Category: News

… Site handed over to contractor as state targets conferences, tourism, and investment growth

The Kwara State Government has officially commenced construction of the proposed State Convention Centre following the handover of the project site to Vita Construction Company Limited.

The Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, described the project as a major step towards infrastructural expansion and economic growth under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, the commissioner said the Convention Centre underscores government’s plan to provide world-class facilities that will position Kwara State as a destination for conferences, tourism, and investment opportunities.

She stressed that the project comes with significant responsibility and urged the contractor to deliver quality work within the agreed timeline while strictly adhering to approved specifications.

Adeoshun also called on all stakeholders to maintain professionalism and safeguard the integrity of both the construction company and the state government throughout the project execution.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Kwara State Public Procurement Agency (KWPPA), QS Raheem Baki, expressed satisfaction that the landmark project was taking off during his tenure. He commended the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology for successfully driving key infrastructure initiatives, including the Ilorin International Conference Centre project, rehabilitation works at Kwara Hotel, and the construction of the garment factory.

Baki urged the consultant and contractor to work collaboratively to ensure smooth execution and successful completion of the Convention Centre.

Also speaking, representative of Baron Consultants, Arc. Mubarak Gidado, appreciated the state government for initiating what he described as a transformative project. He assured that adequate supervision and professional guidance would be provided to ensure compliance with project standards.

The Convention Centre project is expected to strengthen Kwara State’s capacity to host large-scale national and international events while stimulating economic activities within the state.

… Beneficiaries to begin enjoying financial benefits immediately

The Kwara State Government has issued promotion letters to over 2,000 civil servants who participated in the 2024 promotion exercise, reaffirming its commitment to workers’ welfare and career progression in the state public service.

Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Hajia Habibat Yusuf, disclosed this in Ilorin, noting that the exercise followed the approval of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to her, more than 2,000 officers sat for the 2024 promotion examinations and interviews, with an impressive pass rate of 98.87 percent.

She explained that civil servants who have received their promotion letters will immediately begin to enjoy the financial benefits attached to their new ranks.

Hajia Yusuf commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers, adding that adequate funds and logistics were provided to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the promotion exercise.

She said the support from government has strengthened efficiency and boosted productivity across the state civil service.

The commission chairman urged the newly promoted officers and other public servants to remain dedicated, proactive, loyal, and committed to delivering quality service to the people of Kwara State.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, has charged the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to urgently prioritise the zero-rating of educational websites, describing it as a high-impact intervention that can immediately widen access to learning resources for millions of Nigerians.

“If we are serious about inclusive growth, then access to learning materials cannot remain a privilege,” the NCC Chairman said. “ALTON must lead on practical steps like zero-rating credible educational platforms so that students and teachers, regardless of location or income, can learn without the barrier of data costs.”

Chief Olorunnimbe gave the charge when ALTON, led by its Chairman, Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Ikoyi Office of the Commission.

The meeting, which focused on strengthening collaboration for the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, also highlighted the industry’s role in national development priorities, particularly expanding digital inclusion and human capital development.

“This is about ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age,” he added. “It aligns squarely with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusive, quality education, and it is a clear area where telecom operators can make an immediate, measurable difference.”

Underscoring the significance of the sector, Chief Olorunnimbe described telecommunications as the central nervous system of the economy, noting that when networks fail, it leads to significant disruption key economic drivers areas such as commerce, education, healthcare and governance.

Without compromising on the objectives of fairness, accountability and integrity, he renewed the pledge of the NCC to the visiting delegation to provide and drive growth describing the regulator – operator relationship as that of ‘partners in progress.’

Chief Olorunnimbe also reaffirmed the independence of the Commission, stating that regulatory decisions would continue to be guided by national interest and institutional integrity.

According to him, enforcement of the Critical National Infrastructure designation must be strengthened, insisting that accountability for infrastructure damage should be non-negotiable.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Engineer Adebayo, Chairman, ALTON congratulated the chairman on his appointment assuring him of working on his charge on zero-rating digital educational platforms among other salient contributions. He noted the significance of such a move in nation-building promising to rally members of the association behind the idea after due deliberation and engagements.

