…Governor’s rural-urban renewal drive continues to boost connectivity and economic activities
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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 showcases road projects statewide, commends President’s support
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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday inspected the ongoing construction of the multistorey Oluremi Tinubu Hospital in Ilorin, a few days after approving an additional N20 billion for the upgrade of public school infrastructure across Kwara State.
Speaking with reporters at the construction site, the Governor described the hospital as one of his administration’s flagship investments in public health, education, road infrastructure, and social programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.
Last Tuesday, the Governor toured rural road projects in Asa Local Government, including the 23.23-kilometre Oko Olowo Express–Sokoto–Tafatafa–Elere–Owode Oja Baba Kudu–Akopari–Otte Oja Road and the 17.7-kilometre Madi Peeke Road.
AbdulRazaq said the administration has completed several roads within and outside Ilorin, while many others are still under construction. He noted that other states are also recording progress in healthcare and infrastructure delivery, citing large-scale hospital projects in Lagos, Kaduna, and elsewhere.
He linked the increased pace of development across Nigeria to the rise in federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, and he commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Kwara’s development drive.
“The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was here six months ago to lay the foundation of this world-class hospital, and work has progressed tremendously,” the Governor said. “Hopefully, by the second quarter of next year, we’ll be done with it. The majority of the equipment have been ordered already — radiography machine, CT scanner, MRI, PET scan machines, and other vital tools.”
The Governor said other key projects are underway across Kwara, including the International Conference Centre, ICT Centre in Shonga, Patigi Regatta Motel, Sheabutter Factory in Kaiama, and Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Offa.
“This is not the only thing going on in the state,” he said. “We have major infrastructure projects beyond healthcare, and it’s the same across Nigeria. Recently, in Kaduna, we joined the President to commission a hospital built by the state government. Lagos is building a huge children’s hospital, Katsina is doing the same, and healthcare facilities are improving nationwide due to increased federal revenue.”
AbdulRazaq stressed that road construction often gets the most public attention, but significant investments are also being made in education, agriculture, and other critical sectors.
“I have recently approved another N20 billion spending on education infrastructure,” he said. “Education is not a low-hanging fruit, so people don’t quickly see its impact. But alongside roads, we’re investing heavily in agriculture and other sub-sectors, and we’ll continue to deepen those investments.”
The Governor listed completed and ongoing road projects in Kwara South, including the Oro–Arandun Road, Omu-Aran–Oko Road, Orisa Bridge along Oro-Ago, and the access road to Owu Waterfall. He added that work is ongoing on the Ajase-Ipo–Oke Ode Road in phases and plans are in place for the Ilemona bypass, among others.
..: Projects aim to boost farmers’ access to markets, improve rural livelihoods
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday toured multiple rural road projects in Asa Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to spreading development and connecting rural communities to economic opportunities.
The Governor inspected the 17.7km Madi–Peeke Road and the 23.23km Okolowo Express–Sokoto–Tafatafa–Elere–Owode Oja–Baba Kudu–Akopari–Otte Oja Road, both part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The initiative, jointly funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency, has received over N4bn in counterpart funding from the state government.
AbdulRazaq urged contractors to deliver quality work within reasonable timelines, stressing that improved road access would empower farmers, facilitate trade, and boost grassroots GDP. “Access to the market means empowerment and an increase in GDP for people at the grassroots,” he said.
During the visit, the Governor stopped at a Garri processing centre in Owode Oja, where he pledged support for mechanisation to enhance productivity without displacing jobs. He also visited the local Primary Health Care Centre, underscoring his administration’s focus on sustainable livelihoods, health, and business growth in rural areas.
Speaking on the broader economic outlook, AbdulRazaq noted that the new tax regime introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would increase revenue at state and local government levels. He assured that his government is determined to ensure the gains are felt by communities at the grassroots.
State RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Isaac Kolo, said construction work currently includes line drains and culverts, with earthworks and surface dressing set to commence after the rainy season.
Community leaders, including APC Women Leader Mrs. Suleiman Hamdalat and Gari Processing Association Chairperson Mrs. Khadijat Jimoh, lauded the Governor for his continued engagement and commitment to rural development.
…Government Clarifies Project is Not New Government House
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Kwara State has officially commenced the construction of new office facilities designed to enhance public service operations in Ilorin. The project, awarded to Mapet Construction Ltd., was formally handed over during a ceremony attended by top government officials at the site adjacent to the Deputy Governor’s Office.
