….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.

…Kwara shines yet again on national roll-call

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Colonel Abdulwahab Ademola Lawal, PhD, FIMC, from Offa in Kwara State, as a member of the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The appointment was announced alongside other board members, with Idris Olorunnimbe named as Chairman and Dr. Aminu Wada retained as Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.

Col. Lawal’s selection brings to the board a wealth of leadership experience from military service, governance, and management consulting.

A seasoned officer, he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1974 after graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Over the years, he served in critical command and operational roles, including Battalion Intelligence Officer, Company Commander, Brigade Major in Liberia under ECOMOG, and Sector Operations Officer for the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG).

Beyond the battlefield, Lawal has been deeply involved in peacebuilding, security governance, and policy development. He has worked as a Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College, served on ministerial and presidential committees, and published works on democratic management of the armed forces and accountable security sector governance.

His expertise has been sought by government agencies, state governments, and development organisations for capacity building programmes, particularly in areas of intergovernmental collaboration and policy formulation.

In 2024, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq appointed him Chairman of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund (ETF), tasking him with mobilising resources to improve educational infrastructure, support teacher development, and ensure sustainable funding for schools in the state.

Under his leadership, the ETF has begun laying the groundwork for projects aimed at bridging funding gaps and fostering educational excellence in Kwara.

Col. Lawal’s Offa roots remain central to his public service philosophy.

Educated at the Anglican College of Commerce in Offa before joining the military, he has maintained close ties with his community, often lending his expertise to local initiatives and youth development programmes.

His appointment to the NCC board signals not just recognition of his professional pedigree but also an opportunity for Kwara State to have a voice in shaping Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.

The NCC, as the country’s telecoms regulator, plays a critical role in driving digital inclusion, expanding broadband penetration, and ensuring fair competition in the sector.

For Offa and Kwara State, his appointment represents another milestone in the growing national recognition of indigenes contributing to governance and development at the highest levels.

…State Intensifies Flood Prevention Measures as NiMET Predicts Heavy Storms

The Kwara State Government has issued an urgent public alert following Nigeria Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) forecast of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms starting Wednesday, July 30. Director of Public Orientation Agboola Olarewaju specifically advised residents living near riverbanks and flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground immediately to prevent potential loss of lives and property.

The warning comes as the state government completes emergency dredging of Asa River and conducts comprehensive drainage clearance across Ilorin metropolis. Residents are strongly cautioned to limit outdoor movement during rainfall periods and to unplug electrical appliances when away from homes to prevent thunderstorm-related damage.

The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized its ongoing commitment to citizen safety through proactive environmental management, while calling on residents to complement government efforts by maintaining clean drainage channels and heeding weather advisories. Motorists and market traders are particularly urged to exercise extreme caution during the forecasted severe weather period.