Kwara Rising

Category: Infrastructure

  • Kwara’s Buka-Adena Bridge Nears Completion, Set to Transform Rural Connectivity

    Kwara’s Buka-Adena Bridge Nears Completion, Set to Transform Rural Connectivity

    … Moro LGA Residents Anticipate Economic Boost as Vital Infrastructure Project Reaches Final Stage

    The Kwara State Government has announced that construction work on the Buka-Adena bridge along the Jebba-Kaiama road is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s rural infrastructure development agenda.

    The project, initiated in response to longstanding complaints from Moro Local Government Area residents about the bridge’s dilapidated state, is expected to be commissioned in the coming weeks. When operational, the new bridge will serve as a critical link between remote villages and major economic centers in the region.

    “This infrastructure represents our administration’s commitment to improving rural livelihoods and stimulating economic growth,” Governor AbdulRazaq stated. “By fixing this vital connection, we’re enabling farmers to transport their produce more efficiently and giving residents better access to essential services.”

    The completion of the Buka-Adena bridge is projected to:

    • Revolutionize agricultural commerce in the region
    • Reduce transportation challenges for rural communities
    • Enhance access to healthcare and educational facilities
    • Boost overall economic activities in Moro LGA

    The Buka-Adena bridge forms part of the state government’s comprehensive road rehabilitation program, which has seen numerous critical rural roads reconstructed across Kwara State since 2023.

    According to Chief Olayinka Fafoluyi, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, the project’s timely completion demonstrates the administration’s responsiveness to community needs and its focus on even development across all parts of the state.

    Final touches are currently being applied to the bridge, with official commissioning expected before the peak of the rainy season in June. The project has already begun attracting new economic activities to the area, with several agro-businesses expressing interest in establishing operations in the region.

  • 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.

  • Kwara Govt Pushes Infrastructure Drive with 24 New Road Projects, Tallest Flagpole in West Africa

    Kwara Govt Pushes Infrastructure Drive with 24 New Road Projects, Tallest Flagpole in West Africa

    …33 projects completed, 209km of rural roads underway, FG interventions acknowledged

    The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunities across the state through a series of strategic investments aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing the lives of residents.

    At the Q1 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, said the state has awarded 24 new road projects this year alone, with six already completed. He noted that out of the 46 ongoing projects as of Q4 2024, 33 have now been fully delivered, while 11 continue into the new quarter.

    One of the flagship projects mentioned is the construction of the Agbamu–Ila-Orangun Road, described as a critical inter-state link between Kwara and Osun States, expected to spur economic activities and ease regional access.

    “More border communities will soon be opened up as part of the administration’s rural-urban integration agenda,” the Commissioner stated.

    Olododo also disclosed that projects earlier delayed due to cost variations have now resumed, including key roads in the Ilorin GRA axis and other parts of the state.

    In the area of emergency response, the Commissioner reported that the Kwara State Fire Service saved properties worth over ₦728 billion during the period under review—underscoring improvements in operational efficiency.

    He also highlighted the state’s success under the ongoing Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), with 209.77km of rural roads under construction. The project has earned Kwara two national recognitions: Best in Counterpart Funding and Best in Overall Disbursement.

    A notable highlight of the briefing was the announcement of a 70-meter flagpole—billed as the tallest in West Africa—under construction on Wahab Folawiyo Unity Road. Olododo described the initiative as “a symbol of Kwara’s rising prominence and collective pride.”

    He further acknowledged major federal road interventions across the state, including:

    ● The 49km Eyenkorin–Afon–Ojoku–Offa–Odo-Otin Road

    ● The 83km Lafiagi–Shonga–Bacita Road

    ● The 130km Bode Saadu–Kaiama–Kosubosu Road

    ● The Okuta–Gwanara–Bukuro Road

    “These state and federal investments are reshaping Kwara’s future,” he said.

    Engr. Olododo concluded by commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s visionary leadership, stating that the government remains resolute in transforming Kwara through balanced rural-urban development and long-term prosperity for all citizens.

  • CIPMN President Hails AbdulRazaq’s Urban Renewal Drive, Urges Other Governors to Emulate Kwara Model

    CIPMN President Hails AbdulRazaq’s Urban Renewal Drive, Urges Other Governors to Emulate Kwara Model

    … Calls for Ilorin circular road, masterplan review to ease population pressure and boost development

    #KwaraRising

    President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Chief Olabode Afolayan, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s urban renewal strategy, urging other Nigerian governors to adopt the Kwara model for sustainable development.

    Speaking to journalists in Ilorin during the Easter season, Afolayan described Governor AbdulRazaq’s approach as a deliberate, gradual upgrade that does not overstretch existing infrastructure while positioning the state for future growth.

    “There are quite a lot of things for other states to learn from Kwara, especially the government’s urban renewal strategy. It is being done patiently, and that’s the key to sustainable development,” he said.

    Afolayan, a former president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, noted that Kwara’s infrastructure renewal is responding to the increasing population and urban growth in Ilorin, the state capital. He praised the Governor for taking necessary steps to modernize the city and improve living standards.

    He emphasized the catalytic role of urban renewal in attracting investors and residents, adding that it will “make Kwara State an attractive place for people to settle and enjoy the best of life.”

    Afolayan proposed a bold expansion of Ilorin’s infrastructure with the inclusion of a circular road network in the city’s master plan. According to him, a road connecting Offa through Ganmo, Sango, Kwara Polytechnic, Sobi, Oloje, Ogundele, and the airport, back to Ganmo, would decongest the city centre and allow seamless travel across key areas without entering Ilorin’s core.

    “Such a circular road, though capital intensive, is crucial. It should be designed and embedded in the master plan for future administrations to build upon,” he added.

