another milestone in its education sector, with all academic programmes presented by the Kwara State University (KWASU) and the Kwara State Polytechnic earning full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), respectively.

    Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, announced this during the third quarter inter-ministerial press briefing in Ilorin, where she highlighted the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration’s sustained investments in tertiary education between April and September 2025.

    She said the state has witnessed remarkable progress in infrastructure, research, innovation, and institutional governance, supported by peaceful industrial relations and regular payment of staff salaries. These efforts, she noted, have ensured uninterrupted academic calendars across all state-owned institutions.

    According to her, the Ministry secured approvals for the renovation and upgrading of 14 facilities at the College of Education, Ilorin, to serve both the College and the newly established Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED). The Governor also approved the procurement of laboratory equipment, library furniture, e-learning tools, and a fully integrated ICT system for KWASUED, including a website, bursary automation, HR management, and a learning management platform.

    Hajia Modibbo Kawu added that Governor AbdulRazaq approved a 100% increase in bursary and scholarship awards for Kwara indigenes, including law students. She also announced that 200 youths completed technical training at IVTEC Ajase-Ipo under the Kwara Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Scheme (KWYEEGS), while over 600 female students of the Kwara State Polytechnic benefitted from Smart Agriculture training under the French Government’s WATEA Project, in partnership with IITA.

    KWASU, she said, has taken a lead in clean energy innovation, converting old government vehicles to electric and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems. The University also signed an MoU with Yasin Logistics to establish CNG conversion and repair centres under the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PiCNG), which will provide buses and motorcycles for intra-campus transportation.

    Other major collaborations include Kwara Polytechnic’s partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation; IVTEC’s MoU with the Federal Polytechnic, Offa; and the College of Education, Ilorin’s research exchange with Rudn University, Russia.

    The Commissioner further revealed that the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, and the College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi, have new substantive Provosts, while the College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS) has inaugurated its Governing Council to strengthen institutional governance.

    She also commended the performance of Kwara State Polytechnic students at the 2024 NIPOGA Games, where they won six gold, six silver, and two bronze medals, as well as the College of Education, Ilorin, which clinched first place at the ECHIPS National Competition organized by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Highlighting progress in aviation education, Hajia Modibbo Kawu said the Kwara State Aviation College completed commercial pilot licence (CPL) training for three students, who were decorated by the Governor, while the institution acquired new aircraft engines and logistics equipment to enhance flight operations and safety.

    She concluded that the Ministry continues to prioritize staff training through workshops on entrepreneurship, ICT, and digital learning, reinforcing the state’s drive toward sustainable educational development and innovation.

  • Kwara Govt Employs More Doctors, Trains 1,320 Medical Students

    Kwara Govt Employs More Doctors, Trains 1,320 Medical Students

    Expands “Buy Kwara” initiative to support local pharmaceutical companies

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has strengthened its healthcare workforce and infrastructure with the employment of more medical doctors, restoration of pharmacy training accreditations, and clinical training for 1,320 medical students across state-owned hospitals.

    Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board (KW-HMB), Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, announced this during an inter-ministerial press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin. He said the move reflects Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, promoting health equity, and ensuring sustainable operations across secondary health facilities in the state.

    Dr. Malik confirmed that the Governor approved the recruitment of additional medical doctors and 30 intern pharmacists to address manpower shortages and enhance service delivery. He also disclosed that six hospital pharmacy departments had regained accreditation from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) after more than two decades, allowing them to train graduate pharmacists.

    “For the first time in Kwara’s history, intern nurses will also be trained in five secondary health facilities under the Board, following successful due diligence and approval processes,” he added.

    Dr. Malik further announced the expansion of the state’s ‘Buy Kwara’ initiative, which now includes the sourcing of essential hospital supplies such as scrubs, lab coats, bedsheets, and work jackets from the Kwara Garment Factory (KGF), as well as pharmaceuticals from local manufacturers including Tuyil, Sam’s, HMA, and Biomedical.

    He said the Hospitals Management Board plans to introduce a digital appointment system that will allow patients to book consultations with their preferred doctors ahead of visits, reducing waiting time and improving hospital efficiency.

    Highlighting human capital development, Dr. Malik revealed that 1,320 medical students completed clinical training across state facilities, while new medical equipment worth millions of naira was deployed to strengthen diagnostics and treatment capacity in secondary hospitals.

    “These steps align with the Governor’s vision of building a healthcare system that is people-centred, innovative, and sustainable,” he said.

  • Gratuities/Pension: No penny for PDP and pony revisionists

    Gratuities/Pension: No penny for PDP and pony revisionists

    Ibraheem Abdullateef

    It looks like Kwara PDP PRO Olusegun Adewara Sholyment is now working for the Kwara State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC), inadvertently. The scope and quality of his press statements have helped to promote and edify the policies and decisions of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq more often than not, even if he thought he was attacking him.

    Take, for instance, today’s own. Sholyment has rushed to write in acknowledgement of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s approval of another 8.1bn to pay the gratuities of state and local government retirees in Kwara.

    This follows the N4bn released in January 2025 for the same purpose.

