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  • AbdulRazaq holds security meeting, commends operatives amid clearance op, arrests

    AbdulRazaq holds security meeting, commends operatives amid clearance op, arrests

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday held a marathon security council meeting to receive updates on various efforts to strengthen public safety.

    The meeting was attended by all the security commanders as well as top government officials in the state, including the Secretary to the State Government and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. 

    The Governor received extensive briefings from the police, state security service, Army, Navy, Air Force, NSCDC, Immigration Service, NDLEA, and officials from the National Security Adviser — while insights were also taken from key government officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Special Adviser on Security, Senior Special Assistant on Security, and others. 

    Read Also: Abdulrazaq meets Ifelodun stakeholders, speaks on development, security efforts

    The commanders gave details of all ongoing operations across the state, including multiple arrests, prosecutions, and intercepts of arms from hostile nonstate actors.

    The Governor commended the security forces for their sacrifice, saying they deserve all the support that they get as they put in everything to ensure that the people are safe. 

    He called for continued vigilance and support from the public, including giving actionable and timely intelligence.

  • AbdulRazaq: we’re working to eliminate insecurity

    AbdulRazaq: we’re working to eliminate insecurity

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday said his administration was doing everything to eliminate insecurity in Ifelodun, Patigi and Edu local governments.

    The three councils have been hot spots for bandits’ attacks.

    The governor acknowledged constant collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser and all security agencies.

    He spoke during a meeting with Ifelodun stakeholders, listing his efforts to scale up infrastructure development and keep the people safe for shared prosperity.

    Led by the Chairman of the council, Hadji Femi Yusuf, the stakeholders were drawn from layers of the local government, including serving and former public officers, monarchs, clerics, politicians, youths and others.

    He itemised some of the ongoing and proposed projects in Ifelodun to include Ajase-Ipo-Oke Ode-Sagbe Road; Alabe-Oreke Road; Oro Ago Road; Ora Township Road (which is to be re-awarded) and Orisa Bridge.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    He said Akamo Bridge is also on the radar as well as spot rehabilitation of Share-Babanla Road, and commended the  community-led initiatives in Ifelodun such as ICT Centre in Igbaja.

    He thanked the stakeholders for the visit, urging citizens to consider the implications of exaggerated claims regarding security issues on investment and development.

    “I assure you of our efforts to eliminate the threats. As we work together to make our communities safer, I want to advise that investments may be affected if we don’t strike a balance in how we project our communities to the outside world,” he said.

    He said other developmental initiatives were also in the pipeline, urging the stakeholders to continue to engage the government in a constructive way.

    The stakeholders commended the “proactive” efforts of the governor on security and his developmental strides in the region.

    Yusuf hailed the seriousness with which the government had tackled the issues in the area as well as the many projects of the state government.

    “We appreciate the swift response and unwavering support of the state government in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser, in adopting multi-layered strategies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace to our affected communities,” he said.

    “Your commitment to development in our local government is evident in many state-driven projects currently ongoing, particularly the Ajase to Sagbe Road project and other strategic interventions that have further boosted public confidence in your administration and in the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

    Former House of Representatives member Alhaji Kola Yusuf and Elder Oyin Zubair, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said Ifelodun leaders appreciated the efforts of the governor on security and development.

    “We are very grateful for your visible efforts. We can see it, and we thank you. After chasing these criminals away, we need to also get their promoters and informants,” Yusuf said.

    Zubair urged the government to support those affected in the recent incidents, expressing confidence that the recent security deployment would permanently restore calm.

  • Abdulrazaq meets Ifelodun stakeholders, speaks on development, security efforts

    Abdulrazaq meets Ifelodun stakeholders, speaks on development, security efforts

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday held a meeting with Ifelodun stakeholders, detailing his efforts to scale up infrastructure development and keep the people safe for shared prosperity. 

    Led by the chairman of the council Hadji Femi Yusuf, the stakeholders were drawn from various layers of the local government, including serving and former public officers, monarchs, clerics, politicians, youth and other community leaders. 

    Acknowledging constant collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and all security agencies, the Governor said everything is being done to eliminate all security threats in the state, including in Ifelodun, Patigi, and Edu. 

