Kwara State Governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness on the death of Ondo State Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing him as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN,” the Governor said in a personal statement.

“A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.

“As painful as his exit is to all of us, we take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman. We ask God to repose his soul and look after his family.”

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 27, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON for providing stability for Nigeria’s developmental policies through his leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), reiterating that he is indeed a blessing to the country.

Tinubu gave the commendation when Governor AbdulRazaq led his colleagues to pay Christmas homage at his Lagos residence.

The President acknowledged the leaders for advancing peace, unity and socio-economic development of the country as they continue to join hands with his administration to achieve the Renewed Hope agenda.

“AbdulRazaq being called upon by his peers to lead them is a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in him,” President Tinubu added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Lagos Thursday evening to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

On Tuesday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, led his colleague to the President’s residence to pay Christmas homage, where they met the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

Some of the governors seen with AbdulRazaq include Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo; Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Governor Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina.

Present also are the acting governor of Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor-elect of Kogi, Ahmed Usman Ododo; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna; Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Governor Francis Nwifiuru of Ebonyi; and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday said preliminary works will begin next year on the 18,000-kilometre Ilorin Smart City Satellite Town that the administration has designed for the expansion of the capital city.

Ilorin Smart City Satellite Town is an offshoot of the Ilorin City Master Plan, the second of such blueprint for urban planning since the state was created in 1967.

Speaking at the 58th Annual National Conference of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Prograssive Union (IEDPU), the Governor said the capital city deserves constant infrastructural upgrade, maintenance, and expansion, following its positions in the state and central Nigeria — just as he is making efforts to expand infrastructure in other parts of the state.

“Next year, we plan to commence preliminary works on the Ilorin Smart City Satellite Town, which should cover an area of 18,000 kilometres. This is a beautiful adaptation from the Ilorin City Masterplan that I had previously discussed in this gathering two years ago,” he said at the event which took place at the forecourt of the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR).

“I therefore invite you to support this historic milestone in the socioeconomic and physical evolution of Ilorin and Kwara State as a whole. It will usher in immeasurable growth, huge investments in real estate, and the opportunities that come with building a new city.”

The Governor congratulated the Emir, IEDPU, and sons and daughters of Ilorin on another impressive outing this year, praying Allah to grant the Emirate many more successes in the coming years and to make the state a positive reference point in harmony, peace, and prosperity.

“Our gathering here serves to chat for this great emirate a new agenda of development, unity, brotherhood, and general wellbeing of our people. I am excited that His Royal Highness and indeed the IEDPU have remained reliable partners for inclusive growth, continuous improvement in the living standards of the people, and steady evolution of Ilorin into a mega city,” he stated.

“The Ilorin City Master Plan is the second comprehensive document since the 1970s that outlines how the capital city should be planned. But it is just the first phase of the master plans we are bequeathing to the state, in shaa Allaah. Other phases will be for Kwara South and Kwara North. I thank the IEDPU and other stakeholders for their contributions to it.

“Your Royal Highness, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, not only does Ilorin constantly need infrastructural upgrade, maintenance, and expansion because of its positions in our state and central Nigeria, the reality is that the capital city is at the risk of becoming a slum if nothing is done to give it a befitting expansion that improves its standing and makes it a 21st century city on a sustainable basis.”

The Governor appreciated the people of the Emirate for their unflinching support for the administration in the last four years, especially during the last general election.

AbdulRazaq announced a personal donation of #25 million to support the IEDPU’s skill acquisition centre and the Central Mosque.

The socio-cultural gathering was attended by top government functionaries, and prominent individuals from within and outside the state, including Grand Kadi Kwara State Shari’a Court of Appeal Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen Al-Adabiy; Chief of Staff to the Governor Prince Abdulkadir Mahe; Imam Imole of Ilorin Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhammed; Mufty Ilorin Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa; former Grand Kadi and Chairman of the occasion Justice Idris Haroon (Red); Chairperson and Matron for IEDPU Western Zone Hajia Fatimah Toyin Shuaibu; Chairman, AA RANO Nig Ltd and principal launcher Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, who was represented by Alhaji Muhammed Bello; and the IEDPU President Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman.

Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, congratulated the IEDPU and all sons and daughters of the Emirate for the successful host, appealing to them to continue to love one another and work for sustainable peace, unity and progress of the Emirate.

He lauded the Governor for his remarkable achievements in the state and his support for the Emirate, including his support for the ongoing construction of skills acquisition centre of the union.

National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, for his part, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his laudable projects in the state, particularly the recent inauguration of the Education Trust Fund, describing it as a step in the right direction.

“As a community, we recognise the giant strides recorded by the current administration in the state, particularly in the areas of provision of qualified personnel and infrastructures as well as renovation of some existing secondary schools into befitting standards,” he said.

The President praised the foresight of the government on the proposed Kwara State University of Education and appealed that the institution be located within Ilorin.

Chairman of the occasion, Justice Haroon (OFR), acknowledged the tireless efforts of the IEDPU in fostering unity and progress of the Emirate over the years.

He advocated for the establishment of Ilorin Emirate Elders’ Forum, comprising highly respected individuals that will be assisting the Emir and his chiefs as well as IEDPU in promoting peace, development and unity in the community.

Chairperson of the occasion and Matron IEDPU Western Zone,

Haija Fatimoh Shuaibu, who commended the Emir and the union on the various achievements recorded so far, also appreciated the Governor for his gender inclusion policies and programmes.

Justice Kamaldeen, in his lecture, admonished all sons and daughters of the Emirate to continue to exist in peace and unity, cautioning clerics against teachings or acts that can undermine peace and unity of the state.

He described Sheikh Alimi as a great reformer, and hailed the Emir, his descendant, for his uncommon love and concern for sustainable peace and cohesion of the city.

As approved by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and after diligent needs assessment by the management of Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, the General Hospital Patigi took delivery of all the medical and laboratory equipment requested by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed.

The equipment which include Ultra-sound machine, hematology analyzer, hematocrit centrifuge, oxygen concentrators, chemistry analyzer, bucket centrifuge, microscope etc, were delivered today the board’s management led by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik.

The delivery was witnessed by the CMD, hospital staff, Patigi health committee members, community leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders.

The community leaders expressed their appreciation to the governor for keeping to his promise that he will improve healthcare delivery to the people of Patigi and its surrounding communities.

“I am particularly grateful to His Excellency for granting the request for the Ultra-Sound machine, hematology and chemistry analyzers. The people of Patigi no longer have to travel long distances for those tests.

“I want to appeal to all those responsible for this equipment to please take very good care of them because huge resources were committed into acquiring them by the state government”, said the Executive Secretary.

The board also took advantage of the equipment delivery to conduct monitoring and supervision of the hospital and auditing of its records.

By Basheer Luqman Olarewaju

In a significant development, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has given its approval to the Tunde-Idiagbon Bridge project, currently being undertaken by the government of Kwara State. This is a major win for the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq administration, which has been working hard to deliver quality infrastructure projects for the people of the state. In a statement, COREN expressed its satisfaction with the project and commended the state government for its efforts.

This is a huge embarrassment for the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been critical of the current administration’s infrastructure projects. The PDP has been calling for an investigation into the Tunde-Idiagbon Bridge project, but now that it has received the approval of a respected regulatory body like COREN, their criticisms ring hollow. This is a victory for Governor Abdulrazaq and his team, and a vindication of their hard work and commitment to delivering quality infrastructure for the people of Kwara State.

With this project approved by COREN, it is clear that the state government is on the right track in terms of engineering standards and best practices. This is a major blow to the PDP’s attempts to discredit the current administration, and it will only serve to further strengthen the people’s trust in Governor Abdulrazaq and his team.

