Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has commended Kwara-born Super Falcons midfielder, Halimatu Ayinde, OON, for her inspiring performance at the recently concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco.

The FC Rosengård player featured as a central/defensive midfielder throughout the tournament and contributed significantly to the team’s historic victory over the host nation in the final, held at Rabat Stadium on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Governor AbdulRazaq and Halimatu Ayinde met shortly after the Super Falcons and other members of the team were received and celebrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Monday, July 28, 2025.

During their brief interaction, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRazaq, expressed pride in Ayinde’s accomplishments and praised her as a shining example of excellence, resilience, and discipline on the global stage.

“We’re proud of you, Halimatu. You’ve made Kwara and Nigeria proud with your performance, and you remain an inspiration to young athletes back home,” Governor AbdulRazaq said.

In response, Ayinde thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for his kind words and encouragement, reaffirming her commitment to continue being a positive role model for young talents and to represent Kwara State and Nigeria with pride.

Olayinka Fafoluyi
Senior Special Assistant, New Media to Kwara State Governor
July 29, 2025

•Launches 70 roro bins, 5 waste trucks procured

The Kwara State Government has taken a significant step towards creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment by launching 70 large-sized waste bins and 5 waste disposal trucks.

These specialized vehicles and equipment were procured under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening institutions.

The launch, held at the State Ministry of Environment Office in GRA Ilorin today, was performed by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Commissioner of Environment and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for ACReSAL, Hajia Nafisat Musa-Buge.

The Governor said the newly acquired trucks and roro bins are to support the drive of his administration for a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable Kwara.

He emphasised the need for a good maintenance culture to ensure the durability of the equipment to better serve citizens.

“I congratulate everyone for witnessing this milestone. We will do more to improve our waste management system in the State”, he said.

He informed that the Ministry of Environment will commence work immediately with the deployment of the waste trucks which includes 3 dynos and 2 compactor trucks as well as the roll-on-roll-off bins to various communities.

Hajia Musa-Buge in her own speech, appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for keying into the World Bank-supported ACReSAL Project, and for approving the procurement of the roro bins and waste trucks.

She reiterated that one of the components of ACReSAL is institutional strengthening, adding that with the roro bins and trucks, work at the Ministry of Environment will become better enhanced.

“His Excellency recently flagged off the distribution of tractors and farm inputs to farmers across the State. About 5 waterworks in the State are receiving comprehensive renovation. All these are part of the ACReSAL Project,” she said.

She equally urged the citizens to be more responsible in waste management, noting that environmental protection and sustainability is a collective task.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ayinla Abubakar, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his deep commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment.

The Permanent Secretary recalled that Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara, was rated 4th in the whole of Nigeria in a StatiSense analysis for cities with best environment in the country. Dr. Ayinla said the Ministry eyes the first position, especially with the new addition to its fleet.

The launch ceremony was attended by key government officials including the General Manager of Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), Mr. Jide Aina; Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Protection, Hon. Muazu Muhammed; Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sensitisation, Hon. Isiaka Yakubu Agodi; and Directors of Environment.

The State Project Coordinator of Kwara ACReSAL, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, led members of the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) to the event.

Earlier in his remarks, the SPC thanked the Governor for his continuous support for the ACReSAL Project.He recalled that the Governor strategically included the procurement of waste compactor trucks and roro bins in the work plan of the project to complement the State government’s efforts on waste management and environmental protection.

GM KWEPA and the SSAs also took turns to praise His Excellency for his visionary leadership, while appealing for judicious use of the equipment by its handlers and residents of the State.

Okanlawon Taiwo

Kwara ACReSAL

•Gov clears Kwara Utd’s 201m sign-on fee debt, 16 years after

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday hosted the athletes who represented the state at the 2024 National Sports Festival, rewarding them with cash gifts and certificate of recognition.

The gold medalists got N1m each, while the silver and bronze medalists got N500,000 and N300,000 apiece as a symbolic appreciation of their efforts. The coaching crew also got cash rewards.

Kwara won six gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze at the sports festival, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

At the reception held at the state banquet hall in Ilorin, the Kwara capital, Governor AbdulRazaq also announced immediate settlement of a backlog of N201m sign-on fee for Kwara United coaches and players — a debt that dates back some 16 years ago.

“For us, these athletes are our heroes and heroines in their own right. With six gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze medals, these athletes have made us proud, and we are proud of their efforts, exploits, and, above all, patriotism,” he said.

“We have organised this to acknowledge, celebrate, and reassure these athletes and future champions that the state and its people appreciate them and will continue to honour their commitments to our state.

“Nothing can compensate for your efforts, but history will remember how you deployed your talents and energy to bring honour to our state. Thank you.”

AbdulRazaq said history bears witness that his administration has done a lot to reposition Kwara State in all spheres, highlighting some of the sporting facilities that now wear a new look.

He called his government’s investments in sports a strategic purpose to make Kwara the number one hub for raising talents and deploying the same for national development and shared prosperity.