    He also itemised some of the ongoing and proposed projects in Ifelodun to include the Ajase-Ipo-Oke Ode-Sagbe road; Alabe-Oreke Road; Oro Ago Road; Ora township road (which is to be reawarded); and Orisa bridge. 

    He said the Akamo bridge is also on the radar as well as spot rehabilitation of the Share-Babanla road, and commended the various community-led initiatives in Ifelodun such as the ICT Centre in Igbaja. 

    He thanked the stakeholders for the visit, urging citizens to consider the implications of exaggerated claims regarding security issues on investment and development. 

    “I assure you of our efforts to eliminate the threats. As we work together to make our communities safer, I want to advise that investments may be affected if we don’t strike a balance in how we project our communities to the outside world,” he said. 

    He said other developmental initiatives are also in the pipeline, charging the stakeholders to continue to engage the government in a constructive way.

    The stakeholders took turns to commend the “proactive” efforts of the Governor on security and his developmental strides in the region. 

    Hadji Femi Yusuf commended the seriousness with which the government has tackled the issues in the area as well as the many projects of the state government. 

    “We appreciate the swift response and unwavering support of the state government in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser, in adopting multi-layered strategies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace to our affected communities,” he said.

    Read Also: Bandits’ attacks: AbdulRazaq assures residents of safety

    “Your commitment to development in our local government is evident in many state-driven projects currently ongoing, particularly the Ajase to Sagbe road project and other strategic interventions that have further boosted public confidence in your administration and in the All Progressive Congress (APC).”

    Former House of Representatives member Alhaji Kola Yusuf and Elder Oyin Zubair, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said Ifelodun leaders appreciated the efforts of the Governor on security and development. 

    “We are very grateful to Your Excellency for your visible efforts. We can see it, and we thank you. After chasing these criminals away, we need to also get their promoters and informants,” Yusuf said. 

    Oyin Zubair urged the government to support those affected in the recent incidents, expressing confidence that the recent security deployment would permanently restore calm.

  • AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend toured communities in Ifelodun to reassure the people of government’s commitment to strengthen public safety and economic activities.

    In Babanla, as in Oke-ode, where he touched down, Governor Abdulrazaq commended the community folks and security forces for standing firm. 

    He commiserated with families who lost dear ones, reassuring them of sustained efforts to prevent further security breaches and pledging social safety supports for those affected in the recent incident.

    The Governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye ll, and his chiefs.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq gets report on ending farmers-herders clashes

    On the Governor’s entourage were the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins; Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; and Senior Special Assistant on Security Muyideen Aliyu. The Chairman of Ifelodun, Hon. Femi Yusuf  also joined the trip to the community. 

    “We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities and our people that we will ensure this doesn’t happen again. It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail,” the Governor said.

    “You can see that the security commanders are also here, and you have seen activities (return to normalcy) over the past one week or two. 

    “It had never happened like this before. Obviously, there has been pressure on those criminal non-state actors in other regions. And that has forced them into this peaceful location. But surely they will be flushed out of this area.”

    AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the return of calmness to the areas, saying: “We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace.”

    The Governor said he has directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to extend support to the affected persons. 

    Oba Aliyu appreciated the Governor for the visit, and commended him and the Federal Government for their efforts to restore normalcy in the community and environs.

    He said the attack in Babanla resulted in snatching of nine motorcycles, food items and phones.

    “I wish to thank Your Excellency profoundly for this on-the-spot assessment of the aftermath of the events. We especially appreciate Your Excellency for all the actions to guarantee peace and security of the state in general and this community in particular,” the monarch said.

    He appealed to the government to consider putting the massive land in Babanla into use for economic benefits.

    “It is our strong belief that putting these wide expanses of land into use will not only boost the economy of the state and provide massive employment, but also help flush out and deny the criminals of any hiding places,” the monarch said.

  • AbdulRazaq lifts Kwara security with 32   vehicles, 160 bikes

    AbdulRazaq lifts Kwara security with 32   vehicles, 160 bikes

    • APC chieftain pledges N10m for security agents’ welfare

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has provided logistics support of 32 patrol vehicles and 160 motorcycles to boost the operations of security agencies.

