Kwara Rising

Category: Health

  • Kwara Govt Commissions Multi-Million Naira Projects in Ilorin South LGA

    Kwara Govt Commissions Multi-Million Naira Projects in Ilorin South LGA

    … Commissioner applauds community-focused interventions across key sectors

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has commissioned a series of multi-million Naira projects in Ilorin South Local Government Area (LGA), reaffirming its commitment to grassroots development and improved quality of life for residents.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, lauded the Executive Chairman of Ilorin South, Hon. Nuhu Abdulmajeed, for his people-oriented approach and impactful project delivery.

    While expressing delight at the visible support of the benefiting communities, Hon. Bata noted that the projects cut across vital sectors including water supply, healthcare, education, and electrification.

    “I’m highly impressed by the thoughtful execution of these projects and the large turnout of community members to express their appreciation. This is what governance should look like,” he said.

    The Commissioner urged other local government councils to emulate the Ilorin South model, describing the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of the Council as commendable and essential for meaningful development.

    “There’s no offence in imitation, especially when it’s positive and beneficial to the people,” he added, while calling on the communities to take ownership of the projects and ensure their sustainability.

    In his remarks, Hon. Nuhu Abdulmajeed thanked the Commissioner for his visit and kind words, noting that the projects were delivered in line with the development vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the promises made during the electioneering period.

    “We are replicating the giant strides of Governor AbdulRazaq at the grassroots. More projects will come as funds become available, and we ask for patience from communities still waiting,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Iyabo Modupe Adekeye, commended the Chairman for aligning with the needs of the people and urged all Council professionals to continue adhering strictly to procurement regulations in project execution.

    Projects commissioned include:

    Drilling and installation of a motorized borehole at Olomoda Community

    Electrification and installation of 500KVA/33/415 KVA transformers at Adunbarin Community

    Reconstruction of the Primary Health Care Centre at Ajibesin Community

    Construction of four units of modern toilets at Tanke Market

    Borehole installation at Fate Community

    Complete renovation and furniture provision at GDJSS, Zango Eleboto School

    Renovation of two classrooms at Oke-Aluko Primary School

    Completion, metering, and energising of 100KVA/11/415 transformer at Olufadi Maternal Referral Centre

    Commissioning of the AGF AbdulRazaq Shopping Complex at Offa Garage

    The event was attended by community leaders, residents, council officials, and other stakeholders who expressed gratitude to the state government for the developmental strides in the area.

  • Kwara Set to Vaccinate Over 80,000 Children with Lifesaving Vaccines

    Kwara Set to Vaccinate Over 80,000 Children with Lifesaving Vaccines

    …Third round of the Big Catch-Up campaign targets children aged 0–5 in Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other health partners, is set to launch the third round of the Big Catch-Up vaccination campaign. Scheduled to run from Saturday, April 12 to Thursday, April 17, 2025, the campaign aims to immunize over 80,000 children against life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.

    This round of the campaign is focused on bridging immunity gaps among children who missed their routine immunization doses, particularly those affected by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, disclosed this during a strategy meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters in Ilorin.

    Professor Elelu emphasized that the campaign will cover three Local Government Areas—Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun—identified as having the highest number of unimmunized children in the state. She described the Big Catch-Up as a vital strategy to strengthen routine immunization services and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.

    “Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and proven public health tools for saving lives,” she said. “This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that every child in Kwara is protected, no matter where they live.”

    The Executive Secretary called on parents, caregivers, school heads, religious and community leaders, as well as Islamic institutions, to fully support the exercise by ensuring eligible children—those aged 0 to 5—are available for vaccination. She reassured the public of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, which are provided free of charge by the State Government.

    Professor Elelu reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting child health and well-being through sustained access to immunization, noting that the vaccines will be administered across all health facilities and outreach posts in the targeted LGAs.

    “The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains unwavering in its commitment to the health and safety of all residents, especially our mothers and children,” she added.

    The Big Catch-Up campaign is part of Kwara’s broader strategy to achieve universal health coverage and reduce child mortality through proactive, community-based health interventions.

  • Kwara Set to Vaccinate Over 80,000 Children with Lifesaving Vaccines

    Kwara Set to Vaccinate Over 80,000 Children with Lifesaving Vaccines

    …Third round of the Big Catch-Up campaign targets children aged 0–5 in Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other health partners, is set to launch the third round of the Big Catch-Up vaccination campaign. Scheduled to run from Saturday, April 12 to Thursday, April 17, 2025, the campaign aims to immunize over 80,000 children against life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.

    This round of the campaign is focused on bridging immunity gaps among children who missed their routine immunization doses, particularly those affected by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, disclosed this during a strategy meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters in Ilorin.

