Kwara State Government has struck a deal with global telecoms giant IHS Towers on how to effectively deploy the Ilorin Innovation Hub to deliver on its core objectives of making the state the go-to place for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship as well as drive rapid socioeconomic growth.

“Today’s MOU signing represents a dream come true for our administration,” Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said on Saturday shortly after signing the deal in Ilorin, the state capital, at an event attended by top government officials and IHS leaders led by its chief executive officer Mohammed Darwish.

“In an age increasingly dominated by digital natives whose lives revolve around technology as well as digital naturals who live the realities of technology and the advantages it offers, we saw a need to lead in giving necessary skills and support to these important cohorts and leverage the same to build a stronger economy. Our objectives are to offer the tools, resources, and the environment that innovators and startups require to flourish, especially in the realm of digital and tech skills. By this, we see a future where Kwara sees job creation, poverty reduction, and improved well-being of the people.

“But having the right partnership and technical support to run this tech space is critical to achieving these objectives, efficiency and sustainability. This is why I am excited about this strategic partnership with the global tech giant IHS Towers to drive the project. With its proven expertise and legacy of innovation, HIS fits into our vision for this initiative.

“This is a partnership of huge mutual benefits. IHS is offering technical and organisational support in the operations, maintenance and management of it in exchange for certain benefits such as use and operation of the hub for the delivery of IHS training and ancillary programmes as well as branding rights, among other things.

“We strongly believe that public private partnership offers the right incentives for sustainability and economic growth. Even so, we are committed to preserving the interest of the people and the state as owners of these investments.”

The facility is envisioned to be a leading centre for technology and innovation in Nigeria, focusing on fostering disruptive ideas and supporting startups.

Temi Kolawole, the Innovation Hub’s Managing Director, remarked on the synergy between the two entities: “This partnership has identified a mutual focal point in our shared passion for innovation, digital skill enhancement, and job creation. We’re committed to ensuring the Hub’s sustainability and leaving a legacy, fuelled by Governor AbdulRahman’s vision for youth development that will trigger state and national development.”

Kolawole also mentioned the upcoming collaboration of the Ilorin Innovation Hub with the Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy on various programmes, with IHS Towers as a mutual partner.

This partnership is anticipated to further enhance the Hub’s offerings and extend its impact, he added.

Darwish commended Kwara State’s progressive digital policies, particularly the free Right of Way for Fiber Optic Cable deployment, which is critical in facilitating the growth of the digital economy in the state.

“With the MoU in place, our focus is on transforming the Ilorin Innovation Hub into a reality by the second quarter of 2024,” he said.

Darwish said IHS Towers is firmly established in Nigeria, including Kwara State where it has laid more than 500 kilometres of fibre optic cable aside from connecting many local communities to its telecommunications networks.

“We have a system that we have deployed in rural areas and communities where they hitherto had zero coverage,” he added.

Engr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, said: “Your Excellency sir, I just want to say a big thank you for the good work you are doing in Kwara state. As Chairman of the association of telecom providers in Nigeria, the report we have received is that Kwara is one of the most friendly states for network operators. So, on behalf of the association, I want to thank you for being such a good leader. Kwara is not just on a globe map but Kwara is a state of reference for good governance and good leadership.

“They also told me that your cabinet has a number of young people, and is gender sensitive, and this is something that is very unusual not only in the history of the state but also in the country. Once again, I thank you.”

Kazeem Oladipo, Vice President of IHS Towers, said the Governor has shown good vision for the state, and that is paying off already in different areas.

“I want to remind His Excellency of the meeting we had about two and a half years ago, where you signified interest to do a fibre and told us to proceed with deployment. That meeting has brought a lot of positive developments to the state. Today, Kwara state has perhaps one of the top five deployment volumes that we’ve done in the entire country. And we are still doing more. As we speak, we are deploying additional fibre in the state. We have a plan to connect more locations, and we will see that through. With the innovation hub coming on board as well, we will provide additional connectivity infrastructure to the state.

“And to add to what Muhammed (CEO IHS) said about rural telephoning, you will also recall we came to you, you gave us land in different local government areas, and we have deployed in those rural networks. And that helps to bring internet and telephoning services to communities that previously had zero access to connectivity services. We will work with the team to continue to look at places where gaps exist.”

