Voice Of The People

09/09/2025

*KWEPA, Kwara Poly Sign MoU to Launch National Diploma in Environmental Health*

The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, to establish a new academic programme, National Diploma (ND) in Environmental Health. The initiative represents a major step toward building capacity in the environmental sector by equipping young Nigerians with the technical skills and practical knowledge needed for effective environmental health management.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the General Manager of KWEPA, Hon. Jide Aina, described the partnership as a strategic effort to train a new generation of environmental health officers who will tackle critical issues such as waste management, pollution control, and environmental sustainability. He affirmed KWEPA’s commitment to providing technical support, mentorship, and hands-on field experience to ensure students gain maximum benefit from the programme.

In his remarks, the representative of the Rector of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Kudabo Emmanuel Ajeigbe praised KWEPA for its forward-thinking approach to environmental health education. He assured that the Polytechnic is fully prepared to provide the academic structure, qualified faculty, and a conducive learning environment required for the successful delivery of the programme and noted that the curriculum will integrate both theoretical and practical components to produce well-rounded graduates who will become environmental health advocates within and beyond Kwara State.

Both institutions pledged to work collaboratively to ensure the smooth take-off and effective implementation of the programme and emphasized the importance of producing competent professionals who can support government efforts in creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities. The ND programme is also expected to create employment opportunities for young people and foster research and innovation in environmental management.

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of KWEPA and the Kwara State Polytechnic to advancing human capital development, environmental protection, and sustainable growth. With the MoU now in place, both parties will commence work on curriculum development, accreditation processes, and other groundwork ahead of the launch of the programme and the admission of its pioneer students.

Aliyu Jamiu Amode
Press Secretary, KWEPA
07034563009

09/09/2025

Higher pass rate, more attempts recorded as Kwara releases 2025 BECE result

▪︎enrolment has risen by 27% under Gov Abdulrazaq: Olohungbebe

Kwara State Government released the results for the 2025 BECE on Monday, with pass rates in core subjects like Mathematics and English surging by many points among the students.

According to official data from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the results also showed 27% rise in enrolment rate in the examination, including among female students.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe said in a statement heralding the results that the gains underscore the investments of the Abdulrazaq administration in the education sector.

The gains in the performance, learning outcomes, and rising attempts are a pointer to the efforts of all the stakeholders, especially Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, according to Dr. Olohungbebe.

"Between 2019 and 2025, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has experienced sustained growth and gradual gains in equity," he said.

"Total enrolment expanded by 26.28%, rising from 45,761 candidates in 2019 to 57,787 in 2025. Over the same period, the female share of candidates increased steadily — from 47.89% to 48.33% —indicating that the growth in participation continues to include more girls each year.

"Focusing on the most recent cycle, 2025 recorded another step up. Total enrolment grew from 56,508 in 2024 to 57,787 in 2025, while attendance improved in most subjects; for example, English recorded a rise in the present rate from 95.29% to 96.09%.

"These access gains were matched by achievement gains. Pass rates improved across several core subjects, with increases of +2.23 percentage points (pp) in Mathematics, +2.94 pp in English, +4.51 pp in National Values, +3.72 pp in History, and +3.33 pp in Pre-Vocational Studies.

"Importantly, the average scores (mean) also moved up in these subjects — most notably in English, Mathematics, National Values, and Pre-Vocational Studies—showing that the improvements are not merely at the pass threshold but reflect a broader shift in overall performance.

"In summary, the system is trending in the right direction: more candidates are entering and sitting the examinations, and a larger share is achieving success, with meaningful improvements concentrated in the core subjects that matter most for progression.

"Continued attention to attendance, targeted support for subjects with smaller gains, and consolidation of the practices that produced the 2025 improvements will help sustain and extend this positive trajectory."

He, therefore, called on all Principals of Junior Secondary Schools to come to the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, as from Thursday 11th September, 2025 for the collection of their students results.

"Collection of results is free of charge, as well as scratch cards for checking the results, the Commissioner warned" .

In her own remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs. Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake expressed happiness with this year's Basic Education Certificate Examinations, appreciating the Director, Curriculum and Assessment Department, Mrs. Adewuyi Victoria Funmilayo and the entire staff of the Department for their commitments at ensuring that this year's BECE Examinations were successful.

