Kwara Rising

Category: Infrastructure

  • Kwara State Ministry of Youths Development Seeks Collaboration with CAC to Empower Young Entrepreneurs

    Kwara State Ministry of Youths Development Seeks Collaboration with CAC to Empower Young Entrepreneurs

    …Commissioner Amb. Ndanusa Usman Shehu Leads Delegation to CAC Office.

    In a bid to foster enhanced collaborations aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and driving economic growth, the Kwara State Ministry of Youths Development, led by the Commissioner, Amb. Ndanusa Usman Shehu, has paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Ilorin.

    According to a release from the Ministry, the visit was aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs by simplifying business registration processes, providing mentorship, and ensuring compliance with regulatory policies. Amb. Ndanusa emphasized that the partnership with CAC would create opportunities for youths in the state, particularly in areas such as business registration, access to regulatory support, and capacity-building initiatives.

    “We seek to partner with you to simplify the process of formalizing youths-led businesses, provide mentorship, and encourage compliance with business regulations to promote sustainable entrepreneurship. This engagement reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and economic development,” the Commissioner stated during the meeting.

    The Director of CAC, Mr. Tunde Adeoti, welcomed the initiative, noting that the Commission had been engaging with various state ministries, parastatals, and agencies to educate youths on the importance of business registration. He highlighted the significance of youths’ participation in the formal economy and assured that the Commission would explore ways to provide technical support, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building programs tailored to young entrepreneurs.

    Mr. Adeoti further emphasized the benefits of formalizing businesses, stating that registered entities could access government support and attract foreign investors for partnerships. “The Federal Government is committed to transforming informal businesses into formal entities, helping them grow and stabilize, which will ultimately contribute to economic growth,” he added.

    The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply of the Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Funmilola Adenike Ajide; Director of Youths, Alh. Abdulsalam Akeem; Assistant Director of Administration, Mr. Sikiru Aminu; Assistant Director of CAC, Mrs. Mujidat Bashar; and Principal Youths Development Officer, Mr. Taofik Zubair.

  • Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Drives Urban Renewal with Upgrade of Key Ilorin Road

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Drives Urban Renewal with Upgrade of Key Ilorin Road

    …Post Office – Emirs Road – Isale Oja Reconstruction to Boost Commerce, Ease Traffic in Kwara Capital

    As part of his administration’s aggressive urban-rural renewal agenda, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commenced the upgrade of the bustling Post Office – Emirs Road – Isale Oja Road in Ilorin, a critical artery connecting businesses, markets, and residential communities.

    The project, which includes reconstruction and modernization of the road, aims to enhance vehicular movement, improve access to the iconic Oja Oba market, and stimulate economic activities in the state capital.

    Recognized as one of Kwara’s busiest commercial corridors, the road’s upgrade is expected to reduce gridlock, bolster trade, and uplift the livelihoods of thousands of residents and traders.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has prioritized infrastructure development over the past five years, channeling investments into road construction and rehabilitation across urban and rural communities.

    This latest project aligns with his vision to bridge infrastructure gaps, drive economic growth, and improve the quality of life for Kwarans.

    The Post Office – Emirs Road – Isale Oja project joins a growing list of completed and ongoing road upgrades under AbdulRazaq’s tenure, including rural access roads linking agrarian communities to urban markets. These efforts have earned the Governor bipartisan acclaim, positioning Kwara as a state on the rise

  • Kwara TESCOM Nears Recruitment Finish Line, Extends Gratitude to 4,163 Interviewees

    …State Commission: Merit, Equity, and Local Needs Guide Final Selection

    According to a release by the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), the agency has entered the final phase of its teacher recruitment drive, commending applicants for their participation in a process reflecting public confidence in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.

    Per the statement, 4,163 candidates were screened and interviewed out of 5,290 initially invited, with 2,169 females and 1,994 males participating. The commission noted that 54.1% (2,252) of interviewees applied for STEM-related subjects, highlighting efforts to address critical educational gaps.

