The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abdulrazaq

  • Abdulrazaq restates commitment to strong public education

    Abdulrazaq restates commitment to strong public education

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inspected the multistorey prototype primary school in Adeta, Ilorin, at the weekend, calling it another step to upgrade public school infrastructure along with the huge investments in the quality of teaching in the schools.

    The administration is committed to investing more in the education sector this fiscal year to bridge the gaps in school infrastructure and digital literacy, he told reporters on the sideline of the inspection at Adeta.

    He said the government’s KwaraLEARN programme is a watershed for teachers and public school pupils in the state as it builds learning processes around technology and best practices. 

    “We are going to focus heavily on education and healthcare this year. Those are the major challenges that we have to overcome. With what we have in the KwaraLEARN programme through which we put digital devices in every classroom, we are intentionally doing what we have to do to make sure we bridge some gaps,” the Governor said.

    “We have seen significant changes. As a result of the progress that we have made, many parents are taking their wards from private establishments to government schools because they have seen the change. This has seen an increase in enrollment. We are also reducing out-of-school children.

    “This is a prototype of KwaraLEARN School. This is called a prototype in the sense that we have to rethink how we design and build our schools and learning environment. It is the way we want to build our schools. This is just the beginning.

    “Parents are taking advantage of KwaraLEARN to enrol their children in public schools. By and large, we have seen an upturn in enrollment in our schools, and the learning outcomes are exceedingly very good. We are glad that we went into the KwaraLEARN programme and we are going to strengthen it.”

  • Abdulrazaq mourns Kwara’s ex-HOS Oluwole

    Abdulrazaq mourns Kwara’s ex-HOS Oluwole

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed deep sadness over the death of the former Head of Service Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole.

    The former HOS died on Wednesday at 57, barely one year after her statutory retirement from the Kwara State Civil Service. 

    AbdulRazaq recalls that the former HOS was a credible and dependable authority in matters of public service, having attained her heights on the dint of hard work, grit, brilliance, character, and impeccable institutional memory. 

    Read Also: Alleged N80.2b fraud: Yahaya Bello not involved in operation of Kogi Govt House’s account – EFCC’s witness 

    The Governor expressed pride to have worked with Mrs Oluwole as a respected technocrat, describing her contributions and services to the state as truly exceptional and invaluable. 

    He commiserated with her family, particularly her husband and aged father, as well as the entire civil service hierarchy in the State. 

    He prayed to God to repose her soul and give the family and contemporaries the courage to bear this huge loss.

  • Don hails Abdulrazaq’s ‘unrivalled, breaking’ achievements in six years

    Don hails Abdulrazaq’s ‘unrivalled, breaking’ achievements in six years

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s record of service in six years has been excellent, impactful, and unrivalled by his predecessors, university don Saudat Sallah Abdulbaqi said on Friday.

    Prof Baqi, who keynoted a maiden personality lecture organized in honour of the Governor, spoke on the theme: “Kwara Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: The giant strides of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq”.

    The programme organised by the state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was sponsored by the Non-Executive Director of NNPCL Dr Muhammed Gali Alaya. 

    Chaired by Engr. Abdulrahman Giwa, the occasion was attended by former Grand Kadi Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Muhammed; senior government officials; APC Chieftain Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; NUJ Chairman, Ahmed Lanre Abdullateef; APC women support groups; and journalists.

    Prof Baqi said Kwara was far behind other legacy states in infrastructural development and other things, commending the breathtaking road and economic projects and other infrastructure by the Governor.

    Backed with testimonial footages in which people across communities expressed their joy and satisfaction with the administration’s policies and programmes, Prof Baqi said the ascension of Governor AbdulRazaq has changed the narratives of the state.

    She said AbdulRazaq has made his mark in infrastructural development, with particular reference to the urban renewal project, rural-urban road networks, waste management system, inclusivity, teachers’ recruitment, and regular payment of salaries and gratuity.  

