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Tag: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

  • Abdulrazaq inaugurates Osi campus of Kwara varsity

    Abdulrazaq inaugurates Osi campus of Kwara varsity

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has inaugurated the Osi Campus of the state university, keeping his promise to ensure that no project is abandoned and setting off a new frontier of development in the southern axis of the State.

    Cheered by stakeholders in the region who commended his statewide achievements, the Governor said the commissioning is a lesson in history as it is a practical step to drive inclusive growth and prosperity in every part of the State. 

    “This is more than just a project commissioning. The completion of the Osi and Ilesha Baruba Campuses bears testament to my pledge that Kwara will not be a mortuary of abandoned project. 

    ”With this, we have again sent the signal that what matters to our administration is the progress of our state, not the political history of any project,” he said.

    “This is a lesson in history  and we hope it resonates across our state and among our people. In June 2021, I commissioned the Kwara Polytechnic main auditorium, which we funded to completion,  more than 20 years after its foundation was laid by the late Governor Mohammed Lawal. This is who we are! 

    “Today marks the culmination of years of commitment, resilience, and a collective resolve to expand access to quality tertiary education in Kwara State. 

    “The journey has been marked by significant challenges, including substantial inflation. This project started under the previous administration. It was later abandoned. 

    “We promised never to abandon it. And what you see here bears testimony to the power of strategic planning, prudent resource management, determination, and good conscience.

    “The two campuses, among other projects, will stimulate rapid economic growth and human capital development in these regions, foster a sense of belonging, and create new opportunities for our youths.

    “We worked tirelessly to ensure that the infrastructure you see today is up to standards, as recently confirmed by the team from the National Universities Commission. 

    “From the state-of-the-art studios, lecture halls, and laboratories to the serene learning environment, this campus reflects the commitment of our administration to sustainable development, academic excellence, and social inclusion. This effort aligns with our broader agenda of making Kwara State a hub for innovation, creativity, and technical expertise. 

    “Today, we are proud to hand over this Campus (Osi) to the community and leadership of the Kwara State University through the Ministry of Tertiary Education.

    “Osi Campus will not just be a physical structure but a beacon of hope and a testament to our hard work for future generations, our love for inclusion, economic expansion, and wellbeing of our people. 

    “As we celebrate this achievement, I call on the management, staff, and students of KWASU to take full advantage of this facility. Let this campus become a breeding ground for world-class professionals whose work will bring honour to Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole. 

    “To the host community, we thank you for your cooperation and support throughout this process. Your role in safeguarding this campus and fostering a peaceful environment cannot be overstated. I appeal to you to ensure peaceful cohabitation between the community and the institution.

    “Finally, our administration remains committed to expanding the frontiers of development across all sectors. The successes we celebrate today are the sweet fruits of the collective will and hard work of Kwarans.” 

    At the event were senior government officials, academics, royalties, and party leaders and members, including the Speaker Kwara House of Assembly Rt. Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi, who was represented by Hon. Ganiyu Gabriel Abolarin; representative of the Minister of Culture and Tourism Barrister Biola Abdulkareem; Chairman Kwara House Committee on Education Hon. Baba Boriya; Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde; State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Chairman Ekiti Local Government Hon. Awelewa Olawale Gabriel; KWASU Chancellor Dr. Johnson Bamidele Adewumi; Pro-Chancellor (KWASU) Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali; Vice Chancellor KWASU Sheikh Prof. Luqman Jimoh; Head of Osi Campus Prof. Binta Ajibola Suleiman; and President Osi Welfare Association Dr. Joshua Olu Joseph.

    Others were the Olosi of Osi and Chairman Ekiti Traditional Council Oba Saliu Adasofegbe; the Olomu of Omu Aran Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Olaoti; and the Alofa of Ilofa Oba Samuel Niyi Dada Okinbaloye Aponbiepo II; among others.

    Dr Arinde said the completion of Osi and Ilesha Baruba Campuses is a bold step of the administration to bring education closer to the people, foster regional development, and empower the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter future.

