Kwara Government Flags Off Quarterly Media Chat, Announces Plans for Monthly Engagement
The Kwara State Government has launched the 4th edition of its Quarterly Inter-Ministerial Media Chat, aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and engagement with the public on government policies and programs.
The State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, inaugurated the two-day event at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Ilorin, the state capital.
In her address, Hon. Olukoju emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform to promote open communication between the government and the people.
She noted that heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) would present updates on their achievements and activities for the last quarter of 2024.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration remains committed to keeping the public informed about its policies and projects across various sectors in Kwara State,” she said.
The Commissioner also disclosed plans to introduce a Monthly Media Chat to ensure regular interaction with the public. “In our continuous efforts to bridge the information gap and deepen public engagement, the State Ministry of Communications will soon launch a Monthly Media Chat to discuss further and interact with the public on government activities and policies. Further details will be shared with members of the press in no distant future,” Hon. Olukoju explained.
She highlighted the inclusion of presentations from the Special Assistant on Drug Abuse and the Senior Special Assistant on Community Development in this edition, reflecting the government’s focus on social welfare and grassroots engagement.
Hon. Olukoju commended the MDAs for their service and urged them to deliver impactful and concise presentations.
She also acknowledged the critical role of media professionals in disseminating accurate and timely information, appealing to all participants to use the platform to strengthen public trust and reaffirm their commitment to the state’s development.
Also, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, Esq., who was represented by Alhaji Salau Kabir Abdullahi, the Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply in the Ministry. Sulyman praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration for its commitment to improving the justice sector, resolving bureaucratic challenges, and streamlining legal processes across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“The Ministry, as a cornerstone of legal administration in the state, continues to fulfill its supervisory role to MDAs, ensuring seamless government operations through effective prosecution of cases, legal drafting, and advisory services,” the Attorney General stated.
Highlighting achievements for the last quarter of 2024, Sulyman disclosed that:
Civil litigation: 10 ongoing cases, with 37 criminal cases currently under public prosecution.
Legal drafting: 39 agreements vetted, alongside two law bills, totaling 41 legal drafts.
Revenue cases: 21 concluded and six ongoing across high courts and revenue courts.
Public defender services: 86 ongoing cases and 37 concluded cases.
Citizens Mediation Centre: 35 complaints under review and 29 resolved.
He also noted that the ministry generated ₦161,256,529.19 during the period, underscoring the improved efficiency in justice delivery and adherence to the rule of law.
Sulyman expressed gratitude to the state government for providing a conducive working environment and swiftly addressing the Ministry’s needs, ensuring the justice sector continues to thrive.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, during the State Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing also
highlighting key achievements, noted that the Irra and Erin-Ile Waterworks have been completely rehabilitated, while work is ongoing on the desilted Sobi Waterworks.
He further disclosed that the Lafiagi and Zambufu Waterworks have been completed, with residents in these communities now enjoying uninterrupted access to potable water.
The Commissioner also revealed significant upgrades at the Asa-Dam and Agba-Dam treatment plants, which have improved water quality and distribution within the Ilorin metropolis.
“The state government has equally handed over the Otte-Oja/Budo Egba and Omu-Aran Waterworks in Asa and Oyun Local Government Areas to contractors for reconstruction and rehabilitation. Additionally, several hand and motorized boreholes have been drilled across the state to further enhance water supply to the people,” Lade stated.
In efforts to eliminate open defecation and improve hygiene, the state government has constructed three prototype lavatories in Ajikobi, Alanamu, and Eruda communities in Ilorin metropolis. These facilities are complemented by smart VIP toilets in various other communities.
“These projects demonstrate our determination to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for all local government areas in Kwara State,” Lade emphasized.
Hon. Lade also announced that Kwara State is among the beneficiaries of a $500,000 World Bank grant through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme. The grant will support staff capacity building, institutional strengthening, and the enhancement of the state’s water and sanitation sector.
Additionally, the state government, in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has commenced the implementation of the WASH project through the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).
