Kwara Rising

Category: News

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Celebrates UNILORIN Math Prodigy as Guinness World Records Reviews 31-Hour Marathon Lesson

    Gov AbdulRazaq Celebrates UNILORIN Math Prodigy as Guinness World Records Reviews 31-Hour Marathon Lesson

    … Governor hails 400-level student Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem for exemplary resilience and brilliance in world record attempt.

    #KwaraRising

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has joined the academic and broader community in celebrating Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem, a 400-level Mathematics student of the University of Ilorin, who recently delivered a marathon 31-hour, 42-minute, and 54-second mathematics lesson—poised to break the Guinness World Record for the longest mathematics class, currently held at 26 hours.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq commended Kazeem’s determination and intellectual tenacity, describing the feat as a bold step toward global recognition. The Governor said the accomplishment reflects not just academic brilliance but also remarkable courage, resilience, and the spirit of excellence that defines the Kwara youth.

    While the official verification by the Guinness World Records is awaited, the Governor noted that Kazeem has already secured a place of pride for himself, his university, and Kwara State.

    The Governor also extended congratulations to Kazeem’s family, academic mentors, and the University of Ilorin community for the support and foundation that enabled this outstanding effort.

    “Kazeem has exhibited not just brilliance and capacity; his achievement is, in fact, a rare act of bravery, resilience, and can-do spirit,” the Governor said. “Whatever the decision of the Guinness World Records, we celebrate this Maths nerd for his efforts and his determination to be great.”

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Deepens Strategic Ties with France to Advance Kwara’s Development Agenda

    Governor AbdulRazaq Deepens Strategic Ties with France to Advance Kwara’s Development Agenda

    …As Kwara secures French Treasury grant for Lata Grazing Reserve feasibility study

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    On the invitation of the French Minister for European and International Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, alongside fellow Nigerian Governors, participated in a series of high-level engagements in France focused on shared development priorities between Nigeria and France.

    Organised by Business France and SEMMARIS, the meetings centered on critical sectors such as economic development, agriculture, youth empowerment, cultural industries, education, and sports. These sessions brought together startups, multinationals, and government officials to strengthen partnerships between both countries, with a focus on investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

    For Kwara State, the engagements offered a platform to advance existing conversations around transformative projects like the Kwara Industrial Hub and the Special Agro-Processing Zone. A major highlight was the French Treasury’s commitment to fund a feasibility study for the upgrade of the 22,000-hectare Lata Grazing Reserve—an important milestone in the state’s food security and livestock development agenda.

    Governor AbdulRazaq described the meetings as a continuation of the momentum from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier visit to France, during which the President rallied global support for Nigeria’s economic renewal. “We are seeing concrete results from that diplomatic engagement, and Kwara is proud to be part of that progress,” he stated.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to partnerships that create jobs, boost local productivity, and position Kwara as a leading hub for innovation and agribusiness in West Africa.

  • Kwara Set to Vaccinate Over 80,000 Children with Lifesaving Vaccines

    Kwara Set to Vaccinate Over 80,000 Children with Lifesaving Vaccines

    …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.

  • Culinary Talent Takes Center Stage at The Oshodi Experience Cooking Contest in Ilorin

    Culinary Talent Takes Center Stage at The Oshodi Experience Cooking Contest in Ilorin

    … BAMDO LOD Services and Students’ Union partner with Flow 92.7 FM to spotlight innovation and youth empowerment

    The Oshodi Experience Cooking Contest, held yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State, brought a sizzling fusion of talent, tradition, and creativity to the forefront. Organized by Bamdo Lod Services in partnership with the Students’ Union, and amplified by Flow 92.7 FM as a key sponsor, the event celebrated youth innovation through the art of cooking.

    With the theme “Give Yourself a Shot at N50,000,” the contest attracted a lively crowd as aspiring chefs from across the region competed for the coveted grand prize. Contestants delivered a spectacular array of dishes that blended local Nigerian flavors with bold, modern twists, impressing the panel of judges with their culinary flair. After a competitive showdown, Innocent Etobenume emerged victorious, clinching the top prize with a dish that won accolades for its creativity, taste, and presentation.

    Flow 92.7 FM, known for championing grassroots and youth-oriented initiatives in Kwara, underscored its commitment to empowering young talents. “Supporting events like The Oshodi Experience aligns with our vision to nurture potential and foster stronger community connections,” said a representative of the radio station.

    Beyond the competition, the event featured a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, food tastings, and valuable networking opportunities. Local food lovers, restaurateurs, and students came together to celebrate talent and creativity. “Seeing young people showcase their skills like this gives me hope for Nigeria’s culinary future,” remarked a local restaurant owner in attendance.