    Prof Ambali congratulated the government and Osi community on the completion of the campus, and pledged that the facility will be efficiently used.

    KWASU’s Vice Chancellor Prof Sheikh Jamiu Luqman said the new Osi campus will add immense value to the institution by fostering innovation, research, and learning in a conducive environment designed for excellence.

    “Your (Excellency’s) commitment to education has been truly remarkable. This project and the Ilesha Baruba campus are evidence of your dedication to the advancement of higher education in our state,” he said. 

    “This campus hosts the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, and about seven different programmes are to be housed in this faculty. Initially, only Fine and Applied Arts was existing. 

    “Your Excellency, I’m happy to inform you that the NUC has approved Geography and Remote Sensing, Urban and Regional Planning, and Estate Management in this campus.

    “I’m also very pleased to inform you that the students have arrived in this campus. Let me also add that we sought the approval of the NUC come next session for the following programmes namely: Architecture, and Quantity Survey.”

    Oba Adasofegbe called Governor AbdulRazaq a “man of his words” and the greatest among equals for completing the school project.

    “Your Excellency, you are a man of his words, amiable, compassionate, magnanimous, progressive, and considerate,” he said.

    The monarch listed the asphalt overlay on Osi township road, provision of electric transformers to different communities; provision of motor vans and bikes for vigilantes, ICT Centres for e-learning in schools; renovation of classrooms; and the construction of Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road as some of the projects of the present administration in Osi community.

  • We will build 250 housing units next year, says AbdulRazaq

    We will build 250 housing units next year, says AbdulRazaq

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said his administration would build 250 housing units in the first phase of 2025.

    He added that access and inner roads for the smart city would also begin.

    Read Also:‘Abdulrazaq following case of man who died in police custody’

    The governor said this at the 59th National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU).

    “We invite all of you to be part of this historic development,” he added.

  • Abdulrazaq parades strides as IEDPU rallies support for urban renewal initiative

    Abdulrazaq parades strides as IEDPU rallies support for urban renewal initiative

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq showcased some major gains of his administration to the Ilorin community on Wednesday, commending the Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and all the stakeholders for their support and understanding. 

    Addressing the 59th national conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) at the forecourt of the Emir, the Governor congratulated the organisation for its successes over the years  and its roles in maintaining peace and harmony within and outside of the Emirate. 

    The Governor specifically showed off the gains of the urban renewal initiative under which several roads have been upgraded within and outside Ilorin metropolis — as well as other major economic projects that he said are meant to spread prosperity among the people. 

    He lauded the IEDPU and other stakeholders for their support for the initiative, pledging the support of the administration for the completion of the body’s innovation hub project to upskill young people and improve social mobility. 

    He said: “My team and I commend Mai Martaba the Emir of Ilorin, IEDPU leadership, and all of you for the support so far given to our administration and to the government of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu. We do not take this for granted,” he said. 

    “About three years ago, a guest lecturer at this august occasion mentioned how socioeconomic legacies of Ilorin people were going into extinction and how this should get the attention of all. 

    “Yes, we are proudly transforming the landscape of Ilorin. From Sulu-Gambari Road to Oja Oba, Balogun Fulani to Gambari, Ibrahim Taiwo Road to General Roundabout, Unity to A- Division, Omoda to Idi Ape, Challenge to Ahmadu Bello Way, Tanke Junction to Tipper Garage, and many others, Ilorin now stands shoulder to shoulder with leading capital cities in our country as we rapidly upgrade the infrastructure and restore law and order for the good of all. 

    “This urban renewal initiative is moving to other parts of the state, including Offa, with the massive reconstruction work on the Ibrahim Taiwo Road.

    “Beyond this, we are reviving the economic legacies of our community. Massive work has commenced on the dada pottery, just as we have mobilised contractors to the Patigi Motel to breathe life back to local economic activities in different parts of Kwara State.

    “The Ilorin Smart City project, which I announced here last year, has now commenced. We did not hijack land from anyone. All families and private individuals affected have been notified and compensated. For some, the compensation process is still ongoing. 