According to the Commissioner, the initiative aims to expand water and sanitation services to underserved communities, further showcasing the state government’s commitment to sustainable development.
“These efforts highlight the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable water and sanitation services across Kwara State,” Lade concluded.
The media chat is part of the state government’s drive to foster accountability and ensure citizens remain informed on governance and developmental efforts.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, stated that State Government has completed four major projects under the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology in the fourth quarter of 2024.
According to the Commissioner, the projects include the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Innovation Hub, the conversion of gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, the Garment Factory, and the Sugar Film Factory.
According to the Commissioner, the ICT Innovation Hub is ready for commissioning, while the groundbreaking electric vehicle conversion project, executed in collaboration with Kwara State University, Malete, has been successfully completed and tested.
She stated that the official handover of the project is scheduled for January 2025. “This initiative is expected to encourage widespread adoption of electric vehicle conversions across government offices and individual users,” she said.
Highlighting other achievements, Hon. Damilola noted that the Kwara State Garment Factory trained over 300 individuals in 2024, providing employment opportunities and producing high-quality clothing materials.
Similarly, the Sugar Film Factory hosted the first-ever Best of Nollywood Awards in November 2024, attracting partnerships and proposals from the entertainment industry.
The Commissioner also outlined six ongoing projects, including:
Ilorin International Conference Centre: A facility with a main auditorium seating over 1,500 people, expected to boost business growth and economic development.
Kwara Hotel Remodeling: Currently at 50% completion, the hotel features 119 rooms and is expected to complement the conference centre in promoting tourism and business.
Kaiama Shea Butter Factory: A ₦3.3 billion project aimed at producing refined shea butter to international standards.
The second phase will utilize waste materials for biofuel production.
Patigi Regatta Motel: Undergoing rehabilitation to enhance tourism and economic growth in the area.
Modern Pottery Centre in Dada: A ₦120 million initiative designed to empower women and youths through specialized training, in partnership with Lagos and Chinese firms.
ICT Hub in Shonga: Approved by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, this project aims to create technology career opportunities for youths and facilitate ICT examinations in surrounding communities.
Commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, Hon. Damilola applauded his free transport initiative to ease fuel scarcity in 2024 and the recent transport palliative for stranded students returning to school in January 2025, which received commendations from universities across the state.
She also highlighted the supervision of markets like Mandate Market, Kulende Market, and the recently completed Gbugbu Market, emphasizing their contribution to enhanced revenue generation.
“The Ministry remains committed to driving transformative initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and community growth across Kwara State,” Hon. Damilola concluded.
The General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr. Abdulwasiu Olayinka Tejidini, also highlighted the administration’s achievements in the sector.
He described 2024 as a significant year for disbursements, which benefited a wide range of people, including Kwarans outside the state.
“From compensating business owners affected by road setback enforcement in Ilorin to supporting victims of the Dosumu Market fire in Lagos and empowering women traders through the ‘Owo Isowo’ initiative, this administration has consistently prioritized the well-being of its people,” Dr. Tejidini said.
He noted that KWASSIP remains one of the most robust social safety nets implemented by any state government in Nigeria, emphasizing its impact across multiple categories of beneficiaries.
Dr. Tejidini also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, attributing the program’s success to his administration’s vision and intentional approach to governance.
“The Governor’s commitment to timely and effective interventions has ensured that Kwarans are given the opportunity to improve their lives through various empowerment programs,” he stated.
The KWASSIP General Manager called for the continued support of Kwarans, urging them to cooperate with the government to achieve the full potential of its social investment programs.
“At this juncture, I therefore urge you all to cooperate with KWASSIP to enable it achieve its set goals and potentiality,” he added.
The government reaffirmed its resolve to expand the program’s reach, ensuring that more Kwarans, regardless of their location, benefit from the scheme.
Kwara Government Reaffirms Commitment to Infrastructure Development, Cleaner Energy Transition
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, revealed that 38 major projects were completed, while 46 others are ongoing in the fourth quarter under review.
He further highlighted the construction of 209.77 kilometers of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), aimed at connecting rural areas and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, the commissioner described his leadership as transformative, stating that it goes beyond physical infrastructure to include economic empowerment and improved living standards.
