The Kwara Inclusion Advocates (KIA) has commended the Christmas’ message by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The governor had felicitated Christians and acknowledged their support, understanding, solidarity, and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Coordinator of KIA, Rev. Felix Ajide, said while the message was reassuring, Christmas also presents an opportunity for deeper reflection on inclusion and reciprocity in governance.
Ajide, who spoke on behalf of the Convener of the group, Tunji Adeyemi, added: “We appreciate the governor’s recognition of the Christian community’s loyalty and contributions to the peace and progress of Kwara State. However, true inclusion goes beyond commendation; it must be reflected in fair access to leadership and opportunity.’’
He stressed that Christians in Kwara are not strangers or peripheral stakeholders but an integral part of the state’s social, economic, and political fabric.
“As conversations ahead of 2027 gradually emerge, it is neither divisive nor unreasonable to advocate for the removal of systemic barriers that have historically limited the emergence of a competent Christian as governor.
“This approach, being practised in other plural states, strengthens unity rather than undermines it,” he further said.
Ajide noted that as leader of the ruling party in the state, AbdulRazaq is well positioned to encourage a more inclusive political culture that reflects Kwara’s diversity.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, unity, and an inclusive Kwara where every community has a genuine sense of belonging.
Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday held a security council meeting where commanders and top government officials reviewed strategies to strengthen public safety and curtail the threats of organized kidnapping gangs.
The Governor received briefings from security commanders following the Tuesday attack on Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the State.
Addressing a press briefing on the council meeting on Friday, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi told reporters that the council meeting “harvested insights from the security commanders on recent happenings and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident, including efforts of the security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
“The meeting also commended heightened security deployments, especially air interdictions which have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, especially in Ifelodun. It calls for continuous air bombardment of areas identified as criminal hideouts.
“The meeting specifically commended the Military, Police, and DSS for new deployments in the state. In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a few days ago, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, has deployed four different tactical teams (Special Weapons and Tactics, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad) to Kwara to neutralise further threats.
“The Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to fixing weapons for the kidnappers.
“The meeting commended the government’s strategic security decision on schools in parts of the state. Measures may be relaxed, sustained, or extended based on actionable security intelligence. This is particularly instructive in the light of the new development in Niger earlier today. As security agencies work for safe returns of the girls, the council calls for continuous vigilance and early reporting of any suspicious movement in any parts of the state.
“The meeting approved joint patrols of security forces in different parts of the state especially as the Yuletide approaches. It recommended heightened security measures around vulnerable spots.
“The meeting observed the damaging impacts of social media in the country’s fight against violent non-state actors. It expresses concern with how security information is disseminated, including demand for ransom and amplification of information that exposes citizens to more danger. For public safety, it calls for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.
“The meeting urged citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that expose them to any harm. It urged citizens for prompt report of suspicious movements of any kind to the security agencies, government agencies, and traditional rulers.
“The meeting observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and again commiserated with their families and the larger community.”
Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has requested that more and urgent security deployment be made to Ekiti Local Government Area, especially Eruku axis, to immediately curtail the new wave of attacks in the area.
“The Governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area,” according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.
“He requested that this new measure be activated immediately. The Governor wholly condemns the unconscionable attack, sympathises and identifies with the people of Eruku and environs, especially families and the CAC directly impacted by the condemnable attack of Tuesday.
“The state government will continue to support the security agencies to tackle these challenges and ensure safety of lives and properties across the state,” he said..
The Governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for the deployment of 900 additional troops in Kwara, saying this is expected to strengthen security in the state.
“We have indeed seen appreciable calm in many areas previously affected. We sincerely thank the President for this. We are confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety for our people, and permanent calm,” the statement added.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented N80 million cheques to families of slain forest guards and vigilantes killed during encounters with kidnappers at Babanla, Oke Ode and Eleyin in Ifelodun and Isin local governments.
The governor also approved N100 million support for the families of brave men in Edu and Patigi, who died in an ambush in July by kidnappers, as they set out to confront the abductors in the wake of kidnappings in the area.
The governor saluted the bravery and patriotism of the victims and prayed to God for the repose of their souls.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service. Government cannot but sympathise with the bereaved families,” the governor said in Ilorin while presenting cheques to the families.
He added: “We will do the needful by supporting them and making sure the state is safe, and our country is safe.
“As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We look forward to supporting Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.”
The governor said his administration had supplied new logistics support, including fighting equipment and motorcycles, for the forest guards and vigilantes maintained by communities at flash points.
“The new logistics have positioned the forest guards and vigilantes to better hunt down the kidnappers and defend their communities — a practical complement to the efforts of the conventional security forces,” he said.
Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru has said insecurity in Kwara South could be reduced through coordinated local government action, adding that local councils had a constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property in their areas.
He spoke with reporters at Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government at an event organised by a group known as Kwara South G7.
Ashiru called on the state government to adopt a more hands-on approach, saying “security is everyone’s business. The state must empower local authorities and vigilante networks to strengthen grassroots intelligence and protection.”