In contrast to the PDP’s claims, COREN’s inspection found no evidence of any issues with the bridge’s structural integrity. The PDP’s criticisms were based on misinformation and a desire to undermine the work of the state government, but the reality is that the bridge is safe and structurally sound. The bridge has been designed and built by international standards, and it is more than capable of supporting the weight of both vehicles and pedestrians. The people of Kwara State can have full confidence in the safety and reliability of this important infrastructure project.

In continuation of its dedication to the welfare of the people, the Kwara State Government has completed the installation of an 11KV dedicated power line network from the Odo-Okun, Sawmill transmission station to Emir of Ilorin’s palace at Oja Oba in Ilorin the State capital.

The Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Abdul Azeez Kola AbdulGaniy disclosed this today while paying homage to His Royal Highness, Alhaji, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (CFR) on the just completed dedicated power line that was designed solely to serve the Emir’s palace and its environs.

Engr. AbdulGaniy said “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration is very passionate about the infrastructural development of the State, which is part of his campaign promises.

The Emir of Ilorin, HRH, Alhaji, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (CFR), while expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the AbdulRazaq-led administration said “Mallam AbdulRahman is a man of his word. He promised us a direct line and fulfilled his magnanimous promises.”

He added that “in the past, the Emir’s palace had always been in the dark at night but the Governor has restored an uninterrupted power supply in the palace, which will improve the standard of living of the residents.”

HRH, Alhaji, Dr Sulu Gambari appreciated the Governor and the Commissioner for fulfilling their promises, praying that Allah should continue to bless the Governor and make the State more prosperous.

On the Commissioner’s entourage were the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Hassan Taiye Afodun; Ag. Director, Electrical Engineering, Engr. Fisayo Dada; Principal Admin Officer, Mallam Usman Zubair, among others.

Rukayat Abdulhameed,

Press Secretary,

Ministry of Energy.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday restated his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, adding no effort will be spared to create for them the right environment to realize their potential.

He said quite a large proportion of the young population have proven their worth in the governance and corporate world, thereby requiring every support to fulfil their life dreams.

The Governor was speaking in Ilorin at the Kwara Youths Symposium, a programme that seeks to discuss issues bordering on the interests and prospects of youths in the state.

Organized by the State Ministry of Youth Development, the theme for this year is, ” The Legacy and Ideology of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq: A Model for Youth Inclusion and Empowerment in Nigeria.”

The event was graced by cabinet members, academics and successful entrepreneurs including the Nigerian-American professor and media scholar Prof Farooq Kperogi.

The programme featured a panel session where discussants took turns to commend the business and youth-friendly policies of the government and suggested other things that the administration needs to factor in for the proposed Kwara Youth Policy.

AbdulRazaq, who was represented at the event by the Speaker Kwara House of Assembly Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi, said it is important to build the capacity of youth and start engaging them for leadership tasks right from today.

He appreciated Prof Kperogi for honouring the invitation from Georgia, USA, saying the state is proud of him as a son of the soil.

Other dignitaries in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor Prince Abdul Kadir Mahe; supervising Commissioner for Youth Development Hon. Usman Yunusa-Lade; Special Adviser on Youth Engagement Umar Muhammad Attairu; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; Senior Special Assistant on Community Development Dr Lawal Olohungbebe; and social analyst and a lecturer at the Al-hikmah University Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, and dozens of youth from different backgrounds.

Lade, in his welcome address, said the programme further represents the zeal of the present administration to empower Kwara youths and create an environment for them to succeed in life.

“We are here to reaffirm our administration’s commitment to continue to build the Youth’s capacity and give them the necessary push for them to flourish in life,” he said.

He thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for giving youth the necessary support and how his government is getting them involved in decision-making.

Prof Kperogi, for his part, expressed reservation that despite Nigeria being a country that is largely populated by youth, the old generation has still not found the youth fit to occupy leadership positions.

Kperogi, who spoke about “Youth Inclusion in Governance: Bridging the gap”, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his leadership style and how he has been championing the crusade of youth inclusion in governance.

“We are one of the youngest countries in the world. The vast majority of people who constitute Nigeria’s population are young, yet the people who rule this young population are mostly old people,” he said.

