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Tag: Abdulrazaq

  • Abdulrazaq promises more infrastructural development, meet Ifelodun APC members

    Abdulrazaq promises more infrastructural development, meet Ifelodun APC members

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq at the weekend urged party members and elders to embrace unity, mutual understanding, and peace — key ingredients he said the party needs to keep its winning streak. 

    The Governor spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, when he received members of the Ifelodun APC Elders’ Council led by Senator Makanjuola Ajadi.

    Abdulrazaq acknowledged the support of the Elders’ Council and other party platforms and stakeholders in the local government and across the state.

    He pledged to continue to attend to their demands, particularly in the area of road construction, social amenities, and political appointments.

    “I want us to strengthen and deepen the spirit of working together. A divided house will lead us nowhere,” he said.

    “Unity is always essential. If we are divided, people will take advantage of us. So, there is a need for unity, including in Ifelodun.

    “Let us work together and look forward to a good year, a year of more prosperity, a year of stability and a year of proper engagement among ourselves.”

    The Governor expressed displeasure at the conduct of the contractors handling some of the road projects in the region, including Ora township road, saying steps are being taken to boldly address the issue. 

    The Governor said some of the projects in the area have been concluded, including the new Orisa bridge that connects Irepodun to Ifelodun local government. 

    Ajadi said they are strongly committed to the cause of the party, with the elders council membership cutting across the 18 political wards of the local government.

    Ajadi praised the Governor for his excellent performance, saying his achievements are visible in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    Read Also: Kwara North knocks AbdulRazaq over plan to fund Ilorin emirate projects

    “There is hardly anybody that will say they have not seen your work in their ward. It is not possible. In Babanloma, where I am the Asiwaju, we have seen your works like road construction, hospital rehabilitation, and school rehabilitation, among others,” he said.

    “We urge Your Excellency to consider our other requests. I want to pick one road, for example; it is from Oro-Ago to Oke-Oyan. It is about 5km, but one may spend one hour on the road because of the bad condition of the road. This is one of the roads that make Ifelodun terrain very difficult.”

    APC Chairman in Ifelodun Arch. Lukman Abubakar commended the administration’s interventions on the Ajase-Ipo/Igbaja road, and requested the Governor to also consider the Igbaja-Oke-Ode/ Sagbe road; Panada-Agbayangi-Yaru road; and Marafa/Oke-Ode road.

    Other members of the delegation who also spoke during the visit included Alhaji M.T. Lawal Alhaji Abdulrahoof Bello Labelabe, Alhaja Barakat Atunse, and Hon. Nike Ayilara.

  • Kwara North knocks AbdulRazaq over plan to fund Ilorin emirate projects

    Kwara North knocks AbdulRazaq over plan to fund Ilorin emirate projects

    Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC) has criticized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for allegedly planning to use state resources to fund projects belonging to the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU).

    The commission described the alleged move as discriminatory and unlawful.

    AbdulRazaq had on December 25th, 2024 pledged to take over the execution of all IEDPU’s ongoing projects.

    The group, in a statement, raised concerns over the governor’s announcement at the IEDPU 59th Annual Conference, where he revealed plans to execute projects worth at least N250 million under the union’s auspices.

    KNDC’s President Abdullahi Mansuma and Secretary Hajia Zainabu Seko, in the statement, queried the legality of such expenditure and demanded clarity on the source of the funds.

    Read Also: Tinubu deserves support to consolidate – APC

    The statement read in part: “It needs to be clarified whether this fund is going to be personally sourced or from the state allocations belonging to all of us.

    “The IEDPU is a sectional socio-cultural group. It belongs to only Ilorin people, to the exclusion of others. It is at best personal to Ilorin people. So, why should the Kwara Governor go and pledge state funds for the completion of their projects?”

     The commission expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed an imbalance in the governor’s approach to governance, accusing him of favouring his home base, Ilorin Emirate, at the expense of other regions in the state.

     “How many such projects has the Governor facilitated for the Patigi Emirate Development Union (PEDU), Offa Descendants Union (ODU), or Baruten Patriotic Agenda?” KNDC asked.

