Kwara Rising

Category: News

  • ARABA FC STUNS IN COMEBACK DRAW AGAINST KASAM FA

    ARABA FC STUNS IN COMEBACK DRAW AGAINST KASAM FA

    …STAKEHOLDERS HAIL TEAM SPIRIT AND DISCIPLINE 

    Araba Football Club, one of the most promising sides in the Nationwide League One (NLO), delivered a thrilling performance on Wednesday, April 23rd, in a gripping encounter against Kasam FA. In what began as a challenging game for the Ilorin-based side, Araba FC came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw—an outcome that sent waves of excitement through fans, supporters, and stakeholders alike.

    The opening half of the game saw Araba FC concede a goal, largely attributed to the inexperience of their goalkeeper, Lateef, who was making his debut in a major tournament. Despite the early setback, the team showed resilience and character, ultimately earning a well-deserved point.

    Reverend Muyiwa, a prominent stakeholder and avid supporter of the team, captured the essence of the second-half performance. “There was cohesion, purpose, and a sense of direction. The team came in hot,” he said. His words echoed the sentiments of fans who witnessed a renewed Araba FC side that displayed hunger and unity on the pitch.

    A key moment in the turnaround came with the introduction of seasoned forward Isiak Olawale, whose experience and composure under pressure proved invaluable. Olawale found the back of the net twice, leveling the scores and restoring belief in the Araba camp. Speaking after the game, Olawale described the match as “a good game, albeit tough,” urging fans to keep their support strong. “We’ll continue to make them proud,” he assured.

    Team manager, Femi Oki, a former Nigerian international, lauded his team’s fighting spirit. “This is a side we had previously beaten 2-0 in a friendly match,” he said, reflecting on past encounters. “Our goalkeeper Lateef is young and new to this level. That inexperience showed, but we made tactical changes just in time, leveraging the collective experience of the squad to salvage the draw.”

    Manager Oki emphasized that the team would be returning to the drawing board to refine their strategies. He also expressed appreciation to the Nationwide League One (NLO), the management, and the Kwara State Sports Board for their continued support and excellent league organization. “Kudos to the NLO and everyone making this platform thrive,” he stated.

    He didn’t fail to spotlight the influence of the club’s leadership. “Our CEO is a disciplinarian, a lover of good values, and someone who understands the importance of grit and hard work. These values have become the DNA of Araba FC,” Oki said. “We are proud to be a fully branded team, and we are thankful for the guidance and investment from our CEO. We pray for continued success.”

    With this performance, Araba FC continues to strengthen its reputation not only as a competitive team on the field but as a symbol of discipline, ambition, and community pride. Fans now eagerly await the next fixture, hopeful for another display of courage and unity from the rising football side.

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Meets Chief of Army Staff Over Security Concerns in Kwara

    Governor AbdulRazaq Meets Chief of Army Staff Over Security Concerns in Kwara

    …Strategic session follows assessment tour of flashpoints in Kwara North and South

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on Tuesday held a high-level security meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, at the Government House in Ilorin.

    The meeting comes on the heels of recent security developments in some parts of Kwara North and Kwara South, where activities of non-state actors have been reported. The governor’s engagement with the military leadership is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the state’s security framework and prevent a deterioration of peace in affected areas.

    Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier led a joint security delegation on an operational assessment tour to Kaiama Local Government Area, one of the flashpoints in Kwara North. The visit was aimed at evaluating the situation on the ground and fine-tuning the government’s response to emerging threats.

    During the closed-door meeting, both leaders discussed tactical measures to address the security concerns and strengthen collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army.

    Lieutenant General Oluyede commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his continuous support to the military, particularly citing the recent donation of vehicles and motorcycles to the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army. He described the state government’s backing as instrumental in enhancing mobility and surveillance across remote terrains in the state.

    “We appreciate the Governor’s unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army. It has enabled our officers to respond more effectively to security issues. We assure His Excellency of our full cooperation and coordination with other security agencies to ensure that Kwara remains safe,” Oluyede said.

    Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, adding that security remains his top priority.

    “Our government is fully committed to providing the necessary support for our security agencies. Kwara must not be a breeding ground for criminal elements,” the Governor said.

    Since assuming office in 2019, Governor AbdulRazaq has ramped up support for security agencies in Kwara, providing logistics, mobility tools, and operational funding as part of a comprehensive effort to safeguard the state. These interventions have been widely acknowledged for helping security operatives secure forests and vulnerable communities.

    The governor emphasized that peace is non-negotiable and said his administration would remain proactive in addressing threats before they escalate.

    More actions are expected to follow in the coming days as the state government and security forces intensify efforts to ensure sustained peace across Kwara.

  • Kwara Governor Swears in New Appointees, Charges Them on Accountability

    Kwara Governor Swears in New Appointees, Charges Them on Accountability

    …AbdulRazaq Tasks Special Advisers, Auditor General, Permanent Secretaries with Prudent Service

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday inaugurated two Special Advisers, a new Auditor General, and seven Permanent Secretaries, charging them to uphold transparency and diligence in their duties.

