Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq

I am glad to announce that the @officialEFCC have so far recovered the below from the last administration: N4.8billion (tax refund) N111million N50million 10 properties and cash worth over N3.6billion. Investigations are also on to recover part of the N4bn stolen from KW-IRS

Earlier today, I flagged off the construction of additional two roads in the state to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and widen economic opportunities in the affected communities. They are the 21-kilometre Oke-Oyi/Lanwa road in Ilorin East and Moro Local Government Areas, as well as Oke Ose/Maya Asunlope road which also falls within Ilorin East. We understand what these roads mean for a farmer trying to get produce to market, a trader struggling to move merchandise, or a family making an essential journey. Our government will continually invest in roads and critical infrastructure because economic prosperity does not happen by chance. I congratulate the people of Moro and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, particularly the residents of Oke-Oyi, Lanwa, Ilala, Onikoko, Budo Isale, Alufa, Oke Ose, Maya Asunlope, and neighbouring communities. The road projects are a statement of our commitment to their wellbeing and the future of their communities. 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 in Kwara.

Today, I inaugurated one of the legacy projects of our administration, the Institute of Contemporary African Arts and Films (ICAAF), with an exhibition on music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Our ambition is for ICAAF (also called Visual Arts Centre) to advance cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara’s place in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape. Opening the institution with an exhibition on Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is particularly meaningful. Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice. The Kwara State Government is truly pleased to host the exhibition, which will last till December 31, in partnership with the June Creative Art Advisory (JCAA). I commend the family members of the legend and the JCAA for this initiative to celebrate his enduring influence and preserve his art. I thank the key players in our creative and entertainment industry for joining us at the event. I encourage our researchers to see ICAAF as an opportunity to deepen inquiry, and the youth to see it as a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity.

I send hearty congratulations to elder statesman, Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, on his 79th birthday anniversary. Prof. Oba, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate, is an accomplished academic, administrator, and community leader. We cannot thank him enough for his selfless services and profound impact on the education sector of our state. His investments in people and institutions continue to earn him respect and admiration. The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin has always demonstrated exemplary dedication to reconciliation, peace, and development. I appreciate his leadership roles as a chieftain of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and as Chairman Governing Council of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED). I wish Talba many more years of good health, grace, and happiness.

Today, I flagged off the distribution of additional 49,337 agricultural inputs, productive assets, and processing equipment for local farmers and vulnerable households in Kwara State. The initiative is being implemented under FADAMA CARES 2.0, a programme powered by the World Bank-supported Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), with the active involvement of the state government. At least 186,230 people had earlier benefitted from a similar initiative in the past. This newly launched 49,337 brings the total beneficiaries to 235,567. Our farmers face costly inputs, unpredictable weather, limited equipment, the difficulties of moving and processing produce. Our duty as government is to remove these barriers and obstacles so that their labor pays. This phase of the flag-off offers rice, maize, soyabeans inputs. It also provides equipment ranging from sprayers, water pumps, and power tillers to rice mills. We also have cassava processors, fish smoking plants, and commercial boats. Our goal is to help farmers produce more, lose less, process better, reach wider markets, and earn more with opportunities for women and young people. In my remarks at the event, I congratulated the prospective beneficiaries and enjoined them to see the inputs and assets as investment opportunities and not as handouts. I also acknowledged the active roles played by different stakeholders to make the programme a huge success. Also today, I launched the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-to-Door Movement in our state. The group, which is being led nationally by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is a great platform to mobilise support for the re-election of President Tinubu and communicate the life-changing policies and programmes of the Federal Government to the people. I commended the leadership of the movement and tasked them to cooperate with all APC structures from the national leadership down to ward officials and polling unit committees. We are all working for a common goal. I also tasked the newly inaugurated executives of the movement at the state level to work hard in their mobilisation campaigns and convey the impacts of the Renewed Hope Agenda to all the nooks and crannies of Kwara.

I received a high-powered delegation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) led by Director General Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari. At least 10 former governors, former members of the National Assembly, and former party executives were part of the delegation, including Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Senator Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), Adamu Aleiro (Kebbi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Sani Yerima (Zamfara), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Hon. Dimeji Bankole, and Hon. Olubunmi Ette. I congratulated Senator Yari and other members of his team for being nominated into PCC, the highest organ of our campaign. It reflects the fact that our party recognises their capacities and contributions to nation building. We appreciate the courtesy visit by the PCC leadership to Kwara. Kwara is solidly behind APC. This is our stronghold and our popularity remains unmatched. And that's consistent from 2019 until the election. Nothing has changed except that PDP has continued to weaken. I highlighted the efforts of our administration to fix infrastructural decay in critical sectors, especially in education, health, and civil service. I specifically spoke about the success story of our technology-driven teachings in the public basic schools through the introduction of KwaraLEARN. Our people are happy with us. They can see measurable progress. I equally expressed my confidence in our gubernatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi. The future of our state is brighter with his emergence as flagbearer of the APC. Both SYD and the deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Seun Ogunniyi, are members of the State House of Assembly, and they are grounded in the politics and governance of the state. The trajectory is right, and continuity is what we look forward to. Following our meeting at the Government House, I led our visitors to pay homage to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR. I was glad to see His Royal Highness in high spirits. I thank our father for his warm reception, royal blessings and prayers for the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