    The governor also presented three patrol vehicles to Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA).

    He said: “Today is another day in our efforts to strengthen security across the state. Each of the 16 local governments is getting two vehicles and 10 motorcycles each.

     “The local council authorities are to work closely with all the stakeholders, including traditional rulers within their areas, and make sure that they have serious engagements with security agencies. The security agencies cannot do it alone. They need our support to make sure that our communities are safe. This is why we are making sure that they have the right mobility to do that. We urge them to put it to good use.

    Read Also: FG moves to speed up Lokoja-Ayingba, Okene-Itobe road projects

    The state House of Assembly Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, praised the governor, saying the items would help to boost security in the state.

    Kwara State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON)/Ifelodun Local Government chairman, Jide Ashonibare, lauded the distribution of the vehicles, which he said would strengthen the security.

     KWARTMA Chief Executive Officer, Akeem Adegboye, received the vehicles on behalf of the body, thanking the governor for the gesture.

    Also, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Kwara South, Nurudeen A Balogun, an engineer, has pledged N10 million to support security operatives in the fight against insecurity across Kwara South.

    Balogun also commended the governor’s multi-agency security strategy.

  • African churches organise prayers for Tinubu, AbdulRazaq to succeed

    African churches organise prayers for Tinubu, AbdulRazaq to succeed

    • 1,000 delegates to attend

    Churches under the aegis of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) converged on Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on Saturday for special prayers for President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

     The churches appealed to all to pray for the president and Nigeria as a whole to overcome its current challenges.

     Chairman, Kwara State chapter of OAIC, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, told reporters in Ilorin ahead of the first convention of the churches that no fewer than 1,000 delegates across the country were expected at the convention.

     The theme of the convention is ‘Walking in dominion.’

     Adeboye said:  “We will pray for the president to have knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to run the country well. Our president needs God’s wisdom and direction to take the country to the Promised Land. That is why we must pray for Nigeria.

    Read Also: Ambode denies ADC defection rumours

     “We will pray for the president and the country to overcome all the economic and security challenges. During the convention, the OAIC, one of the blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), will advise governments at all levels to enunciate policies that have a human face.

     “The government should work on the current security challenges. We know they are trying. With prayers, they will succeed.”

     Adeboye stated that about 1,000 people will benefit from a free medical outreach sponsored by Abosede Adimabua Foundation during the one-day convention.

     He added: “This convention is not just a gathering, it is prophetic. It is a declaration that OAIC in Kwara state has awakened, and we are walking into a future of spiritual strength, visible impact, and collective dominion.

     “OAIC represents churches that originated independently in Africa, especially those birthed through indigenous spiritual awakenings.”

  • Abdulrazaq inspects ongoing rural roads, says govt committed to inclusive growth, access to market

    Abdulrazaq inspects ongoing rural roads, says govt committed to inclusive growth, access to market

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inspected different rural roads under construction in Asa local government area on Tuesday, in what he called continuous efforts to spread development to every segment of the state.

    The Governor visited the 17.7km Madi-Peeke and the 23.23km Okolowo Express-Sokoto-Tafatafa-Elere-Owode Oja-Baba Kudu-Akopari-Otte Oja Road, all in Asa.

    He told the authorities in charge of the projects to deliver a good job within reasonable time.  

    The Governor said he keyed into the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to deepen farmers’ access to the market and enhance sustainable life and businesses for rural dwellers.

    RAAMP is jointly funded by the World Bank and French Development Agency, with the state government providing at least N4bn counterpart funds to date. 

    “There is a lot of work going on in the state in terms of infrastructure. This is a rural road project that seeks to link our people to the market and city centres,” the Governor told reporters after inspecting the 17.5km Madi–Peeke  and 23.23km Okolowo Express-Sokoto-Tafatafa-Elere-Owode Oja-Baba Kudu–Akopari-Otte Oja Road.

    The tour gave him another opportunity to touch base with people in different rural communities, saying the government remains committed to their welfare. 

    “Access to the market means empowerment and increase in GDP for the people at the grassroots,” he added.

