Kwara Rising

Category: News

  • Governor AbdulRazaq Delivers Osi Campus, Keeps Promise of Inclusive Development

    Governor AbdulRazaq Delivers Osi Campus, Keeps Promise of Inclusive Development

    …A New Dawn for Tertiary Education in Kwara State

    KwaraRising

    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.

  • AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq To Commission the Osi Campus of Kwara State University

    AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq To Commission the Osi Campus of Kwara State University

    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.

  • Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board Shortlists 1,811 Applicants for Employment

    Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board Shortlists 1,811 Applicants for Employment

    …Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq policies shapes education

    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.

  • Kwara Government Offers Free Transport Palliative for University Students

    Kwara Government Offers Free Transport Palliative for University Students

    …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.

  • Kwara Hosts North Central Agric Business Conference with Calls for Inclusive Empowerment

    Kwara Hosts North Central Agric Business Conference with Calls for Inclusive Empowerment

      …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.

    1. Governor AbdulRazaq Calls for Unity Among APC Members in Kwara

      Governor AbdulRazaq Calls for Unity Among APC Members in Kwara

      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.

    2. Governor AbdulRazaq Celebrates New Year with Special Needs Children, Donates Gifts

      Governor AbdulRazaq Celebrates New Year with Special Needs Children, Donates Gifts

      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.

    3. Governor AbdulRazaq Commends President Tinubu’s Economic Policies for State-Level Progress

      Governor AbdulRazaq Commends President Tinubu’s Economic Policies for State-Level Progress

      Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has attributed the rapid development at the state level to the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking during a New Year homage to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted how structural economic adjustments have empowered states to execute transformative projects.

      “I have not done two years in this administration, but I have completed more projects in less than two years than in my entire first term,” Governor AbdulRazaq stated. He credited this progress to increased funding resulting from Tinubu’s structural reforms. Acknowledging the inflationary pressures, he emphasized that the benefits of increased resources have outweighed the challenges, enabling impactful development across states.

      Agriculture and Food Security Thrive Under Tinubu’s Policies

      The governor also pointed to significant strides in agriculture, citing Jigawa State’s bumper harvest as an example of the policies’ effectiveness. However, he noted that strong demand for exports posed a challenge to local supply, prompting states to encourage silo stocking for future needs. “The policies are working. Our goal is not only food security for Nigeria but to become a leading supplier for West Africa,” AbdulRazaq said, underscoring the administration’s vision for regional agricultural dominance.

      Governor AbdulRazaq further assured the President of the governors’ unwavering support in tackling security challenges and sustaining economic growth. “Security is improving, and states are committed to bolstering local security architecture to ensure continued progress,” he said.

    4. New Year: Governor AbdulRazaq Thanks Kwarans, Promises Brighter 2025

      New Year: Governor AbdulRazaq Thanks Kwarans, Promises Brighter 2025

      Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of the state for their unwavering support in 2024, while expressing optimism for a brighter and more prosperous 2025.

      In a New Year message shared by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on December 31, 2024, the Governor commended Kwarans for their resilience and partnership, which he credited for the significant progress and achievements recorded under his administration.

      “As we bid farewell to 2024, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the good people of Kwara State. Your unwavering support, resilience, and partnership have been the foundation of our collective progress this year,” he said.

      The Governor highlighted 2024 as a year of transformation and shared success, marked by strides in innovation, development, and community building. He affirmed that the achievements were a testament to the collective efforts of Kwarans.

      “2024 was a year of transformation, growth, and shared achievements across our beloved state. Together, we made strides in innovation, development, and community building. Your faith in our vision made it possible,” he added.

      Looking ahead to 2025, Governor AbdulRazaq assured citizens of his continued commitment to the “KwaraRising” agenda, which focuses on creating opportunities, fostering development, and building a prosperous future for all.

      “As we look ahead, 2025 holds even greater promise. Let us continue to work hand in hand for a prosperous Kwara, where opportunities abound for all. It will be a remarkable year—for you, for me, and for Kwara State. Here’s to a brighter future, together.”

    5. UNILORIN and UTM Announce Collaborative Programs for 2025

      UNILORIN and UTM Announce Collaborative Programs for 2025

      UNILORIN Partners with UTM to Transform Higher Education

      The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has announced an exciting partnership with the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) to launch collaborative academic programs starting in 2025. This initiative aims to promote knowledge exchange and equip students with globally competitive skills.

      The programs will focus on areas such as engineering, information technology, and environmental sciences. Students will have the opportunity to study in both institutions and gain international exposure.

      Professor Wahab Egbewole, UNILORIN’s Vice-Chancellor, stated, “This partnership underscores our commitment to providing students with top-tier education and preparing them for a globalized world.”