Category: News

…Olupo, stakeholders laud Governor’s achievements, highlight fresh community needs 

The Kwara State Government on Thursday concluded its citizens’ engagement for the 2026 budget in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, giving residents of Kwara South a platform to shape the next fiscal plan.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Olubukola Babalola, said the engagements are designed to ensure that the state budget reflects the true needs and aspirations of citizens across all districts.

“For a budget to be effective, it must reflect the needs of the people. Our government believes that planning for the people without the people is planning to fail. That is why this engagement is crucial,” the Governor said.

He added that past engagements had produced results in healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, and education, stressing the need to deepen government–citizen partnership for inclusive and sustainable development.

Deputy Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Oyebode, commended the administration’s investment in road infrastructure in the region, citing the ongoing Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road. He also requested more roads linking rural communities to markets.

Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the exercise underscores AbdulRazaq’s commitment to listening to the people. She noted that projects across Kwara South have shown that development is spread across the state.

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, listed key projects in the region, including Ajase-Ipo to Bayero road, Arandun-Esie-Oro road, and Ijara-Isin-Sabaja-Owa Onire road, while announcing upcoming contracts such as Omu Aran township road and Olofa Way in Offa.

Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, disclosed that work will begin at the long-abandoned Offa stadium within two weeks, while housing projects are underway to benefit at least 600 households in Kwara South.

Council chairmen and community leaders praised the Governor’s open-door policy, requesting additional roads, water projects, and security interventions.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, commended AbdulRazaq’s people-focused governance, declaring the full support of monarchs in the region for his administration.

The engagement marks the final leg of the three-phase consultation, following similar sessions in Bode Saadu (Kwara North) and Afon (Kwara Central).

… Commissioner says new equipment will boost electricity, strengthen security, and drive economic growth across the state

The Kwara State Government has procured 30 new electricity transformers as part of efforts to improve power supply, enhance security, and stimulate economic growth across communities in the state.

Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Kola AbdulAzeez AbdulGaniy, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Ministry’s premises while receiving the second batch of the transformers.

He explained that the first batch of 16 transformers was received on August 15, 2025, while the remaining 14 arrived earlier today.

Engr. AbdulGaniy said the initiative underscores the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the welfare and security of citizens, noting that access to reliable electricity is critical for economic development, social well-being, and safer communities.

He assured that the administration will continue to prioritize infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of residents, stressing that the new transformers will be deployed to areas of need across the state.

…Administration records 90.6% budget performance in 2024, completes 120km of roads in two years

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance, saying the state budget will continue to reflect the true needs of citizens.

The Governor spoke at the Citizens’ Engagement on the 2026 budget held in Afon, Asa Local Government, where residents from across Kwara Central gathered to present their priorities for the coming fiscal year.

“We are here for the second of the three-legged citizens’ engagement on the 2026 budget. This is for the people of Kwara Central to have their input in the next budget cycle,” the Governor said. “The whole idea of this engagement is to democratise the budget process in line with global best practices of transparency and inclusion.”

Governor AbdulRazaq, who was joined by lawmakers and top officials, said previous engagements had shaped the administration’s policies and projects since 2019, leading to visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, job creation, and food security. He assured residents that the administration would build on its record despite the challenges of governance.

Stakeholders at the event, including traditional rulers, lawmakers, community leaders, and government officials, lauded the administration’s achievements and presented fresh demands ranging from rural road construction to water supply and market upgrades.

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed that the government has completed 120km of roads in the last two years, apart from hundreds of kilometres still ongoing. Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the engagement underscored the Governor’s belief that citizens’ voices must guide policy decisions.

Director of Budget, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, announced that Kwara achieved 90.6% budget performance in 2024, the highest in recent years, with capital projects accounting for the bulk of spending.

Stakeholders including Asa LGA Chairman Alhaji Shehu Yahaya, Hon. Yunus Oniboki, Hon. Arinola Lawal, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, and other leaders commended the Governor for his inclusive leadership and sectoral interventions.

The Governor said the administration’s determination is to “beat its own record of good and impactful governance” while urging citizens to continue to provide honest feedback to guide government priorities.

…Governor AbdulRazaq says Kaiama project will boost jobs, value chain growth

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to ban the export of raw shea butter, describing it as a bold step that will strengthen Nigeria’s value chain and create more opportunities for local producers.

The Governor’s commendation comes as Kwara prepares to inaugurate a 50-tonne shea processing factory in Kaiama, which will be the second-largest in Nigeria and the biggest owned by any state government.

Governor AbdulRazaq said the policy will stimulate higher production, enhance quality, and open up thousands of jobs across the shea value chain. He noted that the Kaiama factory, one of the flagship economic projects of his administration, is strategically designed to empower women farmers, pickers, and other local workers.

“Locating the factory within Kaiama puts the people at the centre of local shea production. It ensures that benefits such as job creation, reduced post-harvest losses, and value retention stay within the community,” the Governor said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that the project reflects “true backward and forward integration” by combining raw material sourcing, processing, and market access in one locality.
Kwara North is one of Nigeria’s shea production hubs, with over 250,000 naturally growing trees across 6,000 hectares of land. Alongside Niger State, it accounts for a major share of the country’s shea nut production.

The Kaiama factory is expected to position Kwara as a leading player in the global shea industry, while also advancing the administration’s agenda of driving industrialization and rural development.

….Governor urges residents to speak truth to power, shape government priorities

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday launched the 2026 budget preparation process with a call on citizens to provide candid feedback and help shape government priorities for the coming year.

Speaking at a citizens’ engagement session in Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government, the Governor said the administration is committed to inclusive governance and will continue to harvest the views of the public through consultations with civil society groups, traditional rulers, the private sector, and ordinary residents.