    Professor Elelu emphasized that the campaign will cover three Local Government Areas—Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun—identified as having the highest number of unimmunized children in the state. She described the Big Catch-Up as a vital strategy to strengthen routine immunization services and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.

    “Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and proven public health tools for saving lives,” she said. “This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that every child in Kwara is protected, no matter where they live.”

    The Executive Secretary called on parents, caregivers, school heads, religious and community leaders, as well as Islamic institutions, to fully support the exercise by ensuring eligible children—those aged 0 to 5—are available for vaccination. She reassured the public of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, which are provided free of charge by the State Government.

    Professor Elelu reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting child health and well-being through sustained access to immunization, noting that the vaccines will be administered across all health facilities and outreach posts in the targeted LGAs.

    “The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains unwavering in its commitment to the health and safety of all residents, especially our mothers and children,” she added.

    The Big Catch-Up campaign is part of Kwara’s broader strategy to achieve universal health coverage and reduce child mortality through proactive, community-based health interventions.

  • Kwara Government Donates Medical Equipment to Otte-Oja Primary Health Centre

    Kwara Government Donates Medical Equipment to Otte-Oja Primary Health Centre


    …Intervention aims to boost rural healthcare delivery, encourage community use, and promote safer health practices

    #KwaraRising


    In a determined push to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in rural communities, the Kwara State Government has donated essential medical equipment worth millions of naira to the Primary Health Centre in Otte-Oja, Asa Local Government Area.

    At the official handover ceremony, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, encouraged residents to take full advantage of the improved facility. She emphasized that consistent community use and engagement with the health centre would further motivate the government to deploy more equipment and healthcare personnel. “Whatever we have been given must be put to judicious use. These medical items are meant to serve the people. While government is doing its part, individuals must also play theirs. Avoid self-medication and take advantage of the available interventions,” she said.

    Dr. El-Imam also called on the community to ensure the safety and maintenance of the newly supplied equipment, urging collective responsibility for sustainability.

    The Chairman of Asa Local Government, Alhaji Shehu Yahyah, praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to rural healthcare development. He described the intervention as a testament to the Governor’s dedication to inclusive governance and improved quality of life in underserved communities.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), Professor Shehu Adaramaja, reaffirmed the community’s support for the administration, highlighting the positive changes brought about by the government’s sustained investment in Asa Local Government.

    The donated equipment includes laboratory apparatus, immunization tools, oxygen machines, examination couches, drip stands, digital and manual blood pressure monitors, Littmann stethoscopes, stretchers, bedding items, and other critical supplies needed for effective service delivery.

    This effort is part of the broader health sector reforms in Kwara State aimed at revamping primary healthcare centers across all local governments and ensuring that even remote areas have access to quality medical care.

  • Kwara Government Upgrades Omu Aran Hospital to Teaching Facility for Thomas Adewumi University

    Kwara Government Upgrades Omu Aran Hospital to Teaching Facility for Thomas Adewumi University

    …Move aims to boost healthcare delivery and medical education through strategic public-private partnership in Kwara South.

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to upgrade the Omu Aran General Hospital into a teaching hospital for the medical students of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko, located in Irepodun Local Government Area.

    The initiative, expected to produce more quality health professionals—including medical officers and other specialists—was described as another bold move by the administration to deepen its collaboration with private institutions for enhanced healthcare delivery across the state.

    This is not the first time the state is embarking on such a partnership. Last year, it signed a similar MoU with Al-Hikmah University, allowing the institution to use the newly upgraded Sobi Specialist Hospital in Ilorin as a teaching hospital to aid its medical course accreditation process.

    The MoU signing ceremony with TAU drew senior government officials, traditional rulers, top academics, and other stakeholders from the health and education sectors.

    Present at the event were Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam; Commissioner for Communications Hon. Bola Olukoju; Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Hon. Yakub AbdulAzeez; Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board Dr. Abdulraheem Malik; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; APC chieftain Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; Founder and Chancellor of TAU Dr. Thomas Adewumi; TAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Oladipo; representative of the Acting Head of Service Dr. Okedare Adeyinka; Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University Prof. Nuah Yusuf; Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University Prof. Kazeem Bolagbade; and Prof. Suleiman Kuranga, among others.

    Also in attendance were prominent traditional rulers including the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahya Alebiosu; the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Raheem Oladele Olaoti; the Olupako of Share, Oba Olawale Haruna Ilufemiloye; and the Oloko of Oko-Irese, Oba Victor Olawuyi.

    In her keynote address, Dr. El-Imam described the event as another milestone in strengthening the state’s health system. She praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his proactive leadership, saying he consistently outperforms even his own development targets across sectors.

    The Commissioner highlighted the administration’s recent recruitment of 1,005 health professionals—including doctors, nurses, and midwives—the ongoing process to implement the new CONMESS salary structure, various facility upgrades, and the establishment of the Kwara State Teaching Hospital.

