••• Gov AbdulRazaq’s Administration Prioritises Innovation Over Feasting, Says S.A Onidugbe
In a determined move to redirect student celebration towards economic empowerment, the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Monday disbursed grants totaling N5.4 million to 15 student entrepreneurs.
The intervention, held during the 2025 International Students’ Day and tagged “Entrepreneurship for Development,” saw the Governor’s representative, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, and the SA Students’ Affairs, Hon. Salami Wasiu Onidugbe, emphasize the administration’s commitment to raising self-reliant, innovative, and competitive youths.
The event, hosted by the Office of the Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Salami Wasiu Onidugbe held at the Ilorin Innovative Hub brought together policymakers, business experts, and over 580 applicants, affirming the state’s commitment to self-reliance among youths.
Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Salami Wasiu Onidugbe, emphasized the state government’s deliberate shift from conventional celebrations to impactful empowerment programs.
He noted that the AbdulRazaq led administration is the first in Kwara to formally mark the International Students’ Day in such a grand style.
“Today is International Student Day, and it’s a day set aside to celebrate Nigerian students globally. In our tradition, we believe celebrating students on this particular day shouldn’t be just only jamboree. It should be something that will be impactful and that is why we think of, okay, let us do something to empower our student entrepreneurs,” Hon. Onidugbe stated.
He further revealed that the initiative is fully sponsored and supported by the Kwara State Government.
To ensure the grants are utilized effectively, he promised a strict post-assessment and evaluation process would be effected.
“We’re going to make post-assessment and evaluation just to ensure that after three months, they utilize the money for the necessary things they have to use the money for,” he stressed.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Institution, Hajia Saadatu Modibbo Kawu, also urged students to embrace opportunities that enhance their skills and strengthen their capacity for self-reliance.
In his goodwill message, the Kwara State Assembly speaker represented by House Committee Chair on Health, Hon Seun David Oguniyi lauded the organisers for a job well-done while congratulating the finalist for the hardwork and energy.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the initiative was part of the administration’s broader efforts to inspire innovation and reduce unemployment.
The Governor’s representative highlighted the administration’s strategy over the past six years, which includes massive infrastructural renewal in schools, merit-based teacher recruitment, scholarships, and digital literacy programs.
“This is an initiative inspired by our commitment to raise the generation of young people who are self-reliant, bold, innovative and competitive” Olohungbebe said.
Today’s entrepreneurship expo is another important step towards that goal. It is designed to encourage student-led innovation, promote business creativity and cultivate an entrepreneurial culture that aligns with the economic vision of our administration.” He added
He further commended the Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs for the dedication and commitment towards ensuring the success of the event.
The programme featured a competitive presentation of business proposals by selected student entrepreneurs, judged by a panel including Professor Mubarak Soni which saw Zainab Omodolapo, a 500-level University of Ilorin student and beans vendor, emerging the overall winner, receiving a grant of N1,000,000.
The first runner-up received N800,000, while the second runner-up won N600,000, with the remaining 12 finalists receiving consolation prizes of N250,000 each.
Zainab Omodolapo expressed her delight for the feat and praised the state government for supporting young talents, promising to make effective use of the prize.
Earlier, the Guest Speaker, Mr. Ahmed Lawal, CEO Lahmad Concept, delivered the Keynote address on the role of students in driving economic growth.
Hon. Onidugbe confirmed that the event continues the tradition started last year with a cultural program, adding that they are anticipating something bigger than what we have done today next year.