Category: Infrastructure

  • Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Champions Digital Empowerment and Infrastructure Development in Kwara

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Champions Digital Empowerment and Infrastructure Development in Kwara

    …As first lady visits, commissions projects

    #KwaraRising

    Excitement filled the air in Ilorin on Tuesday as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commenced a three-day visit to Kwara State. The visit, marked by the unveiling of several landmark projects, underscored Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to digital empowerment, healthcare, and infrastructure development in the state.

    First Lady Inaugurates Key Projects

    Senator Tinubu’s visit began with the inauguration of the ICT Community Centre at the Kwara State University of Education, a project built by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a foundation led by the First Lady.

    The centre is expected to provide invaluable opportunities for youth and women, equipping them with essential ICT skills to break traditional barriers and access new opportunities.

    The First Lady also inaugurated an ultra-modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Dr. Amuda Aluko Ward, two major healthcare projects initiated by Governor AbdulRazaq.

    These facilities are set to significantly enhance the state’s healthcare delivery system.

    Groundbreaking Ceremonies and Project Tours

    Over the next two days, Senator Tinubu is scheduled to unveil or conduct groundbreaking ceremonies for several other projects. These include the Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover and the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon Flyover, both of which are set for inauguration on Wednesday.

    Additionally, the rescheduled groundbreaking ceremony for the Oluremi Tinubu Hospital will take place on Wednesday.

    The First Lady will also tour other iconic projects initiated by Governor AbdulRazaq, such as the Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, and the Garment Factory.

    These projects are reputed to be among the best of their kind in the country, reflecting the governor’s vision for a technologically advanced and economically vibrant Kwara State.

    *State Dinner and Royal Homage*

    Later on Tuesday, the First Lady attended a state dinner organized in her honor by the Kwara State government at the Flower Garden, a recently revitalized recreational facility that was once a hideout for criminal activities.

    The event was attended by prominent figures, including Vice President’s wife Nana Shettima, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, First Ladies from across the country, federal and state parliamentarians, cabinet members, and party elders.

    Senator Tinubu also paid a visit to the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who offered prayers for President Tinubu, the First Lady, and Governor AbdulRazaq.

    The Emir praised the governor for his achievements and unwavering support for the President.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s Vision for a Digital Future

    Speaking at the inauguration of the ICT Community Centre, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu and the First Lady for their impactful initiatives. He emphasized the importance of technology in securing a prosperous future for the people of Kwara.

    “Technology is here to stay, and the only path forward is to aggressively invest in the skills and infrastructure that will secure a prosperous future for our people,” the Governor said. “As we commission this ICT Community Centre today, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Her Excellency and the Renewed Hope Initiative for this remarkable investment in our community and youth.”

    The Governor also commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, for their support in realizing the project’s objectives.

    A Call to Protect and Utilize New Facilities

    Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the Governor’s wife, urged the host school and users of the new ICT Centre to protect the facility and take full advantage of its services. She highlighted the project’s role in promoting digital empowerment and fostering a technology-enabled equitable future for all Nigerians.

    The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, reiterated the President’s commitment to harnessing the potentials of digital innovation to drive national prosperity and inclusivity.

    Food Support for the Vulnerable

    As part of her visit, the First Lady, led by Nana Shettima, distributed food support to vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Initiative and ASR Initiative. Governor AbdulRazaq commended this intervention, expressing his gratitude to the First Lady for her efforts in alleviating the plight of the less privileged.

    The three-day visit of Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Kwara State not only highlights the significant strides made under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration but also shows the collaborative efforts between the state and federal governments in driving development and empowerment across Nigeria.

  • Tafawa Balewa Road: Governor AbdulRazaq Honors Nigeria’s History with Infrastructure Upgrade

    Tafawa Balewa Road: Governor AbdulRazaq Honors Nigeria’s History with Infrastructure Upgrade

    #KwaraRising

    The long-awaited upgrade of the road leading to the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover in Ilorin, Kwara State, has been completed and fully opened for public use. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, announced the development while commissioning the project, which connects the Tanke Junction to the flyover, a significant route for Kwarans.

    In a gesture that highlights the state’s commitment to honoring Nigeria’s rich history, the Governor declared the newly upgraded road will now be named Tafawa Balewa Road, in remembrance of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

    This decision serves as a tribute to Balewa’s enduring legacy and acknowledges his contributions to Nigeria before his tragic demise in the January 1966 coup.