‘Kwara South G7’ comprises seven local governments, including Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Oyun and Insin.
In a statement, the governor described the latest attack on Oke-Ode as unfortunate, saying the state requires more military deployments to roll back the activities of the criminals in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North.
He regretted the loss of innocent civilians and the forest guards who mounted a spirited resistance to the assailants in the early morning incident on grounds of patriotism and love for their communities.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families. No word can adequately capture the depth of my sadness and nothing can compensate the bereaved families over these incidents, in spite of our efforts and the investments in enlisting and training the forest guards to bolster the conventional forces. Our people are understandably concerned about the situation, and I wholeheartedly share in this grief.
“While we appreciate the efforts and unquantifiable sacrifices of the security forces as well as the successes so far, we definitely need to do a lot more until we are completely out of the woods.
“Finally, I urge our brave residents to remain calm and avoid the temptation to turn on ourselves. I equally commend all the forest guards and the local hunters who, though lost five of their compatriots, equally neutralised several of the attackers. We will forever be grateful to all of them as our heroes,” AbdulRazaq added.
Also, the Army Headquarters has directed the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan, Maj.-Gen Chinedu Nnebefie, to relocate to Kwara.
This directive followed yesterday morning’s attack of suspected bandits on residents of Oke-Ode community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The bandits allegedly killed scores of forest guards and vigilante members and abducted some community members.
The army chief is to coordinate and boost military response to the attacks by bandits on Kwara communities.
Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for increased security deployments to the state to rout the criminals involved in attacks in parts of the state.
In a statement following an unfortunate attack on the positions of the forest guards and surrounding areas of Oke Ode, the Governor said the state requires more military deployments to roll back the activities of the criminals in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North.
He regretted the loss of innocent civilians and the forest guards who mounted a spirited resistance to the assailants in the early morning incident on grounds of patriotism and love for their communities.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families. No word can adequately capture the depth of my sadness and nothing can compensate the bereaved families over these incidents, in spite of our efforts and the investments in enlisting and training the forest guards to bolster the conventional forces. Our people are understandably concerned about the situation, and I wholeheartedly share in this grief,” the Governor said in the statement on Sunday.
“While we appreciate the efforts and unquantifiable sacrifices of the security forces as well as the successes so far, we definitely need to do a lot more until we are completely out of the wood.
“Finally, I urge our brave residents to remain calm and avoid the temptation to turn on ourselves. I equally commend all the forest guards and the local hunters who, though lost five of their compatriots, equally neutralised several of the attackers. We will forever be grateful to all of them as our heroes.”
The Army Headquarters directed the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan, to immediately relocate to Kwara to further coordinate and boost military response to the development.
He commiserated with the bereaved families, assuring them of sustained efforts to prevent further security breaches. He pledged support for those affected.
The governor was received at Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye ll, and his chiefs.
On the governor’s entourage were the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins; Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; and Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu. The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Femi Yusuf, also joined the trip to the community.
AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction about the return of peace to the areas, saying: “We will make sure everything is in order and you will live in peace.”
The governor said he had directed Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to support the affected persons.
Oba Aliyu thanked the governor for the visit.
He hailed him and the Federal Government for their efforts to restore normalcy to the community.
Kwara 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.
On behalf of my colleagues at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, Mr. President, the government and people of Nigeria, and the family of our late former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
We gather today to pay tribute to a man whose life was woven into the very fabric of our nation — a soldier, a patriot, a statesman, and above all, a devoted servant of the Nigerian people.
Across the North and South of our great nation, his legacies remain visible and impactful.
Mr. President, your gesture toward your brother and predecessor is both historic and symbolic. It reflects a spirit of national unity and respect for service that resonates with Nigerians and sets a worthy example for generations to come.
The state burial accorded President Buhari reflects the esteem in which he was held, not just by this administration, but by the Nigerian people.
It also speaks volumes about your personal commitment to honouring those who served this nation faithfully.
We pray for the peaceful repose of General Buhari’s soul. May God grant his family strength and comfort, and may the Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you.
AbdulRazaq is Kwara State Governor/Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has announced a reward of five million naira and a plot of land for each player of Kwara United FC for winning the 2025 President Federation Cup.
Kwara United defeated Abakaliki FC 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes last weekend at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos and in an elaborate state reception held at the Government House, Ilorin yesterday.
An elated Kwara State Governor who appreciated Kwara United players and officials for ending the state laurel drought said the Harmony Boys have etched their names in history and they would forever be remembered for the noble gesture.
The Governor later declared a five million Naira financial gift for each of the players and officials that represented Kwara United in the competition and also a plot of land for each also.
It was Kwara State first silverware and the second time the state would get to the grand finale of the FA Cup since Alyufsalam Rocks got to the final in 1976, 49 years ago. The team then lost 2-0 to Enugu Rangers.
Kwara United will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup competition alongside with Abia Warriors who placed third in the league.