The ALTON leadership commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his policy reforms noting that Nigerians are seeing the result of some of the reforms. According to him, the forex reforms for instance, has helped restored stability and investor confidence within the ecosystems.

Adebayo also lauded the NCC for their pivotal role in resolving the N300 billion USSD debt owned by banks. He said, “The USSD debt crisis accumulated over four years to nearly ₦300 billion and posed systemic risks to the telecoms and digital financial ecosystem.

“However, through regulatory intervention, the system was migrated to end-user billing and the outstanding debt was eliminated, converting what was a looming crisis into a sustainable framework,” Adebayo said.

… Commiserates with Toyin Saraki, Ojora Family on Passing of Patriarch

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed his sympathy to former First Lady Mrs. Toyin Saraki and the Ojora family of Lagos following the death of their patriarch, Otunba Adekunle Ojora.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Governor described the late industrialist as an accomplished journalist, respected business leader, and community figure whose legacy would endure. He urged the family to take comfort in Ojora’s lifetime of contributions to media, industry, and public life.

Governor AbdulRazaq prayed for strength and fortitude for the bereaved, encouraging them to uphold the values and vision left behind by their late patriarch.

… ER-KANG flags off $20m lithium factory, announces $15m pharmaceutical project in boost to state’s industrial drive

#KwaraRising

Kwara State has attracted at least two foreign direct investments valued at about $35m, reinforcing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for industrialisation, value addition, and economic growth in the state.

The investments were disclosed when Sun Qing Rong, team lead of ER-KANG Company Limited, briefed the Governor on the progress of the firm’s operations in Kwara. Rong said the company has completed and commenced operations at its $20m lithium processing factory, in line with the state government’s policy of promoting local manufacturing rather than exporting raw materials.

According to him, the lithium plant currently employs over 300 workers, the majority of whom are indigenes of Kwara State. He explained that the facility processes lithium into finished and semi-finished materials, adding value before supply to the market.

Rong also announced plans for a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the state, valued at more than $15m, noting that preparatory work for the project has been largely completed. He said the pharmaceutical plant would be developed in two phases, covering large infusion and small-volume injection production, to address shortages of such products in the Nigerian market.

“This is one of the fruits of the meeting we held with His Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, the lithium plant has been completed and is fully operational. This year, we are also starting the pharmaceutical company with the support of the state government,” Rong said.

He added that the firm is exploring partnerships with the Kwara State Government around the proposed industrial park and commended the administration for creating what he described as an enabling and investor-friendly environment. He also noted that ER-KANG Company maintains a strong sense of social responsibility within its host communities.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the investments, describing them as significant milestones that would generate employment, facilitate technology transfer, and stimulate economic activities in the state.

“We are willing to support you and other investors to do more in our state,” the Governor said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustaining a favourable climate for both local and foreign investments.

Other members of the ER-KANG delegation included the company’s lawyer, Barrister Ibrahim Atanda; Project Architect, Arch. Sayi Yekeen; Quality Control Supervisor, Shuai Hai Tao; Factory Manager, Cao Zheng Hai; Pharmaceutical Manager, Xie Chuan Li; and Administrative Manager, Mi Guang Hua.

The Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Governor, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, also attended the meeting.

…Governor describes late cleric as one of Ilorin’s finest Muslim scholars

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih (OON), who passed away on Monday morning in Abuja at the age of 75.

In a condolence message issued on Monday, the Governor said the death of the Chief Imam was a painful loss to Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, and the wider Muslim community.

AbdulRazaq described the late Sheikh Muhammad Bashir as a leading light in Islamic scholarship, noting that he represented one of the finest traditions of Muslim learning in the history of Ilorin.

“The passing of the Chief Imam, shocking and saddening as it is, reminds us that even great men answer the call of their Creator,” the Governor said.

He noted that the late cleric would be remembered for his depth of knowledge, patience, humility, and his conduct as the spiritual leader of Muslims in the state.

The Governor extended his condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (OFR), the Ilorin Emirate, the Kwara State Council of Ulamah, and the family of the deceased.

He prayed Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Chief Imam, accept his service, grant him Al-jannah Firdaus, and give his family and the Muslim community the strength to bear the loss.

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih served as Chief Imam of Ilorin until his death and was widely respected for his scholarship and leadership across the state.