“Within the last six years, we have upgraded several of our sporting facilities and built new ones, including the indoor sports hall, table tennis area, Olympic size swimming pool, and eight-winged squash courts. Some of these facilities are unique to Kwara State in Nigeria and on the African continent,” he added.

“We have also tried to put our teams in top shape. These efforts are paying off already as the recent historic victory of the Kwara United Football Club shows. Beyond the unprecedented infrastructure upgrade, we have also doubled down on the welfare of athletes and officials.

“Today, I’m glad to announce the full payment of the outstanding N201m sign-on fee for Kwara United coaches and players, which dates back to 16 years ago. This again underscores our commitment to the welfare of all, including our athletes and coaches.”

The event was attended by top government officials, including the Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission Coach Bola Magaji; Chairman Ilorin West Local Government Football Council, Owolabi Agbaji Wopa; Director of Sports, Ibrahim Bako; Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ismail Ayodeji; Olympiad and former Commissioner of Sports in the state, Hameed Adio.

Magaji, for his part, said the achievements could not have been possible without the support of the Governor.

“Because you believe in us, you assisted us to build our facilities with the renovation of some, while others were constructed anew. That is not enough. Before, a lot of our athletes have been rotten at home, but now there is hardly a month that an association (in sports) is not being represented within and outside Nigeria,” he said.

Adio lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to developing the sports and educational sectors, saying such attests to the Governor’s belief that “when you combine sports and education, you will become a superstar”.

Ayodeji commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s numerous support that he said culminated in the different success stories for the state, particularly at the last sport festival.

Ayodeji said the efforts of the Governor on the Kwara United will be further amplified if the team plays all their (African Confederation Cup) home matches at the Ilorin Stadium, noting that will boost their morale and support the local economy.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
July 18, 2025

▪︎ _Suspects moved to Abuja_

More than 20 individuals, including suspected gun runners and their logistics supporters, have been arrested in Ifelodun Local Government Area following a renewed security crackdown on criminal elements in the area, according to an intelligence report on Wednesday.

The crackdown, which involves the deployment of nearly 400 special security operatives, is at the instance of the state government and Office of the National Security Adviser. It targets Ifelodun, Ekiti, Edu, Patigi, and some other border areas where breaches have recently been observed.

“We are to have these local governments on a lockdown. The operation is just getting underway, and we have more than 20 arrests already. The suspects are giving useful information, and many of them were caught with ammunitions and supplies meant for the criminals around Babanla (Ifelodun),” according to the report.

“Out of these suspects, 10 are being moved to Abuja along with the ammunitions in their possession for more grilling. The operation has also led to the unconditional release of many captives in the area following mouthing pressure on the criminals.”

A government source said the operation also involves a strategic partnership with security forces in neighbouring Kogi and Niger States to prevent the criminals from escaping.

“The operation is only starting from Ifelodun. We are also moving to Edu and Patigi, while Eruku axis is on lockdown to ensure that these criminals do not escape to Kogi. Border communities around Niger are also being monitored,” he added.

The latest security operation followed recent assurances by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that every string is being pulled to smoke out the criminals from different forests where they may be hiding.

The government source urged members of the public to report any suspicious movement of unknown individuals to the security agencies.

Since the Senior Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq exposed Dr. Bukola Saraki’s failed surreptitious moves to work for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 so that he could hand over the leadership of Kwara State to him as a reward in his rejoinder titled ‘Wahab Oba: Tell Us About Saraki’s AP-DP status’, Saraki’s followers, commonly known as Sarakites have taken to the media, displaying a mix of confusion and ignorance. Rather than confront the facts, they’ve resorted to historical distortion and deliberate misinformation.

One of them, Onilemarun Abdulkareem, claimed that if President Tinubu were to choose between Bukola Saraki and Governor AbdulRazaq, he would choose Saraki over the Governor. He backed his claim with arguments that political observers and historians alike have described as false, laughable, and purely comic relief. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at his ignorance in that article. Did Onilemarun honestly thought that only gullible Sarakites would read his piece?

Let’s correct the many lies he told, one by one.

First, contrary to Onilemarun’s claim, Saraki was not one of the founding fathers of the APC. He played no role in its formation. The APC was officially formed on February 6, 2013, as a result of a merger involving the ACN, CPC, ANPP, and a faction of APGA. Saraki and a few nPDP members only joined later when it became clearer that the APC stood a real chance of defeating Former President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP.

Secondly, Onilemarun claimed that Governor AbdulRazaq was politically unknown before the 2019 elections. Sincerely, a simple Google search would have cured that ignorance. Long before 2019, AbdulRazaq had been active in Kwara politics funding his political platforms and empowering Kwarans. That’s unlike Bukola Saraki, a political product of nepotism, who was imposed on the state by his late father against the will of well-meaning Kwarans.

What people like Onilemarun fail to realize is that Kwarans are now wiser and can no longer be deceived by tired propaganda. The claim that Governor AbdulRazaq disrespects traditional rulers is yet another lie from Saraki’s fake news factory. Let’s not forget how Saraki once made our royal fathers line up at the airport to receive imported cows. Tell me, what’s more disrespectful than that? Not to mention how he punished monarchs by withholding their salaries.