    The upgrade of this vital road is part of Governor AbdulRazaq’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure across Kwara State, ensuring better connectivity and enhanced quality of life for residents.

  • Nigeria’s First Lady Arrives in Ilorin for Project Inauguration, Unity Flyover Named After Emir of Ilorin

    Nigeria’s First Lady Arrives in Ilorin for Project Inauguration, Unity Flyover Named After Emir of Ilorin

    …Governor AbdulRazaq, PGF Chair Uzodinma, and Dignitaries Welcome Oluremi Tinubu for Two-Day Event

    #KwaraRising

    The Nation’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Ilorin on Tuesday morning to a warm reception by dignitaries led by Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The visit marks the commencement of a two-day event featuring the inauguration of key projects and the groundbreaking of a new hospital.

    The First Lady’s itinerary began at the Kwara State University of Education, where she inaugurated the ICT Community Centre, Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Amuda Aluko Ward, all funded by her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). She also led the distribution of food support to vulnerable groups under the RHI program.

    Later, Mrs. Tinubu paid homage to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, who chairs the Kwara State Council of Chiefs. The Emir’s contributions to peace, development, and his fatherly role in the Emirate were recognized as Governor AbdulRazaq announced the naming of the newly constructed Unity Flyover in his honour. The flyover will be officially inaugurated on Wednesday.

    In another highlight of the visit, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Oluremi Tinubu Hospital. The multi-storey facility is being constructed on the site of the old civil service clinic, symbolizing a significant upgrade in healthcare infrastructure for the state.

    The First Lady’s entourage included the wives of the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief of Staff, as well as First Ladies from across Nigeria, federal and state lawmakers, top government officials, and party leaders. Notable attendees included Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Saliu Yakubu, Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North), and House of Representatives member Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya.

    Religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, and CAN Chairman Bishop Sunday Adewole, were also present at the event, showcasing the significance of the occasion.

  • Kwara State Acquires 5,000 Hectares for Livestock and Industrial Park Development

    Kwara State Acquires 5,000 Hectares for Livestock and Industrial Park Development

    The Kwara State government has made significant strides in its development agenda by acquiring 3,000 hectares of land in Malete, Moro Local Government Area, for livestock production. In addition, another 2,000 hectares have been secured for the construction of an Industrial Park along the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road.

    This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), Abdulkareem Sulyman, during an interview with LEADERSHIP in Ilorin on Monday. Sulyman revealed that the payment of compensation for the land in Malete has reached 70% completion, while the compensation process for the land along Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road is currently underway.

    KwaraRising can report that Sulyman also highlighted the progress on the Ilorin SmartCity project, with preliminary activities already completed on 19,000 hectares earmarked for the initiative. This project is part of the state’s broader vision to drive urban development and economic growth.

    The KWGIS Chairman noted that ongoing reforms, including the collation and harmonization of all land-related agencies and the transition from analogue to digital land operations, have significantly reduced bottlenecks and enhanced efficiency. These reforms have also curtailed the activities of land grabbers, ensuring smoother land administration in the state.

    “The success of my agency is tied to the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has ensured that all developmental activities align with the state’s master plan, promoting growth and rapid development,” Sulyman stated. He emphasized that the automation of land administration has not only streamlined processes but also boosted the state’s internally generated revenue.

    Sulyman clarified that the ongoing reclamation exercise of government setbacks around public offices and institutions is a federal government directive aimed at enhancing security across the country. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for its residents.

    With these strategic land acquisitions and reforms, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq continues to lay a solid foundation for Kwara State’s sustainable development and economic transformation.

  • Kwara State Government Drives Agricultural Transformation with Food Processing Initiatives

    Kwara State Government Drives Agricultural Transformation with Food Processing Initiatives

    The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has taken a systematic approach to developing the state as a major location for food processing and value chain addition. This vision was recently underlined when the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, paid a visit to the “I-Need Rice Mill” at Elerinjare Ibobo Community, facilitated by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The visit highlighted the commitment of the state in changing the face of Kwara’s agricultural landscape through the promotion of local processing to reduce dependence on imported goods.

    During her visit, Mrs. Thomas commended the “I-Need Rice Mill” for playing a vital role in the elevation of Kwara State’s agricultural profile. According to her, the government is strategically focusing on processing goods in the state in order to add value, stimulate local economies, and create jobs. “We are building a new Kwara, one which not only produces but also processes and adds value to our agricultural commodities, particularly rice,” she said. The commissioner emphasized that the status of Kwara as the leading producer of rice puts the state in a position to dominate the area of processing, hence guaranteeing the locals’ benefitting from locally produced and processed food.

