The Kwara State Government has flagged off the distribution of about two thousand computer devices for public senior secondary schools in the state to equip teachers and students with digital literacy skills.
At least 70 public schools cutting across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state will receive 25 gadgets apiece in the first phase of the educational intervention.
The project is being implemented by the State Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning And Employment (AGILE) project under the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.
Performing the flag-off in Ilorin, the state capital, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s global economy, noting that education remains the bedrock of sustainable development.
The Governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi, at the event said the programme further attests to the commitment of the administration to transforming education through innovation, technology, and strategic investment in human capital.
“The future belongs to those who can leverage technology to solve problems, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society. It is for this reason that our administration continues to prioritize investments that improve learning outcomes and prepare our young people for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
“We are not merely distributing digital devices, we are equipping our children with the tools they need to compete and excel in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven world.”the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq implored the affected schools and students to use the instruments for learning, creativity, innovation, and self-development.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, on his part, said the AGILE project is designed to improve girls’ access to quality education, enhance learning outcomes and equip them with relevant skills for their future.
Calling it a substantial investment in the education system, Olohungbebe said the facilities will enable teachers and students to integrate technology into teaching and learning, develop digital competencies, and acquire creativity and problem-solving skills required in today’s world.
According to him, the gadgets that will be distributed across the selected schools include 1,755 all-in-one desktop computers, 70 printers, 70 projectors, and 70 motorized projector screens.
He said the government has already installed a 10kVA solar power system, internet connectivity, and CCTV cameras in each of these schools, apart from equipping their teachers (three per school) with the necessary skills.
“The Government of Kwara State recognises that digital literacy is now an essential component of quality education. Our children must not only have access to education; they must also acquire the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital world,” he said, declaring, however, that the exercise will be continuous.
Olohungbebe commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued investments in human capital development towards the transformation of the education sector.
He called on the beneficiary schools and host communities to take ownership of the equipment and ensure that they are used primarily for the intended educational purposes.
State Coordinator for Kwara AGILE project, Adeshina Azeez Salami, in his remarks, said the office continues to bank on the support of the state government to thrive, commending Governor AbdulRazaq for setting a pace in the sector.
He also thanked the Commissioner, Dr. Olohungbebe and all members of the state project steering committee for the AGILE for supporting them to achieve this far.
“On behalf of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), I thank you all for your presence in today’s event which is a testimony to the good works of the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, our amiable Governor of Kwara State,” Salami said.
On her part, the Project Communications Officer, Ayobami Ashaolu noted that Kwara AGILE has continued to receive strong backing from the state, with the governor investing hugely in girls’ education and empowerment across the state. She added that the project is structured around different sub-components, each addressing critical needs in girls’ education and empowerment.
Speaking on the progress recorded so far, she commended the Digital Literacy Officer, Jamiu Oladayo Onaolapo, for his proactive approach, particularly his close collaboration with principals and master trainers of the 70 schools to ensure the success of the digital literacy component.
Also present at the event were the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Shehu Ndanusa Usman; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Rebecca Bake; Executive Director of the Agency for Mass Education (AME), Mallam Yusuf Saka and Chairman of Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Mallam Taoheed Abubakar, who was represented by Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Issa Abdulrahman.
Highlight of the event was a symbolic presentation of devices to selected schools, such as United Secondary School, Ilorin; Government Girls Day Secondary School, Oke-suna; Government Day Secondary School, Tanke; and St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin.
Also, the Kwara State Government, through the Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, has intensified its commitment to improving milk and meat production in the state by equipping pastoralists with knowledge and practical skills in artificial insemination (AI) and the management of improved cattle breeds during a three-day capacity-building workshop held in Ilorin.
The three-day workshop, conducted by Skystream Global Concept Limited, was aimed at exposing and equipping pastoralists with modern livestock technologies to boost animal productivity in the livestock business.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, and Chairperson of the Kwara SAPZ Technical Committtee, Honourable Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the training was the first phase of the state government’s commitment to updating pastoralists on modern approaches and technologies for cattle production and improved meat and milk productivity among the practitioners in the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, the Commissioner explained that the sixty-eight participants comprised pastoralists and livestock extension agents who were drawn from across the sites of Kwara SAPZ project locations: Olodan in Ifelodun LGA; Afon in Asa LGA, Gidan Magajiya in Baruten LGA; Kinnikinni in Kaiama LGA and Malete in Moro LGA.
The Commissioner who applauded the state government for keying into the National Policy on Livestock Development, stated that the government’s giant stride in the livestock sector has liberalised and revolutionised the industry as the sector now attracts increasing number of people, who see ample opportunities in the industry.
Exposing the pastoralists to the height of success and opportunities in livestock farming, the Commissioner sensitised them that the industry was no longer limited to subsistence or domestic production but has significant potential as a viable commercial enterprise.
She then charged the pastoralists on resilience and devotion, adding that with the knowledge gained, the vision of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, towards enhanced productivity in dairy and beef production will come to a reality.
Welcoming participants to the workshop, the State Project Coordinator, Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Engr Busari Toyin Isiaka, disclosed that the training focused on key factors affecting livestock productivity, including good feeding, a conducive production environment, and improved genetics for reproductive efficiency.