    Read Also: Abdulrazaq flags off Kwara agro input fair, recommits to food security

    “If you look at the administration, you will see that all strata of society are captured. You have men and women, you have young and old, and you have people with disabilities and people without disabilities. With this, everybody is having a sense of belonging and will be able to identify with the policies of the government,” she said. 

    One of the key achievements of his administration is the management of the state finances, including efforts to address kwara debts and shore up its revenue base, she said. 

    The university lecturer said Governor AbdulRazaq is magnanimous and financially prudent, and referenced some of the capital projects his government had inherited and completed, commending him for not making Kwara a mortuary of abandoned projects.

    She advised the government to sustain its good work and be focused on how to get a good successor that will strengthen the gains of the present.

    “Sustaining these giant strides is a business of all,” she added. 

    AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his Senior Adviser and Counselor, thanked the State Council of NUJ for the honour and for creating a good platform to further showcase the achievements of the government.

    The Governor described the gesture as a practical demonstration of existing cordiality between the media practitioners and the administration.

    He commended Prof Baqi for her intellectual efforts and how she fairly assessed the administration.

    Justice S.O Muhammed said Governor AbdulRazaq has performed excellently across key sectors, and has impacted positively on the vast majority of kwarans, saying his achievements are much more felt than they are reported. 

    He announced how the Governor recently approved full payment of gratuities owed to retired judges and Kadis.

    Giwa, who chaired the occasion, called the Governor a silent achiever, whose projects are both seen and unseen. 

    “We have a Governor who is moving in geometric progression, whereby every part of the state is positively touched in terms of his impactful achievements,” he said.

    NUJ Chairman, Ahmed, said they organised the programme to further project the good work of Governor AbdulRazaq to the general public.

    He said it became imperative for the union to begin to set an agenda for people ahead of the 2027 general elections without heating up the polity.

  • AbdulRazaq restates commitment to food security

    AbdulRazaq restates commitment to food security

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has restated his administration’s commitment to food security and agriculture sector transformation.

    He said this in Ilorin, the state capital, at the launch of the state agro inputs fair for 2025.

    The five days fair was organised by Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP), an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    It was designed to provide farmers early access to high-quality inputs at affordable prices, training, mechanisation support, climate advisory and market linkages.

    Read Also: N30trn Ways and Means: Senate panel accuses CBN of frustrating probe

    “This fair is not just about agro inputs. It is about innovation, knowledge sharing and creating solutions that will drive agricultural productivity. It is a platform where farmers, researchers and industry leaders connect, exchange ideas and access cutting-edge solutions that will define the future of farming in Kwara,” the governor said.

    “Kwara is not just participating in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation; it is also leading the charge. The bar has been set, and there is no going back. The goal is clear: greater yields, lower food prices and a thriving, self-sufficient agricultural economy.”

    Represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, he recalled how Kwara recorded the lowest food inflation rate for three consecutive months last year in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    The governor called the ranking a testament to his administration’s efforts, smart policies and strategic investments.

  • Abdulrazaq flags off Kwara agro input fair, recommits to food security

    Abdulrazaq flags off Kwara agro input fair, recommits to food security

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday launched the State Agro Inputs Fair for the year 2025 as part of his administration’s commitment to food security and agric sector transformation.

    The fair, which was organised by the Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP), an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, will last for five days.

    It was designed to provide farmers early access to high-quality inputs at affordable prices, training, mechanisation support, climate advisory, and market linkages.

    “This fair is not just about agro inputs. It is about innovation, knowledge sharing, and creating solutions that will drive agricultural productivity. It is a platform where farmers, researchers, and industry leaders connect, exchange ideas, and access cutting-edge solutions that will define the future of farming in Kwara,” the Governor said.

    “Kwara is not just participating in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation; it is leading the charge. The bar has been set, and there is no going back. The goal is clear: greater yields, lower food prices, and a thriving, self-sufficient agricultural economy.”

    The Governor was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi.

    Recalling how Kwara recorded the lowest food inflation rate for three consecutive months last year in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Governor called the ranking a testament to his administration’s efforts, smart policies, and strategic investments.

    He lauded the local farmers for their relentless hard work that he said has been complementing the government to achieve food sufficiency in the state.