  • Kwara Govt Trains 1,800 Primary School Teachers in Digital Literacy, Classroom Innovation

    Kwara Govt Trains 1,800 Primary School Teachers in Digital Literacy, Classroom Innovation

    … Workshop aims to equip teachers with 21st-century skills for improved learning outcomes

    No fewer than 1,800 primary school teachers drawn from the sixteen Local Government Areas of Kwara State are currently participating in a ten-day capacity-building workshop focused on digital literacy, classroom innovation, and modern teaching methods.

    The workshop, which began on Monday at Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin, is organised by KwaraLEARN in collaboration with the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB) and the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

    It forms part of the state’s broader education reform strategy aimed at enhancing learning outcomes through teacher empowerment.

    In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, charged the teachers to remain committed to their critical role in shaping the future of the state by equipping young learners with the right knowledge and values.

    Dr. Olohungbebe emphasised that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration is focused on transitioning from analog to digital education through continuous teacher training and deployment of digital tools in classrooms.

    “The purpose of this training is to empower our teachers to meet the challenges of the digital age. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is committed to global best practices in education, and this workshop is one of several initiatives aimed at transforming our learning environment,” he said.

    The Commissioner expressed confidence that the training will have a direct positive impact on classroom teaching and learning, urging the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity and apply the knowledge gained for the advancement of their pupils and the education sector at large.

    The Managing Director of KwaraLEARN, Mrs. Laide Abel, congratulated the participants and encouraged them to be actively engaged throughout the sessions in order to derive maximum benefit from the programme.

    The workshop continues through the week, with hands-on sessions designed to make classrooms more engaging, inclusive, and tech-savvy for today’s learners.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Hails Tinubu Over Appointment of Kwara APC Chairman Fagbemi as FG Board Chair

    Governor AbdulRazaq Hails Tinubu Over Appointment of Kwara APC Chairman Fagbemi as FG Board Chair

    …Describes appointment as another federal honour for Kwara, reaffirms support for Renewed Hope Agenda

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Sunday Fagbemi, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Niger State.

    Describing the appointment as a “beautiful addition” to the growing list of federal recognitions for Kwara, Governor AbdulRazaq said the development reflects the President’s deep appreciation for loyal party members, leaders, and the people of the state.

    “This appointment is yet another honour to Kwara State, and it speaks volumes of Mr. President’s recognition of our contributions to the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Governor said.

    He expressed confidence in Prince Fagbemi’s capacity to deliver on the new national assignment, noting his track record as a loyal, principled, and exemplary party administrator.

    Governor AbdulRazaq also reassured President Tinubu of the unwavering support of the people of Kwara State for his administration and vision for a better Nigeria.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Agbamu-Ila Orangun Road, Drives Infrastructure Push Across Kwara South

    Governor AbdulRazaq Flags Off Agbamu-Ila Orangun Road, Drives Infrastructure Push Across Kwara South

    … Omu Aran- Oro Ago road, Esie Arandun roads 90% completed: Olododo

    #KwaraRising

    In a renewed drive to enhance connectivity and economic viability across rural and semi-urban areas, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the construction of the long-anticipated Agbamu–Ila Orangun Road, further cementing his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development across the state.

    The state’s Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, announced the commencement of the project on Tuesday during an inspection tour of ongoing road constructions across the Kwara South Senatorial District.

    “For the first time in decades, our people are feeling the real impact of governance through these road projects. Governor AbdulRazaq is deliberately building a state that is economically viable by unlocking rural communities through infrastructure,” Olododo said.

    Among the major projects inspected were the newly approved Agbamu–Ila Orangun Kwara/Osun boundary road awarded to CPN Construction Company Ltd; Sabaja–Oba Isin–Owa Onire Road handled by Fik Construction and Engineering Ltd; Palace Road, Ijagbo and Fagbemi Road in Oyun Local Government, awarded to Ultimate Construction Company; and the Ibrahim Taiwo Road/Popo Road in Offa, now 95% completed by Craneburg Construction Company.

    Olododo also confirmed the completion of the Omu Aran–Oro Ago road and noted that the Esie–Arandun road stands at 90% completion. He further disclosed plans to begin phased rehabilitation of the Igbaja–Oke Ode road to improve accessibility and ease of travel within the region.

    During a stop in Agbamu, the commissioner paid homage to the Arigbamu of Agbamu Kingdom, Oba Samuel Olaniyi Dare, who praised the administration for approving a road project the community had been clamoring for since 1993.

    “We have dreamt of this road since 1993. What Governor AbdulRazaq has done is nothing short of trailblazing. We are grateful and stand fully in support of this administration,” the monarch said.

    The Chairman of the Agbamu Development Union, Commandant Kayode Oyinloye, echoed similar sentiments, noting the visible impact of the AbdulRazaq-led administration in the area while appealing for more government interventions to address other pressing needs.

