• announces scholarship, six-month maternity leave, new housing scheme
• Gov to set up rural development bureau, prioritize projects completion
• Your first tenure fruitful, peaceful: HOS

Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was inaugurated for his second term on Monday, vowing to remain a responsible and responsive leader for the people of the state.

The modest yet colourful inauguration lasted just 45 minutes, kicking off at exactly 8:10 a.m. following the arrival of the Governor at 8a.m.

Both the Governor and Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi were accompanied by their spouses — First Lady Ambassador Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq and Mrs Abieyuwa Alabi — and by membes of their families and friends.

Chief Judge of Kwara State Justice Abiodun Adebara administered the oath on the Deputy Governor and then the Governor, each milestone drawing cheers from the council chamber filled with royalties, security commanders, government officials, party leaders, diplomats, technocrats, Labour leaders, and private sector leaders.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari led all the first class monarchs to the event, joined by the scion of the Abdulrazaqs and Mutawali of Ilorin Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq.

House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu led his colleagues to the event, which also had all the senators and House of Representatives members-elect in attendance. The Grand Kadi Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen; Head of Service Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole; cabinet members led by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Mamman Saba Jubril; captains of industry, labour leaders, and media executives.

The Governor, who set out his spending priorities, said the second tenure would see him building on the gains of the last four years — all of which he credited to the support of the people of the state.

His words: “The next four years will consolidate the gains of our first tenure and lay new foundations for sustained socioeconomic development and institutional growth. We are going to deepen the reforms and investments in the critical sectors like education, healthcare delivery, civil service welfare, social safety programmes, general infrastructural upgrade and renewals, focused expansion of our economic base, and promotion of a political culture that advances self-reliance and growth.

“Our spending priorities will be to complete all the ongoing infrastructural projects and iron out the business models to deliver maximum benefits to the people. Adequate attention will be focused on completing projects like the Ilorin International Conference Centre, the Revenue House, Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, Sugar Film Factory, Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses of the Kwara State University, industrial park, Shea Butter factory in Kaiama, among others. The General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover and the garment factory will be flagged off soon with huge economic benefits. The Ilorin Capital City Master Plan will be followed by a grander Kwara State Master Plan that will cover Kwara South and Kwara North for sustainable living.

“Affordable housing programme will be another priority of this dispensation. This will help civil servants and other citizens to own their own homes. It will also curb unplanned construction and support decent living conditions. In this wise, we will form partnerships with private and federal government agencies to develop new satellite towns already mapped out in the Ilorin City Master Plan as well as in GRA lands in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North.

“In addition to our Kwapreneur initiative that directly puts money in ideas mostly owned by young people, we will consider an annual multidisciplinary scholarship scheme that will be open to our best brains, especially at Postgraduate Level. Beneficiaries will emerge only through a very rigorous process that is transparent. I believe this will hasten the pace of human capital development in different fields.

“A major flaw in our developmental journey as a nation is a culture of government officials determining what projects are executed in a particular community. This has to be reversed, as we have tried to do in our first term, to allow for people-focused development. For this reason, we are setting up a bureau of integrated rural development to be domiciled in the Government House. It will liaise with communities to come up with their needs in order of priorities. This will allow the government to better deploy limited resources in a way that addresses popular needs. Our traditional institutions and community-based organisations will be major players in this regard.

“We shall also deepen our relationships with the organised private sector to strengthen the business climate and create jobs for our youths. This is in realisation that government does not have the resources to do everything.

“We shall also leverage our contacts and goodwill with the Federal Government to ensure timely completion of ongoing federal roads and adequate funding for new ones. We will intensify our lobby of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the dredging of the River Niger. This will save our people from the annual flooding that claims lives and farmlands. It will also boost economic activities in its tributary states like Kwara.

“Distinguished Kwarans, we shall become more intentional in our efforts to improve healthy living through a cleaner environment. I seek your support and understanding as we take bolder policy decisions in this regard.

“Notwithstanding the existing gaps, our investments in basic primary education and healthcare delivery have been acknowledged nationwide. As we recently completed the UBEC Model School at Adeta, I am excited to announce that Kwara State has again been nominated for a bigger international project in basic education whose details will be released later. This is being funded by the Japan International Development Agency. Similarly, only Kwara SUBEB and the FCT have been chosen for international Mathematics training in Japan in July. This attests to the confidence now reposed in Kwara State locally and internationally.

“To strengthen our multifarious initiatives for a better future, I am hereby announcing optional six month maternal leave for female civil servants who wish to practice exclusive breastfeeding to boost life chances for our younger ones. This will also promote maternal health, among other benefits.