    TESCOM Chairman Mallam Bello Taoheed, according to the release, confirmed the commission will finalize 1,800 hires, prioritizing merit, equity, and local government needs. “We wish we could employ everyone who excelled, but vacancies are limited,” he stated. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after internal reviews and must undergo mandatory drug tests by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The chairman emphasized transparency in the process, which included computer-based tests and interviews, attributing the gap between invited and interviewed applicants to absences or unmet criteria.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Upgrades Ibrahim Taiwo Road to Boost Traffic Flow and Economic Growth

    Governor AbdulRazaq Upgrades Ibrahim Taiwo Road to Boost Traffic Flow and Economic Growth

    … Kwara State Government Continues Infrastructure Investments

    The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, is currently upgrading Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Ilorin as part of its rural-urban development initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure across the state.

    Recognized as one of Ilorin’s busiest commercial roads, Ibrahim Taiwo Road serves as a major link for businesses and commuters. The ongoing upgrade is expected to improve vehicular movement, reduce traffic congestion, and boost economic activities in the area.

    Over the last five years, Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has made massive investments in infrastructure, particularly in road construction, rehabilitation, and expansion, acknowledging its crucial role in economic growth and development.

    The upgrade of Ibrahim Taiwo Road is one of many road projects being executed across the state to improve urban mobility and enhance rural connectivity. Similar to completed and ongoing road projects, this initiative has drawn widespread commendation from residents and stakeholders, further reinforcing Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to transforming Kwara’s infrastructure.

  • Kwara Garment Factory Supplies High-Quality Apparel for Renewed Hope Initiative’s Agricultural Programs

    Kwara Garment Factory Supplies High-Quality Apparel for Renewed Hope Initiative’s Agricultural Programs

    …Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s revival gives a new lease of life to the textile industry in Kwara


    Kwara Garment Factory has successfully delivered premium-quality polo T-shirts, trousers, and bucket hats for the Young Farmers Club and the Women Agricultural Support Programme—two flagship initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative led by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON.

    These programs are designed to empower young farmers and women in agriculture, providing them with essential resources to enhance productivity and growth in the sector.

    Speaking on the delivery, the Managing Director of Kwara Garment Factory, Hajia Bukola Adedeji, reaffirmed the factory’s dedication to excellence and its commitment to supporting impactful national initiatives.

    “At Kwara Garment Factory, we are committed to excellence in garment production and are honored to contribute to this transformative initiative. Our goal is to provide durable, high-quality apparel that supports productivity and instills a sense of pride among participants.”

  • Kwara Government Launches Digital and Coding Training for 50 Public Schools

    Kwara Government Launches Digital and Coding Training for 50 Public Schools

    …. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Expands Tech Education to Bridge Digital Divide

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has launched a Coding and Digital Literacy training programme aimed at equipping students from 50 public primary and junior secondary schools with essential digital skills.

    The programme, spearheaded by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, Hon. Ishola Kayode, was officially flagged off on Tuesday by the Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, on behalf of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    Speaking at the launch held at Bishop Smith Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, Salau emphasized that the initiative is part of the administration’s broader investment in education and technology.

    “We are now faced with the reality of the digital revolution. So, what we have done today is to flag off the training for digital literacy in 50 schools in Kwara State,” he stated.

    He added that the programme targets over 150 students in each of the selected schools and aims to provide them with a strong foundation in digital skills, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

    Among the schools in Ilorin benefiting from the pilot phase are Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin Grammar School, and Sheikh Alimi L.G.E.A Primary School.

    Hon. Ishola highlighted the importance of digital literacy in problem-solving and community development.

    “Public school students should not lag behind in the digital world. They should be digitally literate and capable of solving problems in their communities using technology,” he said.

    According to him, the pilot phase includes 15 schools from Kwara Central, 13 from the North, and 22 from the South, with plans for expansion after a data-driven assessment of the programme’s impact.

    Mrs. Akanbi Janet Ayoola, Principal of Bishop Smith College (Junior Session), commended the initiative, describing it as one of the best decisions by the state government in an era where technology and artificial intelligence play a crucial role in daily life.

