The Kwara State government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, has initiated yet another round of repair work on the poorly constructed Diamond Underpass Flyover along the Ilorin Airport road. This project, originally built during former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s administration, has required repeated attention due to structural deficiencies.
KwaraRising can report that this is not the first or even the second time Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has had to rehabilitate the N3.7 billion underpass flyover. Cracks have been observed in several portions of the structure, prompting ongoing repair efforts.
The flyover was initially designed to alleviate traffic congestion at the bustling Airport, Garin Alimi, and Olorunsogo axis of Ilorin. However, KwaraRising can confirm that signs of poor execution became evident in 2019, when a significant portion of the structure collapsed just weeks after its commissioning.
The current rehabilitation of the Diamond Underpass is part of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s continued efforts to address poorly executed projects inherited from the previous administration of the Kwara People’s Democratic Party (PDP). KwaraRising can report that these efforts are aimed at ensuring the safety and convenience of the people of Kwara State.
Over a year ago, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, flagged off a gigantic urban renewal project in the Ilorin metropolis—a development that raised eyebrows among the populace, especially those whose properties were affected. These properties, many of which were built in contravention of environmental laws, had been ignored by past administrations, hence an unbridled urban sprawl ensued. But this administration was resolved to redevelop the city and went ahead, signaling an end to business as usual.
The urban renewal programme has since transformed areas like the Post Office, once a chaotic hub of hawkers, into a model of neatness and infrastructure. There have been major upgrades in the Challenge area, Ajase-Ipo road, and Taiwo road, including a new overhead bridge that has eased traffic congestion. The beautification and reconstruction of the inner roads have equally left the residents and visitors in awe of the metamorphosis of Ilorin, with many expressing amazement at visible changes during the festive season.
Citizens and Visitors Laud Ilorin’s Transformation
Visitors and residents have alike lauded the impressive infrastructure developments. Faith Awofadeju from Kano commended the improved road networks; Abiodun Babatunde from Ibadan expressed his amazement at the transformation of the Post Office area, saying new rules must be put in place to keep things in order; Engr. Onoja Olushola acknowledged the progress but urged the completion of the ongoing projects. Adebisi Sunday from Lagos also commended the government’s efforts despite economic challenges, appealing to motorists to be safety-conscious on the roads and the administration to continue the development drive.
Other visitors, like Femi Raphael from Abuja, noted the economic potential of the transformation and how it has changed the lives of citizens positively. Oyinloye Alex, from Port Harcourt, lauded the construction of new roads and flyovers but emphasized the need for their maintenance to ensure the sustenance of modernization in the city. The State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, assured the people that the government is committed to inclusive development, with so many road projects going on in different parts of the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s Vision for Kwara’s Future
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reiterated his administration’s determination to transform Kwara at the 59th National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, saying such projects as Ilorin Smart City and State University of Education did not only show an intention to build but also an intent to develop economically. He said with those monumental projects, Ilorin is now in the league of major capital cities in Nigeria.
The president of IEDPU, Dr. Alagbonsi, also praised the administration and called for more expansion to benefit Ilorin and the state at large. In line with this, from 2023, more than 190 projects were flagged off and are ongoing; the trend is that of long-term development by the administration. Citizens and visitors in the city, seeing its magnanimous transformation, hope that these steps will continue to attract another dimension of growth and development for Kwara State.
In a major move to tackle water supply issues in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has sanctioned the reconstruction and restoration of the Otte-Oja/Budo Egba and Omu-Aran Waterworks.
The projects were formally assigned to AEVIN Nigeria Limited and DELKO International Contractors for prompt implementation.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, conducted the official handover at both locations on Tuesday, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to enhancing access to clean water in underprivileged communities.
A Safety Net for Otte-Oja and Budo Egba Neighborhoods
At the Otte-Oja/Budo Egba location, Hon. Lade disclosed that the initiative encompasses the drilling of six solar-powered industrial boreholes and the setup of extra fetching points to guarantee wider access to clean water.
