…Governor AbdulRazaq reinforces military mobility, LGAs acquire 320 motorcycles for vigilantes in continued efforts to sustain peace across Kwara
In a decisive move to strengthen security architecture and maintain peace across Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has donated 150 off-road motorcycles to the Nigerian Army. The motorcycles are intended to enhance troop mobility, particularly in rugged and forested areas where non-state actors have reportedly been active.
The donation follows recent security concerns in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North. Responding swiftly, Governor AbdulRazaq, on Monday, April 21, 2025, led a high-powered joint security delegation on an operational assessment tour to Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara North.
Further underscoring the administration’s proactive stance, Governor AbdulRazaq held a strategic meeting within 24 hours with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, at Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin. During the meeting, General Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s readiness to collaborate with other security agencies to restore and maintain peace in the affected areas.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has consistently demonstrated robust support for security forces across the state. Earlier this year, the state government donated vehicles and motorcycles to the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, reinforcing its operational capabilities.
In a complementary move, local government authorities across Kwara have procured an additional 320 motorcycles to strengthen the activities of vigilante groups. The strategic deployment of these assets is expected to further enhance grassroots security and community surveillance.
…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.
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
… Governor pledges sustained partnership to preserve Kwara’s peaceful status
#KwaraRising
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on Thursday received the newly posted Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, at the Government House in Ilorin.
Welcoming the new Police boss, Governor AbdulRazaq pledged the continued support of his administration to the State Police Command, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining Kwara’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
“We will continue to work hand in hand with the Police and other security agencies to ensure our people remain safe and secure,” the Governor said.
CP Ojo Adekimi, who had previously served in various leadership roles within the Kwara Command, thanked the Governor for the warm reception and promised full cooperation with the state government to sustain the existing peace and security architecture.
… Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Urges Dialogue, Condoles with Victims’ Families
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is deeply saddened by reports of new violence in parts of Plateau State, leading to multiple deaths and injuries.
The NGF commiserates with the Government and people of Plateau State and families of those affected, calling the development sad and unhelpful at a time Plateau was seeing a long stretch of harmony and peace borne out of concerted efforts of government, traditional rulers, and thought leaders.
“We call on community and religious leaders to rally behind His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang to douse tension, reconcile minds, and build sustainable peace in Plateau. We call on everyone to understand that the souls already lost are not just numbers; they are the breadwinners, hopes, and pride of many families. We call for immediate cessation of violence of any kind against fellow members of the human community,” according to the NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of the victims and wish those injured speedy recovery, while everyone embraces dialogue and peace.”
…Residents must register with KWSRRA to access key government services
#KwaraRising
TheKwara State Government has directed all residents to register with the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWSRRA) as part of efforts to enhance security, provide scholarships, and drive economic development through accurate resident data.
In a statement issued over the weekend, KWSRRA confirmed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had mandated the agency to register every resident and issue them a unique State Security Identification (SSID) number/card.
According to the Acting General Manager of KWSRRA, Tajudeen Jimoh, the registration exercise is currently ongoing at 96 centres across the state, with plans to expand further. He noted that the agency is collaborating with key government ministries and agencies to mobilise residents for the crucial initiative.
“We are working closely with the Ministries of Education and Human Capital Development, Tertiary Education, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Kwara State Social Investment Programmes to ensure smooth registration,” Jimoh said.
The SSID number will now be required for several government services, including exam registration for Common Entrance, JSSCE, and SSCE, access to scholarships and grants, admissions into state-owned tertiary institutions, and other official services.
“Going forward, students registering for any exams or seeking scholarships will need to provide their SSID numbers, along with those of their parents or guardians,” Jimoh explained.
The state government has already captured all civil servants and pensioners in the SSID system, marking significant progress in building a reliable database of residents.
Officials emphasize that the initiative is crucial for security, economic planning, and effective governance, urging all residents to participate in the exercise to enhance state development and public welfare.
