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Kwara State

State of Harmony

Influencer Talha
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Influencer Talha
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Contents
« Governance »« Education »« Governance »« Culture • Tourism »« Education »« Governance »« Culture • Tourism »« Education »« Governance »« Economy »« Culture • Tourism »« Education »« Governance »« Local Government Areas »« Map of Kwara »« Geography • Demographic • Population »« Economy »« Culture • Tourism »« Education »« Governance »« History »« Local Government Areas »« Map of Kwara »« Geography • Demographic • Population »« Economy »« Culture • Tourism »« Education »« Governance »« Quick Facts »« History »« Local Government Areas »« Map of Kwara »« Geography • Demographic • Population »« Economy »« Culture • Tourism »« Education »« Governance »

Kwara State is home to several notable educational institutions, fostering a strong academic environment in Nigeria including the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), which is one of Nigeria’s premier federal universities and known for its high academic standards.

Other notable institutions include Kwara State University (KWASU), Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARAPOLY), Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA), Kwara State College of Education (KWACOED). These institutions collectively contribute to the state’s reputation as a hub of learning and intellectual growth.

« Governance »

The state operates under a democratic system with an executive governor and a legislative assembly. Kwara has 16 local government areas (LGAs), each administered by a local government council. The state government focuses on improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development.

Kwara State has been governed by a diverse array of leaders since its creation. Here is a comprehensive list of the governors who have shaped the state’s political landscape over the years.

GovernorTenureTitle
David Bamigboye–1967-1975–Military Governor
Ibrahim Taiwo–1975- 1976–Military Governor
George Agbazika Innih–1976-1978–Military Governor
Sunday Ifere–1978- 1979–Military Governor
Adamu Atta–1979- 1983–Civilian Governor
Cornelius Adebayo–October 1983 – December 1983–Civilian Governor
Salaudeen Latinwo–1984-1985–Military Governor
Mohammed Umaru–1985-1987–Military Governor
Ahmed Abdullahi–1987- 1988–Military Governor
Ibrahim Alkali–1988-1989–Military Governor
Alwali Kazir–1989-1992–Military Governor
Shaaba Lafiagi–1992- 1993–Civilian Governor
Mustapha Ismail–1993-1994–Military Governor
Baba Adamu Iyam–1994- 1996–Military Governor
Peter Ogah–1996-1998–Military Governor
Rasheed Shekoni–1998-1999–Military Governor
Mohammed Lawal–1999-2003–Civilian Governor
Bukola Saraki–2003-2011–Civilian Governor
Abdulfatah Ahmed–2011-2019–Civilian Governor
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq–2019 till date–Civilian Governor

Kwara State boasts a rich cultural heritage, with various traditional festivals, dances, and music. The state is known for its vibrant cultural expressions, including the Durbar festival, which is a colorful display of horsemanship and traditional regalia; the traditional wrestling competition Ijakadi festival; and the Awon Mass Wedding in Shao.

Tourist attractions in Kwara include the Esie Museum, famous for its ancient stone carvings; Owu Waterfalls, one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in West Africa; and the Sobi Hill, the largest landform in Ilorin. There is also Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro, Agbonna Hill, and Ero Omola Waterfall another notable tourist destination in the region.

« Education »

Kwara State is home to several notable educational institutions, fostering a strong academic environment in Nigeria including the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), which is one of Nigeria’s premier federal universities and known for its high academic standards.

Other notable institutions include Kwara State University (KWASU), Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARAPOLY), Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA), Kwara State College of Education (KWACOED). These institutions collectively contribute to the state’s reputation as a hub of learning and intellectual growth.

« Governance »

The state operates under a democratic system with an executive governor and a legislative assembly. Kwara has 16 local government areas (LGAs), each administered by a local government council. The state government focuses on improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development.

Kwara State has been governed by a diverse array of leaders since its creation. Here is a comprehensive list of the governors who have shaped the state’s political landscape over the years.

GovernorTenureTitle
David Bamigboye–1967-1975–Military Governor
Ibrahim Taiwo–1975- 1976–Military Governor
George Agbazika Innih–1976-1978–Military Governor
Sunday Ifere–1978- 1979–Military Governor
Adamu Atta–1979- 1983–Civilian Governor
Cornelius Adebayo–October 1983 – December 1983–Civilian Governor
Salaudeen Latinwo–1984-1985–Military Governor
Mohammed Umaru–1985-1987–Military Governor
Ahmed Abdullahi–1987- 1988–Military Governor
Ibrahim Alkali–1988-1989–Military Governor
Alwali Kazir–1989-1992–Military Governor
Shaaba Lafiagi–1992- 1993–Civilian Governor
Mustapha Ismail–1993-1994–Military Governor
Baba Adamu Iyam–1994- 1996–Military Governor
Peter Ogah–1996-1998–Military Governor
Rasheed Shekoni–1998-1999–Military Governor
Mohammed Lawal–1999-2003–Civilian Governor
Bukola Saraki–2003-2011–Civilian Governor
Abdulfatah Ahmed–2011-2019–Civilian Governor
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq–2019 till date–Civilian Governor

Agriculture and Commerce form the bulk of the economic engagements of the inhabitants of Kwara state. Crops cultivated in Kwara state include rice, maize, yam, cassava, sorghum, tobacco, kolanut while cotton weaving, pottery making, and the making of raffia mats are the traditional crafts.

The mineral deposits include limestone, quartz, feldspar, clay, gold, marble, granite, columbite, tantalite, cassiterite, microlite, wolframite, limonite, Dolomite, Talc, glass sand, gravel and kaolin.  

The state has several industries which include a Tuyil Pharmaceutical, Kam Wire Holding and so on. Trade also flourishes in Kwara state with the state hosting several markets such as the Owode market Ilorin, Oja tuntun market Ilorin, Ilesha Baruba International Cattle market, Kara market, Ijomu-oro town market, and the Ipata market Ilorin.

Kwara State is rapidly emerging as a thriving hub for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. This growth is driven by strategic government policies, an enabling business environment, and substantial investments in infrastructure. The state’s unique geographical position, serving as a gateway between the northern and southern regions of the country, enhances its accessibility and market reach.