…Describes His Highness as a statesman, father to all, and pillar of peace
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing him as a royal icon whose life has been defined by service, wisdom, and grace.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Governor said the Emir’s reign has brought peace, unity, and progress to the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole, noting that his royal guidance has been instrumental to the state’s stability and steady development.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who joined the people of Ilorin Emirate and the entire state in celebrating the revered monarch, praised the Emir’s contributions as a retired jurist, statesman, and bridge-builder whose legacy transcends generations.
“The Emir has lived a life of deep service to God and humanity — as a judge, a traditional ruler, and a symbol of unity,” the Governor said. “We are grateful for his wisdom, support, and fatherly role in the progress of our state.”
On behalf of his family and the government of Kwara State, the Governor prayed for the Emir’s continued good health, happiness, and long life in peace and prosperity.
…Governor AbdulRazaq backs local pharmaceutical industry for sustainable health services
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The Kwara State Government has announced a strategic partnership with Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited to strengthen the drug supply chain system across state-owned hospitals. The move, led by the Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KW-HMB), is aimed at promoting indigenous pharmaceutical companies while enhancing access to quality healthcare for residents.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, made this known during a facility inspection of Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited in Ilorin. He commended the company’s long-standing contribution to the state’s economy and employment of local youths, describing the partnership as a significant step toward economic empowerment and healthcare reform.
“This moment is historic for Kwara State, as the government collaborates with indigenous pharmaceutical companies. All credit goes to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” Dr. Malik said. He stressed that the partnership underscores the government’s commitment to empowering local enterprises without compromising on the quality of drugs provided to hospitals.
While expressing confidence in the capacity of Sam Pharmaceutical Company to deliver quality medications, Dr. Malik emphasized that only firms adhering strictly to quality assurance standards will be engaged, as the well-being of Kwarans remains the administration’s top priority.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Pharm. Salami Isaac, Superintendent Pharmacist, appreciated the government’s support, noting that the partnership marked a major milestone in the company’s history. He assured the state of their dedication to maintaining high pharmaceutical standards for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers.
Also present during the facility tour were key officials of the Board including Pharm. Mustapha Jimoh, Director of Pharmacy; Pharm. Lovet Oladele, Project Coordinator of the Kwara State Essential Drugs Programme (EDP); Pharm. Mustapha Hasiat; Mr. Adamu Usman, Press Secretary; and Mr. Moshood Ibrahim, Admin Officer.
…Governor AbdulRazaq prioritizes health sector development, supports young specialists
The Kwara State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to healthcare development with the prompt disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to 37 resident doctors in the state civil service.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, this marks the third consecutive year that the state has fulfilled its obligation to support medical professionals with the MRTF—an initiative that significantly eases the financial burden of specialist training.
Dr. El-Imam expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support to the health sector, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the administration’s priority on human capital development.
“The MRTF is not just a financial intervention—it is a statement of this administration’s priorities and values. Our resident doctors are the future of our healthcare system, and this support ensures that their journey to becoming specialists is not hindered by financial constraints,” she said.
The Commissioner added that the prompt disbursement was intended to help the young doctors focus on their clinical education and deliver quality healthcare to the people of Kwara State.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for health workers and ensuring access to quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services across the state.
…Says Easter reminds us of triumph through adversity, prays for joy and happiness in all homes
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has extended warm greetings to Christians in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the 2025 Easter celebrations.
In a statement on Friday, the Governor called on the Christian faithful to reflect on the deeper significance of Easter and its associated holy days — Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday — describing them as powerful reminders of sacrifice, hope, and renewal.
He said the triumph of Jesus Christ over adversity, as symbolized by Easter, should inspire everyone to deepen their faith in God and remain steadfast in the face of life’s trials.
“The Easter season speaks to God’s power to bring beauty out of pain and purpose out of sacrifice,” the Governor said. “May this season bring joy, renewed hope, and happiness to every home in Kwara and beyond.”
He prayed for peace, love, and continued unity among all communities in the state.
Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Govenor of Kwara State Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Thursday led a delegation of the Forum to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau over the recent violence in parts of the state.
While commiserating with the families of the victims, he also commended the interventions of the security agencies, which prevented further escalations.
The NGF delegation was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Abdulrazaq said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.
“We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace. Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind. We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective taking.
“Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potentials especially in agriculture and tourism. But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities.
“We commend His Excellency the Governor for his leadership at this critical moment. Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and good people of Plateau State. We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities.”
Rafiu Ajakaye Chief Press Secretary to the Governor April 17, 2025
… Governor pledges sustained partnership to preserve Kwara’s peaceful status
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on Thursday received the newly posted Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, at the Government House in Ilorin.
