• We’ve so far completed 650 kilometers roads in Kwara: Gov

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday flagged off the construction of 21-kilometre Oke-Oyi/Lanwa road in Ilorin East and Moro Local Government Areas to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and widen economic opportunities in the affected communities.

The Governor equally flagged off the construction of Oke Ose/Maya Asunlope road which also falls within Ilorin East.

He noted that a road is valuable, not merely because it connects two locations, but because of the people it helps, the businesses it supports, and the opportunities it brings within reach.

“To the people of Moro and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, particularly the residents of Oke-Oyi, Lanwa, Ilala, Onikoko, Budo Isale, Alufa and neighbouring communities, this project is a statement of our commitment to your wellbeing and the future of your communities,” the Governor said in Oke-Oyi amidst excitement and solidarity songs by the residents.

“We understand what this road means for a farmer trying to get produce to market, a trader struggling to move merchandise, or a family making an essential journey.

“With over 650 kilometres of roads completed (excluding the 294km tax credit roads) and additional projects in progress and in the pipeline, we are steadily improving the infrastructure that supports agriculture, commerce, investment, and economic growth.”

At the groundbreaking ceremony at Oke-Ose, AbdulRazaq reiterated his government’s resolve to continually invest in roads and critical infrastructure, believing that economic prosperity does not happen by chance.

“We recognise the transportation difficulties that have affected movement in this area. We understand that behind every difficult journey is a person trying to earn a living, a trader working to sustain a business, a family meeting its daily needs, or a resident trying to get from one place to another,” he said.

Accompanied by the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Governorship candidate Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the Governor was received in both communities by the traditional and religious leaders.

Other dignitaries at the event were Kwara House of Assembly member and APC candidate for Ilorin East Constituency, Hon Arinola Lawal; APC State Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari; Chairman, Ilorin East LGA, Hon Luqman Agbelere; Chairman, Moro LGA, Hon Mariam Abdulwasiu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and DG Kwara APC Campaign Council (Central), Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Hon Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; HoR candidate for Ilorin East/Ilorin South Constituency, Hon Abdulquawiy Olododo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon Suleiman Abubakar Sai Kai, among others.

Expressing appreciation, Olododo said the two road projects further demonstrated the commitment of the administration to the development of rural communities.

“For me, today’s occasion is not merely about flagging off a road construction. It is about the opportunities this road will create for our farmers, traders, young people and families whose daily lives depend on better connectivity,” Olododo said.

Baale of Oke-oyi, Mallam Soliu Abdulkadir and Alangua of Oke-mi Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim, in their separate remarks, said the event indicates that the government is committed to rural development, commending the Governor for promoting fairness, inclusion and a stronger government-community relationship.

Mallam Ibrahim said his community has been longing for motorable road as far back as 1981, noting that the project is a dream come true.

Spokesman for Oke-Ose community, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu, applauded AbdulRazaq for improving their access to basic infrastructure, pledging their continued support to the APC-led government.

He described Oke-Ose/Maya Asunlope road project as ‘incredibly unique’ in the history of Oke-Ose and adjoining communities.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, has declared that grassroots sports development and talent hunts will be given the pride of place, if elected as member of the National Assembly.

Ajakaye noted that the constituency is blessed with talented young people who could excel in various sporting disciplines if provided with adequate facilities, an enabling environment and the necessary support.

The House of Representatives hopeful, who is the immediate past Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made this known while featuring on Kwara SWAN Sports “Hard Talk” at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

He explained that the proposed sports development agenda would cover football, table tennis, swimming, athletics and other sporting activities, stressing the need to look beyond football in identifying and nurturing young talents.

He added: “Many gifted athletes remain undiscovered due to inadequate opportunities and support, making grassroots investment essential to building a sustainable sports development.”

Ajakaye commended the State Government for renovating the Offa Stadium, describing the facility as a valuable asset that should be fully utilised to promote sports and discover emerging talents.

“I am proud that Governor Abdulrazaq is doing fantastically in my own constituency, and that is the renovation of the Offa Stadium for the first time in many years. I am seeing that as an asset already,” he said.

He pledged to collaborate with the state government to explore opportunities to expand and maximise the use of sporting facilities in Offa and other parts of the constituency.

The APC candidate also promised to support local governments in participating effectively in state sporting activities, noting that, inadequate funding sometimes prevents some councils from competing optimally.

He noted that engaging in the development of sports and sporting facilities for young athletes would provide them with better opportunities to represent their communities and showcase their abilities at sporting competitions.

Ajakaye emphasised that his proposed sports programme would focus on discovering and developing talents at the grassroots rather than concentrating solely on established professional teams.

He further promised to work with the State Sports Commission to organise talent-hunting programmes across the constituency, providing opportunities for young athletes in football, table tennis, swimming and other sporting disciplines.

The media practitioner said grassroots sports organisers would play a crucial role in the initiative because of their understanding of local talents, existing challenges and the support required to nurture promising athletes.

“These are people who are basically at the grassroots. They know where the challenges are,” he said, pledging to engage them in developing practical solutions to improve sports participation and athlete development.

He added that a well-structured grassroots sports programme could create opportunities for economic empowerment, community development and the emergence of future sporting stars from the constituency.

Ajakaye further remarked that investing in young athletes and providing access to sporting facilities would help establish a stronger foundation for sports development across Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun federal constituency.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Kwara South Senatorial District, Prince Lekan Adewoye, has donated 100 solar lights to communities across 27 villages in Arandun Ward, in the Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots development and improving the quality of life of the people of the senatorial district.

The donation was made during an engagement with representatives of the 27 villages, providing an opportunity to listen to their concerns, understand their needs, and strengthen the bond between the APC candidate and the communities.

This is not the first, second, or third time Prince Adewoye would make donations and supported communities across Kwara South, pointing out that his consistent engagement with the people reflects a longstanding commitment to service, community development, and practical interventions that respond to the realities of the grassroots.

Speaking during the engagement, Prince Adewoye emphasised the importance of unity and collective responsibility in advancing the progressive movement.

He encouraged the representatives to join the movement towards sustainable development, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for Kwara South.

“For Prince Adewoye, leadership is about more than promises. It is about being present, listening to the people, and demonstrating commitment through meaningful action.

“The journey continues. Together, we move forward,” he added.

The communities were elated by the kind gesture, promising him their support in his senatorial aspiration.