    Students, including Opadili Dorcas Boluwatife and Akinola Kolawole Abdulrahman, expressed their gratitude to the government, promising to make the most of the opportunity to enhance their digital knowledge and compete on a global scale.

  • Kwara Government Creates Two New Ministries to Enhance Governance Efficiency

    Kwara Government Creates Two New Ministries to Enhance Governance Efficiency

    The Kwara State Executive Council has approved the creation of two new ministries as part of a major restructuring aimed at improving governance efficiency, enhancing coordination, and aligning with the state’s growing developmental priorities.

    The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, presided over by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, following a memorandum presented by the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed.

    As part of the restructuring, the Ministry of Livestock Development has been carved out of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This move is intended to bolster food security, strengthen livestock farming across Kwara’s 16 local government areas, and address the challenges associated with large-scale livestock production. The new ministry will play a key role in supporting farmers, herders, processors, and distributors across the livestock value chain, ensuring a more specialized focus on livestock development.

    The council also approved the creation of the Ministry of Transportation, separating it from the Ministry of Works and Transport. This restructuring is designed to establish a well-organized transportation management system, ensuring efficient mobility for residents and optimizing the state’s expanding infrastructure network. As part of this reorganization, the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency (KWARTMA) will now be placed under the Ministry of Transportation instead of the Ministry of Works.

    With these adjustments, Kwara State now has 22 ministries, up from 20, further strengthening the Governor AbdulRazaq-led administration’s commitment to streamlining governance and improving public service delivery. The restructuring is expected to enhance the effectiveness of government operations and ensure better service delivery across key sectors.

  • TESCOM Adjusts Interview Schedule for Teaching Job Applicants

    TESCOM Adjusts Interview Schedule for Teaching Job Applicants

    #KwaraRising


    The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has adjusted the timetable for the ongoing screening and interview of applicants for teaching positions in public secondary schools across the state.

    According to an updated statement by TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile, the interview, which began on Tuesday with applicants from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Oke Ero, will now follow a revised schedule for the remaining candidates.

    Under the new arrangement, all interview sessions will now hold exclusively at the KWASU International Conference Centre, including the session previously scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025.

    Revised Interview Schedule
    Day 2 (February 26, 2025)

    Baruten – 150
    Edu – 601
    Patigi – 281
    Kaiama – 93
    Irepodun – 372
    Isin – 225
    Total: 1,722
    Day 3 (February 27, 2025)

    Ifelodun – 413
    Moro – 232
    Offa – 308
    Ekiti – 200
    Oyun – 231
    Total: 1,384
    Day 4 (February 28, 2025)

    Ilorin West – 1,310
    Non-Kwarans – 362
    Total: 1,672
    All applicants who have been invited for the interview are expected to adhere to the revised schedule and ensure their appearance at the designated venue.

    TESCOM reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process, urging candidates to arrive on time and bring along the required original documents for verification.

  • Kwara Government Urges Farmers to Adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture for Better Yields

    Kwara Government Urges Farmers to Adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture for Better Yields

    …Governor AbdulRazaq Prioritizes Sustainable Farming for Food Security and Economic Growth

    The Kwara State Government has once again called on farmers to embrace climate-smart agricultural technologies to improve productivity and mitigate losses caused by unpredictable weather patterns. This charge was given by the Project Coordinator of the Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, during a workshop for Women’s Agricultural Cooperatives and Women’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on climate-smart agricultural practices. The event was held in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area as part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable farming across the state.

    Dr. Busari emphasized that many of the losses suffered by farmers today result from noncompliance with modern, climate-adaptive agricultural techniques. He stated that the government is intensifying awareness campaigns to ensure that Kwara farmers adopt sustainable farming methods to avert losses and increase food production.

    He further explained that the timing of the workshop was strategic, as the planting season is fast approaching. “This initiative is a crucial part of the SAPZ program, and farmers must apply the knowledge gained here to boost their productivity,” he said.

