••• Hails SSA Ishola Kayode
Kwara Futures Exhibition: Gov. AbdulRazaq , Rewards Top 20 Schools with Cash, Laptops
The Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON has lauded organizers of the 2025 Kwara Future Exhibition for a job well-done.
The Governor joined policymakers, dignitaries at the State Banquet Hall in Ilorin on Wednesday to celebrate the success of the Kwara Futures Exhibition (part of the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme), where he personally presented cash and laptop rewards to the top 20 schools that participated.
The Governor specifically hailed his Senior Special Adviser on Digital Innovation, Hon. Babatunde Ishola Kayode, for the successful execution of the programme, describing the student innovations as unbelievable.
The event featured the launching of “Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme,” operating under the theme: “From Curiosity to Capability: Nurturing Digital Talent for a Safer and Brighter Future.”
In his remarks, AbdulRazaq praised Kwara’s youth as the cornerstone of the state’s digital transformation, highlighting ongoing government investments in the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Digital hubs and skills training, International partnerships and cross-border funding.
He stated that these efforts have already positioned Kwara as Nigeria’s leading innovation ecosystem, enabling local startups to thrive globally.
Pledging continued government support, Governor AbdulRazaq announced potential adoption of student-developed apps and presented substantial cash prizes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦250,000 to the top three winners.
“Traveling out of Kwara in the next few years won’t be necessary again because what we are planting now will speak for us in coming years.” He added.
Awards were also given to the Best Innovation Center, Best Instructor, and Best School Presentation where United Community Secondary School, Ilorin emerges winner of the 2025 Kwara Coding Program and Digital Literacy Programme.
In his address, Hon. Ishola Kayode described the turnout as super impressive, noting that participants from public schools (JSS1 to SS2) showcased viable projects.
He expressed optimism about the state’s digital future, stating, I am delighted to say that the future of Kwara is bright from now on. If we work harder than this, Kwara will be in the top 5 in Nigeria, and then we will have good products that will be profitable for our state in the nearest future.”
He encouraged students to practice what they have learned, use the internet for funding opportunities, and conduct more research.
The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hon. Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, reiterated the importance of strategic planning, noting that development does not come accidentally; it must be meticulously planned for, underscoring the role of such initiatives in fostering sustainable growth.
The exhibition also featured a Kids Innovation Panel with award-winning young pioneers like Kamaldeen Balikis, Covenant Oladunjoye, Ogunyemi Jedidiah, and Aberi Haleey, who shared their journeys in AgriTech and virtual health bots.
The successful staging of the event was commended by participants for empowering future leaders to address contemporary challenges.