…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
