Kwara Rising

Category: Business

  • NGX Chairman and Petralon Energy CEO, Ahonsi Unuigbe, Strengthens Capital Market Ties with Dubai Financial Market

    NGX Chairman and Petralon Energy CEO, Ahonsi Unuigbe, Strengthens Capital Market Ties with Dubai Financial Market

    In a strategic move to deepen cross border capital market integration, the NGX Chairman and founder & CEO of Petralon Energy, Ahonsi Unuigbe, recently concluded a working visit to the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) last week.

    During high-level discussions, Ahonsi joined Hamed Ahmed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Financial Market (DFM), and Joel Tilly, AVP of Business Development for Africa, to explore opportunities for strengthening the existing MOU between NGX and NASDAQ Dubai, with a special focus on supporting Nigerian corporates that are evaluating dual-listing structures.

    Since 2000, Dubai has undergone a remarkable transformation in the capital market, achieving over $1 trillion in combined market capitalisation by adopting a holistic approach that extends well beyond traditional exchange functions.

    Through disciplined, commercial execution, the focus has shifted from merely facilitating IPOs to actively driving post-listing company performance and creating sustainable value across the entire corporate lifecycle. This has resulted in a sophisticated investment ecosystem where capital supply far exceeds quality deal flow.

    Speaking on the opportunities ahead, Ahonsi noted; “The UAE presents a compelling case for African corporates, especially in the energy sector, with its advanced regulatory frameworks, deep capital markets, and strong sector expertise. At NGX, we are committed to leveraging these cross-border synergies to drive real value for both markets.”

    DFM’s strategic vision of building institutional capacity across regions aligns with NGX’s ambition to position Nigerian companies on the global stage. By providing increased access to capital, the collaboration aims to support indigenous companies in scaling operations, improving governance, and enhancing investor confidence.

    Ahonsi also added, “By bridging the information and access gap between Nigerian enterprises and international markets, we are laying the foundation for a stronger economic growth, investor participation, and long-term value creation”.

    While there was enthusiasm about the potential opportunities for value creation, the parties also acknowledged the need for significant improvement in UAE-Nigeria bilateral relations. Strengthening these relations is seen as a critical enabler to fully realize the opportunities by reducing barriers that currently hinder seamless collaboration and integration between the two countries.

    This engagement underscores NGX’s commitment to forging meaningful global partnerships that elevate the visibility and competitiveness of African markets in the global financial landscape.

  • Kwara Launches Major Farm Inputs Distribution for 3,000 Farmers

    Kwara Launches Major Farm Inputs Distribution for 3,000 Farmers

    … State Partners Arzikin Noma to Boost Grain Production, Curb Herder-Farmer Clashes

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State has launched a large-scale farm inputs distribution program targeting 3,000 farmers in Kaiama Local Government as part of efforts to enhance food security and livestock development. The initiative, a collaboration between the state government, Arzikin Noma, and international partner IDH, focuses on sorghum and soybean cultivation to address both human consumption and animal feed needs.

    At the flag-off ceremony in Apata Alaje community, Livestock Development Commissioner Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas revealed the package includes 18,000 bags of fertilizer, 18,000 liters of agrochemicals (three different types), 75 metric tons of sorghum seeds, and 100 metric tons of soybean seeds. She emphasized the program’s potential to modernize livestock farming and reduce farmer-herder conflicts by ensuring adequate animal feed supply.

    “The grains production initiative directly addresses the root cause of clashes while supporting our industrialisation agenda,” Thomas stated. “This ensures agricultural products get value addition within Kwara rather than leaving as raw materials.”

    The event attracted top government officials including Transportation Commissioner Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi, who noted the project’s location would foster peace in the agrarian community. Special Adviser on Strategy Alhaji Atiku Abdulsalam described it as part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agricultural transformation blueprint.

    Private sector partners outlined their roles – Arzikin Noma CEO Adesola Adeoluwa guaranteed market access through off-takers like Olam, while IDH’s Dr. Daniel Abah emphasized creating sustainable agricultural value chains that benefit smallholder farmers.

    Beneficiaries including Mrs. Asmau Muhammad and Iliasu Saka praised the intervention, pledging to maximize the inputs’ potential. The program represents Kwara’s latest move to position itself as Nigeria’s emerging agribusiness hub while resolving longstanding pastoral conflicts through innovative solutions.