“I am glad to be back in Moro today and for this large turnout. This session is good for our development because it helps us to plan well,” AbdulRazaq said. “A budget is a statement of intent which focuses on the direction the government is headed in the financial year. Citizens’ engagement has served as a barometer to know what the public needs and how resources should be allocated across the state.”

The Governor urged residents to “let us know your truth,” stressing that their direct input is crucial to improving service delivery. He noted that projects ranging from roads and water facilities to health centres, agriculture, and technology hubs are all essential to driving sustainable development.

“We are excited with the volume of development going on across the state. Basically, the support of the people is what motivates us to do better,” he added, assuring that the administration is entering a new phase of growth.

Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, described the citizens’ engagement initiative as a compelling necessity for effective governance, saying it enhances accountability and strengthens citizens’ participation in decision-making.

Traditional rulers and community representatives at the session also presented their requests. The Ohoro of Shao, Oba Dr. Obalowu Atolagbe, lauded the Governor for promoting gender balance in governance and human capital development, while urging the rehabilitation of township roads and the Shao/Sobi water project. Prince Olatunji Adebara of Jebba called for the establishment of a School of Nursing in the town.

Director of Planning, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Samsudeen Aregbe, gave a breakdown of the state’s budget performance for 2024 and 2025, describing it as “excellent.”

The engagement session drew stakeholders from across Kwara North.

… Late Alhaji Momohsani remembered as a selfless leader and community pillar

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday paid a condolence visit to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, following the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.

Alhaji Momohsani passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 83.

Governor AbdulRazaq was accompanied on the visit by Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, and Hon. Ahmed Yinka, representing Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives.

Describing the late patriarch as a revered father, uncle, and grandfather, AbdulRazaq said Alhaji Momohsani was a community leader who dedicated much of his life to serving his people with wisdom and humility.

He noted that the loss was not only personal to Governor Ododo and his family but also to the entire people of Kogi State, who benefitted from the deceased’s guidance and sacrifices.

The NGF Chairman prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Alhaji Momohsani and grant him eternal rest, while urging the family to take solace in the worthy legacies he left behind.

… Governor describes late Mama Lydia Yilwatda as a woman of faith, discipline, and service

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has paid a condolence visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, at his residence in Jos, following the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.

The Governor was accompanied by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Speaking during the visit, Governor AbdulRazaq described the late Mama Lydia as a fulfilled matriarch who lived a life of faith, discipline, and service. He urged Professor Nentawe and his family to take solace in her exemplary legacy.

He prayed to God to grant Mama Lydia eternal rest and to strengthen the APC National Chairman and his family during this period of mourning.  

…Move ensures compliance with National Minimum Wage, boosts staff welfare

#KwaraRising

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved an upward review of the salaries of all ad-hoc staff of the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWASRRA).

The Acting General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Tajudeen Jimoh, confirmed the approval in a statement, noting that the adjustment was made to ensure no ad-hoc staff earns below the national minimum wage.

Jimoh urged the beneficiaries to show appreciation for the Governor’s gesture by carrying out their duties with greater diligence and commitment in line with the agency’s mandate.

… Governor charges traditional rulers to uphold peace, unity, and grassroots development

#KwaraRising

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday officially presented the Staff of Office to three newly appointed monarchs in the state.

The royal fathers are Oba Isiaka Malik, the new Alagunjin of Agunjin (3rd Class, Ifelodun Local Government), Oba AbdulRazaq Adekola Salau, the Olowo of Ita-Olowo (4th Class, Ifelodun), and Oba Afolabi Odeniyi Gabriel, the Elepe of Epe-Opin (4th Class, Ekiti).

Speaking through the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, the Governor congratulated the monarchs and their communities, urging them to use their positions to foster peace, unity, and development in their domains.

“I congratulate the new monarchs and their communities on this momentous occasion. May your reigns be marked by wisdom, peace, and progress,” AbdulRazaq said.

He also called on the traditional rulers to promote harmony among their subjects, stressing that community support is vital to achieving progress at the grassroots.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and community development across the state.

The ceremony drew several dignitaries, including the Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ganiyu Gabriel; Chairman of Ifelodun LG, Hon. Femi Yusuf; Hon. Awelewa Olawale Gabriel (Ekiti); State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi; high chiefs from the affected communities; and family members of the monarchs.

In separate goodwill messages, Hon. Yusuf and Hon. Gabriel urged the new monarchs to make peace and harmony their guiding principles, noting that no community can thrive in an atmosphere of division. Prince Fagbemi echoed the call, warning against disunity and encouraging the traditional rulers to complement the Governor’s efforts in sustaining peace and development across the state.

Responding, the monarchs thanked the government and their communities for the confidence reposed in them. They pledged to promote unity, peace, and progress while calling for the cooperation of their people to achieve these goals.

…Signals Bold Climate Action for Nigeria

Tenioye Majekodunmi has taken the helm as Director-General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), pledging to transform climate governance in the country. A climate finance expert and environmental lawyer, Majekodunmi was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and assumed office on August 6, 2025. In her maiden address at the NCCC headquarters, she emphasized unity and ambition, aiming to position Nigeria as a global leader in climate action. “We are one team, and we will win as one,” she told staff, stressing a proactive, professional approach to tackling the urgent climate crisis.

In her first official engagement on August 11, 2025, Majekodunmi attended a stakeholder session to review a draft Climate Finance Guide, developed under the UK-funded Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE). The guide will help state governments access climate financing from global sources like the Green Climate Fund. She announced that the NCCC is finalizing Nigeria’s National Climate Finance Strategy to mobilize funds from diverse sources, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to collaboration with state governments, development partners, and the private sector to drive impactful climate solutions.