…Says the Festival Calls for Devotion to God and Commitment to Nigeria’s Progress
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has congratulated the people of the state, particularly the Muslim community, on the occasion of Eid-el-Adha, urging them to remain faithful to God and committed to the unity and development of Nigeria.
In a goodwill message to mark the Eid, which begins on Friday, Dhul-Hijjah 10, 1446 A.H., the Governor also extended warm felicitations to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.
Governor AbdulRazaq described the festival as a celebration of sacrifice, submission, and fulfillment of divine promises, drawing inspiration from the lives of Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad (peace be upon them).
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, I urge everyone to remain steadfast in their faith in God and in our shared commitment to the Nigerian project,” the Governor said. “Let us continue to promote peaceful coexistence, support sustainable development efforts, and reject anything that undermines the growth and unity of Nigeria, our fatherland.”
He called on citizens to use the period of celebration to reflect on the values of sacrifice and obedience, and to show love and compassion to others, especially the less privileged.
Governor AbdulRazaq also encouraged continued support for President Bola Tinubu and his own administration in their shared quest to build a better country.
“I wish everyone a blessed Eid and many more years of good health and happiness,” he added.
…Strategic Deal Grants Local Entrepreneurs Priority Access to Payment Tech, Global Perks, and Scaling Resources
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The Ilorin Innovation Hub (IIH) announced today a landmark partnership with Paystack for Startups, Africa’s leading payment technology platform. This collaboration aims to empower Kwara State’s startups and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) by providing exclusive access to enterprise-grade financial tools and global growth resources.
Through this agreement, IIH-affiliated ventures will receive priority onboarding and dedicated support from Paystack’s team, along with the Paystack Startup Bundle featuring credits and perks from partners including AWS, Stripe, and Intercom. Eligible businesses gain early access to beta features, product launches, and invite-only events, while also qualifying for customizable payment processing rates that scale with their growth. Additionally, participants obtain full usage rights to Paystack’s comprehensive suite for payments, disbursements, and real-time business analytics.
“This partnership eliminates payment friction so our founders can focus on innovation,” stated IIH leadership. “With Paystack’s infrastructure powering over 70,000 businesses across Africa, we’re advancing Kwara’s position as a premier technology and entrepreneurship destination in Nigeria.”
Startups within the IIH ecosystem may apply immediately by submitting company details via email to paystack@iih.ng.
…Says Administration Working Tirelessly for Peace, Prosperity and Security
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has performed the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the 2025 Hajj, offering prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria and Kwara State.
The Governor, who is also the chairman,Nigerian Governors Forum had earlier spent time in the holy city of Medina, described the experience of standing at the Ka’abah as deeply humbling. In a statement released from the holy land, he prayed for the acceptance of all acts of worship and supplications by pilgrims.
“I ask that Allah accept our Hajj as an act of ibaadah and grant our humble supplications for our nation, Nigeria, our state, Kwara, and our families,” the Governor said.
He also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to sustainable governance, noting that efforts continue both in the open and behind the scenes to address various developmental challenges.
“As our administration works with different stakeholders to tackle issues of governance, I pray that Allah blesses our modest human efforts and investments day and night for sustainable peace, prosperity, and security of our people and our communities,” he added.
…New Committee to Drive Youth-Centric Solutions Across the State
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To secure a brighter future for young people, the Kwara State Ministry of Youth Development has inaugurated the Kwara State Youth Technical Working Committee. The initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on empowering youths through innovation, skills development, and targeted support.
The inauguration ceremony was led by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu, who commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for consistently supporting youth initiatives and building an environment that enables young people to thrive.
The Commissioner said the committee will serve as a collaborative platform to boost mentorship, technical training, and vocational capacity for young people across the state. He noted that this effort builds on existing government programs like the Youth Employment and Empowerment Generation Scheme and the International Vocational, Entrepreneurship and Technical College.
He emphasized the importance of identifying community-specific challenges and designing strategic responses. According to him, the committee’s work will focus on implementing practical and forward-thinking solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of Kwara’s youth.
Ambassador Shehu urged committee members to remain proactive, resilient, and innovative in discharging their responsibilities.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, encouraged members to be exemplary representatives of their communities. He assured them that the government will continue to recognize and support efforts that promote youth development and technological advancement.
In his acceptance remarks, Chairman of the committee, Mr Abdulkareem Abdulkareem, thanked the Governor on behalf of the members and pledged their commitment to building a tech-driven and prosperous future for the state’s youth.
Other attendees at the ceremony included the Special Assistant on Special Needs, Hon. Soliu Habeeb Baba Oloye; Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Hon. Wasiu Onidugbe; Director of Planning, Finance, and Supply, Dr. Funmilola Adenike Ajide; Director of Youth, Alhaji Abdulsalam Akeem; Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, Comrade Ali Nasiru; as well as members of the newly inaugurated committee.