The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art innovation facility initiated by the Kwara State Government, is designed to foster a conducive environment for youth, facilitating the learning of digital skills and supporting the growth of businesses through innovation and startup entrepreneurship.

It is a testament to the government’s commitment to advancing technological proficiency and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, positioning Kwara State as a hub for digital innovation and economic development.

IHS Towers, for its part, is the fifth largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared telecommunications infrastructure in the world by tower count. With a significant presence across multiple countries, the company specialises in building and managing telecom towers and related infrastructure.

Renowned for its innovative approach, IHS Towers is famous for enhancing connectivity and supporting the expansion of wireless networks globally. The company’s achievements include significant contributions to the telecom sector, marked by the deployment of cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, making it a key player in the telecommunications infrastructure industry.

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

November 18, 2023

The attention of the Kwara State Government has been drawn to a malicious and fake news circulating on the social media purporting that the Executive Governor of Kwara State Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) has suspended the Emir of Tsaragi HRH Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi from office for six months.

We state categorically that the story is fakenews, intended by the writer and those sharing it to cause tension and create a bad blood between the State Government and our revered and respected Traditional Institution in the State. The agenda is dead on arrival.

The present Government has demonstrated so much respect and regards for Traditional Rulers in the State. This will remain so in line with the policy of Governor AbdulRazaq, who values the culture and tradition of our people.

The Governor, who enjoys so much good will from our respected monarchs and other leaders in the state, is a man of consensus and peace. This is a characteristic for which he is popular.

We advise the sponsors and purveyors of this fake news to desist, even as we request the security agencies to investigate this horrible development, which was clearly meant to cause disaffection in the state.

Signed:

Hon Abdullahi Abubakar Bata,

Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development.
18th November, 2023

• It’s a great vision, step in right direction: Prof Oba

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday swore-in the new Special Adviser on Education Dr. Ariyike Salau, with the Governor saying that her appointment was to strengthen the policy direction in the education sector of the state.

AbdulRazaq said the administration is taking all necessary steps to bequeath an education system that gives every Kwara child a fair shot in the race of life.

“One of the legacies we want to leave for this state is a strong education system which gives every Kwara child a fair shot in the race of life. We want to ensure that our education offers learning outcomes that align with the 21st century realities,” the Governor said late Friday in Ilorin, the state capital.

“Over the last four years, we have made significant investments in school infrastructure, sanitation facilities, information communication technology, recruitment of quality teachers, and prompt payment of their salaries, among other steps. We will do a lot more within the constraints of resources as the government also has a duty to build infrastructure that supports a stronger economy and ensure that no segment of the society is left behind.

“The appointment of a renowned expert to join our great team will strengthen our policy direction in the education sector, especially in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is necessary to give solid backgrounds to our children at the basic and senior secondary levels.”

The Governor similarly inaugurated the committee on establishment of the proposed Kwara State University of Education which is chaired by educationist and former Vice Chancellor University of Ilorin Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem.

Other members of the committee include Deacon Pastor Afolayan J. Babatunde (Secretary); Prof. (Mrs) Medinat Salman; Prof. (Mrs) Sidikat F. Adeyemi; Prof. Umar Gunu; Engineer Sa’ad Belgore; Mrs. Risikat Lawal; Femi Aina; former Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji Abubakar Abdul-Razaq Jiddah; and a representative each of the Ministries of Housing and Urban Development and Justice.

The Governor said: “I am proud to inaugurate this afternoon the committee of top educationists, bureaucrats, and patriots who have been selected to midwife the establishment of the proposed Kwara State University of Education. This is a historic duty.

“I trust the committee to do a great job that would become a shining legacy for all of us.”

He congratulated the appointees, and thanked them for agreeing to serve the state, pledging to give them the support to succeed.

The brief ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor Prince AbdulKadir Mahe; Senior Adviser and Counselor Alhaji Sa’adu Salau; Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo kawu; and Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr. Mary Arinde.

