Category: News

There was a mild drama at the Kwara State High Court Ilorin on Friday as Hon. IIliasu Ibrahim failed to turn up for his arraignment in a defamation case slammed on him.

The case followed a petition by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Mr. Shuaib Aremu Olowo after Hon. Ibrahim Ibrahim and his two other cohorts went on radio to accuse Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of awarding an $800m contract to his elder and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq.

The APC chieftain said the accusations were a dent on the party ahead of the election.

At the hearing for the arraignment of Alhaji lIliasu Ibrahim, Mr. Shola Muse, and Adesemowo Suleiman, counsel to Iliasu Bar. Taofeeq Olateju told the court that the 81-year-old controversial politician had collapsed following “abdominal pain, generalised body pain, and headache” and is being treated for “enteritis”.

“In view of this, he is presently unfit for any activity until there is significant improvement and discharged home,” the counsel said. Barr Taofeeq Olateju further took excuses for Mall Shola Muse that he could not attend his arraignment on the grounds that he is not in Kwara State as the time he was to be served his charge sheet prior to today’s arraignment, same reason was given by Barr A. A Ibrahim who represented the third Defendant one Adesemowo Suleiman (aka Omo Ifokonbale) for his absence in court.

The presiding judge, Justice E. B. Mohammed warned the defendants through their counsels, that court has not taken cognizance of them since they are yet to be arraigned before the court and therefore adjourned their arraignment to Jan. 7, 2026, while asking them to unfailingly turn up on the next adjournment date .

…State’s public school team defeats contenders from 16 countries to lift international title

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Kwara State has recorded another major milestone in education as its public school students emerged champions at the 2025 Asia Parliamentary International Debate Competition (Junior Secondary School Category) held in Malaysia.

The team, which represented Nigeria at the global contest, outperformed participants from 16 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe to claim the top prize. Their victory adds to Kwara’s growing list of achievements in competitive debating, where the state has previously held multiple national titles.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his excitement at the latest feat, saying the students had once again placed Nigeria on the global stage for academic excellence. He praised the team for their brilliance, resilience, and the honour they have brought to both the state and the country.

The governor said the win reflects the impact of the administration’s continued investment in basic education. He added that the government remains committed to improving learning outcomes and strengthening the education system across the state.

He also commended the leadership of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, headed by Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, along with the coaches and other stakeholders who contributed to the students’ preparation and success.

According to him, their dedication has been central to the steady progress recorded in the state’s basic education reforms.

Kwara State Government did not at any time award a contract to the elder brother of the Governor and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, according to a statement on Thursday.

The statement added that a comment attributed to Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim that the Governor awarded a contract worth $800m (₦1.2trillion) is false, reckless, ill-conceived, and intended to cause mischief and public dissatisfaction.

“At no time did the government of the state even award a contract worth $800m. We are, therefore, alarmed by the depth of recklessness and evil intent that made Hon. Iliasu Ibrahim to claim in a radio broadcast that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth $800m to his elder brother. This is false, baseless, and malicious,” the statement said.

“Throughout the radio programme, Alhaji Iliasu and his co-travellers did not mention the specific FG’s project or programme that he claimed was awarded to Dr. Alimi. The Governor’s elder brother, Dr. Alimi, is an accomplished and respected senior lawyer and a Bencher. He is not a contractor.

“Besides, at no time did Kwara get a Federal Government project or empowerment worth $800m (₦1.2trillion) — much less award it to anyone in the state. But particularly concerning is how a radio station allowed its platform to peddle such disinformation without anyone on its management team cautioning the guest and the anchor.

“Whilst Alhaji Iliasu has a history of queer public conducts long managed by everyone, repeatedly offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection on a grander scale carries immeasurable risk for any reputable media platform and public peace.

“We concede the right of every citizen to freedom of expression. However, such freedom comes with corresponding responsibility and a duty of care to other citizens and the general public.

“As democrats, we request the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible — even as other private citizens maligned in the reckless radio programme are within their right to do a review of same.”

Bolanle Olukoju
Commissioner for Communications
Kwara State Government
December 4, 2025

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his friend and associate, Mr. Segun Awolowo Jr., a former two-term Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and grandson of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Segun Awolowo died on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the age of 62.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor described Segun as “a great friend, a great public servant, and a jolly-good fellow whose company everyone cherished,” calling his passing “devastating” and noting that he would be “sorely missed for every good thing that he stood for.”

Governor AbdulRazaq urged family, friends, and associates to take consolation in Segun’s legacy of distinguished public service, unwavering loyalty to loved ones, and his contributions to national development. He prayed for the repose of his soul and for God’s comfort upon his wife, children, and elderly mother.

Also mourning the late Awolowo was Engr. Femi Sanni, Chairman of Flow FM and a close friend of the deceased.
Speaking with deep emotion, Engr. Sanni described Segun as “a remarkable person whose kindness, intellect, and humanity touched everyone around him.His passing is a painful loss, but his warmth, generosity, and legacy will continue to inspire us.”

Segun Awolowo Jr. is survived by his wife, children, and mother.

The Kwara State Government has announced temporary security measures across selected schools in five local government areas in response to emerging threats linked to criminal activities in the region.