    The SAPZ Coordinator also warned against environmentally harmful practices such as bush burning, overgrazing, and deforestation, which contribute to soil degradation, reduced crop yields, and climate change-related agricultural challenges.

    Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr. Femi Yusuf, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his grassroots approach to governance and dedication to farmers’ welfare. He praised the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion in agriculture, noting that such initiatives empower women to play active roles in the state’s agricultural value chain.

    “The passion of this administration for inclusive and sustainable agriculture is commendable. Ifelodun Local Government is fully prepared to leverage this initiative to improve food security and economic development,” Yusuf stated.

    The resource person for the workshop, Mr. Gbadebo Elebiyo, advised farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns by using drought-resistant seeds and improving livestock breeds with local varieties. He stressed that climate change is altering traditional farming cycles, making it essential for farmers to embrace new techniques that ensure resilience and profitability.

    The workshop drew participation from key agricultural stakeholders, including Hon. Abdulganiyu Folabi Salahu, a member representing Omupo Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, representatives of the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), Mekunu Peoples Forum, and other agricultural groups.

    With this initiative, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration continues to champion innovative agricultural solutions to boost food security, increase farmers’ earnings, and sustain Kwara’s agricultural economy. The SAPZ program remains a key pillar of this strategy, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to adapt to climate change and maximize productivity.

  • 5,928 Applicants Advance as Kwara TESCOM Releases Cutoff Marks.

    5,928 Applicants Advance as Kwara TESCOM Releases Cutoff Marks.

    … Interview Schedule for Teachers’ Recruitment

    #KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has invited 5,928 applicants for interviews and screenings as part of the ongoing recruitment of 1,800 senior school teachers. The exercise, which follows the recently concluded Computer-Based Test (CBT), will take place from Tuesday, February 25, to Saturday, March 1, 2025.

    According to a statement released by TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile, applicants can check their status on the recruitment portal to confirm their eligibility for the next phase.

    Cutoff Marks and Special Considerations
    TESCOM Chairman, Mallam Bello Taoheed, announced the cutoff scores for different categories of applicants, ensuring that qualified candidates from across the state are fairly represented:

    Non-STEM subjects:

    Kwara Indigenes: 60%
    Baruten, Isin, Oke Ero, and Patigi Indigenes: 50% (to encourage more applications from these areas)
    Non-Indigenes: 70%
    STEM Subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Geography):

    All Kwara Indigenes: 50% (to accommodate the demand for STEM teachers across the state)
    Special Consideration:

    All 93 applicants from Kaiama Local Government Area automatically qualify for the interview.
    All 37 Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) who sat the CBT are also invited for the interview.
    Interview Schedule and Venues
    The interviews and screenings will take place at two designated venues:

    Tuesday – Thursday: KWASU International Conference Centre, Sango, Ilorin
    Friday – Saturday: Kwara State Banquet Hall
    Day-by-day schedule for the interviews:

    Day 1 (Feb 25) – Asa (186), Ilorin East (502), Ilorin South (205), Oke Ero (193) Total: 1,086
    Day 2 (Feb 26) – Baruten (150), Edu (601), Patigi (281), Kaiama (93) Total: 1,125
    Day 3 (Feb 27) – Ifelodun (413), Irepodun (372), Isin (225) Total: 1,070
    Day 4 (Feb 28) – Moro (232), Offa (308), Ekiti (200), Oyun (231), Non-Kwarans (362) Total: 1,336
    Day 5 (March 1) – Ilorin West (1,310)
    Required Documents and Drug Testing
    Applicants must attend the interview with original copies of their credentials, including:

    NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate
    Birth Certificate or Court Affidavit (dated no earlier than June 30, 2024)
    Shortlisted candidates will also undergo a mandatory drug test at NDLEA-approved centers before their final selection.

    “This is a highly competitive process, and only 1,800 applicants will be selected to join public senior secondary schools across Kwara State,” the statement added.

    The Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration continues to prioritize quality education and merit-based recruitment, ensuring that only the most qualified and competent teachers are engaged to shape the future of Kwara’s students.