Peter Amogbonjaye
PressSecretary,
Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

07/09/2025

07/09/2025

Words Beyond His Years: Meet the 6-Year-Old Scrabble Prodigy Who Turned Words Into Gold for Kwara at NYG 2025.

07/09/2025

Over 100,000 Kwarans now enrolled in health insurance scheme: Dr Jetawo-Winter

Executive Secretary, Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA), Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, has said the agency has so far registered more than 100,000 residents in the state's health insurance scheme.

She said the beneficiaries of the scheme cut across students, people in the informal sector, persons living with disabilities, and private organizations, among other categories.

Dr Jetawo-Winter said Kwara continues to witness donor support in the health sector under Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq because of the government’s investments in the sector.

“Today, we have more than 100,000 beneficiaries enjoying health (insurance) in the state, starting from students in our tertiary institutions, the informal sector, private organizations, with all civil servants and their families joining it very soon,” she said in Ijomu Oro, in Irepodun Local Government, at an engagement, which the agency organized in collaboration with the European Union (EU-SARAH Initiative).

"In the last few years, Kwara has continued to witness unprecedented donor support in our health sector to serve different population segments such as under-5 children, young women and pregnant mothers, the physically challenged, those living with different diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and many more. One of such support is the EU-SARAH initiative, being powered by the European Union with technical assistance from UNICEF and UNFPA.

“The accomplishments of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency and the scheme under this administration have made Kwara State more attractive to the support from international donor organizations."

Last week, the team interacted with the people of Afon, Reke, and Aboto-oja communities in Asa Local Government on the need to enrol in the scheme.

“This target population is the future of any society, but often times neglected or forgotten. So, it is a deliberate attempt to crush infant, neonatal, and maternal deaths in our dear state,” she said.

She explained that 15,000 out of the target population – supported through EU-SARAH Initiative – will get free access to quality healthcare services for the next few years at healthcare facilities close to where they live.

Dr Jetawo-Winter commended AbdulRazaq’s commitment to the infrastructural development and manpower of medical facilities, adding: “From primary healthcare centres to tertiary hospitals, our Governor is intentional about the health and safety of the citizens.”

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Kwara House of Assembly member, representing Irepodun Constituency, Hon Shola Odetundun; Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; Barrister Teju Oguntoye; Hon. Olabode Adekanye; Prince Samuel Alebiosu; APC Chairperson in Irepodun, Hajia Rasheedat Kareem; General Manager, The Herald Newspapers, Mr Yomi Adeboye; and President, Kwara South Youth Organisation, Abolarin Dan-Sarafa.

Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye ll, was represented at the event by Eesa of Oro, High Chief Samuel Taiye, while Baale Ijomu Oro, High Chief Matthew Taiye Ademola and High Samuel Oguniyi were also present.

Hon Odetundun and Barrister Oguntoye, in their separate remarks, appreciated the impressive turnout of the people of the communities at the sensitisation, urging them to take advantage of the health insurance scheme.

Oloro of Oro, Oba Titiloye, appealed to the people of the community to embrace the programme which offers health care services at an affordable cost.

He commended the Governor’s passionate drive for development, particularly in health sector, asking
all citizens to continue to support the government.

Oloriewe Raheem lauded AbdulRazaq for various developmental initiatives across all key sectors.

While imploring people to enrol in the programme, Oloriewe said the partnership of EU-SARAH with the state health insurance agency was in recognition of the government's huge investment in the health sector.

Mashood, Abdulrafiu Agboola
Deputy Chief Press Secretary
Government House Ilorin
September 7, 2025.

07/09/2025

*Words Beyond His Years: Meet the 6-Year-Old Scrabble Prodigy Who Turned Words Into Gold for Kwara at NYG 2025*

By Olayinka Fafoluyi

Six-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf, a scrabble prodigy from Kwara and the youngest athlete at the ongoing 9th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, has not only proven that age doesn’t define mastery of words but has also struck gold for Kwara State in a contest dominated by older competitors.

While most children his age are just beginning to learn basic vocabulary, Abdulsalam has already mastered complex words that even seasoned scrabble players three times his age would admire. He has not only represented his state in the highest-level national youth competition but also clinched a gold medal, showcasing his exceptional command of language.