  • Kwara Partners NYSC to Launch Livestock Agribusiness Programme for Youths

    Kwara Partners NYSC to Launch Livestock Agribusiness Programme for Youths

    …Initiative to train and empower corps members, young agripreneurs in livestock value chain

    The Kwara State Government is set to launch a transformative livestock agribusiness programme targeting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other young people across the state, in a bid to drive youth empowerment, rural development, and innovation in the livestock sector.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp at Yikpata, Tsaragi District in Edu Local Government Area over the weekend. Accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the Commissioner explained that the initiative will train, equip, and fund young livestock entrepreneurs.

    “Our goal is to turn job seekers into job creators,” Mrs. Thomas said. “This partnership with the NYSC allows us to deliver practical training in livestock production, business development, and access to finance within a supportive environment.”

    Scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, the programme will be implemented through a public-private partnership secured by the state government. Participants will undergo an intensive three-month training at the Yikpata camp, after which they will receive starter packs and support to launch or grow their agribusinesses.

    While corps members will be the primary beneficiaries during the orientation periods, the facility will also be made available to other youths during off-camp seasons.

    NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, expressed strong support for the initiative, assuring the state’s readiness to collaborate fully and urging the government to prioritize security around the camp.

    The Commissioner also paid a courtesy visit to the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, to seek royal blessings and inform the traditional ruler about the planned youth empowerment programme.

    The Kwara Youth Livestock Empowerment Programme is positioned to become a flagship project under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, further cementing the state’s commitment to agribusiness, innovation, and youth development.

  • Ilorin Aims for Global Tech Spotlight with Virtual Townhall Featuring Flutterwave Co-Founder

    Ilorin Aims for Global Tech Spotlight with Virtual Townhall Featuring Flutterwave Co-Founder

    … Iyin Aboyeji to Discuss Building Innovation Hub at Event Hosted by Ilorin Innovation Hub, Partners

    #KwaraRising

    Ilorin Innovation Hub, in collaboration with IHS Towers, CcHUB, and Future Africa, will host a virtual townhall on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, featuring tech entrepreneur Iyin Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave and Future Africa. The session, themed “Building a Global Tech Hub from Ilorin,”aims to chart pathways for positioning Kwara State’s capital as a nucleus of innovation.

    Scheduled for 5:00 PM WAT, the event will explore strategies to leverage local talent, infrastructure, and partnerships to create a globally competitive tech ecosystem. Aboyeji, renowned for his role in Nigeria’s fintech revolution, is expected to share insights on scaling startups, attracting investments, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

    “This townhall is a call to action for stakeholders to unite in transforming Ilorin into a beacon of technological excellence,” organizers stated. Registration is open via https://bit.ly/IIHTownhall.

  • Senior Course 47 of Armed Forces Command Visits Kwara Garment Factory

    Senior Course 47 of Armed Forces Command Visits Kwara Garment Factory


    … Military delegation tours state-owned garment facility as part of study on grassroots intelligence and internal security

    #KwaraRising


    The Kwara Garment Factory in Ilorin on Monday welcomed participants of Senior Course 47 from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, as part of their study tour of Kwara State.

    Led by Colonel Usman Hashim Muhammed, the delegation comprised senior officers from various branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces and allied nations. They were received by the Managing Director of the factory, Hajia Bukola Adedeji, who guided them through the facility’s operations.

    In her welcome remarks, Hajia Adedeji emphasized the factory’s critical role in driving industrialization, creating employment opportunities, and supporting Kwara’s economic diversification agenda. The visitors toured the production line—from fabric cutting to garment finishing—interacting with staff and observing the factory’s modern machinery in action.

    The visit also featured the presence of the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Shuaib, who noted that the tour was part of a broader initiative to expose participants to key institutions in the state and expand their understanding of governance and development processes.

    Colonel Muhammed commended the state government and the factory management for the warm reception and operational excellence. He said the visit, under the theme “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhancing Internal Security,” was designed to explore the intersection of economic development and national security.

    He highlighted the factory’s contributions to youth empowerment and poverty reduction through job creation, stressing the value of such initiatives in fostering peace and stability.

    Interactive sessions between course participants and factory staff underlined how grassroots economic enterprises can bolster internal security by reducing unemployment and encouraging civic engagement.