    The Governor also visited a Garri processing centre in Owode Oja, where community folks commended him for staying in touch through different initiatives, especially social investment programme which has benefited them. 

    He also visited a Primary Health Care centre in the area.

    “The most important thing for the government to do now is not just empowering those at the bottom but making sure that they have an active and sustainable life and sustainable businesses,” he said.

    “That is why we visit this community where they produce Gari. The next step is to find a way to mechanise them without them losing their jobs and enhancing their productivity as well.”

    AbdulRazaq said the implementation of the new tax regime initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was to enhance the overall development of the country.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq allocates N20b in supplementary budget for schools

    “So, basically, we are to make sure that those at the bottom benefit from this great enhancement of the economy. With the liberalisation of the economy, especially the coming of implementation of the new tax regime, things are really going to change, and we should prepare for that,” he added. 

    “There is an increase in revenue at state and local government levels. We are here to make sure it passes down to the people at the grassroots. You can see that happening in different forms.”

    State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr Isaac Kolo said they are currently constructing line drains and culverts, adding that the earth works and surface dressing will commence as soon as the rain stops.

    APC Women Leader in Owode Oja Community, Mrs Suleiman Hamdalat, and Chairperson for Gari Processing Association in that community, Mrs Khadijat Jimoh, appreciated the Governor’s commitment and his passion for the well-being of the people at the grassroots.

  • AbdulRazaq allocates N20b in supplementary budget for schools

    AbdulRazaq allocates N20b in supplementary budget for schools

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has allocated N20 billion in the state’s supplementary budget for the revamp of schools’ infrastructures across the state.

    The aim of the new investment is to strengthen the infrastructural upgrade in public schools, which the administration embarked on since 2020 after retooling Kwara’s relationship with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

    “His Excellency has instructed that we dedicate another N20 billion to schools’ infrastructural upgrade. The process has started already. The designs are being made, and we will get down to this as soon as the supplementary budget is approved,” Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, has said.

    “This is not a standalone effort. It is another major intervention of the administration to scale up what we have been doing. Between 2019 and now, the administration has worked on more than 1,254 classrooms — apart from several other special interventions,” he added.

    Read Also: Abdulrazaq launches fresh pro-women empowerment policy

    He said the administration is proud to have implemented SUBEB-UBEC school intervention projects from 2014 and now — a feat, he noted, is unique to the AbdulRazaq administration.

    Olohungbebe said the new intervention, which will also include laboratory and sanitation facilities, targets schools in parts of the state, complementing the ongoing interventions at SUBEB.

    “Despite our huge interventions, we acknowledge that there are still gaps, and this is exactly why His Excellency is approving another special intervention to further close the gaps in school infrastructure,” he added.

  • Abdulrazaq inspects 49km road, says Kwara fully behind Tinubu for second term

    Abdulrazaq inspects 49km road, says Kwara fully behind Tinubu for second term

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday inspected the 49-kilometre Eiyenkorin–Afon– Ojoku–Offa–Odo-Otin road project under construction, commending the pace and quality of work done.

    The concrete road is one of the four major roads being funded in Kwara under the federal tax credit scheme at the instance of the BUA conglomerate.

    The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continuous execution of the tax credit projects and for his many other supports for the state.

    “We are inspecting the ongoing federal and state road projects. This is Ilorin/Offa new road, and you can see how solid it is. We have to thank President Bola Tinubu for this road project. It is a major achievement as you can see,” he told reporters after inspecting the road project.

    “The project will shorten travel time between Ilorin, Offa and adjoining communities. When the road is completed, the travel time to Offa from Ilorin will be 30 minutes.  This is a good investment and another product of the Renewed Hope Agenda. It shows that the policies are working. There is more money for infrastructure, and people can see that even within the state. We do appreciate the President.” 

    The Governor was accompanied on the tour by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, and Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Shehu Raheem Adaramaja.

    He received short briefings from site engineer, Abdulsalam Onaolapo, who said they are working round the clock to deliver the project on schedule.