“Once again, I thank the Kwara electorate, opinion moulders, traditional and religious institutions, party leaders, and supporters for all the efforts and the goodwill that made today a reality. We will keep our words to remain a responsible government that is responsive to the yearnings of the people within available resources.”

Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, who thanked the attendees, urged the people of the state to continue to support the administration.

He said the government will continue to prioritise the interest of the people over all other considerations.

The HOS had earlier commended the Governor’s first term tenure, which she said was quite fruitful for the civil service and the entire state.

She said that AbdulRazaq practically resuscitated the dignity of the state Civil Service by providing a good working environment for workers, including easy movement of staff.

“Here we are today, we have God to glorify. God has been graceful. You fought gallantly. COVID 19 came, and you fought it like a wounded lion, and Kwara was declared as one of the best fighters. We want to acknowledge that you have been good to kwara, and we are proud of you,” she said.

“Speaking about my constituency, the civil service, I remember the first day after your swearing-in, you asked me about the state of affairs. I said the little that I could, and then you promised to do something, and today we have lived to see to the fulfilment of your promises. Today, I can look back and see thirty-seven vehicles in the same fleet that was empty. I stand boldly to declare that your tenure has been extremely peaceful for us in Kwara, and we urge you to continue along this path.”

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
May 29, 2023

I send my felicitations to our younger ones, especially the Kwara/Nigerian child, on this occasion of the Children’s Day.

To all of you, I restate the commitment of our administration to continue to invest in your future and bequeath to you a community that draws good energy from its rich diversity and is conducive for your growth and peaceful living.

It is not a coincidence that we flagged off our premium education programme, KwaraLEARN, around this time last year to offer you qualitative, tech-enabled education that is delivered in a more conducive environment and by competent hands.

At the national level, rest assured that your interest will always be pivotal in the use of our limited resources

As we continue to strengthen access to basic education, healthcare services, and good sanitation, I urge you to take good advantage of what the system offers to become the best that you possibly can. There is no limit to how far you can go in life, and I assure you that we’ve got your back any day. Congratulations!

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Governor, Kwara State/

Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)

May 27, 2023

This is to inform the public that the modified monthly sanitation exercise for this month will hold on Saturday, 27th May, 2023 from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.

Residents of the State are hereby enjoined to fully participate in the sanitation exercise by cleaning both their residential and business environments.

There will be vehicular and human movement due to the ongoing West African Examination (WAEC) and Children Day Celebration.

However, the waste management trucks will be on the street for waste collection and disposal to the final dump sites during the exercise in Ilorin metropolis.

Kindly note that it is an offence that is punishable under the Environmental law to dump refuse on pedestrian walkways, road dividers, drainages, canals and all other unapproved dump sites.

Yakub Kamaldeen Aliagan
Press secretary,
Ministry of Environment

President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on his emergence as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum NGF), urging him to give his best in providing leadership.

The President rejoices with governors for the maturity and stability of the NGF over the years, especially in electing new leaders, and the significant role it plays in stimulating discussions on development, promoting democracy, and counseling political leaders on service to the nation.

President Buhari believes the Governor of Kwara State will further improve relations, tighten policy issues, and provide more opportunities for growth among states, and the Federal Government, considering his antecedents in business and government.

The President wishes AbdulRazaq the very best on the new assignment.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

May 26, 2023

• Says The Party Remains Proud Of AbdulRahman’s Political And Giant Developmental Strides.

The State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for emerging the Chairman of the Nigerian Governor Forum (NGF)

In a statement by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro, says, “The NGF’s unanimous election of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to lead the Forum is indeed a right choice judging by AbdulRazaq’s proven record of progressive leadership and experience as a development expert, governor, among other endeavours.

He said, the election coming at this time is a worthy recognition of AbdulRahman’s numerous accomplishments in making life better for not only the people of Kwara State but all over the country.

According to Kwara APC, the honour of the governor with the Chairman of the NGF, is nothing but a reward of his commitments in the last four years to move the state forward through promotion of peace and infrastructural development.

He added: “Our Party sincerely congratulate Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on his election and elevation as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). It is a well deserved recognition for you and the entire people of our dear state, for your commitments to a united Nigeria where justice reigns and landmarks accomplishments in Kwara State.

“Since the establishment of the non-partisan Nigeria Governors’ Forum, it has been a strategic partner in deepening democracy and entrenching good governance in the country.