Yesterday, I joined sons and daughters of Offa for the Annual Maulid Nabiyy celebration organised by the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Hussein. The Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, was also present at the event. I was pleased to hear the Chief Imam testify to our administration's track record of service and impactful projects in the community. It is a motivation to do more. At the event, I donated the sum of N50m to support the under-construction hospital project of the Chief Imam, which is a beautiful initiative to deepen access to quality healthcare in the community. I also offered N200,000 scholarship each to 50 students of the Arabic Institution of the Chief Imam. I thank HRM Olofa of Offa and the people of Offa for their warm reception, as well as their undying love and support for our government. Earlier on Friday evening, I joined the respected Khalifatul Adabiyyah Sheikh Mustapha Kamaludeen HabeebuLlah Al-Adabiy, notable scholars, students, and congregants for the weekly usrah of the Ansarul Islam founded by our late father, Sheikh Muhammad Habeebullah Kamaludeen Al-Adabiy. It was a proud moment to again pay my respect to this important community whose centenary was recently celebrated in Ilorin.

Today, I presented 25 additional Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Police to strengthen their mobility and help sustain the success in the fight against crimes. Our security agencies are doing a yeoman's job. We have made serious progress in the recent months in the area of security in Kwara. I thank the Police and other security agencies for their services. This is just the first set of vehicles to be delivered. We are doing this in stages. Other agencies will also benefit soon. Altogether we are giving about 100 vehicles to our security agencies. I charge them to make judicious use of the vehicles. To Kwarans, my message is simple: your support for our security agencies is key. I encourage you to share useful information with them at all times. Active intelligence gathering is the most important thing to nip security threats in the bud and make sure they do not degenerate. Together, we will make Kwara safer.

I send warm congratulations to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, on the emergence of the institution as the best in Nigeria for research quality in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2027. I also congratulate the Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and students of the University. This remarkable achievement is a testament to UNILORIN's sustained commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, innovation and the development of human capital. Our administration is particularly proud of the many strides recorded by the University in recent years and of the strong partnership and productive relationship that exists between the University and the Kwara State Government. I commend the entire University community for the outstanding accomplishment. I urge all the stakeholders to continue raising the bar in research, scholarship and innovation. I wish UNILORIN greater achievements in the years ahead. Congratulations!

Today, I joined our teachers and other education stakeholders to celebrate the World Teachers' Day 2026 in Ilorin. There, I presented award prizes of about N120m to the most outstanding teachers and head teachers/principals of basic and post-basic public and private schools across Kwara State. This gesture is in recognition of the sacrifices of our teachers and to motivate them to do more. I also announced our administration's plan to buy 10,000 worth shares of the Dangote Refinery IPO for 10 female teachers across our public schools. The plan will also be extended to retired female teachers in the state. We are doing this to promote investment culture among womenfolk. Teachers are, no doubt, major drivers in the education sector. Our government appreciates their contributions to human capital development at all times. We will continue to do our part, including improving teachers' welfare and working conditions on a sustainable basis. When we came into office, we knew that improving the education sector was a top priority. We also knew that this required more than building classrooms or increasing the number of teachers. We needed to improve the quality of teaching and learning itself as well as sustainably restore the dignity of our teachers. That informed our decision to recruit qualified teachers through a merit-based process, strengthen continuous professional development, improve school infrastructure and introduce technology and data into the management of basic education through KwaraLEARN. We have also ensured regular promotion of teachers, as well as implemented the 27.5% Teachers' Specific Allowance (TSA). The welfare and honour of our teachers remain a priority for our administration. I wish our teachers more rewarding and prosperous service to humanity.

Today, I joined fellow Kwarans and Nigerians for the celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day at the George Innih Stadium Ilorin. Independence Day is a time to celebrate our resilience, diversity and shared identity. It is also a time to renew our commitment to building the Nigeria we all desire. Despite our challenges, Nigerians continue to demonstrate courage, enterprise, creativity and determination—our greatest national assets. At 66, we have clearly come a long way, and this is not the time to falter. With dedication and unity of purpose, we will unlock our full potential, and build a stronger, better, and more prosperous Nigeria for present and future generations. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.

