…Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s revival gives a new lease of life to the textile industry in Kwara
Kwara Garment Factory has successfully delivered premium-quality polo T-shirts, trousers, and bucket hats for the Young Farmers Club and the Women Agricultural Support Programme—two flagship initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative led by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON.
These programs are designed to empower young farmers and women in agriculture, providing them with essential resources to enhance productivity and growth in the sector.
Speaking on the delivery, the Managing Director of Kwara Garment Factory, Hajia Bukola Adedeji, reaffirmed the factory’s dedication to excellence and its commitment to supporting impactful national initiatives.
“At Kwara Garment Factory, we are committed to excellence in garment production and are honored to contribute to this transformative initiative. Our goal is to provide durable, high-quality apparel that supports productivity and instills a sense of pride among participants.”
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has congratulated Hamdalat Eniola Agboola of Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, for emerging as the champion of the recently concluded National Tax Debate held in Abuja.
Hamdalat secured an impressive 85%, outperforming all other contestants to become the National Ambassador of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) for 2025.
The Governor also praised Muminat Ayomide Abdulganiyu of Government Girls Secondary School, Oke Sunna, Ilorin, who secured fourth place in the competition with a commendable score of 78%.
Governor AbdulRazaq applauded the students for their outstanding achievements on the national stage, reinforcing Kwara State’s reputation as a hub for talented and high-achieving individuals across various sectors.
He also extended his appreciation to the students’ parents, their schools, and the Kwara State chapter of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) for their invaluable support and contributions to their success.
The Governor wished champion Hamdalat and the brilliant Muminat continued excellence in their academic and professional pursuits.
…. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Expands Tech Education to Bridge Digital Divide
#KwaraRising
The Kwara State Government has launched a Coding and Digital Literacy training programme aimed at equipping students from 50 public primary and junior secondary schools with essential digital skills.
The programme, spearheaded by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, Hon. Ishola Kayode, was officially flagged off on Tuesday by the Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, on behalf of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Speaking at the launch held at Bishop Smith Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, Salau emphasized that the initiative is part of the administration’s broader investment in education and technology.
“We are now faced with the reality of the digital revolution. So, what we have done today is to flag off the training for digital literacy in 50 schools in Kwara State,” he stated.
He added that the programme targets over 150 students in each of the selected schools and aims to provide them with a strong foundation in digital skills, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Among the schools in Ilorin benefiting from the pilot phase are Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin Grammar School, and Sheikh Alimi L.G.E.A Primary School.
Hon. Ishola highlighted the importance of digital literacy in problem-solving and community development.
“Public school students should not lag behind in the digital world. They should be digitally literate and capable of solving problems in their communities using technology,” he said.
According to him, the pilot phase includes 15 schools from Kwara Central, 13 from the North, and 22 from the South, with plans for expansion after a data-driven assessment of the programme’s impact.
Mrs. Akanbi Janet Ayoola, Principal of Bishop Smith College (Junior Session), commended the initiative, describing it as one of the best decisions by the state government in an era where technology and artificial intelligence play a crucial role in daily life.
Students, including Opadili Dorcas Boluwatife and Akinola Kolawole Abdulrahman, expressed their gratitude to the government, promising to make the most of the opportunity to enhance their digital knowledge and compete on a global scale.
…. State Government Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Transformation
KwaraRising
The Kwara State Government has officially launched the 2025 Agro Inputs Fair, a five-day event aimed at enhancing food security, supporting farmers, and transforming the agricultural sector. The initiative, organized by the Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, provides early access to high-quality inputs at affordable prices, mechanization support, training, climate advisory, and market linkages.
Speaking at the event, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, emphasized the importance of agricultural innovation and knowledge-sharing in improving food production. He stated that the fair is not just about distributing agricultural inputs but about driving innovation, fostering knowledge exchange, and providing solutions that will significantly enhance agricultural productivity. He reaffirmed that Kwara is not merely participating in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation but is leading the charge, with a clear goal of achieving greater yields, lower food prices, and a thriving, self-sufficient agricultural economy.