    Since 2019, this administration has paid 20bn in gratuities in total — apart from the new approval. A vast amount of these funds was used to defray backlogs inherited from the previous administration.

    The above shows that gratuities are gradually cleared but in phases because of other obligations, including the much-acknowledged building of several developmental projects across the state.

    Like every Kwaran, Sholyment and his PDP folks are happy to witness the impact of a responsible and caring government steadily addressing critical issues of governance to improve the quality of life of the citizens. But in order to save face, he would claim that the Governor has taken action merely because of the criticism of a Bishop Isreal Amoo, who was himself, a staunch appointee of successive PDP-led administrations in Kwara.

    Assuming without conceding this claim, how does that take anything away from the altruistic decision of the people’s Governor? It would rather further raise his stock as a democratic, humble, and patriotic leader who places high value on the feedback of the citizens regardless of their political leanings.

    This shows his difference from the tone-deaf, obstinate, insensitive leaders who racked up the pension and gratuities arrears in the first place.

    These were Senator Bukola Saraki and Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed between 2003 and 2019. They defaulted in paying pension and gratuities for retirees, but awarded themselves humongous packages as their own pension benefits.

    We do not owe Bishop Amoo any apology. If Sholyment were to be fair, he should be helping the former governors from his party to draft one to Amoo and entire Kwarans for failing to prioritise the welfare of workers when they held sway. He should also encourage them to be thankful for the grace of a more competent and magnanimous predecessor who helps them to wipe their dirty behind.

    The Governor’s approval, obviously, is beyond the comedy of that fact-free assertion at Oke-Onigbin that led to a deluge of more horrendous revisionist takes on gratuities and pension arrears in Kwara. It is inherent in his belief for probity, prudence, and respect for workers, as seen in the prompt payment of salaries, clearance of promotional exercises, and historic implementation of minimum wage twice in office.

    Or, may I ask, who will PDP give the credits and ‘apologies’ for these? 😂

    I recognise PDP’s profound lack of discernment that this is another moment of thanksgiving for the senior citizens for their trust in politics that works in 2019.

    I wager that even Bishop Isreal Amoo now shares in this beautiful moment of fulfilment in dreams and possibilities under a purposeful government, which is held by Kwarans of all classes, who elected to vote Governor AbdulRazaq into office to clean the mess that had been made of our state. I commend their bravery, patience, and continued faith in his leadership.

    However, the Governor also does not expect any gratitude from Bishop Amoo or the PDP for yet another action in cleaning the Augean stables. He simply did his job.

    He would rather take pride in the joy and happiness with which thousands of people have received the announcement since yesterday. It is noted as a referendum in the governor’s style of progressive leadership that places the people first.

    We hear you, Kwarans. We hear you. 👊

    ●Abdullateef is Senior Special Assistant to Kwara Governor on Communication

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off 15.1km Ojoku–Ilemona Road, Boosting Development in Kwara South

    Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off 15.1km Ojoku–Ilemona Road, Boosting Development in Kwara South

    … Over 100km of roads already completed across the region

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the construction of the 15.150km Ojoku–Ilemona Road in Oyun Local Government Area, marking another major milestone in his administration’s ongoing drive to open up communities and promote inclusive economic growth.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ojoku on Thursday, the Governor said the project builds on his administration’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across the state.

    He noted that more than 100 kilometres of roads have already been completed in Kwara South, alongside landmark investments in health, education, water, and social protection.

    “This project is part of our broader vision to ensure that every community in Kwara has access to quality roads that support trade, agriculture, and mobility,” he said. “Road infrastructure is key to development, and we are determined to sustain this momentum.”

    Governor AbdulRazaq further revealed that the state is also undertaking or preparing to launch additional road projects covering over 109 kilometres in the region, including those under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

    The 15.150km Ojoku–Ilemona Road will run through the following routes:

    ● Road 1: Ojoku–Faje (3.209km)

    ● Road 2: Faje–Budo Ganmo (4.080km)

    ● Road 3: Budo Ganmo–Igbona Road Junction (2.690km)

    ● Road 4: Igbona Road Junction–Ilemona (5.171km)

    Residents of the benefiting communities expressed excitement at the flag-off, describing it as a long-awaited development that will ease movement, improve commerce, and enhance the overall quality of life in the area.

  • Kwara Govt to Hold First-Ever CBT Promotion Examination for TESCOM Staff

    Kwara Govt to Hold First-Ever CBT Promotion Examination for TESCOM Staff

    … Exam set for October 30

    The Kwara State Government has announced plans to conduct its first-ever Computer-Based Test (CBT) promotion examination for staff of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), marking a new milestone in the state’s education sector.

    Executive Chairman of TESCOM, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar, disclosed that the 2025 promotion examination will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Kwara State College of Education CBT Centre, Ilorin.

    Speaking during a management meeting, Abubakar commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving the initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking move that places Kwara ahead of other states in the digital transformation of public service examinations.

    He said TESCOM is the first government parastatal in Kwara to conduct a computer-based promotion examination, adding that the development aligns with global best practices and prepares teachers for the digital shift already adopted by national examination bodies such as WAEC and NECO.

