Kwara gov pledges more funding for healthcare, education

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced on Saturday plans to increase investment in the state’s primary healthcare facilities, as well as in basic, secondary, and tertiary education.

In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor following AbdulRazaq’s attendance at the 13th Igbomina Day held on Saturday in Iludun Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, the governor urged Kwarans to maintain their support for the government as it addresses security issues.

He also commended the Igbomina people for their industrious spirit and longstanding culture of self-help, which he said contributes to their success in education and enterprise.

The Igbominas, who are spread from Osun State to Kwara, represent one of the ethnic groups that make up the state.

“I urge you not to abandon the impressive legacy of self-help passed down by your forebears. National unity is also essential, with less emphasis on ethnic divisions, which often lead to disunity and underdevelopment,” AbdulRazaq said.

“This government is for everyone, including the people of Igbomina, who are not only well-represented but have also benefitted significantly from our rural and urban development initiatives,” he added.

The governor listed several road projects in Igbomina land, including Arandun-Esie-Oro Road, Owu Fall Road, Orisa Bridge in Oro Ago, Omu Aran Oko Road, Owode Ofaro-Alabe Road, and Ajase-Ipo Okeiya Road.

“I am impressed by today’s gathering, and I congratulate the people of Igbomina land on this occasion. I need not stress the importance of fostering a sense of community and collaboration, which is what this event represents,” he added.

AbdulRazaq said the Igbomina Day celebration exemplifies how communal bonds can be maintained and collaboration encouraged for greater goals.

He particularly commended the Igbomina monarchs for their support, especially the Olupo of Ajase Ipo and Chairman of the Igbomina Traditional Council, Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu.

The governor also expressed his condolences to the Igbomina people on the recent death of Chief Luqman Balogun (Jagun), leader of the hunters, and prayed for his soul’s repose, adding that his legacy will be remembered.
He expressed appreciation for the people’s ongoing engagement and support, which he said has been instrumental to the government’s success.

AbdulRazaq called on all citizens, including the Igbomina, to always embrace peace and avoid ethnic divisions in the interest of national unity and development.

Among those present at the cultural event were national and state parliamentarians, senior government officials, traditional rulers from Kwara South, and captains of industry. Notable attendees included Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, represented by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye; Senator Saliu Mustapha, represented by Barrister Abdulkareem Alabi; Senator Lola Ashiru; Senator Sadiq Umar; Hon. Raheem Ajulo-opin; the Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; Elese of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola Awuni (Arepo II); Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti; Olupako of Share, Oba Haruna Olawale Sulyman; Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye; and other royal fathers from Kwara South. The event also featured Chief Oladimeji Igbaja, founder of Al-Hikmah University and Chairman of the Day; National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Elder Gabriel Yemi Jimoh (JP); and Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin, among others