He additionally revealed intentions to offer a backup generator as an alternative energy option, ensuring a continuous water supply.
To protect the facility, the government plans to build a perimeter fence, responding to earlier issues with vandalism that rendered the old water system inoperable.
Lade praised the strength of the Otte-Oja/Budo Egba communities and encouraged them to collaborate with contractors for on-time and high-quality results.
Revamping Omu-Aran’s Water System
At the Omu-Aran Waterworks, the Commissioner described the work involved, such as dredging the reservoir, setting up low-lift and high-lift pumps, cleaning clarifiers, and laying pipelines to enhance water distribution.
More fetching points will be built to accommodate additional residents. In his speech, Lade assured the community of the administration’s dedication to delivering sustainable water solutions, seeking patience and support while the contractors develop the facility.
Hon. Yunusa Oniboki, Chair of the State House of Assembly Water Resources Committee, recounted the enduring challenges faced by the Otte Oja/Budo Egba communities regarding water shortages.
He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his proactive leadership and prompt endorsement of the initiative, which aims to ease the difficulties faced by residents. Leaders in the community, such as the Chairman of the Otte-Oja Descendants Union, Alh. Saka Omowale and Alhaji Akanbi Egba, the Vice Chairman of Budo Egba Community, conveyed their appreciation to the Governor for the initiative.
In the same vein, Chief Lawrence Adeboye, speaking for the Olomu of Omu-Aran, commended the Governor’s quick action regarding the town’s water issue, while urging for improved security measures to safeguard the restored facility.
A Dedication to Quality Service
Contractors AEVIN Nigeria Limited and DELKO International committed to providing high-quality projects according to specifications. Engineer. Musa Surajudeen and Alh. Mohammed Salihu Kolawole expressed gratitude to the state government for granting them the duty of serving the state in this important role.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s endorsement of these groundbreaking initiatives underscores his administration’s commitment to enhancing living standards and promoting fair development throughout Kwara State.
By tackling water shortages in these vital communities, his leadership is helping to create a brighter and healthier future for all inhabitants.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has fulfilled his pledge to prioritize education and inclusive development by inaugurating the Osi Campus of Kwara State University (KWASU).
The move signifies a milestone in his administration’s efforts to complete abandoned projects and drive regional growth.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Abdulrazaq described the project as more than a simple infrastructure upgrade but a legacy initiative aimed at expanding access to quality education.
He emphasized that his administration’s commitment to progress transcends political affiliations, ensuring all regions of Kwara benefit from sustainable development.
“This is a lesson in history and a testament to strategic planning and determination. We promised never to abandon this project, and today, we celebrate its completion as a beacon of hope for future generations,” the Governor stated.
Transforming Southern Kwara
The newly inaugurated Osi Campus features modern lecture halls, state-of-the-art studios, laboratories, and a serene learning environment.
These facilities underscore the administration’s focus on academic excellence, sustainable growth, and social inclusion.
The Governor stressed that the project aligns with his broader vision to make Kwara a hub for innovation and technical expertise.
The Osi Campus is home to the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, which now hosts programs in Geography and Remote Sensing, Urban and Regional Planning, and Estate Management, among others.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) recently approved the inclusion of these courses, with plans to introduce Architecture and Quantity Surveying in the next academic session.
A Collaborative Effort
Governor Abdulrazaq expressed gratitude to the host community for their support during the project’s completion.
He called on the students, staff, and management of KWASU to maximize the campus’s potential. “Let this campus become a breeding ground for world-class professionals who will bring honor to Kwara State and Nigeria,” he said.
Senior officials, traditional rulers, and academic leaders attended the ceremony. Among them were KWASU Chancellor Dr. Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, and Vice Chancellor Prof. Sheikh Luqman Jimoh, who commended the Governor’s dedication to advancing education in the state.