    At the event were the Chairman House Committee on Agriculture Hon Gideon Saba; House member representing Patigi Constituency, Hon Musa Kareem; Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas; Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon Aliyu Kora Sabi; Commissioner for House and Urban Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola; local government chairmen; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Mrs Funke Sokoya; Managing Director, Kwara ADP, Dr Khadijat Ahmed; traditional rulers; and farmers associations.

    Thomas said the fair sought to equip the farmers with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to maximize productivity and profitability this season.

    Read Also: Alleged N80.2b fraud: Yahaya Bello’s name not reflected on N550m bought in Abuja, EFCC witness claims

    The government is committed to strengthening agriculture through mechanization, provision of extension services for farmers, distribution of inputs, provision of tractors to local governments, and support for dry-season farming, she added.

    “Beyond discounted fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals, this fair provides practical workshops on modern farming techniques, pest control, and post-harvest management,” she added.

    “Farmers will also benefit from NiMET’s climate advisory for informed decision-making, security insights to protect their investments, and opportunities like the outgrowers scheme for expanded market access.I urge all participants to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

    Sokoya, in her remarks, encouraged participants to explore available opportunities and apply the knowledge gained.

    Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Umar Mahmud Aboki, hailed the Governor for the initiative, saying the programme attests to the commitment of his administration to supporting farmers and advancing the agricultural sector in the state.

    Elerin of Adanla, Oba Dr David Oyerinola Adedunmoye, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers in attendance, described the fair as unique and timely.

  • BON Awards chair salutes ‘modern architect of filmmaking’ AbdulRazaq at 65

    BON Awards chair salutes ‘modern architect of filmmaking’ AbdulRazaq at 65

    Founder and Chairman of BON Awards Advisory board, Seun Oloketuyi has described Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as the modern architect of filmmaking in Nigeria as he turned 65.

    In a statement, Oloketuyi  praised  the governor on his 65th birthday, noting that  his strategic vision and leadership have positioned Kwara State as a powerhouse in the Nigerian film industry.

    “His bold investments in creative infrastructure are shaping the future of Nollywood and setting a new benchmark for film production in Africa.

    Read Also: Adeleke recruits 10,000 Osun youths into empowerment scheme 

    “At 65 years old, he is not just leading a state—he is pioneering a movement that will leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s entertainment and creative economy. With the Sugar Film Factory, Kwara is showing the way forward, proving that with the right investment, Nigeria can compete on a global stage in film and television production,” he said.

    Oloketuyi  said  AbdulRazaq’s  administration’s landmark achievement, the Sugar Film Factory, is a testament to his commitment to positioning Kwara as a premier hub for movie production in West Africa. He described the creation of the Sugar Film Factory as a game-changer for the creative industry.

    Located in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Sugar Film Factory is a state-of-the-art facility designed to elevate film, television, and photography production in Nigeria. With world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, the studio provides a dedicated space for filmmakers, content creators, and media professionals to bring their visions to life.

  • AbdulRazaq hands over games reserve to Fed Govt

    AbdulRazaq hands over games reserve to Fed Govt

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq yesterday officially handed over Kampe Games Reserve National Park to the Federal Government.

    The governor did the handover at the inauguration of a steering committee for the transfer of the reserve located in Patigi Local Government Area of the state.

     Its handover followed the presidential declaration of November, 2020, and the subsequent passage by the National Assembly.

    The governor called it a significant step taken to improve the environment and advance the sustainability of the natural resources.

    “Today marks a crucial moment in our collective efforts. The inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfillment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for the transformation of the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park,” the Governor said through Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi  at the inauguration ceremony in Ilorin.

    The committee, which comprises cabinet members, traditional leaders, and other senior citizens, is tasked with guiding the process and bringing their invaluable experience to ensure the successful transition.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu parleys  Drogba, E1 Racing Team

    He continued: “Our commitment to this initiative stems from our desire to offer Kwara State greater opportunities for growth.

    “We aim to position our state on the global map for biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and the effective management of our human and natural resources.