    “Since His Excellency, the Governor, is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, it is only fitting that this kind of innovation begins from his state. This marks a new era of professionalism and accountability in our education system,” Abubakar said.

    He explained that the examination will commence at 9:00 a.m., and all participants are expected to arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes early with the original copies of their credentials.

    To facilitate proper documentation, TESCOM has launched a dedicated portal — tescom.kwarastate.gov.ng which will open at 12:00 a.m. on October 17, 2025. All eligible staff are required to submit their information via the portal, as those not captured will not be allowed to sit for the examination.

    Abubakar added that interviews will immediately follow the CBT exercise at the same venue, during which officers will be required to present their Enhancement Certificate or Clearance for verification before being interviewed.

    He urged all TESCOM staff to embrace the new digital process and prepare adequately for the examination, noting that the exercise reflects the government’s commitment to merit-based progression and capacity building in the education sector. 

  • Kwara Govt Commissions PSA Oxygen Plants in Lafiagi, Omu-Aran

    Kwara Govt Commissions PSA Oxygen Plants in Lafiagi, Omu-Aran

    Projects to boost access to life-saving oxygen supply across Kwara North and South

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has commissioned two state-of-the-art Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants at the General Hospital, Lafiagi, and the Thomas Adewumi Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran. The projects, donated by the Global Fund, mark another major step in the state’s effort to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency response capacity.

    The plants are designed to serve as regional hubs for the production of medical-grade oxygen, ensuring a steady, affordable, and locally sourced supply to hospitals across Kwara State, particularly in the northern and southern senatorial districts.

    Speaking at the technical commissioning ceremonies, Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Assistant Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Alhaji Toyin Raji, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare journey.

    “Medical oxygen remains a critical life-saving resource used daily in neonatal care, surgeries, and respiratory treatments. With these plants, our hospitals will now enjoy a reliable and affordable oxygen supply produced locally. That means more hope and better health outcomes for our patients,” she said.

    Dr. El-Imam expressed appreciation to the Global Fund for its generous support and to the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for their collaboration. She said the initiative aligns with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all Kwarans.

    Zonal Coordinator for North Central Oxygen at the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Onoja Kingsley, who led the technical inspection, said all components of the plants—including the air compressor, PSA oxygen generator, booster compressor, and filling ramp—were tested and certified for efficiency and purity.

    He advised the state to establish an Oxygen Committee and create a sustainability plan to ensure the plants’ continuous operation beyond their five-year warranty period. “The plants should not only produce oxygen but also generate revenue through sales, with proceeds reinvested in maintenance and operations,” he added.

    Chief Medical Director of Lafiagi General Hospital, Dr. Saliu Bolakale, commended the state government and the Global Fund for their commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. He said the plant would enhance service delivery and save countless lives through reliable oxygen access.

    “This project marks a major advancement in our healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates government’s consistent dedication to the wellbeing of its people,” he said.

    The event was attended by representatives of the Global Fund, NACA, the Federal Ministry of Health, and senior officials from the Kwara State Ministry of Health, who all described the commissioning as a landmark achievement in the state’s ongoing health sector transformation.

  • Kwara Unveils Digital Land System to Transform Governance and Boost Investment

    Kwara Unveils Digital Land System to Transform Governance and Boost Investment

    …Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Launches KW-GIS Platform as Part of Broader Reform Agenda

    KwaraRising

    Kwara State has entered a new era of digital governance with the official launch of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), a comprehensive digital land information system designed to revolutionize property administration, enhance transparency, and accelerate economic development.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq presided over the landmark event on Monday, joined by top government officials, traditional rulers, and development partners.

    The platform replaces manual land processes with a fully digital framework that enables online applications, real-time tracking of land titles, and streamlined issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

    In his keynote address, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized the system’s role in reducing bureaucratic delays, eliminating corruption opportunities, and positioning Kwara as a leader in efficient public service delivery.

    International development expert Dr. Paul Adepelumi, who delivered the main address, described KW-GIS as a “revolution in land administration” that reflects the state’s commitment to innovation and accountability.

    He highlighted how the system aligns with World Bank-supported reforms under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program, where Kwara recently ranked first nationally. “This is not just a platform; it is a bold symbol of visionary leadership,” Dr. Adepelumi stated.

    KW-GIS Executive Chairman Alhaji Sulyman Abdulkareem confirmed the system will minimize disputes, support urban planning, and improve revenue collection through accurate land valuation and billing.

    He also disclosed that the state government paid N560 million in compensation to landowners affected by the Kwara Smart City project, with all related documents now digitized to prevent future encroachment.

    Finance Commissioner Dr. Hauwa Nuru, who chairs the state’s Ease of Doing Business Council, noted the platform directly supports Kwara’s goals under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) by simplifying property registration.

    She cited expectations of significant revenue growth, referencing increases of 200% to 500% in other states that adopted similar systems.

    The launch reinforces Kwara’s growing reputation for institutional reforms, following earlier successes in education, healthcare, and infrastructure under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration. Officials confirmed that all relevant ministries—including Lands, Finance, and Physical Planning—will integrate operations through the KW-GIS platform to ensure cohesive and data-driven governance.