Kwara Agenda

27/07/2025

23/07/2025

ABO Foundation Chair Hails Veteran Journalist, Raheem Adedoyin At 64

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the ABO Foundation, Prince Olabode Ademola Odetundun has rejoiced with the Executive Board Member of the International Press Institute (IPI) and Chairperson of the Editorial Board of The Herald Newspapers, Ilorin, Raheem Adedoyin, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement signed by the Press Secretary of the Foundation, Prince Olabode praised the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom for choosing a career that best expresses his talent and also for his passion and strong advocacy for democratic governance in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

He noted that Oloriewe plied his trade for decades in the Guardian newspaper, Third Eye newspaper, The Comet, The Herald and many others, where he held top editorial positions as CEO/General Editors - before turning his attention to politics in the heady days of the Obasanjo administration.

As the Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) add a new year, Prince Olabode affirms that his willingness to share knowledge and experience with upcoming journalists and writers deserves commendation, urging him to take pride in the many people he has continued to inspire and mentor.

While thanking the stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State for his mentorship and support over the years, Prince Olabode prays that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen the renowned writer for greater service to the nation, and humanity.

End.

13/07/2025

NGF'S STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) receives with a profound sense of loss and sadness the death of His Excellency former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in London, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

This death is a significant depletion in the rank of Africa’s all-time great men. Muhammadu Buhari was not just a former President or military leader; he was a national political leader with profound moral courage, character, and amazing sense of duty. He would be remembered for his humility, strategic patience, and modest lifestyle.

We send our deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the painful loss of his dear friend, compatriot, immediate predecessor, and fellow party man.

Our thoughts are also with Her Excellency, former First Lady Mrs Aishah Buhari, and the rest of the family at this difficult moment.

Similarly, we commiserate with His Excellency Governor Dikko Umar Radda and the good people of Katsina State on this very sad development.

We ask Allaah, who gives and takes life, to ease the account of his servant, Muhammadu Buhari, widen and lighten up his grave, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and bless the family and the nation with the patience to go through this phase.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON
NGF Chairman/Kwara State Governor
July 13, 2025

12/07/2025

Kwara Govt Launches P-CNG Vehicles for Affordable Transport Scheme

The Kwara State Government has launched the operation of the Compressed Nitrogen Gas (CNG) vehicles as part of efforts to promote affordable, reliable and economical transportation to residents of the State.

Performing the official launching at the Ministry of Transportation Headquarters in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi described the initiative as aligning with the ongoing Federal Government's Transportation scheme was targeted at providing succour on the financial burden facing the larger population of Nigerians on transportation.

Hon. Korasabi emphasized that the PCNG Initiative, is a pilot programme and a deliberate effort by the Federal Government as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance ease of transportation in the entire 36 States of the Federation, thereby mitigating the economic hardship of commuters in Nigeria.

He equally noted that the prompt release of the 20 CNG buses received to kick start the operation, underscored the strides and commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to improving the standard of living of citizens through affordable means of transportation.

The Commissioner for transportation, however, urged the transport union leaders in Kwara State to embrace the latest development, saying that the initiative was not intended to undermine or cripple the existing transportation sector, rather the scheme would create a symbiotic competition, giving alternative choices to citizens.

He, however, reeled out some selected locations and states for which the vehicles would be operating, which include, Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan and Niger State. Other areas within the State to be included in the pilot scheme are Lafiagi, Kiama, Patigi, Baruten, Moro, Local Government Areas and Malete Campus axis just for the start of the programme.

On his part, speaking for the Permanent Secretary, the Director, Personnel Finance and Supply of the Ministry, Mallam Tajudeen Onikoko, lauded the initiative and commended the Governor for providing an enabling environment where everyone thrives and implored all transport unions to embrace peace and work in synergy with the CNG operators in order to maintain a harmonious environment.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator for the CNG Station, Mr. Babatunde Gegele, disclosed that the station is presently situated at Odota Ilorin, with 20 CNG Busses as a pilot scheme to support the existing transport sectors, stressed that the scheme will go a long way to fill the vacuum the defunct Kwara Express had left behind, while enhancing the availability of a more reliable and affordable transport that supports all.

Gegele, however, pledged to work in synergy with all the existing transport bodies, stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to maintain strict adherence to the transportation rules and regulations of the State.

The Chairman, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria, Kwara State, Alh. AbdulRahman Olayinka Onikijipa, and his counterparts, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alh. AbdulRazaq Ariwoola and Chairman Association of Independent Transporters, Alh. AbdulGaniy Omoola Kasmag, described the programme as laudable and long anticipated, stating that it would boost development in the transportation business, while alleviating the suffering of the masses.