The decision affects schools in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke Ero local governments. According to the State Government, the action is part of a broader safety plan aimed at preventing kidnappers or fleeing attackers from targeting schoolchildren.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, said the government is acting to stay ahead of any threat and keep learning communities safe. He explained that boarding schools in Irepodun LGA are also covered under the arrangement because they could be considered vulnerable locations during intensified security operations in the state.

Dr Olohungbebe noted that the measures will remain in force while the government continues to review the security situation and awaits further clearance from relevant agencies. He assured parents, guardians and school authorities that the step is preventive and part of an ongoing effort to strengthen confidence in the safety of school environments.

The state government has urged communities to remain vigilant and provide useful intelligence to security agencies working in affected areas. Residents were also encouraged to support ongoing security work by reporting suspicious movements or unknown persons, especially around schools and farm settlements.

The latest announcement follows increased surveillance and recent federal orders for expanded security deployment in parts of Kwara following recent attacks in Ekiti LGA. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

… Amolegbe highlights sustained reforms and partnerships driving education growth in Kwara

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The Kwara State Education Trust Fund has again taken the global stage as its Executive Secretary, Oluwadamilola Fatima Amolegbe, joined panelists at the World Bank’s “Entertaining Change: Next-Generation Media Partnerships for Social Impact and Gender Equality Forum” held in Abuja.

Speaking during the session on policy and advocacy, Amolegbe shared how Kwara is building durable systems that ensure reforms remain in place beyond any single programme or administration. She referenced the Kwara Education Futures Summit held shortly after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq declared a state of emergency in the sector. The summit, led by education stakeholders including former World Bank Senior Education Specialist Dr. Tunde Adekola, produced a communique that now guides major reforms in the state.

She highlighted three key outcomes from that policy shift. KwaraAGILE, which supports adolescent girls in secondary schools. KwaraETF, which ensures a sustainable and transparent approach to funding education. And KwaraLEARN, the ongoing digital learning programme transforming public primary schools.

The Abuja forum is part of a wider global engagement convened by the World Bank Development Impact Group with support from IFC, the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Eden Venture Group, Women In Film, and the Gates Foundation. The gathering focuses on how evidence, technology, and creative storytelling can support gender equality and learning outcomes.

KwaraETF’s appearance at the forum reinforces its reputation as one of the country’s leading models for education funding reform and public–private collaboration.

… Governor Reiterates Support for Mechanisation as Emir Commissions Ultra-modern Mosque

Kwara State played host on Tuesday to top policymakers, researchers, and agricultural engineers as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum led the 25th International Conference and 45th AGM of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers. The event took place at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Idofian, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

In his remarks, Governor AbdulRazaq said the state is investing in policies and tools that support young innovators, researchers, and agripreneurs in scaling productivity and improving food systems.

He said more than 10,000 farmers in Kwara have benefitted from tractors, ploughs, processing machines, and other implements distributed under government-backed programmes aimed at boosting food production and strengthening value chains.

“The NIAE has pushed mechanisation with research and locally developed machines that reduce cost and increase yields for farmers across Nigeria. Being home to NCAM, Kwara has seen first-hand the impact of this progress,” he said.

The Governor added that agriculture in the state has moved beyond subsistence, noting that improved mechanisation has expanded productivity and farm capacity. He also encouraged participants to use the conference to address new realities including climate change, technology adoption, and land-use challenges.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, joined other experts and industry stakeholders at the gathering. Governor AbdulRazaq later received an Award of Excellence from the association for his efforts in repositioning agriculture in the state.

After the conference, the Governor attended the official commissioning of the Imam Gambari Ultra-modern Mosque in Ilorin. He was joined by Governor Zulum and Senator Kyari.

The event drew senior Islamic scholars, including the Chief Imam of Ilorin Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, key traditional title holders, and notable community leaders.

The Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, and APC stalwart Alhaji Abdulfatah Yahya Seriki received the dignitaries at the mosque, which was earlier commissioned by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR.

The historic structure dates back to the early 19th century and has now been remodelled into a modern worship facility.

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The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has praised Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support for local content development and his commitment to empowering indigenous contractors across the state.

In a letter to the Governor dated October 2025, the COREN Chairman in Kwara State, Engr. Bashiru Lawal, said the Governor’s deliberate policy of engaging local professionals and companies aligns with the Council’s advocacy for the promotion of indigenous expertise in project execution.

“On behalf of COREN Kwara State Office and the entire engineering community, we express our appreciation to Your Excellency for your exemplary commitment to empowering indigenous contractors through the recent award of contracts, especially the engagement of Messrs CPN for the construction of the Ojoku–Ilemona Road,” the letter read in part.

Engr. Lawal added that this approach strengthens local capacity, creates jobs, encourages technology transfer, and supports sustainable development within the state. He described the Governor’s leadership as a model worthy of emulation by other states and public institutions across Nigeria.

At a recent press briefing, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. AbdulQuawy Olododo, said that over 70 percent of construction projects in Kwara are handled by local contractors. He noted that this policy has significantly boosted the state’s economy by creating employment opportunities and retaining value within the local market.

The statement reaffirmed COREN’s commitment to working with the state government to uphold professional and ethical standards in all engineering-related projects across Kwara State.