    “To the glory of God, I have been privileged to work in America, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, and nowhere in the world have I seen a sector completely run by the government that succeeded,” she said. “It takes a forward-thinking, visionary, and dynamic personality like Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to know the limit and seek the collaboration and support of the private sector. This is what is at play here today.”

    Speaking on behalf of the people of Kwara South, Oba Ismail Alebiosu commended the Governor for the historic gesture. He noted that with the recent commissioning of the Osi Campus of KWASU and multiple road projects in the region, the Governor had shown he was committed to equitable development across the state.

    “We have never had it this good in our region,” he said. “This is another big one. It shows that he is a Governor for the whole of Kwara State. We are grateful to him.”

    Oba Alebiosu also praised Dr. Thomas Adewumi as a “fantastic problem solver and a pride of the region,” acknowledging his efforts toward the growth of the university and his broader humanitarian contributions.

    The Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Raheem Olaoti, said the project signifies improved healthcare delivery in Kwara South and described the Governor’s approach to governance as a continuation of progress rather than abandonment of inherited projects.

    “This gesture shows the government is bringing healthcare to the people of Kwara South, which also means bringing life to us,” he said.

    In his remarks, Dr. Adewumi expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his inclusive leadership and commitment to fairness, saying the Governor’s support for TAU reflects his genuine love for the people of Kwara State, including those in the southern region.

  • Kwara’s Healthcare Revolution: Fixing the Failures of the Past

    Kwara’s Healthcare Revolution: Fixing the Failures of the Past

    by Babajide Fadoju

    For far too long, the healthcare sector in Kwara State suffered from the neglect and mismanagement of past administrations. Up until the most recent tenure, the state’s medical training system was left to rot. Facilities deteriorated, accreditation was lost, and young people who aspired to become healthcare professionals were left stranded. It was a damning legacy of abandonment that forced many Kwarans to seek training opportunities elsewhere, draining the state of potential and talent.

    That dark era has finally ended.

    Under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara State has reclaimed its place as a serious player in the healthcare sector. The recent approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to allow Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, and General Hospital, Offa, to train nursing interns is nothing short of a landmark achievement. For the first time, Kwara will be able to groom its own nurses rather than watching them leave for other states in search of training opportunities. This is not just about infrastructure; this is about restoring dignity to a profession that had been disregarded by previous administrations.

    A Legacy of Neglect

    Let’s be clear: the decay did not happen overnight. The previous political leaders had nearly two decades to build a robust healthcare training system, but they failed spectacularly. Instead of investing in critical manpower development, they focused on politics of patronage, leaving the healthcare sector in shambles. Nursing schools struggled for accreditation, hospitals lacked the personnel to provide quality care, and patients bore the brunt of a failed system.

    The absence of proper training institutions meant that Kwara had to rely heavily on importing medical personnel from other states. The result? A fragile, unsustainable system that left communities vulnerable. It was an avoidable crisis, but past leaders simply didn’t care enough to fix it.

    A New Dawn Under AbdulRazaq

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has rewritten the script. Unlike his predecessors, he recognizes that investing in healthcare is not just about building hospitals—it’s about ensuring those hospitals are staffed with well-trained professionals.

    His administration’s efforts in securing accreditation for the training of both pharmacy and nursing interns speak volumes. For the first time, Kwara’s young, aspiring nurses have a homegrown path to professional excellence. This means better healthcare services, reduced brain drain, and greater employment opportunities within the state.

    And it doesn’t stop at nursing. Governor AbdulRazaq has prioritized the overall revitalization of the health sector, from equipping hospitals to improving staff welfare. The government has been intentional about fixing dilapidated health centers, upgrading medical equipment, and recruiting more healthcare workers. This is governance that works. This is leadership that cares.

    What This Means for Kwara’s Future

    The implications of this achievement cannot be overstated. With an expanded capacity to train nurses and other medical professionals, Kwara is positioning itself as a healthcare hub in Nigeria. In the coming years, we can expect:

    ● Improved healthcare delivery: More trained nurses mean better patient care across the state.

    ● Job creation: Young people who previously had to leave for other states can now build their careers right here at home.

    ● Economic growth: A well-functioning healthcare sector attracts investment and boosts the local economy.

    ● A healthier population: With better-trained personnel, health outcomes will improve, saving lives and reducing preventable deaths.

    The Future is Bright

    Governor AbdulRazaq is proving, time and again, that good governance is about making real changes that impact lives. The accreditation of Kwara’s hospitals for nursing internships is not just another policy move; it is a bold step toward securing the state’s future.

    Kwara’s healthcare sector is on the rise, and for the first time in decades, we can say with confidence that the future looks promising. The failures of the past are being corrected, and under AbdulRazaq’s leadership, Kwara is finally getting the healthcare system it deserves.