Chairman, Committee on Study, Planning and Implementation of the proposed Kwara State University of Education, Prof Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, for his part, commended the Governor’s foresight and commitment to advancing the state’s education system, calling it the right step in the right direction.

“I must begin by appreciating the foresight and commitment of Your Excellency in always thinking about the advancement of education in Kwara State, especially your decision to establish a University of Education. It is the right step in the right direction. That again confirms the leadership of Kwara in the whole of North Central and in Nigeria in innovation in education,” he said.

He said universities of education are the next thing that the system requires to nurture a knowledge-based economy, noting that the credit goes to AbdulRazaq if Kwara is at the forefront of establishing that in the region.

He assured that the committee will work hard towards the realisation of the objectives.

“When you first discussed this idea with me, I almost thought it was one of those political things, but knowing you and having worked with you on this project thus far, I know you have the commitment to the people of Kwara State to deliver to them education worthy of our status,” Professor Oba added.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 17, 2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0beBASYbjq86aZ5oF74ETSF7DrCF9kJDzt2bQtVCjBQWm751imh3SeAJzMgumuzJkl&id=100050747792969&sfnsn=scwspmo&mibextid=RUbZ1f

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON of Kwara State for his inclusive and visionary leadership style.

The monarch made this statement at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin during a courtesy call on the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who was accompanied by prominent Islamic scholar and preacher Dr. Zakir Naik and his son, Farik Naik.

“I commend Governor AbdulRazaq for restoring royal and institutional dignity in Kwara state, also for his unmatched inclusive and visionary leadership style. May the Almighty Allah continue to guide and protect him, Amin,” he said.

The two scholars were in Ilorin for an Islamic lecture held at the Banquet Hall as part of their State visit

The Royal father noted that the lost age-long deference associated with the traditional institution has now been restored due to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s efforts towards strengthening the traditional institution through cultural reorientation and engendering of the closely knitted fabrics of the society.

The above submissions were corroborated by the Emir of Ilorin, who underscored the Governor’s uncommon commitment to achieving a truly democratic and egalitarian society through the many giant strides of his administration, noting that the AbdulRazaq administration has in no small measure, added glamour to his reign.

“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his democratic principles and relentless efforts to achieve an egalitarian society, is making my reign resounding and colourful,” the Emir of Ilorin said.

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir, seized the medium to offer prayers for the Governor, whom he described as a compassionate leader who is invariably concerned about the plights of his people.

“He is always ready to listen to his people, especially the poor and feel so much concerned about their plights. This can only be done by a compassionate leader like him. Like the leaders who trod this path in the past, he will end his tenure successfully with Alhamdulillah Insha Allah,” Sheikh Bashir said.

Dignitaries at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin include House of Representatives member (Ilorin East/South) Hon. Yinka Aluko; Chairman KAM Holdings Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf; Chairman JAMB Prof. Isiaq Oloyede; Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq; Zana of Ilorin Engr. Yusuf Olanrewaju Sagaya; Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly (KWHA) Rt Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi.

Others are Majority Leader, KWHA Hon. Abdulkadir Oba Mogaji and Senior Special Assistant Religion (Islam) Alhaji Ibrahim Kale Danmaigoro.

In its morbid apprehension that it may yet lose more Governorship or National Assembly seats that it won against clear legal provisions of the Electoral Act and Constitution of the Federal Republic, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to wage attacks calculated to disparage, denigrate and blackmail our democratic institutions, particularly the Judiciary into submission to its nefarious electoral agenda.

At a press conference earlier today, the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, alleged, without any shred of evidence, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was plotting to use some “hugely compromised Election Petition Courts” to upturn some of its victories. In Damagum’s warped view, this was tailored towards “systemic emasculation of opposition” and actualization of an imaginary one-party state.

PDP’s hallucinations about one-party state is understandable only in the context of its unrealized plan to rule Nigeria for 60 years but now seeks to taint APC with its own scripted crude, intolerant, unpatriotic and anti-democratic zealotry.