Busari, explained that the training was designed to provide participants with step-by-step knowledge and practical skills in the application of AI and mastery of improved cattle breed management for increased animal, milk and meat production. He emphasised that since Kwara-SAPZ Project is livestock value chain-focused, “it is our responsibility to enlighten the pastoralists on how to manage improved breeds and support their transition from traditional cattle-rearing practices to commercial oriented and productive livestock management systems.”
He thanked the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is the Chairman, Kwara-SAPZ Steering Committee, for regular payment of counterpart and provision of necessary facilities to ensure smooth implementation, stating that the training will be annual with support for each of the Kwara SAPZ trainings.
The coordinator also observed that the ATCs, which serve as raw material-producing sites, would create market and investment opportunities for actors across the livestock value-chain both nationally and internationally.
”The participants are expected to leave the programme as better-equipped pastoralists who can harness the available modern livestock technologies to shoot up gains in the enterprise. Therefore, the knowledge gained will be cascaded to the grassroots levels”, he explained.
In his remark, the Lead Consultant, Skystream Global Concept Limited, Dr. Bolaji Afolabi, said the sixty-eight participants were lucky to meet with and have various practical and interactive sessions with technologists, animal scientists, and other experts in animal and milk production, urging them to see farming as a business.
Dr. Afolabi disclosed that when pastoralists in the State are exposed to better trends and practices, they would be better equipped and contribute to bridging the gap between Nigeria’s dairy industry and global standards particularly through the adoption of improved and crossbred cattle for enhanced milk production.
The resource persons, Dr. Bolaji Afolabi; Mr. John Adekunle; Mr Yiosese and Dr. Ibrahim Ayanda had sessions with the participants on AI Equipment Handling, Liquid Nitrogen Management; Semen handling and Thawing, Economics of AI, and others.
The high points of the workshop were practical demonstrations of artificial insemination and symbolic presentation of certificates to participants.
Also in attendance at the occasion were the Director, Livestock Services, Mallam Umar Ahmed Mohammed; Director, Veterinary Services Dr. Abdullateef Olugbon; and other staff members of the Kwara-SAPZ.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Dr. Bola Ahmed Abdulkadir, has assured the Kwara State Association of the Deaf (KWSAD) of the hospital’s commitment to improving healthcare services for persons with hearing impairment.
Dr. Abdulkadir gave the assurance when he received the association’s delegation, led by its Chairman, Comr. Hassan Ridwan, during a courtesy visit to the hospital.
The Chairman of the association in his speech called for the provision of sign language interpreters and effective communication during consultations and treatment. The association also requested employment opportunities for its qualified members, greater cooperation between its members and the hospital and the prioritisation of accessible healthcare services for deaf persons, with a view to making the hospital KWASUTH a model for inclusive healthcare delivery among government hospitals in Nigeria.
In his response, the CMD of the hospital assured them that their requests would be carefully considered and that the hospital would engage the appropriate government authorities on matters requiring government intervention. Dr. Abdulkadir emphasised that effective communication is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment and quality healthcare delivery, assuring the association of the hospital’s commitment to improving services for persons with hearing impairment. The visit culminated in the presentation of an Award of Appreciation to the CMD in recognition of KWASUTH’s contributions to effective healthcare delivery in Kwara State.
Furthermore, Kwara State Government has commenced a three-day capacity-building training for personnel implementing the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) 2.0 Programme, urging them to prioritise professionalism, transparency, accountability and effective delivery of interventions to poor and vulnerable households across the State.
The training brings together officials from the various NG-CARES Technical Delivery Platforms, resource persons and other key stakeholders to strengthen their technical and operational capacity and improve programme implementation.
Declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC), Dr. Hauwa Nuru, commended the governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,for his continued commitment to improving citizens’ welfare and strengthening public financial management.
Dr. Nuru noted that the administration inherited significant salary, pension and gratuity arrears, as well as weaknesses in financial controls and public confidence in government finances.
She said the administration, through strong leadership, fiscal discipline and sustained reforms, had made significant progress in addressing these challenges.
She disclosed that all inherited pre-2019 salary and pension arrears at both the State and Local Government levels had been fully settled, while approximately ₦4 billion in pension arrears and over ₦28 billion in gratuity liabilities dating back to 2008 had been paid.
The Commissioner also highlighted the administration’s strong focus on workers’ welfare, noting that the State implemented the ₦30,000 minimum wage and, in 2024, the ₦70,000 minimum wage, alongside consequential adjustments.
She added that the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance introduced in 2025 brought the effective minimum wage to about ₦91,000. According to her, the administration had also implemented 100 per cent CONMESS and CONHESS for eligible health-sector professionals, while undertaking reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in public financial management, including IPSAS implementation, regular publication of budget performance reports and continued digitalisation of financial management processes. Dr. Nuru said these reforms provide the broader context for the government’s people-centred development agenda and its commitment to the objectives of NG-CARES 2.0.
She explained that the programme, through various interventions, provides an important platform for reducing poverty, strengthening social protection, expanding livelihood opportunities and building resilience among poor and vulnerable households. The Commissioner particularly commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his continued support for NG-CARES 2.0, including the timely release of funds to the various Delivery Platforms, which she said had facilitated implementation activities and the organisation of the capacity-building programme.
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