Welcoming the new Police boss, Governor AbdulRazaq pledged the continued support of his administration to the State Police Command, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Kwara’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
“We will continue to work hand in hand with the Police and other security agencies to ensure our people remain safe and secure,” the Governor said.
CP Ojo Adekimi, who had previously served in various leadership roles within the Kwara Command, thanked the Governor for the warm reception and promised full cooperation with the state government to sustain the existing peace and security architecture.
… Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Urges Dialogue, Condoles with Victims’ Families
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is deeply saddened by reports of new violence in parts of Plateau State, leading to multiple deaths and injuries.
The NGF commiserates with the Government and people of Plateau State and families of those affected, calling the development sad and unhelpful at a time Plateau was seeing a long stretch of harmony and peace borne out of concerted efforts of government, traditional rulers, and thought leaders.
“We call on community and religious leaders to rally behind His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang to douse tension, reconcile minds, and build sustainable peace in Plateau. We call on everyone to understand that the souls already lost are not just numbers; they are the breadwinners, hopes, and pride of many families. We call for immediate cessation of violence of any kind against fellow members of the human community,” according to the NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of the victims and wish those injured speedy recovery, while everyone embraces dialogue and peace.”
…Third round of the Big Catch-Up campaign targets children aged 0–5 in Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs
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The Kwara State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other health partners, is set to launch the third round of the Big Catch-Up vaccination campaign. Scheduled to run from Saturday, April 12 to Thursday, April 17, 2025, the campaign aims to immunize over 80,000 children against life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.
This round of the campaign is focused on bridging immunity gaps among children who missed their routine immunization doses, particularly those affected by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, disclosed this during a strategy meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters in Ilorin.
Professor Elelu emphasized that the campaign will cover three Local Government Areas—Baruten, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun—identified as having the highest number of unimmunized children in the state. She described the Big Catch-Up as a vital strategy to strengthen routine immunization services and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.
“Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and proven public health tools for saving lives,” she said. “This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that every child in Kwara is protected, no matter where they live.”
The Executive Secretary called on parents, caregivers, school heads, religious and community leaders, as well as Islamic institutions, to fully support the exercise by ensuring eligible children—those aged 0 to 5—are available for vaccination. She reassured the public of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, which are provided free of charge by the State Government.
Professor Elelu reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting child health and well-being through sustained access to immunization, noting that the vaccines will be administered across all health facilities and outreach posts in the targeted LGAs.
“The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remains unwavering in its commitment to the health and safety of all residents, especially our mothers and children,” she added.
The Big Catch-Up campaign is part of Kwara’s broader strategy to achieve universal health coverage and reduce child mortality through proactive, community-based health interventions.
…disqualified applicants will be replaced by next-best candidates in a merit-based recruitment exercise backed by NDLEA and Governor AbdulRazaq
At least eight applicants among the 1,800 shortlisted for the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) jobs have tested positive for banned substances, automatically disqualifying them from the ongoing recruitment process. This was revealed in a statement issued on Monday by TESCOM Chairman, Bello Taoheed Abubakar.
According to the statement, the disqualified individuals tested positive for substances including benzodiazepine, tramadol, cotinine, marijuana, and amphetamine—all classified as dangerous drugs and considered harmful to human health.
The drug test, conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with full support from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was a critical screening phase in the recruitment process.
Abubakar emphasized that the disqualified candidates will be replaced by the next-best performing applicants from their respective local government areas, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and merit-driven hiring process.
“A major implication of this development is that the affected individuals will be replaced by the candidates who are next to them in performance from their respective local government areas,” the TESCOM chair said.
He added that the zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse is a deliberate policy to ensure that only mentally and physically fit individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the future of Kwara’s children.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has again etched his name in gold for insisting that recruitment into the teaching profession must be strictly on merit. His leadership continues to prioritize quality education and integrity in governance,” the statement added.
…Creative students to win boxes of food ingredients in social media challenge
In a vibrant effort to uplift young creatives and encourage entrepreneurship, Bamdo LOD Services, in partnership with Flow 92.7 FM, has launched a unique giveaway campaign tagged Empowering Content Creators.
The initiative is specially designed for students of the University of Ilorin and rising content creators within the region.
The campaign calls on participants to produce a short video highlighting Bamdo Lod’s brand and services, using a pre-written script that will be provided. These videos are to be posted on social media platforms where creativity, clarity, and engagement will be key to winning.
The rewards are enticing: the best video, along with the first five entries to reach 300 likes, will each receive two boxes filled with essential food ingredients—completely free.
The initiative is more than just a competition; it’s a creative challenge that blends digital storytelling with practical rewards that support student living.
Flow 92.7 FM, a known promoter of grassroots innovation and youth-centered campaigns, is proudly sponsoring the project as part of its broader commitment to fostering local talent and driving positive impact through media partnerships.