    “In 2025, we are constructing 250 units of mass housing in the first phase, while access and inner roads for the smart city will begin. We invite all of you to be part of this historic development. 

    “Furthermore, we have made provisions for the takeoff of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, in 2025. Along with other projects of the administration, this opens a new frontier for socioeconomic growth and collective prosperity. 

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we have long yearned for massive infrastructural turnarounds of our state and the capital city. This is happening already. Between 2023 and now, we have delivered 145 roads of different specifications across the state, while 50 are ongoing as I speak to you. 

    “Having said this, massive infrastructural development and reforms come with their own challenges and paradox. We urge you to bear with us. 

    “Again, I congratulate the IEDPU on this august occasion. I commend the leadership for your understanding and support for our programmes. I sincerely commend your focused advocacy for a greater, more prosperous, and peaceful Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State. I assure you of our support every step of the way.”

    The Balogun Gambari of Ilorin Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu Adebayo stood in for the Emir, while Amb. Yahya Seriki was the chief launcher who donated N100m for some ongoing projects of the body. 

    IEDPU President praised the urban renewal projects and other developmental programmes of the administration which he said are crucial for beautification and physical development of the capital city.

    He said Ilorin is increasingly expanding with many new communities, and called on the government to further expand the infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare centres. 

    “The Union is delighted with the rate of ongoing developments in the state. The completed and the numerous ongoing projects which the state government is executing are laudable. When completed, the projects will completely change the face of not only Ilorin, the state capital, but also the entirety of Kwara state,” he said.

    Abdulmalik highlighted some of the projects the union is currently executing including the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari skills Acquisition Hub. 

    He requested the government to further assist the union by equipping the center with computers, and providing for the interior and exterior fittings to have a befitting look. 

    Prof Oba, who chaired the event, congratulated the people of the Emirate on the occasion which he noted reflects love, unity, and sense of patriotism.

    Prof. Oba praised Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to peace, social protection, and infrastructural development in the state, and urged him to do more on empowerment programmes for the downtrodden, particularly women.

  • FG addressing economic challenges, says Kwara govt

    FG addressing economic challenges, says Kwara govt

    The Kwara state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq disclosed that the Federal Government is making relentless efforts to improve the economic situation, while the state government remains dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence and driving economic development.

    Represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, AbdulRazaq made this statement in Ilorin at a Christmas service held at the Ilorin Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

    The Governor appealed for unity among residents, emphasising the importance of harmony, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

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    In his Christmas sermon titled “Joy to the World,” the Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Sunday Adewole, highlighted the spiritual essence of Christ’s birth as a bridge mending humanity’s relationship with God.

    “The birth of Jesus Christ bridged the gap between God and man,” Bishop Adewole stated. “As we celebrate, let us do so responsibly and avoid entering the New Year burdened by debts.”

    He also urged Nigerians to exercise patience amid the economic difficulties, calling on leaders at all levels to increase efforts to ease the hardships faced by citizens.

    Retired Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Philip Adeyemo also encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and dedicated to God’s will.

  • ‘Abdulrazaq following case of man who died in police custody’

    ‘Abdulrazaq following case of man who died in police custody’

    Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has said his government is following the probe into the death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir in police custody.

    He urged the public to remain calm.

    The governor said the visit of the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to the family of Abdulqadir raises greater hope about a thorough probe of the incident.

     Abdulrazaq commended the IGP and his entourage for the visit to Ilorin within hours of being informed of the incident, urging the super cop to ensure that justice is truly done in the case.

    “We are devastated by the death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir. It was one tragedy too many for our community. It is unacceptable,” the Governor said.

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    “While restating our commiserations to the Balogun Fulani Alhaji Abubakar Sidiq Atiku Fulani and the immediate family of the deceased, we are upbeat that the police hierarchy will get to the roots of the incident, ensure that justice is served, and step up efforts to address other alleged violations and reservations of the citizens.”

    He urged residents of the state, especially the youth, to remain calm, law abiding, and avoid hasty conclusions that may affect genuine resolutions of the issues.