“Governor AbdulRazaq’s investment in road construction, urban renewal, and transportation has set Kwara on a trajectory of sustainable development. His administration’s approach has brought a new lease of life to communities across the state, bridging gaps in infrastructure and opening up rural areas to economic opportunities,” Olododo said.
On the state’s transition to cleaner energy, Olododo assured residents of better days ahead.
He disclosed that the government’s participation in the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNG-I) has led to the delivery of 20 18-seater shuttle buses and 20 tricycles, providing affordable public transport options for Kwarans.
The commissioner also noted ongoing partnerships to expand the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the state, which he said would enhance the state’s clean energy agenda while creating jobs for residents.
“Governor AbdulRazaq’s projects are not just physical structures; they are monuments of hope and symbols of a better tomorrow for all Kwarans,” he added, emphasizing the governor’s visionary policies and purposeful leadership.
The state government reaffirmed its resolve to sustain these developmental strides, ensuring that every project contributes to the well-being of the people and the overall growth of Kwara State.
Kwara State Government Strengthens Synergy with Federal Ministry to Boost Solid Minerals Sector
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi,
highlighting Kwara’s strategic position as one of Nigeria’s leading solid mineral-producing states, Dr. Alabi assured that his ministry is determined to maximize the sector’s potential for the benefit of the state.
“To enhance seamless investment opportunities and boost internally generated revenue, the state government has fulfilled the registration requirements of five Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and is now awaiting licenses expected to be issued by the end of the first quarter,” Dr. Alabi revealed.
He further stated that significant efforts are underway to minimize illegal mining activities in the state. According to him, robust collaborations with security agencies have been established to address security challenges at mining sites. “We have visited and engaged with the heads of various security agencies, who have assured us of their readiness to provide necessary support whenever required,” he said.
Dr. Alabi also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support in positioning the state for greater opportunities at the federal level and ensuring access to grants and loans aimed at developing the solid minerals sector.
The Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, highlighted the administration’s dedication under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to prioritize prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the implementation of staff promotions.
She also announced the approval of a three-month financial bonus equivalent to the monthly PAYE obligation for all civil servants, including local government workers. The bonus, payable from October to December 2024, aims to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies.
“The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners, prioritizing their working conditions, self-development, and overall well-being,” Dr. Nuru said.
She outlined the adoption of advanced financial reforms such as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), which have enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the state’s financial processes.
Additionally, Dr. Nuru detailed significant achievements in improving land titling processes, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and the digitization of land records to promote transparency and accessibility for Kwarans and investors.
The Commissioner commended the success of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) and the Business Enabling Reform Action Plans (BERAP), which have created an investor-friendly environment by eliminating economic bottlenecks.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara State has been recognized by the World Bank’s SABER programme, receiving significant reimbursement as a reward for accountability, transparency, and meeting rigorous standards,” Dr. Nuru stated.
Dr. Nuru also noted the Ministry of Finance’s efforts in renovating office spaces, providing modern furniture and ICT tools, and installing solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.
She further acknowledged Governor AbdulRazaq’s success in the NG-CARES programme, which was recognized during the fourth Independent Verification Assessment (IVA).
“These remarkable achievements would not have been possible without the visionary leadership and steadfast support of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. His dedication to fiscal prudence, transparency, and development-focused governance has laid the foundation for our progress and continues to inspire us to achieve greater heights,” she concluded.
The Acting General Manager of Kwara State Residents Registration Agency KWASRRA, Mr. Tajudeen Jimoh, announced the registration of over 270,000 residents and the employment of 300 youths as part of its continuous registration exercise.
Jimoh stated that the agency’s mandate is to register all residents of Kwara State, with a target of three million registrants, based on projections from the 2006 census, which estimated the state’s population at 2.3 million.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements, Jimoh said, “Among the successes already recorded by the Agency is the registration of 270,000 residents of Kwara State within five months of the registration exercise. This figure is expected to rise sharply as more residents embrace the online registration option and as soon as the registration is opened to all residents.”
