Kwara Government showcases achievements in education, other sectors

The Kwara State government has outlined its key accomplishments in education and other sectors under the second term of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. This was highlighted during a two-day ministerial press briefing in Ilorin, organized by the state’s Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju.

At the event, which started on Tuesday, various commissioners presented reports on their progress over the past five months since assuming office.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development detailed the government’s efforts to improve public schools through construction and renovation projects. She noted that the state sponsored the Placement Examination (Common Entrance) for primary 6 pupils and subsidized the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for JSS 3 students in public secondary schools.

Modibbo-Kawu also highlighted the state’s recognition of academic excellence, presenting a cash award of ₦1,000,000 to Adesina Shalom, a student at Rehoboth College, Ilorin, who earned distinctions in nine subjects in the 2023 West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Additionally, the commissioner mentioned the prompt release of feeding allowances to students in select schools, including Government Secondary School, Ilorin, and the Kwara State School for Special Needs, as well as the timely issuance of the 2024 academic calendar. She also discussed the launch of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) program, aimed at addressing learning gaps and improving access to quality education, and the inauguration of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), which seeks to expand educational opportunities for girls.

The Commissioner for Finance, Hauwa Nuru, highlighted the government’s commitment to prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions, noting that Kwara maintains the lowest debt profile in the region, thanks to prudent financial management. She emphasized ongoing investments in infrastructure to boost revenue, create jobs, and attract investment to the state.

In his presentation, Commissioner for Water Resources Usman Lade revealed that the state has developed a 30-year water and investment master plan in collaboration with the African Development Bank (ADB), set to be unveiled soon. He also reported the construction of 10 smart toilets in selected local government areas to combat open defecation and the provision of operational motorcycles for Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) staff to enhance water services.

Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Afees Alabi, shared plans to strengthen the state’s solid minerals sector through an executive order. He noted the government’s partnership with investors to explore Kwara’s rich natural resources and engage 30 mineral operators to ensure data-driven operations. He also mentioned efforts to tackle illegal mining with the help of security agencies, as well as plans to encourage women’s participation in the mining sector.

Wrapping up the event, Commissioner for Communications Bolanle Olukoju reiterated that the Governor Abdulrazaq led administration remains committed to transparency and accountability, underscoring the importance of the briefing in keeping the public informed about the government’s progress.