    “The Kampe Games Reserve, named after the Kampe River, is one of Kwara State’s natural treasures. It is a gift of nature, and our responsibility is to preserve and enhance it for the benefit of future generations.”

    Abdulrazaq congratulated the committee members and urged  them to participate actively in the process to conserve the park and contribute to a sustainable future for all Nigerians.

    Minister of Environment Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who was represented by the Conservator General National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, said former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari had approved the upgrade of 10 Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, including Kampe Forest Reserve, increasing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to 17.

    He said the establishment aligns with the country’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and to enhance internal security.

    He commended the Governor’s swift response to the call by the Federal Government, adding “your commitment to protecting our planet is truly commendable, and your role in the sustainable development of our Nation is invaluable”.

    Chairperson of the Committee and Commissioner for Environment Hon. Nafisat Musa Buge said the development offers opportunities for environmental restoration, biodiversity regeneration, and an additional tourist site in the state.

    “As a state, we acknowledge that this new status of KAMPE will be of immense benefits to us, the neighbouring and adjoining communities to Kampe, and indeed neighbouring states,” she said.

    Emir of Patigi Ibrahim Umar Bologi II thanked the Governor for taking a bold step to hand over the KAMPE reserve to National Park.

    He pledged the support of the Emirate for the Federal Government towards the realization of the project.

  • With love from AbdulRazaq

    With love from AbdulRazaq

    •  By Raheem Adedoyin

    Today is Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq’s 65th birthday. There will be plenty of congratulatory messages especially in newspapers and on social media. Special prayers will also be held to commemorate the milestone.

    Birthday gifts? The Governor is averse to loud celebrations;  so,  you won’t probably find him  in Kwara today to hand him your gifts.

    But the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate and Akorede of Oro Kingdom actually received a unique birthday gift a week ahead of the celebration today. It was from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who was the Governor’s guest for three days ( 28th- 30th January, 2025) in Ilorin last week.

    The first lady’s gift came in the form of a resounding testimonial on the outstanding performance of the Governor in office and the abundant love that that performance elicits in Kwara State.

    “I see the love you (Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq) have for your people. It’s quite infectious. This shows that you’re a core politician” the first Lady remarked at a banquet organised in her honour.

    With his people, ( Kwarans) the love  is mutual as Mrs Tinubu acknowledges: “ We know you people of Kwara State greatly love your Governor”.

    The  love goes even further and deeper , extending to the inner recesses of Nigeria’s first family

    “ We also love him; Mr. President loves him even  more. That’s it! “

    Read Also: Nigeria’s healthcare sector attracting patients from US, UK — Pate

    The cultivation and spread of love in Kwara State is truly infectious.

    Who would not love a performing leader. ?

    For five years, Governor AbdulRazaq has constructed  a network of projects across the state yearning for the traditional commissioning. But in his typical simple style , the Governor just allowed usage of most of the projects without ceremonial noise.

    But the first Lady came and she opened  Kwara’s legacy projects to the world.

    What changed the Governor’s mind? The dire needs to showcase his legacy work and dismantle the false narratives of the opposition.

    In inviting the President’s wife and in the typical AA fashion,  the gender card was in full display. Welcome to Kwara , the home of expressive  love for the women and the youth.

    In Kwara, women and the youth literally are celebrated. A state law, initiated by the Abdulrazaq Administration mandates gender inclusiveness in government appointments. Accordingly, more than half of the members of the state executive council are women and they are saddled with the critical work in Finance, education, health, communication and agriculture; four out of the six members of the state House of assembly members from the governor’s senatorial district are women. Virtually all the elected vice chairman of local governments are women; one Executive chairman, from Moro Local Government, is even a woman.

    So, Kwara being the women’s haven, it  made sense  that the Governor would choose the first first Lady to come unveil his iconic projects

    The invitation notice was short notice but the first lady’s presence in the State of Harmony was electrifying.  There was so much packed into the three- day official visit.  She came, she saw and she marvelled.

    “I could say that we came here on a very short notice. It’s been incredible. I personally see the work of wonderful coordination  and everything has just worked well.”

