Category: Security

Ibraheem Abdullateef

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a man of many firsts. Before public office, he established First Fuels Limited and NOPA Oil Services, becoming the first indigenous company to import crude oil and petroleum products into Nigeria. That groundbreaking feat was achieved at a relatively younger age.

After making a success of the private sector, AbdulRazaq ran consistently and progressively for public office, with the story ending up in another first. He emerged the first gubernatorial candidate to defeat the then-reigning dynasty in 2019, ushering in a new era in Kwara State.

Since being at the helm of affairs, Governor AbdulRazaq has gone on to achieve many firsts on the governance front. He has created the enabling environment for glittering records to be broken by the state, repositioning Kwara as a shining model of a first-generation state.

The victory of Kwara United Football Club at the recently concluded 2025 Federation Cup is the latest addition to the long list of firsts recorded under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The win has been widely celebrated by sons and daughters of the state because it is both historic and symbolic. Since the creation of Kwara State in 1967, no football club from the state has won the federation cup. The team officially will be representing Nigeria in the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup.

As evident by his morale-boosting attendance in the stand yesterday, it is instructive to note that the recent win was not by happenstance, it is a reward for deliberate investments, intentional strategies, and quality attention paid to the sports sector by the sports-loving Governor AbdulRazaq. His attitude and approach to other sectors is similar, and there have also been fruitful results to show for it.

Just a day to the Kwara United historic win, Kwara students who represented the state at the 26th edition of the presidential debate (senior category) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, bested their peers nationwide to emerge winner of the coveted contest. Like the Federation Cup, that was also the first time Kwara students would be leading the senior category of the presidential debate. However, their juniors in the basic category have brought the trophy home three times in a row. They won the three in succession for the first time under Governor AbdulRazaq.

With his transformative policies and programmes in the education sector, especially the tech-based KwaraLEARN, Governor AbdulRazaq is actively supporting younger ones in Kwara State with facilities that give them a head start in school and life.

AbdulRazaq also cracked the glass ceiling. He appointed a 56.25% female majority cabinet, a first not only in Nigeria but also in West Africa. Under this category, he appointed the first female commissioner for finance in the history of the state. He also appointed the first female Chairman for the State Internal Revenue Service. And many others. Women now feel so empowered in the state, and are encouraged to aspire to anything they wish in life.

It is also on record that AbdulRazaq is the first Governor to implement the minimum wage twice in office. Before his coming, the implementation of minimum wage across cadres for civil servants is believed by many to be usually delayed and chaotic. In contrast, Kwara was one of the top 10 states to implement the last minimum wage in Nigeria.

AbdulRazaq is also the first Kwara Governor to construct two flyovers, the state-of-the-art infrastructure that have made bold additions to the artery and aesthetics of the state capital.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also created KWASSIP, an innovative strategy to reduce poverty, empower the citizens financially, and promote social security. KWASSIP is Kwara’s first ever institutionalised social protection scheme—and it was equally dubbed the largest to be owned by a subnational government—with young, old, indigent, enterprising Kwarans benefitting hugely from it since establishment.

AbdulRazaq is the first governor to take budget preparation session outside of the traditional bureaucratic offices. In 2021, Kwara State Government began to host townhall meetings across the three senatorial districts with diverse stakeholders to gather imput and feedback from the citizens to make the budget process more inclusive and ensure it addresses the needs of the communities.

Access to information and awareness are key ingredients to fostering unity and strengthening democracy. The first radio, private or public, in Kwara North was also created by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. This helps to bridge the information gap between the government and the people in the hinterlands.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2025 by @StartupBlink, Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, debuted in the world’s most comprehensive start-up ecosystem map for the first time ever this year. Right under AbdulRazaq, Kwara waltzed into 6th in Nigeria, and featured 885th in the global top 1000 ranking. Some development observers and temperate analysts have likened the transformation to one of the wonders of democracy for a state widely renowned as a conservative, traditional civil servant economy barely six years ago.

The haul of laurels for Kwara under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq can only swell as he goes on to complete his term. But six years in, he is being the leader of many firsts in building sustainable growth and development.

•Abdullateef is the Senior Special Assistant on Communication to Kwara Governor

…Army Commends Governor AbdulRazaq’s Investments in Security and Economy During Visit

#KwaraRising

Kwara State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, thanks to its proactive investment in security and economic development, the Nigerian Military has said.

The commendation came from Colonel Usman Hashim Muhammed, the lead officer of the Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, during an interactive session with top government officials in Ilorin on Tuesday.

“Kwara State is one of the most peaceful states, but this fact does not mean that we should relent. It only requires that more efforts are made so that the peace continues and improves in the future,” Col. Muhammed said.

He added that the visit was part of a study tour to understand the strategies behind the state’s peaceful status and that findings from the interaction would help shape further recommendations to sustain and enhance security in the state.

The delegation was received by senior government officials, including the representative of the Secretary to the State Government, Abdulganiy Yita; Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Bashir Adigun; SSA on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; SSA on Religion (Christianity), Revd Timothy Akangbe; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

The Nigerian Army praised the AbdulRazaq-led administration’s commitment to peacebuilding and people-centered initiatives that foster economic growth and social inclusion.

In his briefing to the delegation, SSA on Security Muyideen Aliyu outlined the government’s approach to security, which includes logistical and financial support for security agencies, collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, and engagement with community-based vigilante groups.

Speaking at the session, Alhaji Adigun highlighted the vital role of community structures in bolstering security, while appreciating the military for its continued efforts in safeguarding internal peace.

CPS Rafiu Ajakaye, who moderated the session, spoke on the state’s economic growth, citing a 125.82% increase in Internally Generated Revenue—from N30.6 billion in 2019 to N69.1 billion in 2024—achieved through automation, fiscal discipline, and tax reforms.

He detailed flagship projects introduced under Governor AbdulRazaq, including the Garment Factory, Innovation Hub, Film Factory, and Kwapreneur programme, all designed to uplift vulnerable groups, grow the local economy, and expand youth opportunities through skills acquisition and job creation.

Ajakaye noted that the administration has created tens of thousands of jobs across various sectors and recruited over 8,600 teachers between 2019 and 2025—describing it as the highest education-sector employment in recent Kwara history.

He added that the state has committed over N4 billion in counterpart funding to unlock development partnerships, particularly for rural infrastructure, with over 1,000 kilometers of roads already rehabilitated or under construction.

The interactive session affirmed Kwara’s multipronged governance model—anchored on security, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth—as a national example of effective subnational leadership.

…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.

▪︎commends security agencies for interventions

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.