We are confident that the NGF under AbdulRazaq’s leadership will continue in this best practice by cooperating and supporting the Incoming President Bola Hamed Tinubu-headed APC administration in delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians, particularly as the country gears up for the next four year of his administration”.

The party wished Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq a very successful and impactful tenure and looks forward to a cordial relationship between the NGF and the Incoming APC administration.

This undoubtedly will ensure the successful implementation of the Renewed Transformation plans for our collective progress as a country”.

SIGNED

Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro

Kwara APC Publicity Secretary

May 25th, 2033

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara State and new chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), looks many ways like the iconic US President Harry Truman: strategic, humble, foresighted and exceptionally deeper than his critics may admit, and not flippant or garrulous by any stretch. He is a man of consensus who believes in the unity of Nigeria and its people.

AbdulRazaq has maintained a fairly low media profile that many say is at variance with his vast network of friends and protégés within the elite circle of Nigeria, a huge popularity among Kwarans at home and in diaspora anchored on the successes of his first term across many sectors, and his pedigree as the scion of one of Nigeria’s earliest and most decorated lawyers of all time: the late AGF Abdulrazaq, SAN, life bencher, and first lawyer in northern Nigeria.

His phenomenal listening skills, sense of history, willingness to emulate great strides from anywhere and anyone, and in-depth appreciation of the core issues of governance make him a man to watch as he leads his colleagues. His greatest strength is his calculated silence and measured speech in time of tension.

Opinions among politically neutral Kwarans are that his success at the poll matched his performance over the last four years. The outstanding performance of his party at the polls is one of the best by any APC state — a triumph that proved wrong many bookmakers who had predicted that the pre-election struggles within the state APC was going to consume him. Reverse was the case: three in every five Kwarans who voted APC did so because of him.

AbdulRazaq comes to the job with impressive records as a Governor. He has breathed life to the state’s basic education, which had collapsed when he assumed office in 2019. He revived public water. The state’s healthcare system has improved under his watch, with Kwara posting some of the best indices in the sector while acknowledging the huge gaps that still exist. Last week, Kwara emerged the best state in primary healthcare delivery in the entire North Central, beating Abuja to the crown.

He has not only appointed the highest number of women to cabinet positions but has also gone ahead to make gender parity a state policy. He was the first Governor to make such a policy in Nigeria. His love for youth inclusion in government is anchored on his data-driven position that Africa has the youngest population in the world, and it is a disservice to not have them at the decision table. His background as a big private sector player has helped to chart a new course for small-scale businesses in Kwara State while building a new political culture around self-reliance and responsible leadership.

If he holds an opinion on an issue, it is mostly guided by history, a need for moderation, and a patriotic duty to preserve the interest of the underserved or the silent majority.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is positioned to resolve many national questions — a duty especially thrust upon him by his antecedents as a federalist, resource control activist, and a pragmatic political figure who must now unite the fractured country. He will need the Governors who are themselves political leaders of their various states to push through such agenda for national acceptance as States wield many powers based on our constitution. He will be working with an NGF whose leadership is an ally who belongs to his party and actively worked for Tinubu’s emergence and shares his views and passion on many issues of national development.

The President-elect can count on AbdulRazaq, himself a smooth political operator, to mobilise his colleagues for a national consensus to tackle myriad of issues, including the challenges of youth bulge and unemployment, expansion of the middle class, herders-farmers’ conundrum and food security, climate change and renewable energy, gender parity, among others.

The Governor is well-versed in the SDGs, which is expected to get better attention and funding under the Tinubu presidency if Nigeria wants to make appreciable progress in human capital development by 2030.

He is rated very high in rural development as a Governor, with several road and other developmental projects in the Kwara hinterlands and improved social mobility across different demographies. That is a major reason for his smooth re-election in the last election.

AbdulRazaq has come under the radar since words got out that his peers were increasingly looking towards him for the NGF seat. He understands the burden of leadership and history this places on him as far as his native Kwara is concerned. If history is a guide, the Governor has a record of attracting development to the state: the $59m AfDB agroprocessing zone, one of the few so far approved for the country, the UBEC smart school, the recently approved $7m diagnostic centre to be sited in Kwara, and the multibillion naira 284-kilometre tax credit road projects approved for BUA in Kwara, among others.

The NGF, an amalgam of equals, has been established for the purpose of rallying resources and political stakeholders for national development, good governance, and effective peer learning among the Governors and related bodies within and outside of Nigeria. It recorded successes, including sustained partnerships with development partners in the areas of healthcare delivery and smoothening relationships between the national and subnational governments.

