•• Minister of Youth Development Hails Kwara as Model of Progressive Ideology
The Kwara Coalition of APC Support Groups and the Kwara APC Youth successfully hosted a high-profile event tagged “DIALOGUE 2025: Celebrating Excellent Leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq” at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin on Sunday.
The dialogue served as a platform for various youth caucuses and support groups to affirm their unity and loyalty to the state governor and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the gathering, the Guest Speaker, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, the Minister for Youth Development (represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon.Mohammed Funsho Abdullahi), noted that the convergence of all APC youth caucuses and groups at the event clearly demonstrated that the APC is united in the state.
The Minister’s representative further lauded the organizers for the initiative and stated that Kwara is a model in propagating progressive ideologies, standing out amongst other states in the federation.
He urged teeming youths who are yet to join the political train to do so immediately.
Delivering his opening remarks, Comr. Abdulmajid Abdulfatah, the Coordinator General of the Kwara Coalition of APC Support Groups, articulated the primary purpose of the gathering, highlighted that the program is aimed at celebrating Governor AbdulRazaq for his compassionate leadership and youth inclusiveness in his government.
He praised the significant infrastructural development experienced in the past six years, affirming that the gathering was a declaration of support for Governor AbdulRazaq as the undisputable leader of the Kwara APC.
“We are here celebrating the people that work with the Governor that we really appreciate them for their loyalty and their effort and their commitment towards having a better Kwara,” Abdulfatah stated, adding that the coming together of groups was aimed at moving forward and having a party that we will all be proud of.
He specifically credited the Governor for removing young people from thuggery activities and for bringing dignity to young people and women through inclusive governance.
On her part, Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, focused her remarks on the administration’s achievements in gender inclusion and the health sector.
She explained that Governor AbdulRazaq is a “baba for the youth” and a leader who celebrates women by giving them prominent positions in parliament and government.
She highlighted key health interventions by the governor including;
Partnering with the United Nations to curb young women’s deaths during childbirth, ensuring free and healthy care for at least 60,000 people in the past few years, urging attendees to utilize the Primary Health Care Centres.
The General Manager of Kwara State Social lnvestment Programmes (Kwassip), Dr Tejidini Abdulwasiu Olayinka in his remarks praised the Governor for following international practice on gender parity with a 35% affirmation of women in both politics and government. He also lauded the Governor for changing the narrative of Kwara from a civil service state to an entrepreneurial society and creating KWASIC (Kwara State Social Investment Programme) for vulnerable people.
Speaking also, the Kwara APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, encouraged youth to pursue their aspirations but emphasized the need for unity.
“We are not going back, we are going forward.” Prince Fagbemi said while reaffirming the party’s dominance, noting that APC occupies all 24 House of Assembly seats and all 16 local government positions.
Alhaji Saadu Salahu, Senior Advisor and Counselor to the Kwara Governor, equally praised the Governor’s leadership and the efforts of the party leaders.
The event also featured the presentation of Awards of Honour to distinguished personalities including; Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North), Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi (TETFund Board Member, North Central), Hon. Ayodele (Minister for Youth Development), among others.
The high point of the event was a Panel Discussion led and moderated by the Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe with discussants including Princess Risikat Adebukola Babalola (Deputy Chief of Staff), Ali Nasir Yusuf (NYCN Chairman, Kwara State Chapter), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (representing Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya), and Honourable Kolo Majin Isaiah, all aligning their contributions with the theme of celebrating excellent leadership.
Other key dignitaries present were the State and Local Executives of the APC, Local Government Chairmen from Irepodun, Ilorin South, Ilorin East, and Ilorin West, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara Governor, Mal. Rafiu Ajakaye, among others.