The Governor recalled that Kwara recorded the lowest food inflation rate in the country for three consecutive months last year, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). He attributed this achievement to his administration’s strategic policies and investments in agriculture, praising local farmers for their dedication in complementing government efforts to improve food production and security.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, noted that the Agro Inputs Fair is designed to equip farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to maximize their productivity and profitability. She emphasized that the government remains committed to strengthening the agricultural sector through mechanization, the provision of extension services, distribution of inputs, ensuring the availability of tractors for local governments, and providing support for dry-season farming.
She further highlighted that beyond offering discounted fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals, the fair would provide practical workshops on modern farming techniques, pest control, and post-harvest management. She added that farmers will also benefit from NiMET’s climate advisory, security insights to protect their investments, and market expansion opportunities through the outgrowers scheme. She urged all participants to take full advantage of these initiatives to improve their farming operations and productivity.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, encouraged attendees to leverage the available opportunities and apply the knowledge gained to enhance their agricultural practices. She noted that the fair is a significant step towards ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern agriculture and contribute to the overall development of the state’s economy.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Umar Mahmud Aboki, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his administration’s unwavering support for farmers and its continuous efforts to advance the agricultural sector. He stated that the fair was proof of the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and creating an enabling environment for agricultural growth.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers in attendance, the Elerin of Adanla, Oba Dr. David Oyerinola Adedunmoye, described the fair as a timely and impactful initiative that would contribute significantly to rural development and economic growth. He praised the government’s vision in ensuring that farmers have access to necessary inputs and support to enhance their livelihoods.
The event was attended by key government officials, including Hon. Gideon Saba, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture; Hon. Musa Kareem, House Member representing Patigi Constituency; Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development; Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi, Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development; and Dr. Segun Ogunsola, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development. Local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and representatives of various farmers’ associations were also present at the event.
With the launch of the 2025 Agro Inputs Fair, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration continues to prioritize food security, agricultural sustainability, and economic empowerment for farmers across Kwara State. The fair is expected to have a lasting impact on the agricultural sector, further positioning Kwara as a leader in innovative and sustainable farming practices.
The Kwara State Executive Council has approved the creation of two new ministries as part of a major restructuring aimed at improving governance efficiency, enhancing coordination, and aligning with the state’s growing developmental priorities.
The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, presided over by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, following a memorandum presented by the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed.
As part of the restructuring, the Ministry of Livestock Development has been carved out of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This move is intended to bolster food security, strengthen livestock farming across Kwara’s 16 local government areas, and address the challenges associated with large-scale livestock production. The new ministry will play a key role in supporting farmers, herders, processors, and distributors across the livestock value chain, ensuring a more specialized focus on livestock development.
The council also approved the creation of the Ministry of Transportation, separating it from the Ministry of Works and Transport. This restructuring is designed to establish a well-organized transportation management system, ensuring efficient mobility for residents and optimizing the state’s expanding infrastructure network. As part of this reorganization, the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Agency (KWARTMA) will now be placed under the Ministry of Transportation instead of the Ministry of Works.
With these adjustments, Kwara State now has 22 ministries, up from 20, further strengthening the Governor AbdulRazaq-led administration’s commitment to streamlining governance and improving public service delivery. The restructuring is expected to enhance the effectiveness of government operations and ensure better service delivery across key sectors.
The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has adjusted the timetable for the ongoing screening and interview of applicants for teaching positions in public secondary schools across the state.
According to an updated statement by TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile, the interview, which began on Tuesday with applicants from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Oke Ero, will now follow a revised schedule for the remaining candidates.
Under the new arrangement, all interview sessions will now hold exclusively at the KWASU International Conference Centre, including the session previously scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025.