What is by far more repugnant, devious and a clear and present threat to our democratic way of life is the PDP’s relentless and unjustified objurgation of our courts and judges. The PDP has maligned and poured invectives on our judges at every turn since its miserable performance in the general elections. When it is not accusing judges of bias or corruption, it is calling for the disbandment of some judicial panels. Yet, the same party has been the biggest beneficiary of the vibrancy and independence of the judiciary since the country’s return to civilian democracy in 1999.

In its psychotic hypocrisy, the PDP screams to high heavens when court judgements are against it, but jubilantly extols verdicts by the same judiciary in its favour. Such anti-democratic and insanely manipulative politics is wrong and has got to stop.

Indubitably, the PDP has lost its purpose, its essence, if it ever had any. As a ruling party, the PDP was a reckless rolling stone of corruption and underdevelopment, now rudderless and antithetical to the idea of what an opposition party ought to be. The PDP is a liability to partisan democracy.

In other democracies, opposition political parties offer answers to national important questions and provide competing visions for good governance and economic development. The PDP cannot even manage its own internal affairs let alone offer valuable contributions for the good governance of our country.

Rather than dissipate its low energy on rallying other opposition parties into a phantom coalition, the PDP may wish to undertake critical introspection, reinvent itself, if not already too late, instead of blaming the courts and others for the self-inflicted hot mess the party is in, or save our partisan democracy the embarrassment by winding down altogether.

Signed:
Felix Morka, Esq.
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, today received the Implementation team of the Integrated Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) campaign for the year 2023 on a debrief mission at the Ministry of Health headquarters at Fate, Ilorin.

Presenting the report, the Integrated SMC/ITN Campaign Manager, Mr. Christopher Dangana, of the Society for Family Health (SFH) said after making a relevant analysis of the implementation indices, that “our assessment of the exercise in Kwara is 99% based on coverage and 89.5% based on the distribution of the 2.3 million ITN donated to the state through the Global Fund grant.

Speaking further, Mr John Ocholi, who is the director of technical and programme for the Society for Family Health (SFH), stated that ‘seven thousand six hundred and eighteen (7,618) personnel were deployed, trained and will be handsomely rewarded across all cadres for the year 2023 SMC/ITN Implementation in the state’.

“We had a successful flag-off ceremony hosted by the state government, where the governor demonstrated sleeping inside the net and SPAQ administration signifying the safety of the Insecticide Treated Net/SPAQ and a successful LGA-based flag-off ceremonies across the 16 LGAs to increase awareness on ITN and SPAQ acceptance at the community level”.
In her remark, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr El-lmam, expressed her profound appreciation on behalf of the Kwara State Government to the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the multiple implementing Partners for their cooperation in ensuring the people of Kwara benefit maximally from the Malaria prevention intervention.

The Commissioner further applauded the significant role played by the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in the success recorded.
‘The payment of counterpart funds, its prompt release for the exercise, His Excellency’s physical presence at the flag-off, sleeping inside the net and thereby going ahead to endorse its use were critical points that accounted for our success in addition to the unwavering cooperation of the health workers. I appreciate you all’, She said.

Furthermore, the Commissioner stated ‘that I am highly motivated by the collaborative efforts of the multiple implementing partners, including the Society for Family Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the Catholic Relief Services, the World Health Organization, amongst others, whose collective contributions significantly contributed to the resounding success of the programme’.
The debrief also featured an interaction with the integrated campaign coordinating network (ICCN) comprising media experts, health educators, social mobilizers, and members of civil society groups. The team reported a total number of 2,356,624 ITNs distributed among 771,035 households, while 573,842 SPAQ were distributed.

The report further revealed that the “total number of children reached in cycle 4 is 504,106, and total number of SPAQ 1 administered, to children less than 12 months, in cycle 4 is 104,319, while the total number of SPAQ 2 administered to children between 12 months and 59 months, in cycle 4 is 469,522′, he said.

Ocholi said, “We had a successful flag-off ceremony hosted by the state government, where the governor demonstrated sleeping inside the net and SPAQ administration, signifying the safety of net/SPAQ and the successful LGA flag-off ceremonies across the 16 LGAs to increase awareness on ITN and SPAQ acceptance at the community level”.

Falade Gbenga Tayo
Press Secretary
KWSMOH.