     Describing the move as ‘an outright illegality, the group hinted at plans to challenge the action in court.

  • AbdulRazaq to partner traditional institutions for Kwara’s prosperity

    AbdulRazaq to partner traditional institutions for Kwara’s prosperity

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq has said his administration would partner traditional institutions for the prosperity of the state.

    The governor spoke at the coronation of Oloro of Oro in Irepodun Local Government, Oba Joel Titiloye.

    The monarch ascended the throne of his forebears after 234 years.

    Represented by his Special Adviser (SA) on Political Matters, Femi Agbaje, Governor AbdulRazaq said: “As the Akorede of Oro kingdom, my administration recognises the important role traditional institutions play in our communities.

    “We remain committed to working with our royal fathers to ensure the needs of our people are met and our state thrives.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Abbass pledge support for Mr. President

    “As you embark on this great journey, I encourage you to be a symbol of hope, devoid of injustice and be a unifying force for your people. Government will always stand by you in your efforts to uplift Oro kingdom and contribute to overall development of our state.

    “This occasion is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Oro people and a testimony of the unity and progress this kingdom represents.

    “Your ascension to the throne marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Oro kingdom. I am confident that with your wisdom, leadership and dedication, you will build on the achievements of your predecessors and bring peace, unity and prosperity to your people.”

    The Chairman of Irepodun Traditional Council, who is also the Olupo of Ajase-ipo, Oba Ismail Alebiosu, praised the governor for not interfering in the selection process of the monarch.

    He said traditional institutions were behind the AbdulRazaq administration.

  • Who is afraid of AbdulRazaq?

    Who is afraid of AbdulRazaq?

    • By Abdulkarim Abdulfatai

    Over the past few days, Kwara State’s political space has been abuzz with conversations sparked by interviews featuring Chief Iyiola Oyedepo. Oyedepo claims there is growing discontent within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership style.

    But the simple truth is that this man and his so-called faction are not APC members. They are members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), camouflaging as APC stakeholders to push their agenda for the 2027 elections.

    This is not about dissatisfaction or governance. It is a calculated attempt to mislead Kwarans and disrupt the progress made under Governor AbdulRazaq.

    Chief Oyedepo painted a picture of internal cracks within the APC, presenting himself as an elder in the party speaking hard truth. But, nothing can be farther from the truth.

    As Rafiu Ajakaye defines him, “Firebrand politician, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo is known for what he does. His credibility is best described by his roles in the last hours of the 2023 general election; when he abandoned his SDP compatriots mid-sea to join different political interests. This is another scheme to destabilise the APC for political gains.

    Akogun campaigned for the SDP and its candidates with the brand new SUV vehicle allocated to him as the chairman of a federal institution; from an appointment he got from the APC government. Before the 2023 election, he spared no pejorative to describe the government of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, including manufacturing revenue data (intentionally so) to manipulate the public. He would later eat his words when he praised the same governor for being such a large-hearted statesman who earned his second term on the back of excellent performance and the temperament to manage the tantrums of his ilk.

    Read Also:We will build 250 housing units next year, says AbdulRazaq

    But the reality is that he is not speaking as an APC member. He is an SDP chieftain trying to destabilize the ruling party while plotting his next move. Akogun’s interview and those of his comrades-in-arms were less about analysis and more about laying the groundwork for their plan to push a northern candidate for the next governorship election in 2027 on the platform of the SDP.

    This is not the first time these individuals have tried to hoodwink Kwarans. Their track record speaks for itself. During the last general election, they could not even secure victories in their wards for their candidate. The people rejected them because they represent everything Kwara has moved beyond: self-interest, failed governance, and empty promises.

    Now, unable to compete with the APC’s success under Governor AbdulRazaq, they have resorted to deceit. Their strategy of disguising themselves as APC members while covertly promoting an SDP agenda is both dishonest and doomed. Kwara knows better.

    Those behind this charade are banking on such political theatrics to regain relevance. But Kwarans are no fools.

    Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership has transformed Kwara State. From infrastructure development to youth empowerment, healthcare reforms, and educational progress, AbdulRazaq’s administration has delivered on its promises.