“Every country’s future relies on its youths. If we don’t trust the youth enough to empower them with the skills to take over the leadership we are jeopardizing the future of our nation. And that is why I am delighted to discover that we have very many young people working in this government”.

Lafiagi, in his submission, said it takes a serious government to identify the youth as a fundamental factor to accelerate development in the contemporary world, praising AbdulRazaq for engaging an “unprecedented number of youths’ in his government.

Oluwafemi Samuel Adeoye

Press Secretary

Ministry of Youth Development

December 18, 2023.

…..commends AbdulRazaq

llorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the umbrella sociocultural organisation of the people of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, has commended the Executive Governor of the State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on the decision of his government to convert the General Hospital, Ilorin, into the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) for the training of medical students of the State University.

The National President of the Union, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, in a statement signed by the IEDPU National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahiim, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin over the weekend, described the decision as “very thoughtful, quite timely and highly welcomed”.

Alhaji Uthman added that when operational, KWASUTH would complement the referral services being offered by the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in addition to the job opportunities it would offer qualified and competent Kwarans.

The IEDPU President appealed to the Governor to, as a matter of urgency, build another General Hospital in Ilorin metropolis as he explained that the services offered by a Teaching Hospital are certainly different from those of a General Hospital and which the people and residents of Ilorin should always be availed in the interest of fairness and welfarism.

While also appreciating the decision of the Kwara State Government to construct a Flyover Bridge on Unity Roundabout, Ilorin, Alhaji Uthman pleaded with Governor AbdulRazaq to ensure that the facility is named after one of the founding fathers of the State and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence during the nation’s unfortunate civil war, Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Gobir, OFR, who died in active service in 1975 and at the prime age of 41.

Alhaji Uthman explained that naming of the bridge after the late patriot would not only serve as an honour to a past and distinguished hero but would definitely stimulate patriotism and service delivery among members of the nation’s younger generations who would desire to receive such an honour in the future.

The community leader, who thanked the Governor for the support the Union has been enjoying from the State Government since 2019 when he assumed its presidency, also commended Mallam AbdulRazaq,who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for the ongoing rehabilitation of dilapidated roads across the city of Ilorin and beyond.

Alhaji Uthman specifically commended the improved spate of work on the ongoing construction of the Adam Abdullahi (Adeta- Ita-Uma-Oloje) Road as he urged the government to mandate the contractor handling the project to deliver it on time.

On the resolve of the government to transform the Kwara Hotel, Ilorin, Alhaji Uthman reasoned that facilities at the hotel actually needed an upgrade to meet the rising status of Ilorin as a commercial hub of the North-Central geopolitical zone.

Alhaji Uthman appealed to the Governor to locate more projects in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, as he explained that any project situated in Ilorin is not for the indigenous people of the city alone but also for the people and residents of the entire State as such facilities would be enjoyed by all.

On the proposed Kwara State University of Education, the retired security technocrat stated that the establishment of another University in the State is a matter of necessity considering the increasing number of secondary school leavers of Kwara State origin and other Nigerians who desire university education.

Alhaji Uthman pointed out that most of the proposed projects recently highlighted by the State Government are not only necessary but also commendable.

Alhaji Uthman pleaded that more roads should be opened up within and around Ilorin in view of the growing population of the city who needed good roads to boost their socioeconomic activities.

While imploring the people of the State to support the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq, the statement appealed to the government to ensure that the projects are not only of the highest obtainable quality but are also delivered as scheduled for the benefit of the people and residents of the State.

Signed:

Mallam Nurudeen Ibrahiim,

National Publicity Secretary,

Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union,

Friday, December 15, 2023

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday laid before the parliament a N296.4bn fiscal plan for the year 2024, with the capital expenditure guzzling a whopping 61% of the proposed spending and recurrent keeping the balance of 39%.