Earlier today, I was in Lafiagi Emirate to comfort our people affected by the recent flooding in Pututa, Tswako, Likpata, Godangi, and Ekko communities. The development is quite saddening. As an immediate response from our government, we have donated the sum of N10 million to immediately support residents affected by the natural disaster. I have also directed SEMA to take inventory of the losses for support to the victims. We will continue to work with relevant institutions and stakeholders at the federal level to ensure a lasting solution to the flood challenge, which we think is the dredging of the River Niger. I also donated a new coaster bus to the College of Education Technical Lafiagi to support mobility in the school, while also inspecting ongoing reconstruction works at the Lafiagi Stadium. I thank the people of Lafiagi Emirate. For their enduring support for our administration.

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, I had the honour of co-presenting Oluwakemi T. Amuda's _The Female Diplomat,_ a rich work written to chronicle the giant strides of 50 women who have distinguished themselves in public service, especially at the global level. The occasion offered me another platform to share our beautiful experience in Kwara to a bigger audience. I thank everyone for their kind words and solidarity. The stories in The Female Diplomat remind us that diplomacy is not only about states and institutions; it is also about people, representation, identity and, against all odds, the courage to occupy spaces where decisions are made. It was also a great honour to join Mr. Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for a meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora. I commended Nigerians in Diaspora for their hard work and remittances which continue to help our country in various ways, and for mostly being great ambassadors of our country.

I am deeply grateful for the honour done to me yesterday at my turbaning ceremony by His Royal Highness Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, my distinguished guests, family, friends and associates from the nooks and crannies of the country, and even beyond. I thank everyone for spending their precious time with us in Ilorin. Specifically, I express my profound gratitude to H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his warm congratulatory message and demonstration of goodwill by delegating His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, to represent him at the event. I also appreciate the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, ably represented by the wife of Mr. Vice President, Hajiah Nana Shettima. I thank my colleagues, Governor of Imo State and Chairman Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governor of Gombe State and Chairman Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF), H.E. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani; Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris; Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; Governor of Ekiti State, H.E. Biodun Oyebanji; and Governor of Plateau State, H.E. Caleb Mutfwang. I also appreciate my brothers who delegated their deputies to represent them on the occasion: Oyo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Anambra, Ondo, Kano, Nassarawa and Katsina States. The roll call also included a representative of the President of Ivory Coast, former Governor of Niger State, Senator Sani Bello, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Hon. Minister of Industry, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Chairman Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu, my friend and Chairman BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, as well as the Group Managing Director of KAM Holdings, Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf, and several others. I am grateful. I also thank our traditional leaders, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, His Imperial Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Gandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers led by its Vice Chairman, Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi II, the Council of Ulamah led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki. I also extend my appreciation to my dear wife, Her Excellency Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, who led a delegation of State First Ladies to the event, my deputy, His Excellency Elder Kayode Alabi, Speaker Kwara House of Assembly and APC gubernatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, our National and State Assembly members, my elder brother and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, other distinguished title holders of the Emirate present, including the Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Salman Juma'h, Zannah of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Lanre Shagaya, Kuliya of Ilorin Emirate, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN, Gaskiyah of Ilorin Emirate, Hon. Abdulganiyu Saka Cook Olododo, Dan Masani of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Yahaya Alapansanpa, Sarauniyah of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaja Muinat Bola Shagaya, Local Government Chairmen, security commanders, state cabinet members, all APC candidates, and several other well-wishers. Thank you all for adding glamour to the event with your presence. Above all, I am truly grateful to the Almighty Allaah and, again, to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for the rare honour of Sardaunan Ilorin. It is a call to do more in the service of our people, the Ilorin Emirate, our state, and our dear country Nigeria.

Yesterday, at a colourful ceremony in Ilorin, I was turbaned the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate. Going by the antecedents of those who have been honoured with this traditional title across Northern Nigeria, I'm immensely grateful to the Almighty Allaah and to His Royal Highness the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for the Sardaunan Ilorin title. I ask Allaah to guide me on the huge responsibilities that lie ahead. I send my profound appreciation to our lead guest, His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, my brother Governors, Hon. Ministers, the representative of the Vice President of Ivory Coast, the NRS chief, our royal fathers from across the length and breadth of the state and country, my friend Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, GCON, and other business leaders, the council of ulamah led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki, and other eminent personalities who graciously joined the celebration. I thank the people of Kwara State for their massive turnouts and solidarity. May Allaah (SWT) continue to uphold our Emir, the Emirate, and our state upon goodness. Aameen. It was also our absolute pleasure for His Excellency the Vice President to have inaugurated two key capital projects of our administration, the iconic State Garment Factory and the multi-storey Revenue House, which he said is one of the most beautiful edifices he has ever seen in the country. At full capacity, the Kwara State Garment Factory will hire 4,000 people and it is being positioned to make our state a hub for garment production. The two projects are only a fraction of the more than 30 capital projects of our administration spread across the state. Our focus is to build an ecosystem that makes Kwara a go-to place in Nigeria, serves our people, and further elevates our economy.