    “I also commend the Balogun Gambari of Ilorin and the youths of the area for the maturity with which the issue has been handled. We ask Allah to repose the soul of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir,” the statement added.

  • I’m following probe into Abdulqadir’s death, says Abdulrasaq, commends IG’s prompt visit

    I’m following probe into Abdulqadir’s death, says Abdulrasaq, commends IG’s prompt visit

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has said the government is keenly following the probe into the sad death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir in police custody, urging members of the public to remain calm. 

    The Governor said the prompt visit of the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, to the family of Abdulqadir raises greater hope about a thorough probe of the unfortunate incident. 

    Abdulrazaq commended the IGP and his entourage for the visit to Ilorin within hours of being informed of the incident, urging the super cop to ensure that justice is truly done in the case. 

    “We are devastated by the death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir. It was one tragedy too many for our community. It is unacceptable,” the Governor said. 

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    “While restating our commiserations to the Balogun Fulani Alhaji Abubakar Sidiq Atiku Fulani and the immediate family of the deceased, we are upbeat that the police hierarchy will get to the roots of the incident, ensure that justice is served, and step up efforts to address other alleged violations and reservations of the citizens.”

    He urged residents, especially the youths, to remain calm, law abiding, and avoid hasty conclusions that may affect genuine resolutions of the issues. 

    “I also commend the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin and the youths of the area for the maturity with which the issue has been handled. We ask Allaah to repose the soul of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir,” the statement added.

  • Innovation hub, other projects to make Kwara a go-to place, says Abdulrazaq

    Innovation hub, other projects to make Kwara a go-to place, says Abdulrazaq

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has visited the sites of some of his legacy projects, including the talk-of-the-town Innovation Hub, which is receiving finishing touches ahead of its public unveiling. 

    The Governor said the objectives for the huge projects are to build a new ecosystem that makes Kwara a go-to place in Nigeria and build an economy that benefits the people and further elevates the state. 

    Abdulrazaq was responding to a media enquiry requesting him to explain the huge investments on projects such as the garment factory, international conference centre, visual arts centre, innovation hub, film factory, shea butter factory, Patigi Motel, remodelled civil service clinic, and a multi-storey courthouse, and a few others. 

    “Our focus is to build an ecosystem that projects our state to the world and make us more attractive. The rebuilding of the civil service clinic, for instance, is part of our efforts to strengthen the healthcare delivery system,” he told reporters on the sideline of his visit to the clinic now undergoing massive reconstruction.

    The Governor had also visited his other legacy projects such as Kwara Hotel, Ilorin International Conference Centre, and Ilorin Innovation Hub.

    The Governor said making good healthcare services accessible to the people has become a national priority, adding that the government is committed to making Kwara a shining example.

    Read Also: We’re investing in human capital development, says AbdulRazaq

    “This is deepening healthcare at the secondary level, just like we are doing at the basic level. You have seen that there has been a lot of emphasis on primary healthcare by all tiers of government in terms of making sure that we deliver good healthcare services to the people,” he added.

    “We are rebuilding and expanding the Civil Service Clinic to be a major referral centre at the secondary level. We’ve converted the Ilorin General Hospital to a University Teaching Hospital. Sobi Specialist Hospital will become Al-Hikmah University Teaching Hospital, and the Omu-Aran Hospital will become Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital. So, we have a long way to go. This is a major step we are taking here now. It is a big investment.”

    AbdulRazaq said the administration is making huge investments across key sectors to create an ecosystem and make the state a place to go.

    “Our focus is to create an ecosystem that makes Kwara State a place to go. For every single thing you want to do: entertainment, healthcare, tourism, conferencing, Kwara will be a place to go,” the Governor said. 

    “By next December, you will see a flood of people coming to Kwara. We want to have an airport with four flights or more coming in and four flights or more going out. So we are repositioning the kwara state to be where it used to be in the 1st Republic. Our journey is a long one, but we will maintain our strides in that journey. 

    “And things are already taking shape. For example, the Innovation Hub is 99 per cent complete. But we are not just going to have an innovation hub that will not be functional. We are speaking to the right partners: IHS has come on board with us. It is a programme worth over 10 billion naira. We are looking at several billions of naira to be invested here over the next 10 years.