The Kwara State Government, through the Ministry of Energy, has restated its commitment to partnering with artisans in the electrical sector to enhance the quality of goods and services delivered to residents. The move also aims to ensure public safety and maintain a detailed database of practitioners operating across the State.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Energy, Engr. AbdulAzeez Kola AbdulGaniy, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olaitan Afolabi, during a follow-up meeting with key stakeholders from the State’s artisan community. The engagement, held on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Conference Room, served as a continuation of efforts initiated earlier in January 2025 to strengthen collaboration and improve oversight of the electrical sector.
Mr. Afolabi emphasized the importance of proper registration and regulation of electrical artisans, which he said is essential to promoting professionalism, enhancing service quality, and safeguarding lives and property. He noted that the initiative is rooted in the Kwara State Artisan Registration Law of 2010, which mandates the Ministry to register and regulate the operations of electrical professionals. These include electricians, electrical technicians, vendors of electrical poles and components, and repair specialists handling electronics such as radios, televisions, phones, and satellite devices.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara State Artisan Registration Committee, Engr. Nurudeen Alao, urged all practitioners to cooperate fully by registering with the appropriate authorities. He explained that certificates of registration will be issued upon completion of the necessary documentation and payment, adding that certification is not only a legal requirement but also a means of attaining professional recognition. He stressed that registration opens access to government-backed opportunities, including training programmes and support initiatives that can help artisans scale their craft.
Also addressing the gathering, the Desk Officer from the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Abdullahi AbdulRazaq, advised artisans to make all payments directly into the official KWIRS account. He cautioned against making payments into any individual’s personal account to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.
The meeting was attended by several key figures from the artisan community, including Mr. Lateef Araoye, Chief Executive Officer of A.O Multipurpose Ltd; Umejesi Romester, who represented the Chairman of the Kwara Igbo Traders Association; Elder Osasona, Vice Chairman of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN); Mr. Oladigbo Moses, State Secretary of LECAN; Muhammed Musa, Chairman of the Kwara State Association of Phone Technicians, Challenge Branch; and Ayuba Kabir Funsho, Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Association of Phone and Computer Accessories Dealers, Challenge Branch.
The Ministry reaffirmed its readiness to continue engaging artisans across the State and called on all relevant stakeholders to support this initiative for the advancement of the electrical sector and the overall well-being of the public.
…State Government Partners UNICEF for Intensive 10-Day Capacity Building on Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care
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In a strategic effort to further reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates across Kwara State, the government has launched a 10-day intensive training for 50 frontline healthcare workers across all 16 Local Government Areas. The training, which began on Monday, May 26, 2025, is being organized by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from UNICEF and other development partners.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Peace Hotel and Suites, Tanke, Ilorin, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, emphasized that the initiative is part of the state government’s broader commitment to improving the quality of maternal and child health services.
“This is the second time we are organizing this specialized training on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC), and the impact has been remarkable,” Prof. Elelu stated. “The first round not only doubled the number of safe deliveries in our primary healthcare centres, but also significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality. Kwara is now one of the safest places in the country to give birth.”
Prof. Elelu acknowledged the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighting his recent recruitment of 105 additional frontline health workers and his commitment to revitalizing primary healthcare infrastructure across the state. She noted that each geopolitical zone now has at least one functional, well-staffed PHC, thanks to the Governor’s “revolutionary investments in healthcare.”
She also commended the facilitators and encouraged the trainees to approach the program with utmost seriousness, stressing the critical role they play in managing complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of Primary Health Care Systems, noted that the training is designed to enhance the capacity of available health workers to respond to the needs of local communities. “With this initiative, we are preparing our workforce to reduce preventable deaths and meet global health targets,” he said.
The Lead Facilitator, Prof. Hadijat Raji of the University of Ilorin’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, stressed the urgent need for capacity building in maternal and newborn care. “Despite progress, maternal and neonatal deaths in Nigeria remain unacceptably high, mostly due to delays in care,” she said. “This training will equip participants with the skills to identify and respond to life-threatening complications quickly and effectively.”
Prof. Raji praised the Kwara State Government, UNICEF, and all supporting stakeholders for making the training possible, urging participants not only to apply what they’ve learned but also to serve as mentors and advocates within their healthcare facilities.
The training is expected to conclude on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with a renewed pool of well-trained, frontline health workers ready to scale impact across the state’s health system, especially at the grassroots level.
…Governors extend condolences to grieving families and sports community
In a statement released on Saturday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of several young athletes from Kano State who lost their lives in a road accident.