The budget is 15.5% higher than the budget of the outgoing year, and has an opening balance of N25bn, according to the Governor, who heralded his speech with “profound gratitude” to God, appreciation to the people of Kwara and his party, APC, for another win at the last general elections, and acknowledgement of the supportive role of the legislators.

Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi led the Governor’s entourage which also consisted of top heads of statutory commissions, government officials; first class traditional rulers; security commanders; party elders; business executives; and citizens.

The budget session was presided over by the Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

“I begin this budget speech with profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for His enduring mercies that again saw us through the recent electioneering process with yet another resounding 100% victory. I dedicate that victory and the success of our first tenure to the good people of Kwara State who walked with and trusted us with another mandate, and to you, members of this hallowed chamber, for your understanding, maturity, and love for our state,” the Governor said.

“Together in four years, we brought socioeconomic and political stability to our state and restored the dignity of the human person. We have redefined public education in human resources and infrastructure, basic healthcare delivery, social security, public service, rural development, sports and recreational development, while measurable steps have been taken to make Kwara a hub of innovation, creativity, and viable economic activities in Nigeria.

“The next four years will serve to consolidate on the gains of our first term, expand the economic base of this lovely state through completion of ongoing infrastructural projects and commencement of new ones, make the state more self-sustaining by widening the revenue base, create more private sector-driven jobs, and better the lots of our people. In the new year, we will formally inaugurate our flagship projects like the garment factory, visual arts centre, Tunde Idiagbon bridge, innovation hub, sugar film factory, the two campuses of Kwara State University, and shea butter factory in Kaiama, among others.

“These, in shaa Allaah, will create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the new year, and spread collective prosperity on a sustainable basis.

“This is why next year’s fiscal document has been christened the budget of ‘economic expansion and collective prosperity’. The size of the budget is N296.4bn, with an opening balance of N25bn. The capital expenditure takes the share of N180.0bn, representing 61% of the total fiscal plan, while the recurrent component gets N116bn or 39%.

“This fiscal plan will prioritise the completion and unveiling of several of our legacy projects, and the introduction of a few other ones that centre around the welfare of the people. I am glad to inform this Honourable House that the Ilorin Capital City Master Plan will officially produce what we call the Ilorin Smart City Satellite Town, which will cover an area estimated at 18,000 hectares. This city is modelled after sustainable, green cities around the world, such as Washington DC. The groundbreaking of this huge project will be done next year, God willing.

“Some other highlights include the establishment of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital; Kwara State University of Education; completion of the first phase of the industrial park at Eiyenkorin; MSMEs Support Funds; rehabilitation of Ilesha Baruba Waterworks and others elsewhere in the state; construction of statewide rural access roads through RAAMP; rehabilitation of Isanlu Isin Waterworks and extension of pipes; rehabilitation of Pampo waterworks and extension of pipes, among others; construction of new wards and expansion of maternity unit at civil service clinic; expansion of 13 hospitals across the state; construction of 250 housing units under the proposed mass housing scheme of the State Government; construction of CBT Centres across the 3 districts; wholesale curriculum revitalisation and training under KwaraLearn; payment of UBEC counterpart funds for 2022 and 2023; and some sports facilities statewide.

“Also covered in this document is our preparation for a new minimum wage, which is due for negotiation next year, completion of KWIRS modern headquarters, among other things. We will also begin the implementation of life-changing programmes like the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), the livestock development centre at Lata; a special agro-processing zone and the L-PRES project, which seeks to provide infrastructure and the environment to curb the conflict between herders and farmers.

“This document is predicated on the estimated crude oil price of $77.96; daily oil production of 1.78 million barrels per day; exchange rate of N750/USD; GDP growth projection of 3.76 per cent; and 21.4% inflation rate.

“Further details on the budget estimates are contained in the full version of the fiscal plan, which will be issued later.

“The budget will be funded from an assortment of sources, especially the internally generated revenue and receipts from the federation accounts, among other channels.”

Danladi-Salihu, for his part, said the Governor did so well in his first term to deserve the popular mandate he got to govern the state for another four years.