Traditional leaders like the Olosi of Osi, Oba Saliu Adasofegbe, also lauded the Governor for his impactful governance. The monarch highlighted other community-focused projects, including road construction, ICT centers, and support for local vigilante groups, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving Osi.
A Promising Future
The Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to expand development across all sectors. He emphasized that the success of the Osi Campus and other projects stems from the collective efforts of Kwarans. “The fruits of today’s achievements are a testament to our shared dedication and hard work,” he said.
Dr. Mary Arinde, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, described the campus as a transformative step towards empowering youth with skills and knowledge for a brighter future.
As the first batch of students settles into the Osi Campus, the inauguration serves as a landmark in Kwara’s educational and developmental journey, setting a standard for excellence and inclusivity across the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, will officially commission Kwara State University’s newly built Osi Campus today, Wednesday. This major project, completed by his administration, represents a huge step forward in the governor’s continuous commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure and access throughout the state.
The Osi Campus, designed to accommodate a growing student body and provide cutting-edge facilities, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to enhancing higher education.
This effort is part of Governor AbdulRazaq’s larger ambition of establishing Kwara as a hub for academic achievement and innovation.
The commissioning event will be attended by important stakeholders, government officials, academic leaders, and members of the community, indicating the widespread support for this landmark commissioning.
The Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB) has announced the shortlisting of 1,811 applicants for employment, following a rigorous selection process from a pool of 55,713 candidates across the state. This development is part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s broader commitment to fostering inclusive growth and addressing manpower gaps in education across Kwara State.
According to KWSUBEB Chairman, Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, the successful candidates include 1,500 teachers, primarily focused on STEM subjects, and 311 non-teaching staff such as drivers, security guards, and office assistants. These appointments aim to enhance the quality of education and support infrastructure in schools across all 16 local government areas.
Prof. Adaramaja outlined the documentation process for the successful applicants, with those from Kwara North scheduled for Monday, January 6. Applicants from Kwara South will proceed on Tuesday, January 7, while those from Kwara Central will complete their documentation on Wednesday, January 8. Successful candidates have been notified through their registered phone numbers.
To complete the documentation, applicants must provide original and photocopies of their credentials, two file jackets, citizenship certificates, passport photographs, and other necessary documents. The recruitment process emphasized selecting candidates from rural communities to ensure they remain in their assigned areas, addressing the manpower challenges in these regions.
This initiative highlights Governor AbdulRazaq’s dedication to inclusive development, ensuring that both teaching and non-teaching staff are adequately distributed across Kwara State to improve the educational landscape.
…Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Enhances Students’ Return to Campus with Free Bus Services
In a strategic move aimed at easing transportation challenges for university students, the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the provision of free bus services for students returning to Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). This initiative is set to significantly reduce the financial burden on students and their families as they resume after the holidays.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology to oversee the smooth implementation of the palliative transport service, which will operate from key designated pickup points across the state. The designated collection points for the buses include Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Taiwo, and Soludero Park, Post Office, Ilorin.
Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting education and the well-being of students. She encouraged students to take full advantage of the free transport service, stressing that the initiative is designed to ensure that students can return to their campuses on time and without the added stress of transportation costs.
This bold initiative not only supports the academic aspirations of Kwara’s students but also demonstrates the administration’s broader goals of improving public services and making education more accessible. Through this intervention, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration continues to demonstrate its dedication to the welfare of young people and the development of the state’s educational sector.
…As Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Champions Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in the region
The North Central Zonal Conference of Women and Youths in Agric Business and Entrepreneurs concluded in Ilorin, Kwara State, with a strong emphasis on the need for inclusive empowerment through agricultural vocational skills. The event saw stakeholders urging all levels of government to invest in empowering citizens for sustainable development via agriculture.