    “Who will say ‘no to President Tinubu’ after seeing all these investments done at the state and elsewhere?” the Governor asked, adding that the people of Kwara State are fully behind the President to have another term post 2027 for his developmental agenda to run full circle.

    He said the reforms are working and the effects are steadily trickling down through infrastructure spending, social protection programmes, and continuous efforts to strengthen security. 

    AbdulRazaq hailed the handling contractor, BUA Group, for the good job on the road projects in the state. 

    “The quality of job being done by BUA is first class. They are also working at Bode Sadu–Kaiama–

    Kosubosu road project. We’ve been there as well. The quality of work there is also good. As you can see, this is the rainy season and the construction work is still ongoing. I say well done to BUA,” he said. 

    The Governor also inspected the ongoing renovation of the Primary Healthcare Centre in Okesho, Asa local government of the state.

    He had earlier paid condolence visits to the families of Daudu Ballah, Alhaji Abdulkadir Kawu Yahya , who died last Friday. 

    He also attended the Fidau prayer for the former Accountant General of the state, Alhaji Suleiman Bayero.

  • Abdulrazaq launches fresh pro-women empowerment policy

    Abdulrazaq launches fresh pro-women empowerment policy

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday launched the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, calling it another initiative to create more opportunities for women in the state.

    The launch makes Kwara the first state in the North Central to domesticate the national policy.

    The Governor said the domestication will further dismantle systemic barriers that women face in access to public sector contracts and leadership roles.

    The programme was organised by the Office of the First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, in partnership with the Ajike People’s Support Centre and Eden Venture Group. 

    Top government officials, including the Kwara First Lady and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, who was represented by Dr Jummai Idonije attended.

    Wife of Kwara Speaker Hajia Saadat Yakubu Danladi; Deputy Chief Whip Kwara Assembly, Hon. Mariam Yusuf Aladi; wife of Kwara Chief Judge, Mrs Janet Olufunke Adebara;  Emir of Shonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya; wife of the state APC Chairman, Princess Ayodele Fagbemi; wives of local government chairmen; and different women support groups.

    “I urge everyone to support this initiative by investing in women’s education, skills, and businesses, as we work together to build a Kwara where no woman is left behind, and every girl can aspire to greatness,” the Governor said in Ilorin, the state capital.

    “By supporting women entrepreneurs through skills training and improved access to financial resources, we aim to close the gender earnings gap and unlock the economic potential of half of our population for Kwara’s growth.”

    Kwara had earlier set a national benchmark in gender mainstreaming (Gender Composition Bill) which mandates at least 35% women in appointive positions, and a cabinet that once comprised over 56% women, the Governor added.

    Read Also: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s quest for success

    “Our administration has championed structural reforms, from the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC),” the Governor said.

    He commended the Nigeria First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting gender inclusion and women empowerment, and the Kwara First Lady for her contributions to women empowerment in the state.

    Mrs AbdulRazaq said Nigerian women, like in many parts of the world, face numerous barriers to economic participation, including limited access to education, financial resources, and market opportunities.

    These barriers are gradually being broken through strategic investments and innovative initiatives like in Kwara, where the government has continued to create a fertile environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders, she added.

    The First Lady lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for standing as a national leader in gender equity and diversity through various initiatives in the state, adding that her office is complementing the government to promote the interest of female gender.

    “The domestication of WEE policy in the state exemplifies our collective commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls with improved social economic outcomes across the state and indeed Nigeria,” she said. 

    Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Afolashade Oluwakemi Opeyemi, said the administration has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to women empowerment.

    Representative of the Minister, Dr Idonije, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for taking laudable steps towards expanding opportunities for women.

    This has transformed many households and communities, she said.

    Idonije said with the new policy being put in place by the state government, the chances of advancing economic opportunities for women are very high. 

    Chief Executive Officer for HACEY, Mrs Roda Robinson, described the policy as a vital tool for delivering transformational change, offering a coordinated and inclusive framework to harness the full potential of women as contributors to economic and social development.

    Miss Fifehan Osikolu, who spoke for Eden Venture Group, hailed the dedication of the Governor and his wife, Mrs AbdulRazaq, to the cause of women, saying they are proud to partner the government on the domestication of WEE policy.