AbdulRazaq’s leadership of the club is certain to up the ante, given his record of achievements in the healthcare and education sectors, and gender mainstreaming — three thematic areas where he had credited his optimism and feats on collaboration with the development partners.

• _Ajakaye is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor_

The Gamji Members Association (GAMA) in Kwara State has described the election of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’Forum (NGF) as well deserved.

The group, committed to the ideals of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir, Ahmadu Bello, said it was delighted about AbdulRazaq’s unanimous adoption by his colleagues as the new NGF chairman.

GAMA in a statement signed by its state president general, Alh Tunde Akanbi and the director of publicity, Alh Abdullahi Olesin congratulated AbdulRazaq on his election .

It also congratulated the government and the people of Kwara State on the development, adding that,” this positive development has once again brought Kwara to the front burner in the affairs of our dear nation- Nigeria”.

The association expressed confidence in the ability of Governor AbdulRazaq to deliver as NGF chairman, giving his track records of enviable achievements in his first term tenure as the governor of Kwara State.

It enjoined other states governors who had reposed confidence in the ability of AbdulRazaq to provide effective and efficient leadership for NGF to join hands with him in moving not only the NGF, but Nigeria forward.

GAMA prayed Allah to continue to guide, guard and protect AbdulRazaq in the herculean task of steering the affairs of NGF.

While expressing the continued support of GAMA members to Governor AbdulRazaq, the association expressed delight that one of the disciples of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello has emerged as the NGF chairman.

It prayed Allah to grant AbdulRazaq a memorable , eventful and successful tenure of office as NGF chairman.

Ends

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday inaugurated Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, which is expected to enable Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in refined products and even have surplus for export.

Speaking at the occasion attended by Heads of State from Ghana, Togo, Niger, Senegal and a representative of the President of Chad, the President described the feat as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s economy and a game changer for the downstream petroleum products market in the entire African region.

‘‘This mega industry we are commissioning today is a clear example of what can be achieved when entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported and when an enabling environment is created for investments and for businesses to thrive.

‘‘I am confident that my successor, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will sustain the improvement in our economic and business environment and strengthen the framework of our public private partnership policies to accelerate the pace of our economic growth and development.

‘‘I am happy to leave our economy in very competent hands,’’ he said.

The President who commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s leadership in executing the 650,000 barrels per day refinery urged other entrepreneurs to emulate his example in driving economic growth and realizing Nigeria’s economic potential.

He stressed the need for African countries to come together, integrate their economies, eliminate trade barriers, and rally their populations to achieve Agenda 2063 for the continent’s prosperity.

‘‘I urge and encourage our other great entrepreneurs to emulate this iconic Nigerian industrialist and join the Government in accelerating our growth in order to realize our country’s globally recognized economic potential.

‘‘When I travel around Africa and meet and engage my brother Heads of State (and I am delighted some of their Excellences are here) I often sense a quiet expectation that our country is blessed with resources and human capacity to lead Africa’s rise to economic prosperity and the attainment of Agenda 2063 – ‘The Africa we all want.’

‘‘But to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063, Africa must come together – we must integrate our economies, eliminate barriers to trade and energize our youthful population to scale up our productive capacity.

‘‘We must create necessary conditions for our private sector to grow and partner with the public sector to accelerate economic growth across the continent.

‘‘We must not allow outside powers to use some of our leaders to destabilize our economic and political trajectory,’’ he said.

President Buhari acknowledged the visionary investments made by the Dangote Group, under the leadership of Dangote, in transforming Nigeria’s economy through its involvement in critical industries such as cement and fertilizer.

He noted that investment in these sectors have played a crucial role in shifting Nigeria from heavy import dependence to becoming a net exporter.

President Buhari acknowledged that Nigeria’s economy has faced significant challenges over the years, including deficits in economic infrastructure, insurgency, and external crises such as the Global Financial Crisis, oil price collapses, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

‘‘The consequence of these challenges constitute a severe strain on our economy, limiting Government’s ability to provide basic infrastructure without resorting to huge borrowings.

‘‘Our Government, therefore, took the decision to focus attention on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and fill the enormous gap in investments not only in infrastructure but also in all critical sectors.

‘‘We recognize that without the active participation of the private sector and a strong commitment to public private partnership, our economy would continue to remain severely challenged and our economic growth impeded.

‘‘Government therefore, will and should continue to provide an enabling environment and encourage innovative public private partnerships in all sectors of our economy,’’ he said.

The President emphasized the administration’s commitment to this approach, citing Executive Order 007 of 2019 which facilitated the rehabilitation/construction of many roads by private sector investors using a Tax-credit scheme.