Kwara State Government has struck a partnership deal with the Nigerian Export Import Bank towards facilitating export-related industrialisation and investment promotions around local resources in the state.

The signing of the deal occurred on Monday in Cairo, Egypt, on the sidelines of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) following briefings on the various economic projects of the state government, especially the under-construction industrial park, the IsDB-backed agroprocessing zone, sugar film factory, garment and Shea butter factories, solid minerals, and the visual arts centre, which is unique in West Africa subregion.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq signed the deal for the state government while NEXIM was represented by its Managing Director Abba Bello. The deal will qualify Kwara and private exporters of non-oil commodities operating in it for State Export Development Funds and other supports upon fulfilment of relevant terms.

The MOU involves NEXIM offering financial and export advisory services, which may include working out financing arrangements, investment mix as well as facilitating export market off-take, especially for SMEs and businesses related to women and youth empowerment.

The Governor said the government has invested in different projects and adopted policy initiatives that seek to diversify the local economy, including the reduction of the telecom right-of-way from N5,500.00 to N1.00.

“That policy initiative has yielded significant results for the state. Some 500 kilometres of fibre optic cable have been laid as a result. This has tremendous impacts on internet penetration and connectivity,” the Governor said.

The Governor said the state has also secured financial commitments and strategic partnerships for its innovation hub from IHS.

The state government’s team also held a brief meeting with the AfriEximBank during which Governor AbdulRazaq pitched the industrial park and other state-funded projects, saying the state is open to public private partnership arrangement to make the projects viable and sustainable for the interest of the people.

The deal signing was witnessed by members of the Kwara State delegation, including Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu; Commissioner for Communications Hon. Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology Hon. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun; and Commissioner for Solid Minerals Abdulquawiy Olododo.

Kwara is one of the few Nigerian states attending the IATF 2023 which winds down on Wednesday November 15.

Attended by over 4,000 delegates, exhibitors, and industry leaders, the IATF is the marketplace for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest free trade area which brings together African nations of the African Union and eight regional economic communities to create a single market for the continent.

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

November 14, 2023

A report in the Punch newspaper listing Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq among some purported absentee Governors is a faux pas, which we deem to be one of those moments in human imperfections.

This is particularly so because the report merely parroted a statement made by an opposition party without any attempt, even by the account of the story, to verify the claim. We do not believe that the Punch newspaper or any credible medium should have fallen for such in this age of fake news and disinformation.

A check of some photographs of activities of the Governor in the last seven days before the misleading report was published would have condemned such a copy to the bin. Apart from the earlier low-key official activities of the Governor in the last one week, the Governor joined the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari to host the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Sa’d Abubakar III in Ilorin, the state capital, last Friday, November 3. The Govemor is currently in Ilorin today, November 8.

This has been the trend of his activities despite his added responsibility as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which expectedly require that he joggles his time as he takes on more national roles like the tasks of leading his 36 other colleagues.

Despite his huge schedules, the Governor, for the record, has never at any time travelled outside of Ilorin for two weeks at a stretch between 2019 and now. Never.

We hope that the Punch will henceforth do independent checks of any claims by opposition elements and not adopt the same as its own report without due diligence that it is known for.

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

November 8, 2023

• Hails Gov AbdulRazaq for his trust in him.

The new Chief of Staff to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Prince AbdulKadir Aliyu Mahe, on Wednesday charged the staff of Government House to remain industrious, disciplined and results-driven, pledging to run an open door policy and always prioritize their well-being.

He said this in Ilorin, the state capital, during a maiden meeting with the management and staff of Government House.

Prince Mahe was newly sworn in as the Chief of Staff to Governor AbdulRazaq, having recently served as Secretary to the State Government.

Mahe, who underscored the pivot of teamwork in an organization, said nothing could be achieved if he is denied the needed support by staff, hence seeking their maximum cooperation to succeed.

“Whatever I may achieve here will be through your support. So, I need your total cooperation and support. I have heard that you are hardworking and results-driven, I want you to sustain that tempo, so that things will continue to move smoothly and success shall be ours at the end of the day,” he said.

The Chief of Staff thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for having confidence in him to deliver both in his previous position as SSG and current office, promising not to let him and the entire staff down.