Abdulsalam is a primary one student of Bethel Primary School, Offa. Known for his strategic thinking, sharp eye, calm and playful demeanor, and impressive vocabulary, the young wordsmith attributes his success to his unwavering love for the game, relentless determination, rigorous training, and the strong support of his parents, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji.

Abdulsalam’s brilliance and way with words didn’t just impress the judges and scrabble enthusiasts across the country — it also placed Kwara firmly on the map as a state that prioritises youth education and talent development. His remarkable victory stands as a testament to Governor AbdulRazaq’s sustained investment in the education and empowerment of Kwara’s young people over the years.

Fafoluyi is the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor

07/09/2025

Kwara Governor’s Aide Akeweje Takes Voter Registration Campaign to APC Oro Ward 2 Meeting

•Harmonises party’s grassroots mobilisers

•Set to partner transport associations on voter registration

Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, Senior Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on New Media, has taken the ongoing voter registration campaign to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oro Ward 2 meeting in Irepodun Local Government Area, ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The meeting, attended by APC faithful and loyalists of Governor AbdulRazaq in Oro Ward 2, provided Hon. Olayinka—who also holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Aran-Orin Land—the opportunity to promote peace and unity among party members and harmonise the efforts of the party's grassroots mobilisers.

Addressing the gathering, the enthusiastic Akeweje revealed plans to collaborate with transport associations in Oro Ward 2 and across Irepodun Local Government. According to him, the partnership aims to increase voter registration numbers and fast-track the registration process for the benefit of the party.

Akeweje expressed appreciation to party members in Oro Ward 2 for their overwhelming support of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration. He assured them that the Governor remains committed to rewarding their loyalty and support for his government and the APC—the largest political party in West Africa.

He also thanked the APC faithful for warmly receiving him as always and reiterated that Governor AbdulRazaq is the undisputed leader of the party in Kwara State. Therefore, he said, party members are expected to follow his lead. He urged them to ensure full support and votes for all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

06/09/2025

02/09/2025

KWASUTH ICU Facility Now Available for Use - Kwara Govt

The Kwara State Government has announced the availability of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Ilorin, marking another milestone in the present administration’s commitments to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

In a statement issued today from the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the ICU facility is now fully set for use by the public, describing it as a critical addition to the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

“This development is a significant step, in our drive to expand access to quality healthcare services, for our people.” It stated further.

According to the statement signed by the Press Secretary of the ministry, Saad Hamdalat, the ICU will provide lifesaving support to patients in critical conditions, while also boosting the capacity of our health workers, to deliver efficient and advanced care.”

It however commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, for his sustained investment in the health sector, noting that the establishment of the ICU at KWASUTH is part of broader reforms, aimed at upgrading facilities across the state.

The press statement further assured Kwara residents that, this administration remains committed at ensuring that, medical services in Kwara State, continue to meet the required standard, adding that, the availability of an ICU within the State teaching hospital, will also support medical training, research and clinical practices.

“Kwara State Government is determined to ensure that no citizen is denied critical care, due to lack of required facilities. This ICU will serve as a beacon of hope to families and communities, especially in emergencies.” The statement added.

The state government therefore urge members of the public to take advantage of the KWASUTH upgraded facilities and charged health workers to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and care, in service delivery.

Saad Hamdalat
Press sec, MOH

02/09/2025

Gov AbdulRazaq holds security meeting, commends operatives amid clearance op, arrests

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday held a marathon security council meeting to receive updates on various efforts to strengthen public safety.

The meeting was attended by all the security commanders as well as top government officials in the state, including the Secretary to the State Government and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

The Governor received extensive briefings from the police, state security service, Army, Navy, Air Force, NSCDC, Immigration Service, NDLEA, and officials from the National Security Adviser — while insights were also taken from key government officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Special Adviser on Security, Senior Special Assistant on Security, and others.

The commanders gave details of all ongoing operations across the state, including multiple arrests, prosecutions, and intercepts of arms from hostile nonstate actors.

The Governor commended the security forces for their sacrifice, saying they deserve all the support that they get as they put in everything to ensure that the people are safe.

He called for continued vigilance and support from the public, including giving actionable and timely intelligence.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
September 2, 2025