I express the appreciation of the people of Kwara State to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, over the commencement of construction work on the Oko Olowo Bridge. The project underscores Mr. President's love for the people of our state and his commitment to public welfare. Our advocacy on this bridge began since 2019. We again renewed this advocacy as the President settled down in office in 2023. I recall visiting the Hon. Minister HE David Umahi in 2024 in company of His Excellency Governor of Kogi State Ahmed Usman Ododo, Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya and Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko to further press for urgent construction of the bridge as well as Ilorin-Lokoja Road via Omu Aran. In a visit to the state in October 2025, the Hon. Minister assured us that work will soon begin on the bridge. So what is happening today is a dream come true and promise kept by the President and the Hon. Minister. We are grateful and we see this as an intentional effort to protect lives and property. It is a relief to tens of thousands of our people who live in that axis or travel along that road every other day. We are also confident that the Hon. Minister will graciously expedite action on our other requests, including the Ilorin-Lokoja via Omu Aran, for the good of our people. This Oko Olowo project is one of the many other dividends of democracy that our people have enjoyed, and it is another reason that the people of our state will vote massively for the President and all APC candidates in the coming election.

On behalf of my family, the government and people of Kwara State, as well as the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), I send hearty congratulations to His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his milestone 60th birthday anniversary today, September 2, 2026. I join His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and millions of Nigerians to salute Mr. Vice President for his patriotism, leadership, and commitment to public service and greater good. Across various leadership positions he has held both in private and public sectors, H.E. Kashim Shettima exemplified uncommon diligence, passion, erudition and knack for excellence. We thank His Excellency for his service to our country, admirable loyalty to Mr. President, great representation of Nigeria at international fora, and his remarkable blend of erudition and humour. I ask Almighty Allaah to grant H.E. Kashim Shettima many more fulfilling years, longer life, good health, and more grace.

I am saddened by the tragic collapse of a 3-storey building in Popo Giwa area of Ilorin, earlier today. My heart goes out to victims of the very sad incident. I have paid a get-well-visit to those injured during the building collapse. I wished them safe and quick recovery. Our government is giving them the necessary medical care and support to ensure they are stable and recover promptly. A delegation of the state government led by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, had earlier visited the scene of the tragic incident to assess the situation and empathise with the community. I commend all our first responders from the State Emergency Management Agency to the State Fire Service, the Ilorin West Local Government authorities, and all our community volunteers for the coordinated rescue efforts. It is a reflection of our values as a people who solidarise with one another during moments of need and grief. I ask Almighty Allaah to comfort families who are bereaved from the incident. Again, this is another pointer to the fact that we must take safety protocols seriously in construction. Our administration is irrevocably committed to upholding standards always to keep our people safe. We appeal for your cooperation and support as citizens.

I congratulate the Muslim community in Kwara State and beyond on the occasion of the Annual Maulid Nabiyy. The birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was very significant in the history of the human race. He brought guidance to mankind and led an exemplary life, which continues to influence generations of Muslims. I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to use this occasion to reflect on the teachings and virtues of the Prophet, especially his rare compassion, show of understanding, tolerance, and self-restraint. I ask Allaah to continue to bless the noble Prophet. I wish everyone a blessed Maulid Nabiyy.

I join family, friends and associates to extend hearty congratulations to my former Chief Press Secretary and APC House of Representatives candidate for Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Rafiu Ajakaye, on being awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in History and Diplomacy at the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies of Lagos State University (LASU). This milestone academic achievement is a reflection of his commitment, hard work, tenacity, and deep passion for knowledge and personal growth. Highly resourceful and vibrant, Ajakaye was — and still is — a steady hand for our administration. I believe the vast knowledge and experience he has gained from this academic journey prepares him adequately for the next phase of his career and public leadership. I wish Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye the very best in his future endeavours. I'm proud of this great feat!

I am saddened by the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Halimat Goni Soba Sulu-Gambari, one of the widows of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Zulqarnain Gambari Mohammed. Her Royal Highness typified the rare grace, excellence, and generosity by which royalties are known. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Emir, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), the immediate royal family, and the people of Ilorin Emirate on the passing of Her Royal Highness. I beseech Allaah to admit Queen Halimat Goni Soba Sulu-Gambari to al-jannah Firdaus and give the family the patience to handle the sad development.