… Initiative Capable of Addressing Farmers/Herders’ Clashes
The Kwara State Government has successfully concluded a five-day training program aimed at equipping 100 livestock farmers and value chain actors with skills in commercial fodder production and value addition.
The capacity-building initiative, organized under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES)—a World Bank-assisted program—was facilitated by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano (BUK) in collaboration with S G Imperial Concept Limited. The training took place at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Kabba-Owode, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.
At the closing ceremony, State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, represented by Project Extension Officer, Mr. Nureni AbdulRasaq, emphasized the program’s potential to enhance food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and mitigate farmers/herders’ conflicts by providing a sustainable alternative for livestock feeding.
“Fodder production addresses the competition between humans and animals for food. By training farmers to engage in fodder production, we create employment, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and ensure pastoralists have a steady feed source for their livestock,” he explained. Dr. Akeem Ajeigbe, the lead facilitator from CDA, projected that with Nigeria’s population expected to hit 300 million in the next 25 years, the country must mechanize, intensify, and commercialize agriculture to ensure food security. He highlighted that the participants were trained in both theoretical and practical aspects of fodder production, including processing crop residues and forest trees into livestock feed.
One of the beneficiaries, Mallam Abdulraheem Yahaya Onikpe, a retired federal civil servant, described the training as highly beneficial, enabling farmers to feed their livestock at a lower cost. He expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Government and its partners for investing in the future of livestock farming.
… Ends Tour with Focus on Productive Enterprise, HIV Elimination Campaign, and N350m Film Factory Support
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday concluded her three-day working visit to Kwara State with a tour of the Garment Factory, a flagship project of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the largest facility of its kind in Nigeria.
The visit underscored the governor’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic development, as the First Lady encouraged workers to maximize the opportunities created by the state government.
“What your Governor has done is to create opportunities for enterprise and productive engagement of youths and women. I want you to work hard and become successful.
I’m here purposely to encourage you to make this a huge success for yourself and for your state,” Senator Tinubu told the workers in Yoruba. She also gifted each worker N20,000 as a token for their lunch, eliciting cheers and gratitude from the beneficiaries.
The Garment Factory, which employs hundreds of young people and women, is a key component of Governor AbdulRazaq’s strategy to reduce unemployment and foster economic growth through industrialization.
The facility produces uniforms, school kits, and other textile products, serving both local and international markets.
HIV Elimination Campaign Launch
Earlier in the day, Senator Tinubu launched the “Free to Shine” campaign, an initiative of the Organization of African First Ladies (OAFLAD) aimed at eliminating new HIV infections among women and children.
The campaign also seeks to ensure that children born with HIV receive adequate treatment and support.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady highlighted Nigeria’s high burden of HIV infections, particularly among women and youth, and called for concerted efforts to address the challenge. “To complement the Free to Shine campaign, I have also decided to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis. This campaign will be held across the six geopolitical zones of the nation,” she said.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended the First Lady for her leadership in the fight against HIV and pledged the support of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to raise awareness and mobilize resources for the cause.
“We must act swiftly to minimize the impact of global policy shifts on millions of Africans living with HIV,” he said.
N350 Million Boost for Sugar Factory Film Studio
The First Lady’s visit also highlighted her N350 million donation to support the production of a culturally inspired movie at the Sugar Factory Film Studio, another landmark project of the AbdulRazaq administration. The film, which will showcase Kwara’s rich cultural heritage, is expected to elevate the state’s profile in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s generosity, describing it as a testament to her commitment to Kwara’s development. “Her support for the Sugar Factory Film Studio reflects her passion for preserving our cultural values and promoting our creative talents,” he said.
A Transformative Three-Day Visit
Senator Tinubu’s visit, which began on Tuesday, featured the commissioning of several iconic projects, including the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover, the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover, and an ultramodern Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Oluremi Tinubu Hospital and toured the Ilorin Innovation Hub, a tech facility attracting partnerships from global organizations like IHS Towers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The First Lady’s itinerary also included a state dinner at the remodeled Flower Garden, a symbolic representation of Governor AbdulRazaq’s efforts to revitalize public spaces.