… Late Spiritual Leader Served as Emirate’s 12th Chief Imam for Over Four Decades

The Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Solih, OON, has passed away. He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a position he held for over four decades following his appointment in 1983.

His death marks the end of an era for the Ilorin Muslim community, where he provided spiritual leadership and guidance for generations. Official confirmation of his passing was announced early Monday.

Funeral arrangements and succession plans are expected to be communicated by the Ilorin Emirate Council and the Ulama Council in the coming days.

The Kwara State Police Command wishes to confirm that on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025, it received six (6) vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Vigilante, travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N. N. Rume, for the purpose of investigation and profiling.

Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of vigilante groups operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality.
Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their respective leaders.

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, reiterates the Command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.
Members of the public are assured that the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State.

SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi anipr
Police Public Relations Officer.
For:- The Commissioner of Police,
Kwara State Command,
Ilorin.

6th January, 2026.

…Head of Service says TSA remained in force until December 2025, clarifies 30% Peculiar Allowance applies to core civil servants only

The Kwara State Government has dismissed claims circulating in parts of the media over the implementation of teachers’ allowances, describing them as misleading and unfounded.

In a press release issued on Sunday by the Office of the Head of Service, the government clarified issues surrounding the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance and the Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA) of 27.5 per cent and 21 per cent.

The statement responded to allegations by some teachers that the TSA had ceased several years ago, that teachers were excluded from the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance enjoyed by other civil servants, and that the allowance structure now allows a Grade Level 04 officer in the core civil service to earn more than a Grade Level 07 teacher.

According to the Office of the Head of Service, the TSA was approved following an agreement signed between the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Nigeria Union of Teachers on August 6, 2008. The allowance was implemented in 2010 and remained in effect until December 2025, when the Kwara State Government approved a comprehensive review of the allowance in line with teachers’ certifications as recognised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. The revised structure, the statement said, is scheduled to take effect from January 2026.
On the issue of the Peculiar Allowance, the government explained that the 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance approved by the Federal Government applies specifically to workers in the core civil service as part of a salary harmonisation effort. The allowance was introduced to address remuneration gaps, as other categories of workers already enjoy profession-based allowances or enhanced salary structures.

The statement noted that health workers, judicial workers, tertiary institution staff, and other categories of workers with specific allowances are excluded from the Peculiar Allowance. Teachers, it added, fall within this category due to the TSA and other sector-specific benefits.

The Office of the Head of Service further emphasised that the introduction of the Peculiar Allowance in Kwara State is a new initiative, reflecting the current administration’s focus on workers’ welfare. It highlighted several interventions in the education sector, including the payment of 345 per cent outstanding salary arrears dating back to 2016, the clearance of promotion arrears from 2015, regular approval of annual promotions up to 2025, and the bridging of salary disparities between teachers under the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board.

Other measures listed include regular capacity-building programmes for teachers since 2019 and the restoration of annual incremental steps over the past three years.

The government maintained that despite the implementation of the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance for core civil servants, teachers’ salaries remain higher than those of their counterparts on the same grade levels in the ministries. It stressed that allowances are meant to promote salary balance rather than create competition among workers.

The statement also reminded workers that the state government retains the authority to review remuneration based on available resources and sustainability considerations. It advised that all grievances should be channelled through recognised trade unions and urged public servants to comply with Public Service Rules regarding media engagements.

The statement was signed by the Press Secretary to the Office of the Head of Service, Okanlawon Solomon.

The Offa Local Government has taken note of reports circulating regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident that occurred within the precinct of the Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025.
The affected area has been cordoned off by security agencies to allow for further investigations.

The Executive Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, alongside the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, Hon. Femi Agbaje Whyte, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Offa Division, visited the location immediately after the incident to assess the situation firsthand.

The Executive Chairman urges all residents of Offa to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
Citizens are advised to verify information through credible and official sources to avoid the spread of fear and misinformation.

The Local Government remains fully committed to the safety, security, and well-being of the people and will continue to work closely with relevant authorities until investigations are concluded.
Further official updates will be issued as soon as verified information becomes available.

Abiola Azeez Babatunde
Chief Press Secretary
To the Executive Chairman,
Offa Local Government
26th December, 2025