They all affirmed their total support for the initiative, while commending the Governor's continued strides at improving the living standards of Kwarans.

The occasion had in attendance all the Directors of the Ministry, the Executive Cabinet members, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Ibrahim Orire; Technical Assistant on Transport, Hon. Musbau Abubakar; representatives of Commissioner of Police; Directorate of State Security Service; the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State; and the Kwara Internal Revenue Services; all pledged their full readiness to support the course and ensure total success of the programme.

Alabere Ahmed Babatunde
Press Secretary,
KW-Ministry of Transportation

12/07/2025

: Governor AbdulRazaq Holds Strategic Meeting With Top Army Brass*l

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON), held a strategic meeting with senior officers of the Nigerian Army at the Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Present at the meeting were Brigadier General Daniel Dieke (Corps Commander Education), Major General Peter Oguntola (Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi), Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, and Brigadier General U.J. Makber.

The meeting, which ended on a positive note, is part of the AbdulRazaq-led administration’s efforts to further enhance security across the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq has remained committed to fortifying Kwara’s security architecture and ensuring the state is hostile to non-state actors and criminal elements.

In April, the Governor also held a strategic meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, along with heads of security agencies in the state and traditional rulers, at the Ahmadu Bello House.

Following that meeting, Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for his consistent support to the Nigerian Army, including the donation of vehicles and motorcycles to the 22 Armoured Brigade.

He further assured the Governor of the Army’s continued collaboration with other security agencies to support the Kwara State Government in maintaining peace and order, especially in the Northern and Southern parts of the state.

Olayinka Fafoluyi
Senior Special Assistant, New Media to the Governor
July 12, 2025

10/07/2025

KWEPA Seals off Residential Building Over Environmental Violation in Ilorin

The Task Force of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has sealed off a residential building in the Jooro area of Asadam, Ilorin, over an open soakaway system and persistent offensive odour, which has posed a significant threat to public health and environmental safety.

The enforcement action was carried out on Tuesday during a routine inspection exercise. The affected property was found to be discharging toxic effluent openly, resulting in a pungent smell that endangered the well-being of residents and violated the State’s environmental protection laws.

Representing the General Manager of KWEPA, Hon. Jide Aina, during the operation was Sanitarian Abigail Are, who led the enforcement team. She stressed the urgency of the action, stating that the open soakaway was not only a source of environmental pollution but also a public health hazard with the potential to trigger outbreaks of waterborne and airborne diseases.

“KWEPA will continue to take decisive action against property owners who neglect environmental hygiene and endanger the lives of others. This is a collective effort to keep our communities safe, clean, and livable,” Sanitarian Are stated.

The Agency reaffirmed its zero-tolerance for environmental violations and advised all property owners to ensure proper waste and sewage management systems are in place in accordance with public health standards.

KWEPA encouraged members of the public to report any environmental infractions to its offices or designated hotlines.

Blessing Opadiran
Asst Press Secretary
KWEPA

10/07/2025

Gov Abdulrazaq mourns death of Oludofian of Idofian

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq sends his heartfelt commiseration to the people of Idofian in Ifelodun Local Government Area on the passing of the Oludofian HRH Oba Muhammed Jamiu Omikunle II.

The Governor says the transition of the second class monarch, whom he describes as a man of peace, is an incalculable loss to the people of the community.

He urges the community and the family of the monarch to accept this sad development as an act of God and take solace in his legacy of peace and stability within his short reign.

Governor AbdulRazaq prays to Allaah to admit the late monarch to al-jannah Firdaus and uphold his family and the community upon goodness.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
July 10, 2025

09/07/2025

L-R: Rev. Niyi Adebayo; Soun of Ogbomosho Land, HRH Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON); and Prof. Adeshola Adepoju; during a courtesy visit to the Ahmadu Bello House, in Ilorin, on Wednesday.

09/07/2025

Kwara Positioned for Agricultural Prosperity – Agric Commissioner

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Kwara State, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has described Kwara as a naturally endowed State with immense potential for agricultural growth, stating that beyond civil service, agriculture remains the most viable pillar of the State’s economy.

Dr. Abolore made these remarks while addressing participants during a technical session and townhall meeting organized under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) initiative in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). The engagement focused on strengthening ease of doing business and unlocking sectoral opportunities.