He said the legislature will peruse the budget and act for the public good.

“Let me acknowledge and commend Your Excellency for transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline exhibited in the implementation of the budget in the outgoing year 2023,” he said.

“It is on record that this administration has completed many people-oriented projects in all parts of the state as captured in the budget. The desire to consolidate on the modest achievements recorded during your first term seems to be on course, considering the religious pursuit of the overall development of the state that has come to be a cordial objective of your administration since your second coming.

“I feel fulfilled with the magnitude of completed projects, ongoing projects, and others nearing completion.

“It is also noteworthy and commendable that Your Excellency has sustained the zeal with which you resuscitated the fulfilment of the state to counterpart funds in all sectors. The result of these is visible to every Kwaran to energise sectors such as basic education, rural roads, water supply and sanitation, health and many others that were almost dead before you came on board and have since experienced a rebirth as the people of the state now have a new lease of life.

“I hope that the year 2024 appropriation bill contains realistic projections both on revenue and expenditure that all critical sectors of the economy are accorded adequate attention. It is only by doing this that the administration will consolidate on the achievements recorded in the first four years.”

He assured the Governor of the readiness of the House to work round the clock to ensure timely passage of the budget after thorough legislative scrutinies.

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 14, 2023

Kwara State Executive Council has approved the setting up of a teaching hospital to support the training of medical students and related professionals by the Kwara State University, a major step that involves huge facility upgrades at the General Hospital Ilorin (GHI) which has been adopted for the purpose as well as legislations to guide its operations.

Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam told a press conference on Wednesday that the council observed that recent facility upgrades under the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration had earlier qualified GHI as a postgraduate training health institution and went ahead to approve additional N906.7m seed fund to push through the historic transition.

“The proposed seed fund will meet cost of infrastructural facelift and construction of new ones, equipment upgrades, administrative changes, and address manpower needs to support training of medical students, which is complementary to the ongoing postgraduate training,” El-Imam told reporters, adding that “this will be of immense benefits to the people of Kwara State and the nation at large.”

She said the council approved for the government to present a bill on ‘establishment of the Kwara State Teaching Hospital and related matters’ to the House of Assembly.

At a council meeting on Wednesday, the government also approved the award of redesigning and wholesale rebuilding of the iconic Kwara Hotel to Craneburg Construction Company Limited to a five-star hospitality facility at the sums of N17b.8bn for a duration of 24 months, according to Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology Hon. Damilola Yusuf.

To be done through contract financing model to ensure prompt delivery, the construction and furnishing will be the most comprehensive since the legacy was constructed by the Brigadier-General David Bamigboye regime in 1975, clearly giving it an edge over any other facility in the entire North Central.

“The contract award followed a long procurement process that began in September 2023,” Yusuf told reporters.

That comes as the Kwara State Ministry of Works and Transport also announced immediate reconstruction works on the Wahab Folawiyo (Unity Road) Road in Ilorin, the state capital, following the state executive council’s approval of the overhauling of the major artery road that empties into downtown Ilorin.

Coordinating Commissioner for Works and Transport AbdulQuawiy Olododo told reporters that phased works on the road, such as asphalt milling, will begin from next week with minimal drags on vehicular traffic at every stage of the work.

The contractor will complete work on one lane before working on the other to reduce traffic gridlock, Olododo added.

He said dozens of traffic management officers will be deployed while government — to lessen the impacts — will also divert traffic through Obbo Road, Coca Cola Road, and Police Road. Some bad spots on the three are to undergo immediate fix, Olododo added.

He said further information on traffic management will be communicated to the public as preparation gets underway, assuring the people of adequate care while the work lasts.

“We are not demolishing any private properties and business premises not sited on government’s setbacks will not be eaten into in any way,” according to Olododo.

The road, which history began in 1976, is a great legacy of late Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo and George Agbazika Innih.

The cabinet observed that the artery road has outlived its lifespan as it has started failing after decades of heavy use.