Speaking at the conference, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, highlighted Kwara State’s commitment to inclusive policies, revealing that 50% of state agricultural programmes are dedicated to women, youths, and persons with disabilities. “Women and youths are central to every programme designed by the State because we recognize their critical role in economic transformation,” she affirmed.
Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Hajia Nafisat Buge, urged participants to see agriculture as a dignified and profitable venture. “Agriculture is neither dirty nor something to be ashamed of; it is a rewarding business that contributes significantly to our economy,” she stated, encouraging more people to embrace opportunities within the sector.
The Director General of the Nigeria Agric Business for Women and Youth Farmers Entrepreneurs (NABG), Mr. Jafar Abubakar, showcased the transformative potential of agric business in fostering economic growth and independence. He emphasized the integration of technology into agriculture as a means to enhance efficiency and output. “Women, who already contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, can achieve greater heights through agriculture combined with technology and innovative business practices,” he noted.
Mr. Abubakar commended the Kwara State Government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for its youth-inclusive policies, emphasizing that investing in agric business would drive food security and reduce unemployment. He lauded the state’s efforts in creating a supportive environment for agricultural entrepreneurs.
A standout presentation was made by Mr. Abdulafeez Alao, a participant from Kwara State, who introduced “Eedu-Ramoni,” an eco-friendly briquette made from farm waste. His innovation, aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting environmental sustainability, received wide acclaim for balancing ecological conservation with economic benefits.
The conference concluded with the recognition of outstanding entrepreneurs excelling in various agric business ventures, inspiring participants to explore diverse opportunities within the sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reaffirmed its dedication to promoting agric business as a catalyst for sustainable development, empowering women and youths, and driving economic transformation in Kwara State and beyond.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called on members and elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State to foster unity, mutual understanding, and peace. Speaking over the weekend in Ilorin, the state capital, the governor emphasized that unity and peace are crucial for the APC to maintain its winning momentum both in the state and nationally.
Addressing the Ifelodun APC Elders’ Council, led by Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, Governor AbdulRazaq acknowledged the vital support of the Elders’ Council and other stakeholders. He pledged to continue addressing their concerns, particularly in the areas of road construction, provision of social amenities, and political appointments.
“I want us to strengthen and deepen the spirit of working together. A divided house will lead us nowhere,” the governor remarked. He stressed the importance of unity, warning that division would make the party vulnerable. “Let us work together and look forward to a good year—a year of more prosperity, a year of stability, and a year of proper engagement among ourselves,” he added.
Governor AbdulRazaq also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some contractors handling road projects in the region, specifically mentioning the Ora township road. He assured the elders that necessary steps were being taken to address these issues. The governor highlighted the completion of several key projects, including the new Orisa bridge that connects Irepodun to Ifelodun local government.
In response, Senator Ajadi reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the APC’s mission, noting that the council’s membership spans across all 18 political wards in the local government. He lauded the governor for his remarkable achievements, stating that his impact is visible throughout the state.
In a heartwarming celebration, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State marked the New Year with special needs children, adopted children, and inmates of the Juvenile Correctional Home. KwaraRising can report that the event, organized by the Ministry of Social Development, showcased the governor’s commitment to the welfare of underprivileged groups in the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq joined the children and caregivers in dancing, taking pictures, and cutting a celebratory cake. The atmosphere was lively, with musical performances and games like balloon blowing, headgear-tying contests, and dance competitions.
“We have come to celebrate the children with various challenges. It is also to encourage and support the caregivers,” the governor said during an interview on the sidelines of the event, showcasing his hands-on approach to fostering inclusion and uplifting vulnerable groups in society.
The host Commissioner, Olaitan Abosede Buraimoh, thanked the governor for his approval and active participation, describing him as child-friendly and passionate about the welfare of children with disabilities.
Ayanwale, the visually impaired Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, added that AbdulRazaq’s actions were a model of leadership for others. KwaraRising can report that the program was yet another demonstration of the administration’s dedication to social inclusion and community care.