    The AFCSC delegation was presented with branded souvenirs, including T-shirts and caps, in appreciation of their visit.

  • Kwara Flags Off New Round of Farm Inputs Distribution to Boost Food Security

    Kwara Flags Off New Round of Farm Inputs Distribution to Boost Food Security

    …Governor AbdulRazaq reinforces commitment to agriculture with large-scale support for farmers across 16 LGAs

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday flagged off another phase of machinery and agricultural input distribution to farmers across the 16 local government areas of the state, as part of efforts to enhance food security and rural economic development.

    Speaking at the symbolic launch in Ilorin, the Governor — represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau — described the gesture as a practical step towards poverty reduction and economic empowerment through agriculture.

    “Our administration has consistently prioritised agriculture, not just as a sector, but as a tool to empower our people, strengthen rural livelihoods, and create sustainable jobs,” the Governor said. “What we are flagging off today is another wave of this assistance. More distributions will follow in organised batches, reaching deeper into our communities and reinforcing our shared productivity.”

    Thursday’s distribution included 16 additional tractors, ploughs, harrows, and ridgers; 32,000kg (1,600 bags) of maize seeds; 18,000kg (360 bags) of Faro 44 rice seeds; and 10,800kg (270 bags) of TGX 1951 soya bean seeds. Farmers also received 720 sachets of inoculants, 5,040 bags each of NPK and urea, 720 bags of SSP, and various herbicides tailored for specific crops. To enhance chemical application, 2,400 knapsack sprayers were also distributed.

    Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted infrastructural gains made in the sector, including rehabilitation of rural roads, investment in irrigation, and support for farmer cooperatives.

    “These inputs are not handouts — they are investments in your productivity, your future, and the prosperity of our state,” he told the farmers, urging them to use the resources wisely.

    Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, noted that the intervention falls under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a World Bank-supported programme.

    Chairman of the Kwara State Farmers’ Support and Welfare Association, Abdullahi Ahmed, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his continued commitment to agricultural growth and food sufficiency.

    Dignitaries present included members of the state executive council, local government chairmen, the Emir of Shonga Dr. Haliru Yahaya, APC stakeholders, women groups, and youth representatives.

  • Bamdo LOD and Flow 92.7 FM Launch Empowerment Giveaway for Unilorin Content Creators

    Bamdo LOD and Flow 92.7 FM Launch Empowerment Giveaway for Unilorin Content Creators

    …Creative students to win boxes of food ingredients in social media challenge

    In a vibrant effort to uplift young creatives and encourage entrepreneurship, Bamdo LOD Services, in partnership with Flow 92.7 FM, has launched a unique giveaway campaign tagged Empowering Content Creators.

    The initiative is specially designed for students of the University of Ilorin and rising content creators within the region.

    The campaign calls on participants to produce a short video highlighting Bamdo Lod’s brand and services, using a pre-written script that will be provided. These videos are to be posted on social media platforms where creativity, clarity, and engagement will be key to winning.

    The rewards are enticing: the best video, along with the first five entries to reach 300 likes, will each receive two boxes filled with essential food ingredients—completely free.

    The initiative is more than just a competition; it’s a creative challenge that blends digital storytelling with practical rewards that support student living.

    Flow 92.7 FM, a known promoter of grassroots innovation and youth-centered campaigns, is proudly sponsoring the project as part of its broader commitment to fostering local talent and driving positive impact through media partnerships.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Deepens Strategic Ties with France to Advance Kwara’s Development Agenda

    Governor AbdulRazaq Deepens Strategic Ties with France to Advance Kwara’s Development Agenda

    …As Kwara secures French Treasury grant for Lata Grazing Reserve feasibility study

    #KwaraRising

    On the invitation of the French Minister for European and International Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, alongside fellow Nigerian Governors, participated in a series of high-level engagements in France focused on shared development priorities between Nigeria and France.

    Organised by Business France and SEMMARIS, the meetings centered on critical sectors such as economic development, agriculture, youth empowerment, cultural industries, education, and sports. These sessions brought together startups, multinationals, and government officials to strengthen partnerships between both countries, with a focus on investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

    For Kwara State, the engagements offered a platform to advance existing conversations around transformative projects like the Kwara Industrial Hub and the Special Agro-Processing Zone. A major highlight was the French Treasury’s commitment to fund a feasibility study for the upgrade of the 22,000-hectare Lata Grazing Reserve—an important milestone in the state’s food security and livestock development agenda.