    “Our target is to have five unicorns in ten years. That will be a major gain. This is going to be a standard for Africa. Watch that space; there is nothing like this in Africa. And we are going to bring the major companies in.”Innovation hub, other projects to make Kwara a go-to place, says Abdulrazaq

  • AbdulRazaq: Our focus is on human capacity development in education

    AbdulRazaq: Our focus is on human capacity development in education

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has pledged to work with alumni associations of both primary and secondary schools in the state to restore the former glory of these institutions.

    He announced at the weekend that his administration is also focused on investing in human capital development.

    The governor made this statement in Ilala, within the Irepodun Local Government Area, during the 50th-anniversary celebration of Oyelagbawo Grammar School, which was organized by the Old Students Association.

    He was represented at the event by Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development.

    Said he: “We know that the drivers of education in our different schools need to be trained and retrained. This investment has impacted positively on the performance of the students of the state. We now have the children of the state appearing on the international map.

    “I am happy with the plan the old students have for the school. We will partner with you in ensuring the restoration of the glorious past of the school.

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    “I am imploring the principal of the school to write to us at the Ministry of education a letter of request. We will look at it and see what we can do as our intervention on the school.”

    Speaking with our correspondent on the sidelines of the anniversary, the National President of the Old Students Association Kola Adeyeomo bemoaned the decadence in infrastructure and the dearth of teachers.

    “In those glorious days of the school, we had more than enough teachers ranging from Indian to Ghanaian nationals.

    “But when we came here in 2023 to inspect the level of deterioration we were all shedding tears. Why? The boys’ and girls’ hostels are overgrown with bush. The dining hall, principal, and staff quarters were also taken over by bush. Now they cannot even maintain the classrooms.

    “The way out now is to collaborate with the state government in resuscitating the school. We know that government alone cannot fix the rot.

    “As I am talking to you, I have started scouting for donors for all the science laboratories. I can assure you that in the next year, we will fix an ICT centre here that can accommodate a minimum of 100 students.

    “As of today, the human resource is zero. We are starting afresh. Right from the principal, we are asking the state government to cooperate with us. We want to bring back to school discipline. We want to bring that educational excellence back to the school,” Adeyeomo, a quantity surveyor added.

  • AbdulRazaq okays three months bonus for workers

    AbdulRazaq okays three months bonus for workers

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved three months financial bonus for civil servants, including local government workers.

    The bonus is equivalent to pay as you earn (PAYE) obligation recently implemented, following the payment of N70,000 minimum wage to workers.

    The new tax regime has generated bad blood between organised labour and the state government.

    The emergency support measure will last between October and December, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru.

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    “This bonus has been approved as a buffer to bridge the gap the correct PAYE deduction may have wrought on the newly implemented minimum wage.

    “It is meant to serve as a soothing balm as workers adjust to the PAYE that was just correctly implemented in line with the Personal Income Tax Act,” she said.

    “The payment of the bonus is effective from October and will run till December. This is a significant step by the governor to support workers.”

    The statement added that workers who had not registered with the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWSRRA) should do so  ‘’because anyone without it will not get the bonus for November and December.’’  

  • AbdulRazaq reappoints Kwara Polytechnic rector 

    AbdulRazaq reappoints Kwara Polytechnic rector 

    Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has approved the reappointment of Mr Abdul Muhammed as the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic.

    The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Halimat Garba, confirmed this in a statement on Monday in Ilorin made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    “The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the reappointment of Dr Abdul Jimoh Muhammed as the Rector of the Kwara State Polytechnic for a second term in office.

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    “In recognition of his numerous achievements and unwavering support to enhance the standards of education at Kwara State Polytechnic,” Garba said.

    She said that the entire Polytechnic Community felicitated with the rector and look forward to another term of progress and achievement under his guidance.

    NAN recalls that Muhammed was first appointed in Oct. 2019 as the rector of the polytechnic.

    (NAN)