    This is why the APC won convincingly across the state in the last general election. In contrast, the SDP operatives could not even secure victory for their candidate in their domain. They are out of touch with the people they claim to represent. Their plot to destabilize the APC and field a northern candidate is not just deceitful but insulting to the intelligence of Kwarans who have witnessed firsthand the impact of good governance.

    This is not the time for political distractions. Governor AbdulRazaq and the APC have a clear mandate to lead Kwara to greater heights. The antics of the SDP masqueraders will not derail the progress being made.

    Kwarans should remain vigilant and reject these political saboteurs. Let’s call them what they are: failed politicians trying to revive their careers through deceit and division.

    Governor AbdulRazaq has set Kwara on a path of progress. The people know this, and no amount of propaganda will change the truth. The SDP can hide behind the APC all they want, but the mask has fallen, and their plans are as dead as their political credibility.

    Kwara deserves focus, unity, and progress—not distractions from those who couldn’t even win their wards.

    • Abdul Fatai, a social commentator writes from Ilorin West
  • Gov. Abdulrazaq loses Chief of Staff

    Gov. Abdulrazaq loses Chief of Staff

    Abdulkadir Mahe, the Chief of Staff to Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, is dead.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Rafiu Ajakaye, announced Mahe’s passage in a statement on Saturday in Ilorin.

    “He died this morning, December 28, 2024, as has been destined by Allah,” the statement said.

    “The late CoS will be buried today at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, after the Asr prayer.

    “His Excellency deeply mourns the death of Prince Abdulkadir Mahe, a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant and a statesman.

    Read Also: Only Gov. AbdulRazaq can resolve Kwara APC crisis- Lawmaker

    “The governor commiserates with the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the immediate family of Prince Abdulkadir, government establishments and cabinet members.

    “We ask for the understanding of everyone at this mournful period as the government and family mourn the quintessential public servant,” the statement added.

    It prayed Allah to accept his return, admit him to al-jannah firdaus and uphold his family.

    (NAN)

  • AbdulRazaq hails FG’s energy transition as Kwara gets CNG buses, three-wheelers

    AbdulRazaq hails FG’s energy transition as Kwara gets CNG buses, three-wheelers

    Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Tuesday received 20 gas-powered buses and 20 tricycles from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to ease mass transit in the State. 

    Speaking in Ilorin at the handover ceremony of the vehicles, the Governor said the initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the populace.

    AbdulRazaq thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the PCNGi, and his own team for making steady progress in this regard. 

    “As our country navigates the gradual shift to cleaner energy in the wake of fuel subsidy removal, we are today taking delivery of 20 gas-powered buses and 20 tricycles from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI),” he said. 

    “This is another strategic partnership between our government, private sector players, and the Federal Government to bring ease to our people. 

    “These 18-seater shuttle buses and tricycles will be deployed to support the public transport system at a discounted cost to the people.”

    The Governor said the government is also partnering with B-One Mobility Limited, which is setting up an assembly plant for gas-powered tricycles in the state.

    The partnership offers huge socioeconomic benefits for the people of the state in the area of job creation, poverty reduction, and affordable and clean transport system, the Governor added.

    Zubair, for his part, said Kwara is one of the states that have keyed into the CNG initiative and assured the state of the federal government’s strong partnership, especially with huge investment in the establishment of more conversion centres.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq, Makinde make case for investment in STEM education

    He said the target of the federal government was to convert about 1 million vehicles from petrol to CNG and appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for being one of the pillars behind the transformative agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

    Saraf said the programme will create 5,000 direct and 9,500 indirect employment opportunities, adding “our vision extends far beyond job creation. We are introducing a holistic mobility ecosystem solution that includes utility vehicles, garbage tippers, ambulances, and fire fighting equipment- CNG tractors”.

    He commended the President’s vision and unwavering belief in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, saying “his forward-thinking approach has created the enabling environment for such transformative investments”.