The incident occurred as the athletes were returning home from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
“The entire Nigeria Governors’ Forum stands with the Government and people of Kano State in this moment of grief. We are heartbroken by the untimely loss of these promising young talents who represented their state and the country with pride and passion,” the statement read.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, their teammates, the Kano State Government, and the entire Nigerian sports community. May Allaah forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest. We pray for strength and healing for their families and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The Forum reaffirmed its support for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes and called for collective prayers for the departed souls.
Ilorin has officially entered the ranks of the world’s most promising startup cities, landing a spot in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index released by StartupBlink. The Kwara State capital debuted at 885th globally and 6th in Nigeria, a stunning leap that places it ahead of several long-established urban centres including Kano, Benin City, and Kaduna.
This is the first time Ilorin has appeared in the global index, signaling a sharp rise in its reputation as a city where ideas can thrive and startups can scale. While Nigeria as a country dropped in both global and continental rankings, Ilorin’s breakthrough offers a bold contrast and a compelling signal of regional momentum.
The ranking, accessible at https://www.startupblink.com/startupecosystemreport2025.pdf credits Ilorin’s emergence to a mix of grassroots innovation, expanding startup visibility, and decisive government backing. Much of this progress has been driven by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose administration has made innovation a cornerstone of its agenda. Investments in digital skills, tech infrastructure, and youth-led enterprise have begun to deliver tangible outcomes.
Key initiatives include the launch of state-backed innovation hubs, funding support for tech-driven solutions, partnerships with national and global accelerators, and regular bootcamps designed to turn Kwara’s youth into builders and creators. These moves have not only sparked a culture of entrepreneurship but positioned Ilorin as one of the most forward-looking cities in Nigeria’s startup scene.
As Lagos remains the national leader and Abuja posts the fastest growth, Ilorin’s entry into the top 1,000 is proof that emerging cities are capable of punching far above their weight. With a growing pool of developers, founders, and creative talent, the city is charting a new course for regional innovation.
This achievement belongs to the ecosystem builders, entrepreneurs, and bold thinkers who call Ilorin home. It marks the start of a new chapter for Kwara’s digital economy — one that signals that the global stage is no longer out of reach.
… Governor AbdulRazaq lauded for strategic investment in sports development
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Team Kwara continues to make headlines at the ongoing National Sports Festival (Gateway Games 2024) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with impressive performances across multiple events, clinching medals in squash, badminton, and deaf table tennis.
Kwara’s squash team emerged as a top contender, bagging both gold and silver medals. Champions Rofiat Abdulazeez and Isaac Blessings led the charge by defeating their Bayelsa State counterparts in the Women’s Doubles event, securing a gold medal for the state. The team also earned a silver medal in the Men’s Doubles event, after a close contest against Lagos State. These victories underscore Kwara’s rising profile in squash on the national stage.
In badminton, Team Kwara claimed a silver medal after a spirited performance that ended in a final match loss to Oyo State. The team’s determination and skill drew admiration from spectators and affirmed the state’s growing strength in racquet sports.
Adding to the medal haul, Lukman Bashirat won bronze in the Deaf Women’s Singles event in table tennis, marking a notable achievement and representation in the inclusive sports category.
The commendable performance of Team Kwara at the Gateway Games 2024 has drawn accolades for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, whose strategic investment in sports infrastructure, youth development, and athlete welfare continues to yield results.
Sports enthusiasts and stakeholders have attributed the state’s success to the Governor’s long-term commitment to reviving grassroots sports, upgrading facilities, and providing platforms for young talents to shine nationally and internationally.
… Kwara Government moves to accelerate seedling delivery and project implementation during the rainy season
The Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) project team has carried out an on-the-spot assessment at the Lata Grazing Reserve to inspect ongoing preparations for the project’s implementation.
Led by State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe, the team assessed the nursery and inspected seedlings meant for planting during the current rainy season. The delegation included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Christianah Omolola Asonibare.
The visit aimed to evaluate the level of preparedness, verify the quality of seedlings delivered, and fast-track the nursery setup as part of efforts to green the environment and enhance climate resilience in the region.
Alhaji Aregbe noted that the project will foster collaboration among farmers, support afforestation, restore soil health, and boost agricultural productivity. He added that the initiative will provide long-term economic value to farming communities while reducing environmental degradation.
Dr. Afeez, who serves as the Co-Chairman of the Steering Committee, commended the team’s efforts and called for swift action in delivering the seedlings. He emphasized that community engagement and ownership would be key to the project’s success and sustainability.
The assessment also involved technical experts from relevant ministries and members of the State Project Implementation Unit, working under the ACReSAL vision of “Greening the Environment, Saving Lives.”