He noted that KWASRRA has also allocated registration centres across the 16 local government areas of the state, launched a user-friendly website to simplify the registration process, distributed Secure Social Identification (SSID) cards to registrants, and commenced the registration of pensioners and students.
“The production and delivery of the SSID cards is not only a dream come true but also a testament to the avowed commitment of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration in ensuring adequate planning, economic development, and social inclusion in the state,” Jimoh added.
The Acting General Manager also announced plans to expand the registration exercise to all residents. “The agency shall open up the registration exercise to all residents of Kwara State as soon as relevant approval is gotten. This move is aimed at ensuring that no resident is left out and to meet the target of the exercise,” he said.
He further emphasized the impact of the agency’s technological initiatives, including the integration of financial transaction capabilities with the registration system. “It is heartwarming to note that those who have activated the account associated with the registration have started making use of it for different financial transactions,” he stated.
Jimoh commended the level of technology transfer between the project’s consultants and locally recruited personnel, describing it as a boost to the state’s capacity development.
The ongoing registration exercise continues to record steady progress, underscoring the commitment of the state government to inclusive governance and development.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde, highlighting the administration’s achievements, Dr. Arinde said: “The Kwara State Government has recorded notable far-reaching achievements in all the state tertiary institutions in the last quarter of 2024.”
Among the key accomplishments, the Commissioner mentioned the completion of the Osi and Ilesha Baruba satellite campuses of Kwara State University (KWASU). Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently commissioned the Osi campus, where academic activities have commenced with the Directorate of Environmental Sciences fully operational.
Additionally, the state government procured two Hiace buses for the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Financial support was extended to indigent students from Kwara State, both locally and abroad.
The administration also implemented the new minimum wage for all tertiary institutions and cleared outstanding arrears. Furthermore, 50 graduates of the International Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre (IVTEC), Ajase-Ipo, were empowered to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
Dr. Arinde revealed plans for the establishment of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED) and highlighted other interventions such as the launch of a drug test policy for new intakes in tertiary institutions and the provision of free transportation for students.
Expressing gratitude, the Commissioner commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for prioritizing the improvement of tertiary education in Kwara State.
The event was attended by state cabinet members, political appointees, and representatives of various media outlets.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS) ESV Abdulkareem Babatunde Sulyman, during the quarterly inter-ministerial press briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications also announced the successful processing of 334 Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os), now ready for collection.
According to ESV Sulyman, the certificates comprise 156 processed in the second quarter and 178 in the last quarter of 2024.
He attributed this achievement to the automation reforms introduced by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasizing that the transition from analogue to digital land administration has enhanced efficiency and transparency in the state’s land management processes.
“The automation system embarked upon by this administration has revolutionized land and building management in Kwara State, ensuring seamless service delivery and boosting internally generated revenue,” he said.
Sulyman also revealed that 878 Statutory Rights of Occupancy, 645 survey reports, and 364 Title Deed Plans were processed within the review period. Additionally, 12 Land Registration Certificates were issued to qualified applicants who fulfilled all necessary requirements.
He highlighted that the ongoing reclamation of government setbacks around public offices and major roads across the state aligns with Federal Government directives aimed at improving security.
He added that the exercise would extend to all 16 local government areas of the state.
In furtherance of development initiatives, Governor AbdulRazaq acquired 3,000 hectares of land in Malete, Moro Local Government Area, for livestock production, with 70% compensation already paid to affected landowners.
Another 2,000 hectares have been secured for an industrial park along Ogbomosho Road, while compensation payments are underway. Preliminary activities have also been completed for the 19,000-hectare Ilorin SmartCity project.
“These reforms, including the harmonization of land-related agencies and the shift to digital operations, will minimize bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, and curb the activities of land grabbers,” Sulyman added.
He commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s visionary leadership, which aligns all developmental projects with the state’s master plan, promoting sustainable growth and rapid development.
Residents are encouraged to visit the KWGIS office to collect their processed Certificates of Occupancy.
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