    Governor AbdulRazaq described the meetings as a continuation of the momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier visit to France, during which the President rallied global support for Nigeria’s economic renewal. “We are seeing concrete results from that diplomatic engagement, and Kwara is proud to be part of that progress,” he stated.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to partnerships that create jobs, boost local productivity, and position Kwara as a leading hub for innovation and agribusiness in West Africa.

  • Kwara Government Moves to Establish Dairy Farm in Partnership with Milki Barn

    Kwara Government Moves to Establish Dairy Farm in Partnership with Milki Barn


    …Commissioner visits Fasola, Oyo to understudy model farm as part of broader livestock development agenda

    To boost livestock development in Kwara State, the state government is set to partner with Milki Barn Agroserv Limited to establish a fully functional dairy farm within its territory. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, during a working visit to Milk Barn Farm in Fasola, Oyo State over the weekend.

    The visit, which also included the Director of Livestock at the Ministry, Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed Umar, aimed to study the operational model of Milki Barn’s dairy section in preparation for replicating a similar initiative in Kwara. Hon. Thomas-Adebayo explained that the move is part of the state government’s broader effort to lay a solid foundation for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development and to enhance the state’s livestock value chain, with particular focus on cattle fattening, beef production, and dairy processing.

    She emphasized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to unlocking the hidden potential of the livestock sector and creating opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors. According to the Commissioner, the present administration is intentional about opening up new economic opportunities that will improve livelihoods and drive sustainable agricultural growth.

    In his remarks, Founder and CEO of Milki Barn Agroserv Limited, Mr. Tony Jibunoh, who conducted the team around the facility, expressed willingness to collaborate with the Kwara State Government in actualizing its vision for livestock development.

  • International Aviation College Ilorin Graduates 19 Pilots, Including 10 Nigerian Army Officers

    International Aviation College Ilorin Graduates 19 Pilots, Including 10 Nigerian Army Officers

    … Governor AbdulRazaq Highlights Discipline, Teamwork as Key to Success

    #KwaraRising

    The International Aviation College (IAC) Ilorin has marked a historic milestone by graduating 19 student pilots, including 10 enrollees from the Nigerian Army—the highest number of military trainees in the institution’s history.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork in achieving success. Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Saadatu Modibbo-Kawu, the Governor congratulated the graduates and commended the partnership between the College and the Nigerian Army.

    “It’s been six months of rigorous training that got you here. You have learned a lot within the period, from perseverance to discipline and teamwork. You must sustain these to succeed,” Governor AbdulRazaq stated.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Brigadier General Ezra Barkins of the 22 Armoured Brigade Nigerian Army Sobi, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to strengthening its aviation unit. He noted that the training will enhance the Nigerian Army’s air mobility and reconnaissance capabilities, contributing to national security efforts.

    “As you graduate today, embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth. With perseverance and resilience, you will go beyond the sky. Exhibit the core values of the Nigerian Army, remain focused, and build a legacy that will endure throughout history,” Brigadier General Barkins charged the new pilots.

    The Rector of IAC, Captain Yakubu Okahtai, highlighted the significance of the Private Pilot License (PPL) training, describing it as a gateway to advanced aviation careers. He praised the Kwara State Government for its unwavering support, stating that the collaboration with the Nigerian Army has laid a strong foundation for future training programs.

    One of the standout graduates, Musa Aliu Damilola, gained recognition after building mini aircraft and drones three years ago. He expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for sponsoring his aviation education.

    “I appreciate His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for supporting my dream. I never expected to be here today, but here I am, graduating with my PPL and pursuing my Commercial Pilot License (CPL). He made my dream come true,” Musa said.

    Speaking on behalf of the graduating pilots, Lieutenant Smart Ebube Aghogho acknowledged the rigorous training and expressed appreciation to the instructors and the Nigerian Army for the opportunity.

    “This marks the culmination of months of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and rigorous training. We have overcome countless challenges, from sleepless nights of studying to weekend flying and cross-country navigation,” he said.

    The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Barrister Sabitiyu Grillo; Registrar of the College, Titilayo Sulaiman Wopa; and flight instructors.

    Since March 2022, the International Aviation College Ilorin has graduated 62 students, solidifying its reputation as a leading aviation training institution in Nigeria.