    And truly-  ignore the opposition noise-  things are working well in Kwara  State in terms of Infrastructural development and good governance.

     The first lady’s elaborate engagements during her visit started with the inauguration of the ICT Community Centre at the Kwara State  University of Education, Ilorin   built  by her Renewed Hope Initiative and the Intensive Care Unit and Dr. Amuda Aluko Ward at the General Hospital, Ilorin .

    The First Lady  then  pivoted to the AbdulRazaq Signature  projects which she either commissioned or toured. These included:

    * Tanke Flyover, named after the late celebrated  discilinarian , General Tunde Idiagbon, deputy to General Muhammadu Buhari when Buhari was Military head of state. Tanke is a strategic area within Ilorin and that flyover is already easing the free flow of traffic significantly and is certain to boost the economy of the state

    * Groundbreaking ceremony of the multi billion naira State Civil Service Clinic.  The old clinic is being reconstructed from  scratch to a multi- storey State -of -the- art public hospital. It is named after Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    * Tour of innovation Hub, Garment Factory and the Sugar Factory Film Studio. The first lady who donated N350 million to produce a movie projecting the culture and rich heritage of Kwara State to the world predicted that Kwara would cause an upset in Nigeria’s creative industry

    * Evening leisure at the Flower Garden, GRA, Ilorin, once a hideout for criminal activities but  resuscitated to a lush-green recreational facility

    The iconic projects commissioned last week and many more awaiting commissioning are located in Ilorin, the state capital for the benefit of all Kwarans ( not just Ilorin indigenes) and non Kwarans. Many more developmental projects are however, spread across the state.

    As all politics is local, everyone has something to point to in their constituencies. In my native Oro Kingdom, we celebrate Governor AbdulRazaq for his Administration’s investments in our communities on healthcare ( Upgrading , comprehensive renovation, equipping and staffing of the Legacy Oro General Hospital); education (the comprehensive renovation, construction of new classrooms, supply of equipments and staffing at the iconic Oro Grammar School) and road infrastructure (construction of a major road-  Okerimi Oro junction to NITEL junction – connecting the two wards in Oro land.

    It is in recognition of The Governor’s contributions to the development of Oro Kingdom that he was conferred in 2022 with the honorary chieftaincy title of Akorede of Oro Kingdom . Akorede means someone who has brought good  fortunes to your community.

      For spreading joy, love and good fortunes across the state, you may dub Governor AbdulRazaq the Akorede  of Kwara State.

    Happy Birthday, Akorede of Kwara.

     .Adedoyin , FNGE , FNIPR ,

     is Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom and Kwara State stakeholder

  • Abdulrazaq names iconic Kwara projects after prominent Nigerians

    Abdulrazaq names iconic Kwara projects after prominent Nigerians

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved the naming of some old and new legacy projects in the State after historic figures and leaders. 

    On top of the list is the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, after whom the multi billion Civil Service Clinic project is being named. 

    The old clinic is being reconstructed from scratch to emerge as a multi-storey health facility.

    Tinubu will perform the groundbreaking ceremony of the huge project as part of her official visit to Kwara State between January 28 and 30, 2025. 

    Along with the ICT Centre built under the Renewed Hope Initiative of her office at the Kwara State University of Education, the wife of the President will also inaugurate a few legacy projects of the Governor such as the Unity Flyover, ultramodern Intensive Care Unit, Executive Ward and Gen. Tunde Idiagbon Flyover — earlier named after the late disciplinarian leader. 

    The road leading to the flyover is now to be called the Tafawa Balewa Road, a gesture in honour of former Prime Minister, who was killed in the January 1966 military coup. 

    The Governor also approved for the ICT Centre to be named after former Minister Amina Ndalolo, a jewel of Kwara North while the executive ward at the Kwara State Teaching Hospital is named after the late prominent physician and politician Dr. Amuda Aluko. 

    The first State Secretariat is now to be called the Brigadier General David Bamigboye Secretariat in honour of the first military administrator of the old Kwara State while the new secretariat is named after Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal who governed the state between 1999 and 2003. 