Health Minister, WHO, UNICEF Pledge Support
At the Free to Shine campaign launch, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, revealed that 1.5 million Nigerians living with HIV are currently receiving treatment, a significant improvement from previous years. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to eliminating HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis through comprehensive prevention, testing, and treatment services.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, and UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, praised Nigeria’s dedication to HIV elimination and pledged continued support for the campaign.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Development
As Senator Tinubu departed Kwara State, her visit left a lasting impression of Governor AbdulRazaq’s transformative leadership. From infrastructure and healthcare to youth empowerment and cultural preservation, the state is breaking new grounds in development, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
…Kwara State witnesses historic commissioning of landmark projects
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday described Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as an “outstanding leader and amazing achiever” during the second day of her three-day visit to the state.
The visit, marked by the commissioning of landmark projects and the launch of new initiatives, showcased the governor’s transformative leadership and commitment to development.
Joined by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, and several first ladies from across the country, Senator Tinubu began the day by flagging off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North Central region. The kits, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aim to support and encourage frontline health workers who play a critical role in maternal and child healthcare.
Historic Commissioning of Flyovers
The First Lady later commissioned the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover, a 562-meter-long structure designed to ease traffic congestion and boost economic activities in Ilorin.
Cecilia Idiagbon, widow of the late General Tunde Idiagbon, expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a reflection of Governor AbdulRazaq’s respect for history and dedication to honoring national heroes.
Senator Tinubu also inaugurated the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover, a 457.4-meter-long structure named after the revered Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs. Both flyovers are expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and improve the aesthetics of the state capital.
Groundbreaking for Oluremi Tinubu Hospital
The First Lady performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the epynomous Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, a multi-storey healthcare facility being constructed on the site of the old civil service clinic in the GRA.
The hospital, designed to offer premium healthcare services, is part of the state government’s efforts to improve access to quality medical care for residents and beyond.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed el-Imam explained that the hospital would address critical healthcare needs and serve as a legacy project for future generations.
Innovation Hub and Sugar Factory Film Studio
Senator Tinubu also visited the Ilorin Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture tech talent and drive local solutions to developmental challenges.
Impressed by the hub’s vision and impact, the First Lady described it as “mind-blowing” and pledged to share her experience with President Bola Tinubu.
“What I have seen here is borne out of a clear dream about where the Governor wants his people to be. This dream is coming alive. You have enough projects to showcase, and I am indeed very proud of you,” she said.
Her tour concluded at the Sugar Factory Film Studio, another legacy project of the AbdulRazaq administration aimed at promoting creativity and cultural expression in the state.
Midwife Kits Distribution and Maternal Health Advocacy
At the distribution of professional kits to midwives, Senator Tinubu commended Governor AbdulRazaq and his wife, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, for their hospitality and commitment to development. She emphasized the importance of supporting midwives, who play a vital role in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality.
“This is to complement the ongoing federal government’s retraining exercise of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. The Renewed Hope Initiative procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 crocs as incentives to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives,” she said.
Governor AbdulRazaq, in his remarks, praised the First Lady for her humanitarian gestures, noting that the kits would enhance the capacity of health workers and improve maternal and child healthcare services in the state.
The day’s events was attended by prominent figures, including Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi and his wife Abieyuwa; Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu; Senator Sadiq Umar; federal and state parliamentarians; cabinet members; heads of government agencies; party leaders; clerics; and community leaders
… As Gov AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman leads Technology Revolution In Kwara State
#KwaraRising
The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a groundbreaking initiative by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stands as a beacon of technological advancement and youth empowerment.
As Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, tours this iconic facility, Kwara takes a bold step into the future of software engineering, AI, robotics, digital marketing, and more.
Designed to attract global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, this hub will nurture the next generation of innovators, equipping Kwara youths with world-class digital skills to thrive in the modern economy.
Governor Abdulraham Abdulrazaq is doing a lot to put Kwara state on the tech map and ensure that the youths reap the benefits of the IT world.