‘‘It is my hope that the succeeding Administration will continue to apply such innovative schemes in partnership with the private sector to accelerate the provision of critical infrastructure in particular roads, power and gas pipelines,’’ he said.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote emphasised the refinery’s role in fulfilling the group’s corporate vision of promoting self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.

”We have built a Refinery with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day (plus 900,000 tonnes of polypropylene) in a single train – which is the largest in the world. We have selected the best plants and equipment and the latest technologies from across the world.

”Our products slate is designed to meet the highest quality standards and high-value products including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), Aviation Turbine Kerosine (ATK); all of Euro V Standards that will enable us not only meet our Country’s demand but also to become a key player in the African and global market.

”Our coastal location and offshore loading and offloading (SPM) facilities with a capacity to receive all our crude oil supplies and evacuate up to 75% of our liquid products give us direct access to the rest of Africa and the global market for exports. In addition, 80 percent of our production can be discharged through trucks nationwide.”

He disclosed that the huge investment of over $18.5billion in this industry was prompted by the company’s desire to support and contribute its quota to the Federal Government’s sustained effort to transform the economy and reposition Nigeria as the leading nation in Africa, and a respected member among emerging economies in the world.

According to him, apart from ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality fuels for the transportation sector, the refinery will provide essential raw materials to a wide range of manufacturing sectors, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, packaging, construction, and more.

He further stated that the refinery’s operation and related businesses would generate a substantial number of job opportunities, while the downstream supply and distribution of its products would significantly contribute to the absorption of labor, potentially benefiting hundreds of thousands of individuals.

”Once our plant is fully on stream, we expect that at least 40% of the capacity will be available for export and this will result in significant Foreign Exchange inflows into the country.

Overall, we are committed to operating our Plant in line with international best practice requirements, recognizing the importance of protecting the environment, and putting in place stringent environmental, health and safety policies to ensure that the Refinery operates in a safe and sustainable manner,” he said.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 22, 2023

Kwara State has been rated the best state in basic healthcare delivery in the entire North Central region, beating Abuja the Federal Capital Territory and other North Central states, to clinch the first position.

At an event held in Abuja on Wednesday night, the state won the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)’s Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge award for the improvement recorded in the sector in the last four years.

The NGF Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge was consumated in 2019 as part of the ‘Seatle Declaration’, which assesses overall performance of primary healthcare delivery using indicators like ‘government’s support and commitment, quality of service delivery, improvement in the health indices and outcomes, community participation and ownership, among others’.

Commissioner for Health Dr Raji Razaq and the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Nusirat Elelu received the award on behalf of the state.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also attended the award ceremony alongside many other serving and former governors from different parts of the country.

The Cultural Attaché of Ambassador De France Au Nigeria (Cooperation & Cultural Affairs), Ms. Emmanuelle Harang, has commended the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on his leadership acumen, evident in his wisely use of the state scarce resources to secure a prosperous future for the state.

The French Cultural Attaché made the commendation yesterday in Ilorin, during her tour of some of the ongoing projects in the state capital.

She was conducted round the projects by the State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Abubakar Saddiq Buhari and the Management team of the Ministry.

Among the ongoing projects visited were the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, Ilorin Innovation Hub, the newly reconstructed Flower Garden relaxation centre, and Sugar Factory and Film Studio.

Ms. Harang, who expressed satisfaction with the architectural design of the Visual Arts Centre, described it “as magnificent and a wonderful piece of work”.

She gave kudos to the state government for “creating an avenue to nurture and promote local artists.”

The French Cultural Attaché, who was accompanied by Dr. Tunde Gbadamosi of Alliance Francaise Ilorin, said the project will foster a thriving technology ecosystem in the state.

On his part, the Commissioner described the tour as “a means to showcase the state progress in various sectors and promote cultural exchange between Kwara State and France”.

Hon. Buhari, while highlighting the growing presence of the state in the film industry, expressed government’s interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration between the state and France.

In his presentation, the Managing Director of Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, said the Hub is an evidence of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to technological advancement and innovation, giving a detailed overview of the project while conducting the visitor round.

At the State Council for Arts and Culture, the Acting Director, Mrs. Adeola Olanipekun briefed the delegation on the activities of the council.

Ms. Harang and her entourage were treated to a captivating performance by the State Drama Troupe, to showcase the cultural richness and artistic excellence of the state.

Ahmed Abeeb Oredunni

Assistant Press Secretary

MoC.