    Olododo also paid a condolence visit to the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, over the recent passing of his mother, Alhaja Hawawu Awele Gbadamosi. He described the late matriarch as a woman of exceptional warmth and service to humanity.

    The Commissioner was accompanied on the tour by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Mudashirua Yusuf Oladimeji, and the Director of Civil Engineering at the Ministry of Works, Engr. Akanbi Moshood.

  • Kwara Government Unveils Roadmap for Safer, Greener and More Efficient Transport System

    Kwara Government Unveils Roadmap for Safer, Greener and More Efficient Transport System


    …State to pilot 100 CNG-powered tricycles in partnership with Innoson, warns against transport law violations

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    The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer and more efficient transport system that will support economic growth and ease of movement across the state. Speaking during a live radio programme “Oju-Oba’nle” on Diamond FM, Ilorin, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi, said the creation of a standalone Ministry of Transportation signals a new phase in the state’s drive toward an integrated and sustainable mobility framework.

    Hon. Korasabi revealed that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has developed a practical roadmap to overhaul the current system. A key part of this reform includes a partnership with Innoson Automobile Company for the procurement of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles as a pilot project. The initiative, according to him, is part of broader plans to introduce both CNG and electric tricycles into the system—targeted at cutting fuel costs, lowering vehicle maintenance expenses, and reducing environmental pollution.

    The Commissioner stated that designated parks and routes would be created for these tricycles upon delivery, as the state gears up to align its transport sector with global best practices. He also commended the Ministry of Works for its structural inputs in ongoing road designs to guarantee durability and long-term service.

    Korasabi further issued a stern warning to individuals and transport operators engaging in illegal roadside parking, unapproved garages, or trading on walkways, noting that violators will face the full weight of the law. He urged residents, traders, and transport unions to support the state’s initiatives and embrace the new opportunities the reformed system will bring.

  • Kwara Government Moves to Establish Dairy Farm in Partnership with Milki Barn

    Kwara Government Moves to Establish Dairy Farm in Partnership with Milki Barn


    …Commissioner visits Fasola, Oyo to understudy model farm as part of broader livestock development agenda

    To boost livestock development in Kwara State, the state government is set to partner with Milki Barn Agroserv Limited to establish a fully functional dairy farm within its territory. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, during a working visit to Milk Barn Farm in Fasola, Oyo State over the weekend.

    The visit, which also included the Director of Livestock at the Ministry, Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed Umar, aimed to study the operational model of Milki Barn’s dairy section in preparation for replicating a similar initiative in Kwara. Hon. Thomas-Adebayo explained that the move is part of the state government’s broader effort to lay a solid foundation for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development and to enhance the state’s livestock value chain, with particular focus on cattle fattening, beef production, and dairy processing.

    She emphasized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to unlocking the hidden potential of the livestock sector and creating opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors. According to the Commissioner, the present administration is intentional about opening up new economic opportunities that will improve livelihoods and drive sustainable agricultural growth.

    In his remarks, Founder and CEO of Milki Barn Agroserv Limited, Mr. Tony Jibunoh, who conducted the team around the facility, expressed willingness to collaborate with the Kwara State Government in actualizing its vision for livestock development.

  • Kwara Government Donates Medical Equipment to Otte-Oja Primary Health Centre

    Kwara Government Donates Medical Equipment to Otte-Oja Primary Health Centre


    …Intervention aims to boost rural healthcare delivery, encourage community use, and promote safer health practices

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    In a determined push to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in rural communities, the Kwara State Government has donated essential medical equipment worth millions of naira to the Primary Health Centre in Otte-Oja, Asa Local Government Area.

    At the official handover ceremony, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, encouraged residents to take full advantage of the improved facility. She emphasized that consistent community use and engagement with the health centre would further motivate the government to deploy more equipment and healthcare personnel. “Whatever we have been given must be put to judicious use. These medical items are meant to serve the people. While government is doing its part, individuals must also play theirs. Avoid self-medication and take advantage of the available interventions,” she said.

    Dr. El-Imam also called on the community to ensure the safety and maintenance of the newly supplied equipment, urging collective responsibility for sustainability.

    The Chairman of Asa Local Government, Alhaji Shehu Yahyah, praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to rural healthcare development. He described the intervention as a testament to the Governor’s dedication to inclusive governance and improved quality of life in underserved communities.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), Professor Shehu Adaramaja, reaffirmed the community’s support for the administration, highlighting the positive changes brought about by the government’s sustained investment in Asa Local Government.

    The donated equipment includes laboratory apparatus, immunization tools, oxygen machines, examination couches, drip stands, digital and manual blood pressure monitors, Littmann stethoscopes, stretchers, bedding items, and other critical supplies needed for effective service delivery.

    This effort is part of the broader health sector reforms in Kwara State aimed at revamping primary healthcare centers across all local governments and ensuring that even remote areas have access to quality medical care.