    Advancing Value Addition and Export Potential

    The Commissioner also flagged the huge successes recorded by the “I-Need Rice Mill,” which has a 100-ton rice polishing machine and produces more than 2,000 bags of rice every day. He said this was in consonance with the state’s goals of reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing livelihoods along the agricultural value chain. Mrs. Thomas extolled the commitment of the mill to gender inclusion, as it involves women in its workforce, in line with Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision for empowerment and gender equality.

    Mr. Tajudeen Olaoye from the NEPC praised the government’s advancements in agriculture and expressed the council’s dedication to promoting Kwara’s agricultural products for export. “Kwara State, under Governor AbdulRazaq, has made significant progress in farming, harvest, and food processing. Our goal is to support this progress, especially in rice processing, which holds great potential for national and global markets,” Olaoye noted.

    The Chairman of I-Need Agro-Allied Investment Ltd., Mr. Sodiq Ibrahim, praised the government and NEPC for unrelenting support, saying it would continue showing its mission to contribute to Kwara development. His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Bello—Olaitan II—Olusabi of Elerinjare Ibobo, also applauded the state government’s commitment in agricultural development, community building, and promised continued investment in his community.

    The facility tour, which includes the cassava processing unit, paddy rice storage, and rice processing plants, further explains the holistic approach by the government to ensure maximum exploitation of every aspect of the agricultural value chain. There is a new benchmark being set by Kwara State, away from raw material production and towards becoming the leading food processor and exporter in Nigeria—a move guaranteeing long-term economic growth and food security for the state.

  • Governor AbdulRahman’s Ambitious Projects Redefine Ilorin’s Landscape, Earning Widespread Praise from Residents and Visitors Alike

    Governor AbdulRahman’s Ambitious Projects Redefine Ilorin’s Landscape, Earning Widespread Praise from Residents and Visitors Alike

    Over a year ago, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, flagged off a gigantic urban renewal project in the Ilorin metropolis—a development that raised eyebrows among the populace, especially those whose properties were affected. These properties, many of which were built in contravention of environmental laws, had been ignored by past administrations, hence an unbridled urban sprawl ensued. But this administration was resolved to redevelop the city and went ahead, signaling an end to business as usual.

    The urban renewal programme has since transformed areas like the Post Office, once a chaotic hub of hawkers, into a model of neatness and infrastructure. There have been major upgrades in the Challenge area, Ajase-Ipo road, and Taiwo road, including a new overhead bridge that has eased traffic congestion. The beautification and reconstruction of the inner roads have equally left the residents and visitors in awe of the metamorphosis of Ilorin, with many expressing amazement at visible changes during the festive season.

    Citizens and Visitors Laud Ilorin’s Transformation

    Visitors and residents have alike lauded the impressive infrastructure developments. Faith Awofadeju from Kano commended the improved road networks; Abiodun Babatunde from Ibadan expressed his amazement at the transformation of the Post Office area, saying new rules must be put in place to keep things in order; Engr. Onoja Olushola acknowledged the progress but urged the completion of the ongoing projects. Adebisi Sunday from Lagos also commended the government’s efforts despite economic challenges, appealing to motorists to be safety-conscious on the roads and the administration to continue the development drive.

    Other visitors, like Femi Raphael from Abuja, noted the economic potential of the transformation and how it has changed the lives of citizens positively. Oyinloye Alex, from Port Harcourt, lauded the construction of new roads and flyovers but emphasized the need for their maintenance to ensure the sustenance of modernization in the city. The State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, assured the people that the government is committed to inclusive development, with so many road projects going on in different parts of the state.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s Vision for Kwara’s Future

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reiterated his administration’s determination to transform Kwara at the 59th National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, saying such projects as Ilorin Smart City and State University of Education did not only show an intention to build but also an intent to develop economically. He said with those monumental projects, Ilorin is now in the league of major capital cities in Nigeria.

    The president of IEDPU, Dr. Alagbonsi, also praised the administration and called for more expansion to benefit Ilorin and the state at large. In line with this, from 2023, more than 190 projects were flagged off and are ongoing; the trend is that of long-term development by the administration. Citizens and visitors in the city, seeing its magnanimous transformation, hope that these steps will continue to attract another dimension of growth and development for Kwara State.