Furthermore, Onilemarun argued that Governor AbdulRazaq lacks political followers, while Saraki has a formidable structure. But isn’t it laughable that a man with ‘no followers’ according to Onilemarun has defeated Saraki and his party in three consecutive electoral cycles? Saraki’s growing irrelevance and inability to reclaim Kwara through the ballot is why he attempted to strike a deal with President Tinubu behind closed doors, hoping to get Kwara back as a reward.

Another lie peddled by Sarakites is the baseless claim that Governor AbdulRazaq is secretly working with opposition elements to stop President Tinubu’s second-term ambition. How absurd! AbdulRazaq is not just a close ally of the President, he is one of Tinubu’s most trusted loyalists. He campaigned vigorously for Tinubu in 2023 and was one of the Northern governors who helped Tinubu secure the party’s ticket. The impressive votes Tinubu received in Kwara are a direct reflection of AbdulRazaq’s efforts.

On the other hand, Saraki is a known serial betrayer. He has repeatedly bitten the hands that fed him, betraying the man who made him governor, sabotaging late President Muhammadu Buhari despite being in the same party, and mismanaging Atiku Abubakar’s campaign funds, and undermining the very APC under which he became Senate President. Loyalty has never been Bukola Saraki’s strength.

Lastly, Sarakites must be delusional to think the President would choose Saraki over Governor AbdulRazaq. Tinubu does not choose a serial betrayer over a dependable ally and loyalist. Even when he forgives people like Saraki, he is careful not to entrust them with sensitive responsibilities. No serious President seeking reelection would sideline a humble, loyal, and effective leader like AbdulRazaq in favor of someone whose arrogance, greed, and disrespect to loyalists have made several of his political allies leave the sinking dynasty he inherited in drove.

Historians won’t forget how Bukola Saraki betrayed his own father which earn him a rumored curse that hasn’t been denied by him.

Mukail Babatunde is a writer and political analyst from Ifelodun , Kwara State.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessing Opadiran
Asst Press Secretary
KWEPA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

•Mission Is To Further Strengthen Grassroots Engagement: Olayinka Fafoluyi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Engr. Usman Sikiru Aremu,

State Coordinator,

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Media Centre (AAMC)

Gov briefs Lafiagi stakeholders on security efforts

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has briefed key stakeholders in Lafiagi axis of Kwara North on the many efforts of the government to rid the areas of criminal gangs involved in violent crimes in the region.

The meeting was held in Ilorin, the capital city, attended by the leadership of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU) headed by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi.

The Governor acknowledged the concerns of the communities and reassured them of the government-led multistakeholders’ response to the situation.

The meeting came as the Nigerian army concludes arrangements to launch sustained operations in the forests identified as the fortress of the criminal gangs in Kwara North and South.

The operations would involve the newly trained forest guards in the isolated areas.

“These operations will rout the criminals from their hideouts and restore lasting calm in the affected areas, while care would be taken to prevent the violent elements from hibernating elsewhere. The government has been working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to eliminate these threats in parts of the state, especially in identified settlements in Ifelodun, Edu and Patigi,” according to a statement on Sunday morning.

“No one can dismiss the worries of our community folks. However, it is important to note that sensitive security issues require careful and realistic analysis of the situation, planning, and execution of plans for sustainable success.”

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

July 6, 2025

Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has congratulated the government and people of the state on the recent victory of Team Kwara at the just concluded Presidential debate held at Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Governor AbdulRazaq made the commendation today at the Government House, Ilorin, while receiving the Kwara team, who represented the state at the just concluded presidential debate in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The governor, who rewarded each of the victorious team member with one million naira and #500,000 each for their coaching instructors, commended them for making the state proud.

“Thank you for making Kwara happy, I will also make you happy in return”, the governor said.

He also appreciated the Directors in the Ministry, teachers across the state, the coaching instructors, and the entire students for allowing this glory to come to reality and make Kwara proud. “Thank you for making Kwara proud”, AbdulRazaq added.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe had praised Governor AbdulRazaq for bringing progress to the state under his purpose-driven administration.

Olohungbebe disclosed further that the current administration is working tirelessly in ensuring that public schools in the state get its rightful place in the scheme of things, pointing out that the fruits are now coming in with the sterling performance of the delegates, who represented the state at the presidential debate and encouraged them to sustain the tempo.

The state was represented at the presidential debate by Moshood Kamaldeen, GSS, Ilorin; AbdulAzeez Aishat, Nawarudeen Grammar School, Offa; AbdulAzeez Mudhasir, Destiny,St Anthony’s Secondary School Ilorin; and

Usman Maryam, IGS Ilorin.

Team Kwara won the presidential debate trophy after defeating their counterpart from Rivers State and Enugun state who came third at the contest.

Diginitreies present at the ceremony included the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Mallam Tahueed Abubakar Bello; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs. Olanrewju Rebecca Bake; Directors from the Ministry of Education, and Principals of Secondary Schools, among others.

Peter Amogbonjaye,

Press Secretary,

Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.