Uncategorized

Kwara Gov flags off 15.1km Ojoku-Ilemona road

Published

11 months ago

October 16, 2025

Our Reporter

As he joins Minister Umahi to inspect Eiyenkorin-Offa road

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has flagged off the construction of 15.150km Ojoku-Ilemona road in Oyun Local Government, saying the project builds on his efforts to open up communities for economic growth and pleasurable travel experience in the state.

He said his administration has delivered more than 100kms of road in Kwara South alone — aside from other projects in health, education, water, and social protection sectors.

In addition to that, he said the administration is either constructing or about to award road projects spanning some 109kms in the region, including RAAMP projects.

The Governor, however, requested residents to continue to support the administration and take ownership of public infrastructure so they could last longer.

The flag-off coincided with the inspection of the Eiyenkorin-Afon-Ojoku-Offa by the Governor, Minister of Works David Umahi, and a delegation of the BUA Conglomerate led by its Group Executive Director Alhaji Kabir Rabiu — the contractor of the 42.6km road that links Kwara Central to South and Osun State within 30 minutes.

The Governor and Umahi commended the quality of the road, with the latter saying the road should last between 50 and 100 years.

Governor AbdulRazaq reminded the Minister of the dualisation of the Ilorin-Lokoja Road, saying the project is dear to the people of the state.

The Governor also received cheery news from the Minister’s delegation that the Federal Government has approved a flyover at Oko Olowo, potentially ending years of deadly accident in the busy corridor.

Governor AbdulRazaq also reminded the Minister of the Share-Patigi Road as well as the Moro Bridge — two projects he said are also very dear to him and to the people of the state.

The Governor said: “We are glad to have this road. This is part of what you call the dividends of democracy, dividends of the renewed hope agenda.

“We thank Mr. President for his commitment, for his policies. His policies are already yielding results. This is part of the results of the economic policy that he implemented. Now, the new tax policies will kick in early next year, and we’ll see a lot of movement in that direction, too. Inflation is going down. The exchange rate is firm, stable, and also going down. We see progress.

“This road opens up a lot of communities, agrarian communities, and movement of goods and services. In fact, traffic has settled on this road, even though it’s just about 45% complete. There’s huge traffic already. On our part, we just flagged off the construction of a new road this morning, a 15-kilometer road to feed into other communities and also lead into Osun State. So, we’re glad you’re here to inspect this project, and we’re glad with the work BUA is doing on this road and also on the Bode-Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu road which you’re going to see now.

“We spoke earlier about the issue of Moro Bridge, Share – Patigi Road, and also the prospect of looking at 2026 budget for the dualization of Ilorin – Lokoja road. You recall that the governor of Kogi State and I visited you in your office to look into that project. It’s an ongoing thing. We will continue to push to see how we can have that in the 2026 budget. So, as you move around the state, we welcome you to Kwara and the hospitality of Kwara. But we’re truly happy with this road, and we must commend you for the energy you’re taking to do this thing.

“This road has been there since the 60s. It was much more of a footpath. It’s really a footpath. So, it’s now a green road, basically. Greenfield Road. BUA just bulldozed everything and created a new road here.

“All these areas will open up to agriculture. Investors are already coming in. You can see down the road, Olam is about to commission a $25 million soybean processing plant just down the road there. So, the other companies have started to come in. And this road is a catalyst for development.”

Umahi, who commended the Governor’s consistent support for President Tinubu and his leadership of the NGF, said he would look at the projects in the coming fiscal year.

He said the road was awarded on 22nd May, 2023 and started in September 2023, commending the commitment of the President to fund the project through the tax credit scheme.

He lauded the quality of the concrete road, which he said would last between 50 and 100 years.

“We are similarly proud of what Your Excellency is doing in the state without much noise. We thank your leadership and your support for President Tinubu. I assure you that we will do what you want. We will work around it to support you,” he said.

He also said the Ministry will be in Kwara next month for the Kwara stretch of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.

The flag off of the Ojoku Ilemona road was attended by lawmakers, cabinet members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, top government officials, and party leaders.

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, said Ojoku –Ilemona road is now a corridor of growth that seeks to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people.