    He also stressed the importance of a robust maintenance system for the new infrastructure projects, noting that “these initiatives cost a lot of money, and it is only right that proper maintenance structures are established to protect the investment.”

    The CIPMN President expressed confidence in the vision of Governor AbdulRazaq, describing his leadership as forward-thinking and people-centred. “He has started well, and I wish him well,” Afolayan concluded.

  • Ibrahim Taiwo/Popo Road in Offa Nears Completion Under Governor AbdulRazaq’s Road Renewal Drive

    Ibrahim Taiwo/Popo Road in Offa Nears Completion Under Governor AbdulRazaq’s Road Renewal Drive

    … 95% milestone achieved as project promises economic boost and improved mobility

    KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has announced that the upgrade of the Ibrahim Taiwo Road/Popo Road in Offa Local Government Area is 95 percent completed — signaling another major stride in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s widely celebrated rural-urban renewal initiative.

    The near-completion of the road has been met with widespread commendation from residents, traders, and road users who hail the Governor’s commitment to revitalizing infrastructure across all three senatorial districts of the state. They describe Governor AbdulRazaq as a visionary leader whose focus on inclusive development has brought long-overdue progress to underserved communities.

    Expected to significantly ease vehicular movement and improve safety, the upgraded road will also serve as a catalyst for local commerce, providing smoother access for traders and buyers within and outside Offa.

    The project is one of many under the AbdulRazaq-led administration’s infrastructural overhaul, which has delivered numerous township and rural roads, as well as landmark projects like the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover at Tanke and the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover at Unity Roundabout in Ilorin.

  • Kwara Govt Trains 1,800 Primary School Teachers in Digital Literacy, Classroom Innovation

    Kwara Govt Trains 1,800 Primary School Teachers in Digital Literacy, Classroom Innovation

    … Workshop aims to equip teachers with 21st-century skills for improved learning outcomes

    No fewer than 1,800 primary school teachers drawn from the sixteen Local Government Areas of Kwara State are currently participating in a ten-day capacity-building workshop focused on digital literacy, classroom innovation, and modern teaching methods.

    The workshop, which began on Monday at Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin, is organised by KwaraLEARN in collaboration with the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB) and the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

    It forms part of the state’s broader education reform strategy aimed at enhancing learning outcomes through teacher empowerment.

    In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, charged the teachers to remain committed to their critical role in shaping the future of the state by equipping young learners with the right knowledge and values.

    Dr. Olohungbebe emphasised that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration is focused on transitioning from analog to digital education through continuous teacher training and deployment of digital tools in classrooms.

    “The purpose of this training is to empower our teachers to meet the challenges of the digital age. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is committed to global best practices in education, and this workshop is one of several initiatives aimed at transforming our learning environment,” he said.

    The Commissioner expressed confidence that the training will have a direct positive impact on classroom teaching and learning, urging the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity and apply the knowledge gained for the advancement of their pupils and the education sector at large.

    The Managing Director of KwaraLEARN, Mrs. Laide Abel, congratulated the participants and encouraged them to be actively engaged throughout the sessions in order to derive maximum benefit from the programme.

    The workshop continues through the week, with hands-on sessions designed to make classrooms more engaging, inclusive, and tech-savvy for today’s learners.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Agbamu-Ila Orangun Road, Drives Infrastructure Push Across Kwara South

    Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Agbamu-Ila Orangun Road, Drives Infrastructure Push Across Kwara South

    … Omu Aran- Oro Ago road, Esie Arandun roads 90% completed: Olododo

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    In a renewed drive to enhance connectivity and economic viability across rural and semi-urban areas, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the construction of the long-anticipated Agbamu–Ila Orangun Road, further cementing his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development across the state.

    The state’s Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, announced the commencement of the project on Tuesday during an inspection tour of ongoing road constructions across the Kwara South Senatorial District.

    “For the first time in decades, our people are feeling the real impact of governance through these road projects. Governor AbdulRazaq is deliberately building a state that is economically viable by unlocking rural communities through infrastructure,” Olododo said.

    Among the major projects inspected were the newly approved Agbamu–Ila Orangun Kwara/Osun boundary road awarded to CPN Construction Company Ltd; Sabaja–Oba Isin–Owa Onire Road handled by Fik Construction and Engineering Ltd; Palace Road, Ijagbo and Fagbemi Road in Oyun Local Government, awarded to Ultimate Construction Company; and the Ibrahim Taiwo Road/Popo Road in Offa, now 95% completed by Craneburg Construction Company.

    Olododo also confirmed the completion of the Omu Aran–Oro Ago road and noted that the Esie–Arandun road stands at 90% completion. He further disclosed plans to begin phased rehabilitation of the Igbaja–Oke Ode road to improve accessibility and ease of travel within the region.

    During a stop in Agbamu, the commissioner paid homage to the Arigbamu of Agbamu Kingdom, Oba Samuel Olaniyi Dare, who praised the administration for approving a road project the community had been clamoring for since 1993.

    “We have dreamt of this road since 1993. What Governor AbdulRazaq has done is nothing short of trailblazing. We are grateful and stand fully in support of this administration,” the monarch said.

    The Chairman of the Agbamu Development Union, Commandant Kayode Oyinloye, echoed similar sentiments, noting the visible impact of the AbdulRazaq-led administration in the area while appealing for more government interventions to address other pressing needs.

    Olododo also paid a condolence visit to the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, over the recent passing of his mother, Alhaja Hawawu Awele Gbadamosi. He described the late matriarch as a woman of exceptional warmth and service to humanity.

    The Commissioner was accompanied on the tour by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Mudashirua Yusuf Oladimeji, and the Director of Civil Engineering at the Ministry of Works, Engr. Akanbi Moshood.

  • 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.

  • 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

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    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.