    The newly sworn-in officials include Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah (Special Adviser on Special Duties), Ambassador Umulkhaer Onaolamipo Ahmed Alaye (Special Adviser on Civic Engagement), and Alayande Fatai (Auditor General). The seven Permanent Secretaries will oversee key ministries, including Energy, Health, Works, and Transportation.

    Governor AbdulRazaq urged the appointees to view their selection as a privilege to serve the people, emphasizing their responsibility to improve governance. “Your appointment places you in a position to contribute meaningfully to Kwara’s development. Serve with fairness, humility, and integrity,” he said during the ceremony in Ilorin.

    The event was attended by dignitaries, including former House of Representatives member Hon. Abdulganiyu Cook Olododo and Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Usman Jos.

    Secretary to the State Government Prof. Mamman Saba Jubril advised the appointees to demonstrate dedication in their roles. In response, Jiddah assured the Governor of their commitment to justifying the trust placed in them.

    The appointments are part of efforts to strengthen governance and service delivery in Kwara State.

  • NLO Adjusts Kwara Center Fixtures for Smoother League Operations

    NLO Adjusts Kwara Center Fixtures for Smoother League Operations

    … Araba FC to Face Kasam FC in Revised Wednesday Fixture

    The Nationwide League One (NLO) Kwara Center has announced a revised schedule for Match Day One, splitting games across two days to improve organization and fairness.

    Originally set for a single day, fixtures will now take place on Wednesday, April 23rd, and Thursday, April 24th, 2025, at the Kwara Stadium Mainbowl.

    Updated Schedule:

    Match Day One – Kwara Center Two

    Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    8:00 AM: LAYCON FC vs KFA FC
    10:00 AM: ARABA FC vs KASAM FC (Featured Match)
    12:00 PM: SUNRISE FA vs HOUSE OF PRAYER FA
    2:00 PM: UNICORN FC vs ABRAY FC
    Match Day One – Kwara Center One

    Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025

    8:00 AM: BARRIER FC vs LA’ PLANET FA
    10:00 AM: OFFA FC vs NA ROYAL FC
    12:00 PM: DOHZ FA vs GAA AKANBI FC
    2:00 PM: KA’AH FC vs ABS FC
    The adjustment aims to ensure better coordination and a seamless league experience. Teams and fans are advised to take note of the changes and plan accordingly.

    The announcement was signed by Akorode Kehinde, NLO Event Manager for Kwara Center, and approved by Tayo Egbaiyelo, General Coordinator.

    Football enthusiasts are particularly anticipating the Araba FC vs Kasam FC clash as one of Wednesday’s highlight matches.

  • Ibrahim Taiwo/Popo Road in Offa Nears Completion Under Governor AbdulRazaq’s Road Renewal Drive

    Ibrahim Taiwo/Popo Road in Offa Nears Completion Under Governor AbdulRazaq’s Road Renewal Drive

    … 95% milestone achieved as project promises economic boost and improved mobility

    KwaraRising

    The Kwara State Government has announced that the upgrade of the Ibrahim Taiwo Road/Popo Road in Offa Local Government Area is 95 percent completed — signaling another major stride in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s widely celebrated rural-urban renewal initiative.

    The near-completion of the road has been met with widespread commendation from residents, traders, and road users who hail the Governor’s commitment to revitalizing infrastructure across all three senatorial districts of the state. They describe Governor AbdulRazaq as a visionary leader whose focus on inclusive development has brought long-overdue progress to underserved communities.

    Expected to significantly ease vehicular movement and improve safety, the upgraded road will also serve as a catalyst for local commerce, providing smoother access for traders and buyers within and outside Offa.

    The project is one of many under the AbdulRazaq-led administration’s infrastructural overhaul, which has delivered numerous township and rural roads, as well as landmark projects like the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover at Tanke and the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover at Unity Roundabout in Ilorin.

  • Emir of Ilorin At 85: Governor AbdulRazaq Celebrates Royal Icon

    Emir of Ilorin At 85: Governor AbdulRazaq Celebrates Royal Icon

    …Describes His Highness as a statesman, father to all, and pillar of peace

    #KwaraRising

    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.

  • Kwara Partners with Indigenous Drug Manufacturer to Boost Healthcare Delivery

    Kwara Partners with Indigenous Drug Manufacturer to Boost Healthcare Delivery

    …Governor AbdulRazaq backs local pharmaceutical industry for sustainable health services

    #KwaraRising

    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.

  • Kwara Disburses 2025 Residency Training Fund to Doctors

    Kwara Disburses 2025 Residency Training Fund to Doctors

    …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.

  • Gov AbdulRazaq Felicitates Christians on Easter, Urges Reflection and Faith

    Gov AbdulRazaq Felicitates Christians on Easter, Urges Reflection and Faith

    …Says Easter reminds us of triumph through adversity, prays for joy and happiness in all homes

    #KwaraRising

    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.

  • NGF Chair leads condolence visit to Jos, appeals for peace

    NGF Chair leads condolence visit to Jos, appeals for peace

    ▪︎commends security agencies for interventions

    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