Kwara Rising

Category: Infrastructure

  • Kwara Governor Commended for Transforming Tertiary Education, Clearing Salary Arrears and Reviving Institutions

    Kwara Governor Commended for Transforming Tertiary Education, Clearing Salary Arrears and Reviving Institutions

    …Commissioner Hails AbdulRazaq’s Commitment as NCCE Concludes Accreditation Visit to Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin

    #KwaraRising

    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 Joins Global Roster of Startup Cities, Cracks Top 1000 for the First Time

    Ilorin Joins Global Roster of Startup Cities, Cracks Top 1000 for the First Time

    #KwaraRising

    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.

  • Kwara Trains 193 Health Workers to Tackle Maternal Mortality with Lifesaving Partograph Tool

    Kwara Trains 193 Health Workers to Tackle Maternal Mortality with Lifesaving Partograph Tool


    … 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.

  • Kwara Builds West Africa’s Tallest Flagpole in Ilorin

    Kwara Builds West Africa’s Tallest Flagpole in Ilorin

    … 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.

  • Kwara Trains Over 5,500 Students in Coding, Digital Literacy Across State

    Kwara Trains Over 5,500 Students in Coding, Digital Literacy Across State


    …Gov AbdulRazaq’s Initiative Expands to Target 7,500 Youths, Boosts Tech Education in Public Schools

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State has onboarded 5,503 students in its Coding and Digital Literacy Program, marking a significant stride in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agenda to position the state as a regional tech hub. Hon. Kayode Ishola, Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovations, disclosed this on Sunday, announcing the program’s expansion to 50 public secondary schools with a revised target of 7,500 students by 2025.

    Launched as a pilot in 2024 with 684 students across six schools, the initiative—now the largest state-led digital education program in Nigeria—equips youths with skills in coding, computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy using existing school infrastructure. As of April 25, 2025, 73.4% of the target has been met, with participation across senatorial districts: Kwara North (1,222), Kwara South (2,186), and Kwara Central (2,095). Gender inclusivity remains a highlight, with 53.4% female (2,939) and 46.6% male (2,564) trainees.

    “The program will resume seamlessly on Monday, May 5, 2025, to deliver future-ready skills as schools begin their third term,” Ishola stated, emphasizing the administration’s focus on making public schools “competitive and desirable” in tech education. Participants will receive Certificates of Participation, while schools get commendations and prompt remuneration for their roles.

    The initiative, praised by groups like Women in Tech and KidsTech Africa, aligns with AbdulRazaq’s broader vision as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Partnerships with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, further underscore its cross-sector impact.

    “This program is a testament to Kwara’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment,” the statement added, noting its role in bridging the gap between public institutions and high-cost private tech training.

  • 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

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    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.