“For decades, our people in this axis have been constrained by poor road conditions, affecting mobility, trade, healthcare access, education, and agricultural distribution which the present administration has continued to fix,” he said.

He assured that the project will be undertaken with the highest standards of quality.

The Elerin of Erin-Ile Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh and the Olojoku of Ojoku Oba Abdulrazaq Adegboyega Afolabi, in their separate remarks, said the road will accelerate development and have significant impacts on their communities, and commended AbdulRazaq for his transformational programmes.

“Without a good road, there won’t be meaningful development. Once you have a good road, there will be development. People will move around with ease, and businesses will flourish,” the Elerin said.

Olojoku, who was impressed with the Governor’s gesture, conferred on AbdulRazaq “the Aare Bobaselu Ojoku”.

He said the road project will not only lessen their travel time from Ojoku to Faje, Ikotun Junction, and Ilemona, but also places Ojoku community on a global map for improved commerce and economic growth.

Convener of the Kwara South Development Initiative, Dr Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, said: “Your Excellency has done so much work for the people of Kwara South and I thank you immensely on their behalf. Road development is a very critical infrastructure. It is as important to the community as the backbone to a human being. By the time this road is completed it will not take a seven minute drive. Presently it takes hours. You are also creating access to the market for whatever produce we are bringing out of this place.”

APC Chieftain, Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin, said AbdulRazaq has done so much for the people of Kwara South not because he is seeking re-election but to leave a good legacy.

“I am privileged to know how well you are doing for us in Kwara South. And I do not stand here as sycophantic. We are chronicling what you have done in the region for people to know you are working. You are doing it for legacy. And may God continue to empower you to do more for Kwara South and indeed the entire Kwara State,” he said.

End

Uncategorized

2027: VP Shettima Urges Politicians To Play Politics without Bitterness

Published

26 minutes ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

As Gov AbdulRazaq Is Turbaned As Sadauna Of Ilorin Emirate

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the need for politicians to embrace one another, play politics without bitterness and according to the rules in order to ensure an astronomical growth and development for the country.

Shettima made the appeal on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the turbaning of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, while admonishing
Nigerians to serve with humility, do good to one another and have forgiving spirit, as they, according to him, would spend more time after office.

He added: “Power is given by God to the people He so wishes and not because we are better than others. I, therefore, call on all politicians to unite themselves as one family despite their political differences.

“Take a cue from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I serve as his assistant. He is a good and decent man who has the love and interest of Nigerians at heart.”

Shettima explained that when they assumed office in 2023, the economy of the country was at the brink of collapse, but President Tinubu refused to pass blame; with courage he accepted both the assets and liabilities and moved on.

He further disclosed that during the 2023 electioneering campaign, only six out of the 19 northern governors supported Tinubu’s presidential aspiration, based on the erroneous belief that Baba (Buhari) didn’t like him, adding: “But today the President has embraced everybody as his own and things are going on well”.

He added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a good man by all standard; he believes in the people that work with him.”

Shettima also thanked the Emir of Ilorin for the honour done to Governor AbdulRazaq, which , he noted, was based on his contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and the State at large, adding that “the father of the Governor had planted a solid footprint in the Ilorin Emirate and by extension Nigeria as a whole”.

Shettima, who expressed optimism that this new chapter would create a stronger bond between the Emirate and the family of Governor AbdulRazaq, urged the people to continue to pray for the progress and development of the Emirate and the State as a whole.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his efforts in the massive improvement on infrastructure to assist the people of the State, as well as for his
contributions to the actualisation of policies and programmes of government at the federal level towards providing succour to average Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Matawaliof Ilorin Emirate, Dr.Alimi AbdulRazaq, said the title of Sardauna bestowed on the Governor was well deserved, thanking the Emir of Ilorin for finding the Governor worthy of the noble recognition by the Emirate.

Dr,Alimi urged the Governor to see the tittle as a clarion call to provide more dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the State.

The turbaning ceremony witnessed large turnout of dignitaries, including the Governor of Niger state, Umar Bago, Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Imo State ,Hope Uzodinma, and Governors of Kebbi ,Katsina States.

Others are the Emir of Zazzau Emirate, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, the Deputy Governors of Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo, and Oyo States.

Uncategorized

Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

Uncategorized

FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

23 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i