Housing and Urban Development Commissioner Dr. Segun Ogunsola emphasized that the one-storey structure will provide modern office spaces, conference facilities, and other amenities to improve working conditions for civil servants. He specifically refuted circulating claims about building a new Government House, clarifying this as a dedicated administrative complex aimed at optimizing government operations.
“The AbdulRazaq administration remains committed to creating functional work environments that enable efficient service delivery across urban and rural communities,” Ogunsola stated. The Ministry pledged strict oversight to ensure timely completion within the 12-month timeline, with contractor representatives guaranteeing adherence to specifications.
The project launch witnessed participation from key stakeholders including Kwara State Public Procurement Agency General Manager QS Raheem Abdulbaki, Ministry Permanent Secretary Alhaja Risikat Atinuke, and representatives from the consulting firm Baron Architecture.
…Modern multistorey KwaraLEARN school in Ilorin to set new standard for learning facilities
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, is pushing ahead with his plan to upgrade education across the state through modern infrastructure, recruitment of qualified teachers and regular payment of salaries.
One of the key projects under this plan is the ongoing construction of a multistorey prototype KwaraLEARN school at Adeta Primary School in Ilorin. The project, which is being undertaken by the AbdulRazaq administration, is designed to provide pupils with a more conducive learning environment and modern educational tools.
The new Adeta Primary School will have a headmaster’s office, a deputy headmaster’s office and a large administrative office. It will also include a sickbay to attend to emergencies and the welfare of pupils.
The facility will accommodate 15 classrooms for pre-primary pupils, another 15 classrooms for lower primary classes from Primary 1 to 3, and 15 more classrooms for upper primary pupils from Primary 4 to 6.
In addition to regular classrooms, the school will have two science laboratories to encourage practical learning, two large art rooms, two staff rooms and a large library. There will also be two ICT laboratories to ensure that children are exposed to digital literacy from an early stage. A generous outdoor play area will form part of the school design alongside adequate toilets and supporting facilities.
According to the state government, the new school will be among the best of its kind in the North Central region and across the country when completed. It is part of the administration’s broader effort to give children in Kwara State better access to quality education and improved learning facilities.
Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi attributed falling food prices in Kwara to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s farming investments. He spoke at the University of Ilorin’s 9th Faculty of Agriculture Lecture themed “Agriculture and National Security.”
Alabi cited increased farmer support, counterpart funding, and strategic partnerships as key factors. He noted dry season farming initiatives are expanding to ensure year-round food supply, stabilize prices, and boost income. These efforts aim to optimize irrigation infrastructure and enhance food security.
Linking agriculture to national stability, Alabi called it a tool for economic growth and peace building. He highlighted Kwara’s peaceful environment as attracting agribusiness investments.
Keynote speaker Major-General Bello Alhaji Tsoho connected agriculture to national defense. The military officer and UniIlorin agriculture graduate stressed food insecurity could trigger unrest without policy action. “National security extends beyond military might to include food systems,” he stated, urging treatment of agriculture as a security priority.
The event was hosted by Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole and Faculty Dean Prof. Oluyemisi Fawole.
…Commissioner Hails AbdulRazaq’s Commitment as NCCE Concludes Accreditation Visit to Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin
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Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been widely commended for his bold reforms and sustained investments in the education sector, particularly in revitalizing the state’s tertiary institutions.
The accolades were led by the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, during a debriefing session with the accreditation team from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), who visited the Kwara State College of Education (KWCOED), Ilorin, for the 2025 accreditation exercise of the National Certificate in Education (NCE) programme.
Describing the exercise as a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to reposition higher education in the state, the Commissioner praised Governor AbdulRazaq for rescuing the sector from near collapse. She revealed that the current administration had inherited a system plagued by neglect, including a seven-month salary backlog and several unaccredited programmes.
“Governor AbdulRazaq not only cleared the backlog but also paid over one billion naira owed to staff by the previous administration,” Hajia Modibbo Kawu stated. “The rot we met was unimaginable. What the Governor has done in a few years shows strong leadership and a sincere passion for the development of education. He is truly a listening and responsible leader.”
The Commissioner also commended the NCCE team for their professional and thorough assessment of the college, adding that their work gives hope to the future of the country. “You didn’t just point out our strengths but also gave a constructive and honest review of our challenges. It’s a reminder that integrity and professionalism still thrive in Nigeria,” she said.
She disclosed that a special task team was inaugurated in December to address key institutional challenges and that many of its recommendations are already being implemented.
Also speaking, the Acting Provost of the College, Dr. Ayinde Shehu Jawondo, expressed gratitude to the Governor for rescuing the institution from total collapse. “We were at the brink, but His Excellency’s intervention changed everything. If you had come earlier, it would have been a tragic picture,” he told the visiting team.