Revised Interview Schedule Day 2 (February 26, 2025)
Ilorin West – 1,310 Non-Kwarans – 362 Total: 1,672 All applicants who have been invited for the interview are expected to adhere to the revised schedule and ensure their appearance at the designated venue.
TESCOM reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process, urging candidates to arrive on time and bring along the required original documents for verification.
…Governor AbdulRazaq Prioritizes Sustainable Farming for Food Security and Economic Growth
The Kwara State Government has once again called on farmers to embrace climate-smart agricultural technologies to improve productivity and mitigate losses caused by unpredictable weather patterns. This charge was given by the Project Coordinator of the Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, during a workshop for Women’s Agricultural Cooperatives and Women’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on climate-smart agricultural practices. The event was held in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area as part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable farming across the state.
Dr. Busari emphasized that many of the losses suffered by farmers today result from noncompliance with modern, climate-adaptive agricultural techniques. He stated that the government is intensifying awareness campaigns to ensure that Kwara farmers adopt sustainable farming methods to avert losses and increase food production.
He further explained that the timing of the workshop was strategic, as the planting season is fast approaching. “This initiative is a crucial part of the SAPZ program, and farmers must apply the knowledge gained here to boost their productivity,” he said.
The SAPZ Coordinator also warned against environmentally harmful practices such as bush burning, overgrazing, and deforestation, which contribute to soil degradation, reduced crop yields, and climate change-related agricultural challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr. Femi Yusuf, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his grassroots approach to governance and dedication to farmers’ welfare. He praised the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion in agriculture, noting that such initiatives empower women to play active roles in the state’s agricultural value chain.
“The passion of this administration for inclusive and sustainable agriculture is commendable. Ifelodun Local Government is fully prepared to leverage this initiative to improve food security and economic development,” Yusuf stated.
The resource person for the workshop, Mr. Gbadebo Elebiyo, advised farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns by using drought-resistant seeds and improving livestock breeds with local varieties. He stressed that climate change is altering traditional farming cycles, making it essential for farmers to embrace new techniques that ensure resilience and profitability.
The workshop drew participation from key agricultural stakeholders, including Hon. Abdulganiyu Folabi Salahu, a member representing Omupo Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, representatives of the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), Mekunu Peoples Forum, and other agricultural groups.
With this initiative, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration continues to champion innovative agricultural solutions to boost food security, increase farmers’ earnings, and sustain Kwara’s agricultural economy. The SAPZ program remains a key pillar of this strategy, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to adapt to climate change and maximize productivity.
The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has invited 5,928 applicants for interviews and screenings as part of the ongoing recruitment of 1,800 senior school teachers. The exercise, which follows the recently concluded Computer-Based Test (CBT), will take place from Tuesday, February 25, to Saturday, March 1, 2025.
According to a statement released by TESCOM Press Secretary, Sam Onile, applicants can check their status on the recruitment portal to confirm their eligibility for the next phase.
Cutoff Marks and Special Considerations TESCOM Chairman, Mallam Bello Taoheed, announced the cutoff scores for different categories of applicants, ensuring that qualified candidates from across the state are fairly represented:
Non-STEM subjects:
Kwara Indigenes: 60% Baruten, Isin, Oke Ero, and Patigi Indigenes: 50% (to encourage more applications from these areas) Non-Indigenes: 70% STEM Subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Geography):
All Kwara Indigenes: 50% (to accommodate the demand for STEM teachers across the state) Special Consideration:
All 93 applicants from Kaiama Local Government Area automatically qualify for the interview. All 37 Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) who sat the CBT are also invited for the interview. Interview Schedule and Venues The interviews and screenings will take place at two designated venues:
Tuesday – Thursday: KWASU International Conference Centre, Sango, Ilorin Friday – Saturday: Kwara State Banquet Hall Day-by-day schedule for the interviews:
Day 1 (Feb 25) – Asa (186), Ilorin East (502), Ilorin South (205), Oke Ero (193) Total: 1,086 Day 2 (Feb 26) – Baruten (150), Edu (601), Patigi (281), Kaiama (93) Total: 1,125 Day 3 (Feb 27) – Ifelodun (413), Irepodun (372), Isin (225) Total: 1,070 Day 4 (Feb 28) – Moro (232), Offa (308), Ekiti (200), Oyun (231), Non-Kwarans (362) Total: 1,336 Day 5 (March 1) – Ilorin West (1,310) Required Documents and Drug Testing Applicants must attend the interview with original copies of their credentials, including:
NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate Birth Certificate or Court Affidavit (dated no earlier than June 30, 2024) Shortlisted candidates will also undergo a mandatory drug test at NDLEA-approved centers before their final selection.