  • Ajikobi Cottage Hospital Now Enjoys 24-Hour Power Supply with Solar Inverter Installation

    Ajikobi Cottage Hospital Now Enjoys 24-Hour Power Supply with Solar Inverter Installation

    …Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq: Powering Healthcare Advancements for a Stronger Kwara

    #KwaraRising

    In a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery, the Kwara State Government has installed a 10KVA solar inverter at Ajikobi Cottage Hospital in Ilorin West Local Government Area, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the facility.

    The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KWHMB), Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, confirmed this development while inspecting the installation. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure for quality healthcare services. According to him, the installation follows a thorough needs assessment conducted by the Board to identify critical gaps in hospital operations.

    Dr. Malik assured that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration remains dedicated to replicating similar improvements across hospitals and healthcare facilities statewide. He urged hospital staff to maintain the inverter properly to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. The Executive Secretary further reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade hospital structures, reaffirming its dedication to strengthening the healthcare system for all Kwarans.

  • Kwara Govt to Commence Training of Graduate Intern-Nurses

    Kwara Govt to Commence Training of Graduate Intern-Nurses

    …As Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) approves training

    The Kwara State Government has secured the approval of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to commence the training of graduate intern nurses in Kwara State for the first time in the history of the State.

    The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, disclosed this today during the Board’s management meeting, where he announced that Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, and General Hospital, Offa, will serve as the pioneer hospitals for the internship training.

    According to Dr. Malik, “This is yet another great step in the right direction by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq towards laying a solid academic foundation that will last a lifetime in our health sector, closing manpower gaps, and sustaining the improvements we have achieved over the years in our healthcare service delivery.”

    He emphasized that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that the health of Kwara residents remains a top priority.

    “This trust reposed on us by the regulatory body will not be taken for granted, and all preconditions that got us here today will be sustained. If you recall, we recently secured a similar approval from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to start training graduate pharmacist interns,” Dr. Malik affirmed.

    The Executive Secretary further urged all stakeholders in the health sector to work together to ensure that healthcare services in the state are delivered professionally and in line with global best practices.

    “Kwara State has now joined the league of states in the country that train intern pharmacists and nurses. The management of the Hospital Management Board is actively working on securing accreditation to add Medical Laboratory Scientists to the State’s internship training program,” he added.

    In her remarks, the Director of Nursing Services (DNS), Mrs. Oyewole Risikat, urged prospective graduate nurses to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that significant resources have been invested in healthcare training in Kwara State to enable them to compete favorably with their counterparts globally.

    Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Femi Joseph, commended the Kwara State government and the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, for driving the initiative and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

    With this development, Kwara State further cements its position as a forward-thinking state committed to human capital development, particularly in the critical sector of healthcare.

  • Kwara Govt Strengthens Fight Against Drug Abuse, Launches Campus Ambassadors

    Kwara Govt Strengthens Fight Against Drug Abuse, Launches Campus Ambassadors

    …Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gets commendations

    The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and drug abuse prevention through strategic investments and policies.

    Speaking at the 2nd Kwara State Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse, Prevention, and Control, Hon. Aileru Olalekan Mukail, Special Assistant to the Governor, highlighted initiatives such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Sugar Film Factory, Garment Factory, and Kwapreneur, designed to create jobs and steer young people away from drugs and crime.

    Themed “Synthetic Drug Crisis: United for Safer Kwara,” the summit underscored the administration’s dedication to tackling the growing menace of synthetic drugs.

    As part of proactive measures, the government has introduced mandatory drug testing for tertiary students and unveiled the State Drug Prevention Campus Ambassadors, a volunteer group dedicated to combating drug abuse across institutions.

    The summit, attended by government officials, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and students, featured paper presentations, panel discussions, and drama performances. Speakers, including NOA Director General Mallam Issa Lanre Onilu, Prof. Issa Baba Awoye, and Dr. Mahmoud Danjuma, called for a multi-sectoral approach to prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation, commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for championing youth-focused policies.

  • Kwara Government Unveils Renovated General Hospital in Afon

    Kwara Government Unveils Renovated General Hospital in Afon

    …Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Healthcare

    The Kwara State Government has assured residents of improved access to quality healthcare with the unveiling of the newly renovated General Hospital, Afon, in Asa Local Government Area. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, emphasized the administration’s dedication to ensuring that citizens, especially those in rural areas, receive top-notch medical services. She urged residents to make full use of the upgraded facility while calling on the local government to take responsibility for its maintenance and proper use.

    Dr. El-Imam highlighted the government’s significant investment in equipping the hospital as part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the state. The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Seun Oguniyi, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing public health, while Asa Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Yahyah Shehu, praised the initiative and encouraged continued community support for the administration’s developmental projects. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Hon. Yinusa Oniboki, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, and community leaders.