  • Abdulrazaq markets Kwara’s investment in creative economy as Nollywood converges on Ilorin

    Abdulrazaq markets Kwara’s investment in creative economy as Nollywood converges on Ilorin

    Kwara hosted Nollywood on Sunday night with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq inviting them to take advantage of the cutting-edge facilities and the alluring environment that the state offers the creatives. 

    Speaking at the 16th edition of the best of Nollywood (BON) awards at the Sugar Factory Film Studio in Ilorin, Governor Abdulrazaq said the event celebrates distinguished individuals in the movie industry and commended the organizers’ choice to assemble and honour the best of Nollywood in Kwara. 

    The event offered the Governor a platform to project Kwara as the next destination for quality cinematography, tourism and hospitality, innovation and technology, and other creative endeavours. 

    “I warmly welcome you all to Kwara State, and thank you for honouring us with your presence. Tonight’s event takes place at the Sugar Factory Film Studio, a purpose-built facility designed to elevate cinematography, nurture local talent, and position Kwara as a hub for high-quality film production,” he said. 

    “The Sugar Factory Film Studio is more than just a venue; it represents our administration’s commitment to supporting the creative economy. This facility offers cutting-edge resources to enhance movie production, build local capacity, conserve foreign exchange, and boost our economy. 

    “Located within a dynamic ecosystem for creativity, tourism, and entertainment, this initiative is complemented by several landmark projects, including the Visual Arts Centre, Ilorin Innovation Hub, International Conference Centre, remodelled Kwara Hotel, and natural attractions such as the breathtaking Owu Falls, the historic Sobi Hill, and the tranquil Flower Garden. 

    “Our accessible road networks, proximity to an international airport, and robust sports facilities make Kwara a perfect destination for creative and leisure activities.”

    He thanked the thespians and stakeholders in the creative sector for their immense contributions to national development. 

    “Your presence here highlights the immense possibilities that Kwara offers. We invite you to consider Kwara for your next productions, holidays, and creative pursuits,” Governor Abdulrazaq added. 

    The BON Awards 2024 was headlined by dozens of legends and great talents of the movie industry from across Nigeria, many of whom won in different categories. 

    Top on parade at the colourful night were screen gods and goddesses such as Fred Amata; Hilda Dokubo; Tunji Bamishigbin; Gloria Anozie; Ayo Magaji; Bimbo Manuel; Keppy Bassey Ekpeyoung; Yomi Fash-Lanso; Toyin Abraham; Lillian Aluko; and Aisha Lawal, among several others. 

    Inimitable Kanayo O. Kanayo picked a lifetime award, presented to him by Governor Abdulrazaq, while great acts and directors like Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, Adebayo Tijani, and other big names emerged winners in different categories of the award. 

    Femi Adebayo won the best actor of the year with three other awards, for his impressive performances, especially in his rave-of-the-moment film, Jagun Jagun. Wumi Dada emerged as the Best Actress for her role in the Unknown Soldier, another highly rated movie. Each of the two went home with N5m worth of wardrobe money, endowed by the Ilorin-based firm Wura Fadaka. 

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq: Our focus is on human capacity development in education

    Renowned thespian Patrick Doyle called the awards a huge success and commended Governor Abdulrazaq for his impressive performance as could be seen on the streets of Ilorin. 

    “We don’t like to hail politicians, but I need to commend what I have seen in Ilorin. It is a very clean and beautiful city. I commend Your Excellency for this,” Kanayo said. 

    Bamishigbin commended the Governor for the peace and harmony that Kwara enjoys, while Samuel Olatunji (Big Sam), an influential digital creator, said the emerging infrastructure and the aura of Ilorin now compare to what obtains in Lagos. 

    Seun Oloketuyi, BON Awards founder, thanked the Governor and his team for the honour and projection of the state as a top player in the creative sector. 

  • We’re investing in human capital development, says AbdulRazaq

    We’re investing in human capital development, says AbdulRazaq

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq at the weekend promised to collaborate with alumni associations of primary and post primary schools to restore old glory of schools.

    He said his administration was investing in human capital development.

    The governor said this in Ilala, Irepodun Local Government, at the 50th anniversary of Oyelagbawo Grammar School, organised by the Old Students Association.