“Kwara is largely blessed in all that concerns agriculture. Our arable land, favorable climate, and strategic location between the North and South give the State a clear competitive edge in agricultural enterprise,” he stated.

The Commissioner lauded the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his transformative urban renewal efforts and unwavering backing for agriculture, through empowerment programmes, provision of timely inputs, and sustained investment in rural development.

“We have a Governor who is not just pro-agriculture but also proactive in ensuring our people—especially indigenous farmers—have what they need to thrive. This consistent commitment is why Kwara continues to gain ground in food production and agribusiness,” he said.

He noted that reforms under SABER will further open up Kwara’s agribusiness space, reduce bottlenecks, and attract investment into rural enterprises.

Dr. Abolore also encouraged members of the public to regularly engage with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to stay informed and benefit from ongoing initiatives. “We want people to take ownership of the opportunities available, by visiting the Ministry, asking questions, and registering for programmes. We are doing more to ensure every interested resident has a role to play in the sector.”

He assured that the Ministry remains committed to advancing innovation, expanding access to inputs, and facilitating investments across the agricultural value chain to sustain growth and food security in the State.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

08/07/2025

Kwara Gov’s Aide Approves Appointment of Media Coordinators Across 16 LGAs

•Mission Is To Further Strengthen Grassroots Engagement: Olayinka Fafoluyi

The AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Media Centre (AAMC), a pro-Kwara State Governor media group, has appointed coordinators across the state’s local government areas to strengthen grassroots engagement.

Niyi Stephen is the coordinator for Irepodun LGA; Balogun Jamiu for Isin LGA; Rasheed Owodunni for Oyun LGA; and Aliu Ahmad Gold for Ifelodun LGA. Others include Yusuf Omotosho Ayodeji for Ilorin East and Femi Raphael for Ekiti LGA.

Additional appointees are Abiola Azeez Babatunde for Offa LGA, Sakariyah Adekunle Tajudeen for Moro LGA, Kareem Malik Omotosho for Ilorin South, Ajiboye Femi Samuel for Oke-Ero, Muhammed AbdulAzeez for Ilorin West, Alhassan Issa (Babakatun) for Edu, Jamar Ibrahim for Kaiama, Abdulmalik Woru for Baruten, Ibraheem Kpada for Patigi, and Adebayo Mukaila Folohunsho for Asa LGA.

The primary mandate of the coordinators is to further propagate the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the grassroots level and sensitize residents on the benefits of the administration’s policies, completed and ongoing legacy projects.

Operating under the supervision of Olayinka Fafoluyi, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the AAMC has played an active role over the years in promoting the governor’s developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports, and economic empowerment.

This latest move by the media group is aimed at enhancing its outreach efforts and consolidating support for the Governor AbdulRazaq’s agenda across all parts of the state.

Engr. Usman Sikiru Aremu,
State Coordinator,
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Media Centre (AAMC)

08/07/2025

On Monday, July 7, 2025, I approved the appointment of grassroots coordinators across all Local Government Areas in Kwara State for the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Media Centre (AAMC), a media group that has consistently championed the developmental strides of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.

Working under my supervision, the appointment of these coordinators for the pro-Governor media group aims to further amplify the achievements of the administration at the grassroots level and sensitize residents about the ongoing initiatives, policies, completed and ongoing legacy projects of the people’s government.

The coordinators are:
1. Niyi Stephen, Irepodun LGA.
2. Balogun Jamiu, Isin LGA.
3. Rasheed Owodunni, Oyun LGA.
4. Aliu Ahmad Gold, Ifelodun LGA.
5. Femi Raphael, Ekiti LGA.
6. Abiola Azeez Babatunde, Offa LGA.
7. Sakariyah Adejunle Tajudeen, Moro LGA.
8. Yusuf Omotosho Ayodeji, Ilorin East.
9. Kareem Malik Omotosho, Ilorin South.
10. Adebayo Mukaila Folohunsho, Asa LGA.
11. Ajiboye Femi Samuel, Oke-Ero LGA.
12. Muhammed AbdulAzeez, Ilorin West.
13. Jamar Ibrahim, Kaiama LGA.
14. Alhassan Issa (Babakatun), Edu LGA.
15. Abdulmalik Woru, Baruten LGA.
16. Ibraheem Kpada, Patigi LGA.

This strategic move is expected to not only strengthen the group’s engagement efforts but also consolidate support for Governor AbdulRazaq’s agenda across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Olayinka Fafoluyi ANIPR, ARPA
Senior Special Assistant, New Media to Kwara State Governor