“This is a highly competitive process, and only 1,800 applicants will be selected to join public senior secondary schools across Kwara State,” the statement added.
The Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration continues to prioritize quality education and merit-based recruitment, ensuring that only the most qualified and competent teachers are engaged to shape the future of Kwara’s students.
The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has successfully conducted a computer-based test (CBT) for 9,459 applicants seeking teaching positions in public secondary schools across the state. According to a release by the Press Secretary of TESCOM, Kwara State, Sam Onile, the examination took place across six centers in Ilorin, Offa, Oko, Patigi, and Lafiagi on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The CBT serves as the qualifying stage for the recruitment of 1,800 teachers, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and rural education. The hiring exercise aims to fill critical teaching gaps in secondary schools across Kwara.
Reports indicate that applicants who selected Offa, Oko, and Patigi centers completed their exams earlier in the day, while the final batch in Lafiagi concluded their test later in the evening. Similarly, thousands of applicants at Unilorin, Kwara State College of Education (COED), and Ilorin West CBT Centers successfully wrote their exams in different batches.
TESCOM Releases Results, Announces Next Steps
Following the smooth conduct of the examination, TESCOM has released the CBT results, allowing applicants to check their scores on the official recruitment portal.
TESCOM Chairman, Mallam Bello Taoheed, confirmed that 8,529 candidates completed the exam across the designated centers, while the remaining 930 applicants did not show up for the test. The breakdown of candidates per center is as follows:
● COED Ilorin – 2,891
● Ilorin West LGA – 1,991
● UNILORIN – 1,677
● Lafiagi – 812
● Offa – 586
● Oko – 297
● Patigi – 275
“This is the first step after the exams. The Commission will soon release the cutoff marks, which will determine the candidates proceeding to the interview and screening stage,” Taoheed stated.
He assured applicants that TESCOM would soon communicate further details regarding the next phase of the recruitment exercise, including interview schedules and additional selection criteria.
With the completion of the CBT phase, the Kwara State Government remains committed to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, ensuring that qualified teachers are selected to enhance the state’s public education system.
…As Governor AbdulRazaq relentless march on Innovation and Digital Growth in Kwara continues
The Ilorin Innovation Hub is set to officially commence its programs, marking a significant milestone in Kwara State’s drive to foster technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The highly anticipated launch event will take place on:
📅 Date: Thursday, 27th February 2025 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM 📍 Venue: Ilorin Innovation Hub, Ahmadu Bello Way, GRA, Ilorin
The event will unveil a series of transformative programs aimed at supporting startups, digital entrepreneurs, and tech-driven enterprises. It is expected to attract key stakeholders, industry professionals, policymakers, and members of the innovation ecosystem, further positioning Kwara as an emerging tech hub in Nigeria.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a flagship initiative under the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration, is designed to serve as a catalyst for technological advancement, job creation, and digital empowerment in the state. By providing access to mentorship, training, funding opportunities, and cutting-edge resources, the hub is set to nurture the next generation of innovators and business leaders.
As part of the preparations, attendees are encouraged to confirm their attendance by registering at https://forms.gle/YDUtZhTAZnm6auV5A
With this launch, Kwara continues its journey toward becoming a center for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to economic diversification and technological progress.