“I want to thank Almighty Allah for this. I also appreciate His Excellency the Governor of Kwara State for finding me worthy to be his Chief of Staff after serving as SSG for a period of time. God is indeed wonderful. You know why? Some people, who have called to congratulate me, said something amazing to me, which I want to share with you.

“I happen to be the first Chief of Staff in the state that had once served as Permanent Secretary, Clerk of the House and Secretary to the State Government. I have to thank the Governor whom God has used for this historic achievement,” he added.

Director of Administration and Finance (DAF), Alhaji Shina Mudashir Akorede, for his part, described Prince Mahe as an administrator par excellence, given his pedigree in the state workforce, and wished him success in the new task.

He assured the Chief of staff of the total commitment and support of the staff that he requires to achieve greatly.

“Looking at the record of service of the new CoS, you will agree with me that he is an administrator par excellence. I can boldly say that we have a lot to tap from his best. And I want to assure you sir, that you will get maximum cooperation from us,” he said.

Other HoDs, who spoke at the meeting, took turns to thank the Governor for the appointment of new CoS, and prayed for his success in office.

They also expressed optimism that his coming on board will serve as a bridge and important instrument to further ease the workings and motivate higher productivity.

Mashood, Abdulrafiu Agboola

Deputy Chief Press Secretary,

Government House.

November 8, 2023.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday enjoined the newly sworn-in Youth Corps members to be patriotic and conduct themselves well during the three-week orientation exercise in the state.

He also said, as grown up citizens, they have important roles to play in building the nation, asking them to be physically, psychologically and socially ready for that civic duty.

“I want you to justify the confidence reposed in you as leaders of this great nation, by making patriotism, discipline, good conduct, honesty, and hard work your watchwords, throughout the course and thereafter,” the Governor said this at the NYSC orientation camp at Yikpata, Edu LG, during the swearing-in ceremony for Batch ‘C’ Stream I Youth corps members.

“As you formally commence your one-year national service today, you will be fulfilled, in a special way, in the hopes and aspirations of our great country, which put a premium on the moral and physical development of the youths for a better and greater tomorrow,”

Represented by the supervising Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, AbdulRazaq urged them to exemplify the motto of the NYSC – ‘Service and Humility’, that he identified as sterling qualities.

“I enjoin you to always present yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your various families and indeed the NYSC scheme, by exhibiting the sterling qualities of “Service and Humility” as enshrined as the motto of the NYSC,” he added.

He restated the administration’s commitment to their welfare and to continually making the state peaceful and habitable for all and sundry.

The Oath of Allegiance was administered to the corps members by Justice Sulaiman Mobolaji Akanbi, on behalf of the Kwara State Chief Judge.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Abdulrasak Babatunde Alabere, in his submission, commended the Governor’s passion and commitment to improving the well-being of youth corpers in the state.

He said the government will hesitate to reward hard work and outstanding contributions from among them, and encouraged them to be good ambassadors at their respective duty posts.

He also assured them of fairness in the posting exercise, which he said will be carried out by the NYSC Governing Council, saying their deployment will be guided by necessity.

Earlier, the state Coordinator for NYSC, Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, in his address, praised the Governor for the procurement of 500 new mattresses for the orientation camp, which he said will go a long way in promoting comfort during their stay.

He also appreciated the corp members for their eagerness to go through the mandatory youth corp service, stating that the various activities lined up would be entertaining and educating, and requested them to strictly comply with all laid down rules.

“You are further enjoined to comport yourselves in a disciplined and orderly manner, as all forms of unruly behavior would not be tolerated on camp either from you or camp officials,” he said.

Also in attendance were the representative of the Comptroller of Immigration, Chief Superintendent Olumuyiwa Kabiru Aliyu, representative of Director of State Services, Mr. Haruna Sunmonu; representative of National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) State Commander, Assistant Commander of Narcotics Ango Mohammed Tukur; and some directors and staff of the NYSC.

A total of 2200 Corps members comprising 1150 females and 1050 males were sworn in.

Oluwafemi Samuel Adeoye,
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Youth Development,
07062593986.