    Kwara State Stadium Complex will now be known as Major-General George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex in appreciation of his contributions to the state. 

    Read Also: First Lady to inaugurate AbdulRazaq’s legacy projects in Kwara

    The main bowl of the stadium is named after the late Rashidi Yekini, a football legend renowned for scoring Nigeria’s first World Cup goal and the country’s highest goal scorer till date.

    Governor Abdulrazaq also approved for some other important state facilities to be named as follows: Table Tennis Arena is named after Atanda Musa (Manza Musa), who was a national champion in the games in 1979; Indoor Sports Hall is named after Gabriel Babatunde Ladipo, the first black principal of the Government Technical Training School Ilorin (GTTS) who was regarded as the father of sports in the state; Squash Court is named after Coach Bolakale Mogaji, executive chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission who was the pioneer coach, player, and national champion in the squash game; KFA Academy is named after Coach Usuman Adenuja, the first football coach who took the Kwara Academicals to the final of Academical football competition. The Governor was among his products.

    Hostel A of the stadium is named after Salihu Ishola, the first Kwaran commonwealth games’ medalist; Hostel B is named after Paralympic badminton bronze medalist Bolaji Eniola; and Hostel C is named after Bola Esan, the first female director of sports.

  • First Lady to inaugurate AbdulRazaq’s legacy projects in Kwara

    First Lady to inaugurate AbdulRazaq’s legacy projects in Kwara

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is set to inaugurate several landmark projects initiated by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara State. 

    Among the projects scheduled for commissioning are the Unity Flyover, an ultramodern Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an Executive Ward, and the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon Flyover, named in honour of the late military leader. 

    Governor AbdulRazaq has also approved the renaming of several old and new legacy projects in the state to honour prominent historical figures and leaders.

    The multibillion-naira Civil Service Clinic will be named after the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who will perform its groundbreaking ceremony during her visit to the state from January 28 to 30, 2025. 

    Senator Tinubu will also commission an ICT Centre at the Kwara State University of Education, constructed under the Renewed Hope Initiative of her office. 

    As part of the renaming efforts, the road leading to the flyover will now be known as Tafawa Balewa Road, in tribute to Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, who was assassinated during the January 1966 military coup, according to a statement by the governor’s media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye.

    The statement reads: “The governor has meanwhile approved for the ICT Centre to be named after former Minister Amina Ndalolo, a jewel of Kwara North, while the executive ward at the Kwara State Teaching Hospital is named after the late prominent physician and politician Dr. Amuda Aluko.

    “The first state secretariat is now to be called the Brigadier General David Bamigboye Secretariat in honour of the first military administrator of the old Kwara State, while the new secretariat is named after Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal who governed the state between 1999 and 2003.

    “Kwara State Stadium Complex will now be known as Major-General George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex in appreciation of his contributions to the state.

    Read Also: First Lady calls for inclusive education on International Day of Education

    “The main bowl of the stadium is named after the late Rashidi Yekini, a football legend renowned for scoring Nigeria’s first World Cup goal and the country’s highest goal scorer till date.

    “Governor Abdulrazaq, similarly, approved for some other important state facilities to be named as follows: Table Tennis Arena is named after Atanda Musa (Manza Musa), who was a national champion in the games in 1979; Indoor Sports Hall is named after Gabriel Babatunde Ladipo, the first black principal of the Government Technical Training School Ilorin (GTTS) who was regarded as the father of sports in the state; Squash Court is named after Coach Bolakale Mogaji, executive chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission who was the pioneer coach, player, and national champion in the squash game; KFA Academy is named after Coach Usuman Adenuja, the first football coach who took the Kwara Academicals to the final of Academical football competition. The Governor was among his products.

    “Hostel A of the stadium is named after Salihu Ishola, the first Kwaran Commonwealth Games’ medalist; Hostel B is named after Paralympic badminton bronze medalist Bolaji Eniola; and Hostel C is named after Bola Esan, the first female director of sports.”