The council approval of the work fell under the urban renewal and developmental road projects of the administration, conceived to lessen travel time, boost economic growth, give a new look to the capital city, and improve the living conditions of the people.

Following extensive briefings, including procurement details, the council approved the total reconstruction of the busy Wahab Folawiyo four-lane dual carriageway (Unity Road) in Ilorin — a major step that aligns with the concerns of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that many of the roads in the capital city have long outlived their engineering lifespan, Olododo said.

The contract was awarded to the A-list Craneburg Construction firm at the cost of N1,513,528,195.18.

In what is a preparation for the future of one of the major traffic-prone axis of the metropolis with a concentration of banks and other businesses, the cabinet has also approved the award of construction of a modern flyover to collect the traffic at Unity roundabout to Craneburg Construction at the cost of N8.4bn for the duration of 12 months.

The approval comes with a clear instruction to the contractors to have careful plans to execute the project in manners that lessen the typical hitches of any urban renewal projects, Olododo quoted the Governor as telling the council.

“Because of the peculiarity of that axis of the metropolis, the Governor directed that contractors are to devise means to as much as possible avoid outright closure of the road. They are to pay extra attention to this. This is to ensure convenience for the people amid this huge development,” the commissioner said.

The cabinet, Olododo stated, observed that the costs of the urban renewal projects in Kwara are characteristically modest, compared to similar infrastructural projects in other parts of the country.

The council, meanwhile, has approved the revocation and re-award or review of some ongoing road contracts, including Ilesha Gwanara and Owode-Ofaro-Alabe road, for poor performance or delay in their delivery, while it called for speedy completion of others, including the Orisa bridge in Oro Ago in Ifelodun local government area of the state.

The Governor has also directed that the approaching sections of the road to the Orisa bridge be fixed as soon as possible, while the Iyana Shonga Road in Edu local government are to be evaluated for rehabilitation works, according to the commissioner.

The government has secured multibillion naira road projects that connect different parts of the state, especially Kwara North and South, the Commissioner added.

“His Excellency informed the cabinet that work is to begin shortly on some major roads in Kwara North and Kwara South as contractors have been mobilised to site with at least N40bn. This is what His Excellency has attracted as our major gain from some recent policy initiatives of the Federal Government,” according to the commissioner.

He listed the major roads as Kosubosu-Kaiama-Bode Sa’adu (130km); Lafiagi-Shonga-Bacita (83km); Okuta-Gwanara-Bukoro (32km); and Offa-Ojoku-Afon-Eiyenkorin (49km) which will burst out at Odo-Otin local government in Osun State.

The commissioner also said that some of the roads and river crossings captured under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project will soon begin, including Afon -Sapati Oko-Igbotele; Mondala-Yowere-Agbonna; Kpandarako-Ginda-Kusomunu-Kachitako-Tsakpata Lealea-Gulufu-Bacita; Lafiagi-Effagi-Pututa; Ajase Ipo-Igbonla-Agbamu-Osun boundary; Ojoku-Illa market; Ijagbo-Aperun-Adeleke-Igbawere; Igbaja-Ofarese-Wale-Agbeku; Gerewu-Eiyenkorin-Okolowo-Express-Peeke-Dongari-Ogundele; Kaiama-Kemanji; and Oro-Sanmora, among others.

Olododo, meanwhile, also gave updates to the council on some ongoing construction works, saying the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover is going on steady and will be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

The government has also continued massive rehabilitation works on at least 70 roads within and outside the capital city in the first phase. The roads include Sawmill Garage; Olorunshogo; Adabata; Emir’s Road; Taiwo-Surulere; Sefura Junction; Airport Sawmil-Taiwo; Ita Merin-Offa Grammar School road; Offa General Hospital; and Irra Road, among several others.

The commissioner also told reporters that the ministry has established a desk office contact for residents of the state to seek clarifications or report any issue to the government on ongoing projects. The contact telephone lines are 08106844487; 08132119543.

Hon. Bola Olukoju

Commissioner for Communications

December 13, 2023