    The governor was represented by Education and Human Capital Development Commissioner, Sa’adatu Kawu.

    Read Also: Abdulrazaq hails Igbomina’s self-help legacy at 13th cultural day

    Said he: “We know that the drivers of education in our 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 old students have for the school. We will partner with you in ensuring restoration of the glorious past of the school.

    “I am imploring the head teacher 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 own contribution.”

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

  • Abdulrazaq hails Igbomina’s self-help legacy at 13th cultural day

    Abdulrazaq hails Igbomina’s self-help legacy at 13th cultural day

    Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq spent hours in Kwara South to touch base with the people, with him visiting Iludun Oro where the 13th Igbomina Day held before another stop in Offa to attend a Maulid nabbiy celebration. 

    At Iludun Oro, the Governor commended the Igbomina people for their can-do spirit and longstanding culture of self-help, which he said explains their successes in education and enterprise. 

    He called on citizens, including the people of Igbomina, to always embrace peace and eschew ethnic division to promote national unity and development.

    He said the Igbomina Day celebration typifies how to sustain communal bonds and collaborate for higher goals. 

    He congratulated the people of Igbomina land and commended them for the support for the administration.

    He commended the Igbomina monarchs for their support under the leadership of the Olupo of Ajase Ipo and the Chairman of Igbomina Traditional Council, Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu.

    “I urge you not to give up on the impressive cultural legacy of self-help handed over by your forebears. There is also a need for national unity and less emphasis on ethnic division, which creates division, disunity, and under development,” the Governor said.

    “This government is for all, including the people of Igbomina who are not only robustly represented in government but have also benefitted hugely from the administration’s rural and urban development initiatives,” he said

    He listed some of the road projects in Igbomina land to include Arandun-Esie-Oro Road; Owu Fall Road; Orisa Bridge, Oro Ago; Omu Aran Oko Road; Owode Ofaro-Alabe Road; and Ajase-Ipo Okeiya Road; among others.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq okays three months bonus for workers

    “I am impressed at the gathering today, and I congratulate the people of Igbomina land on this occasion. I don’t need to stress the importance of fostering a sense of community and collaboration, which this is all about,” he added.

    “We are going to deepen our investments in primary healthcare facilities, basic, secondary, and tertiary education….I invite you all to sustain the support for the government as we tackle the issue of security.”

    AbdulRazaq also commiserated with the Igbomina people on the recent death of the leader of hunters, Chief Luqman Balogun (Jagun), and prayed God to repose his soul, adding his legacy will not be forgotten.

    He also appreciated the people for their constant engagements and support, which he said have continued to assist the government to succeed.

    The Governor also touched down in Offa to attend the Maulid nabbiy celebration hosted by the Chief Imam of the ancient town Sheikh Muhyideen Salman Hussein. 

    He called for prayers for the country, urging Nigerians to always be grateful for the mercies of God and leverage their sense of gratitude to seek greater favour from Him. 

    Khalifatul Adaby Sheikh AbdulQodir Muhammad Kamaludeen and the Imam of Offa, who both commended the humility of the Governor and his sense of duty, prayed for him, pointing out his culture of helping people without making a show of it. 

  • AbdulRazaq shuts  Kwara Express

    AbdulRazaq shuts  Kwara Express

    • Pays workers full exit benefits

    Kwara State Government says it has temporarily shut Harmony Transport Services Ltd (HTSL), otherwise called Kwara Express.

    It said this is to officially begin a wholesome repositioning of the legacy firm for improved productivity, efficiency and economic development.

    The restructuring involves full payment of exit benefits to workers in the distressed company, according to a statement by the Corporate Affairs Unit of Harmony Holdings Ltd, the body that manages all government businesses.

    Read Also: Edun defends FG’s key economic reforms

    The government statement said: “The overhaul will modernise the company’s fleet and infrastructure, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer service delivery.

    “The decision to pay off the workers is painful. It is essential for establishing a sustainable operational framework for HTSL, which has faced challenges in maintaining consistent growth and has experienced multiple closures within the past years.’’