The Head of the NCCE accreditation team, Mrs. Chibuzor Ekuwonye, commended the college’s technical strength but clarified that their report remains provisional until the NCCE management gives final approval. She advised the college leadership to work on addressing areas of concern, especially in enhancing the learning environment.
A team member, Dr. Otuniyi, explained that their review covered both Institutional and Programme Accreditation, including leadership quality, administrative efficiency, and student support services. He emphasized the need for urgent improvements in the Directorate of Quality Assurance.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ben Udoh, another member of the team, thanked the Kwara State Government for its investments in the institution and praised the college’s management for their hospitality and openness during the visit.
Ilorin has officially entered the ranks of the world’s most promising startup cities, landing a spot in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index released by StartupBlink. The Kwara State capital debuted at 885th globally and 6th in Nigeria, a stunning leap that places it ahead of several long-established urban centres including Kano, Benin City, and Kaduna.
This is the first time Ilorin has appeared in the global index, signaling a sharp rise in its reputation as a city where ideas can thrive and startups can scale. While Nigeria as a country dropped in both global and continental rankings, Ilorin’s breakthrough offers a bold contrast and a compelling signal of regional momentum.
The ranking, accessible at https://www.startupblink.com/startupecosystemreport2025.pdf credits Ilorin’s emergence to a mix of grassroots innovation, expanding startup visibility, and decisive government backing. Much of this progress has been driven by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose administration has made innovation a cornerstone of its agenda. Investments in digital skills, tech infrastructure, and youth-led enterprise have begun to deliver tangible outcomes.
Key initiatives include the launch of state-backed innovation hubs, funding support for tech-driven solutions, partnerships with national and global accelerators, and regular bootcamps designed to turn Kwara’s youth into builders and creators. These moves have not only sparked a culture of entrepreneurship but positioned Ilorin as one of the most forward-looking cities in Nigeria’s startup scene.
As Lagos remains the national leader and Abuja posts the fastest growth, Ilorin’s entry into the top 1,000 is proof that emerging cities are capable of punching far above their weight. With a growing pool of developers, founders, and creative talent, the city is charting a new course for regional innovation.
This achievement belongs to the ecosystem builders, entrepreneurs, and bold thinkers who call Ilorin home. It marks the start of a new chapter for Kwara’s digital economy — one that signals that the global stage is no longer out of reach.
… The state government, in collaboration with the World Bank’s IMPACT project, equips frontline PHC workers with critical skills to improve labour monitoring and reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
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In a decisive move to reduce maternal mortality and improve delivery outcomes, the Kwara State Government has trained 193 health workers from Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state on the effective use of the Partograph — a critical labour-monitoring tool.
The 3-day training, which concluded on Wednesday, was organised by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA) with support from the World Bank’s IMPACT project (Immunization Plus Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services). It aimed to bridge the knowledge gap among newly recruited health workers and also served as a refresher course for existing staff.
Executive Secretary of the Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, represented by Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of Primary Health Care Systems and Programme Manager of IMPACT, said the training would equip participants with the skills needed to monitor maternal and fetal health, detect complications early, and make informed decisions for timely referrals.
“The Partograph is a lifesaving tool. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce the risks women face during childbirth,” she said, while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investment in the health sector.
Dr. Medinat Olaosebikan, Focal Person for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health + Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), added that the training would lead to measurable improvements in the quality of care at PHC facilities. “This will ensure safer deliveries, early detection of poor labour progress, and prompt interventions that protect the lives of mothers and babies,” she said.
The training is part of the administration’s broader commitment to strengthening Kwara’s healthcare system and promoting safe motherhood for all.
… 70-meter structure on Unity Road symbolizes Kwara’s rising prominence and civic pride
Kwara State has achieved a new milestone in national symbolism with the mounting of a 70-meter flagpole—now the tallest in Nigeria and West Africa—in the state capital, Ilorin. The monumental structure, located along Wahab Folawiyo Unity Road, was officially mounted on May 15th, 2025, and proudly flies a massive 14 by 21-meter Nigerian flag.
The announcement was made during the Q1 inter-ministerial press briefing by Engineer Abdulquawiy Olododo, the state’s Commissioner for works, who described the project as “a symbol of Kwara’s rising prominence and collective pride.”
Before this development, the tallest flagpole in Nigeria stood at 50 meters, located at Alau farms in Jigawa State. The new Ilorin flagpole now holds the record regionally, although the global record remains with Cairo, Egypt, where a 201.952-meter flagpole towers over the skyline.
