By Abbas Badmus,

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into Nigeria’s leading hub for technology and innovation, as he rewarded outstanding student innovators at the Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025, held on Monday in Ilorin.

The event, themed “Kwara Futures: Empowering a Digitally Ready Generation,” showcased the creativity of young coders and inventors trained under the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme, a state-led initiative that has trained over 5,604 students across 50 public schools in all 16 local government areas between August 2024 and October 2025.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who presented cash prizes to top-performing schools, described the exhibition as a reflection of his government’s strategic vision to build a generation of digitally skilled problem-solvers ready for the global economy.

“Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to transforming Kwara into a beacon of technological excellence and empowering our youth to lead the digital revolution,” AbdulRazaq said.

“For the first time in our state’s history, Kwara is etching its name on the world map of digital startups, thanks to the innovative spirit of our entrepreneurs and the strategic policies we’ve implemented.”

At the competition, United Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, emerged overall winner of the 2025 Kwara Futures Innovation Challenge, taking home the N1 million grand prize. Ilorin Grammar School and Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Pakata, came second and third, winning N500,000 and N250,000, respectively.

The student teams presented an impressive array of projects including a Smart School Attendance System, Universal Report Card Generator, Weather Forecast App, Python-Based Banking Simulation, Expense Visualiser, and an Igbaja Farm Expense Tracker App—innovations that earned wide praise from judges and industry stakeholders.

AbdulRazaq commended Hon. Kayode Ishola, his Special Assistant on Digital Innovations, for spearheading the initiative, describing the programme as a “legacy project” that bridges the gap between education and opportunity.

“Young techies, your vision is our blueprint,” the governor told the students. “Together, we’ll ensure Kwara doesn’t just appear on the map—we’ll redefine it as a global hub for tomorrow’s solutions. The future is here, and it’s Kwara’s to claim.”

In his remarks, Hon. Ishola said the exhibition marked the fulfilment of the governor’s vision for a “digital Kwara where every child can learn, create, and compete globally.”

“When His Excellency approved the pilot phase of the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme in 2024, it was not merely an experiment; it was a strategic intervention to prepare our children for the future of work,” Ishola noted.

He revealed that over 120 instructors—including NYSC members, ICT teachers, and digital volunteers—had been deployed across the state, with 60 per cent of participating schools located in rural or underserved areas, thereby bridging the urban-rural digital divide.

Ishola also unveiled the next phase of the programme, which will expand to 100 schools, establish Innovation Learning Centres in each senatorial district, and launch ‘Girls Code Kwara’, an initiative targeting 60 per cent female participation in technology by 2026.

“Kwara is not just catching up. We are setting the pace for what subnational governments can achieve through vision and willpower,” he said.

Kwara’s Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, highlighted that the coding and digital literacy programme underscores the administration’s commitment to youth development.

“When you look at the budget, the highest we met for education was about 5 per cent. I’m proud to say this administration has raised it to around 14 per cent,” Olohungbebe stated, noting that the governor prioritizes the future of young people.

Other dignitaries, including the Commissioners for Communications, Business, Innovation and Technology, and Social Development, lauded AbdulRazaq’s leadership in promoting innovation and inclusion through education.

A representative of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs. Funmilayo Obi, also praised the governor’s youth-focused policies.

“Your Excellency, you are showing Nigeria and the world that when we invest in our youth, we invest in a future that is timeless, inclusive, and extraordinary,” she said.

The Kwara Futures Exhibition 2025 reaffirmed the state’s growing reputation as a rising center for digital innovation, driven by forward-looking policies and the creativity of its young generation.

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Kwara State Government, on Tuesday, unveiled a Coding and Digital Literacy training programme for at least 50 public primary and junior secondary schools across the state.

The programme was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, Ishola Kayode.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola, after the unveiling on behalf of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the governor, Sa’adu Salau, said the digital coding initiative was to strengthen the impactful investments of the administration in the education sector.

Salau said the initiative targets over 150 students in each of the 50 schools for the pilot scheme.

“We are now faced with the reality of the digital revolution. So, what we have done today is to flag off the training for digital literacy in 50 schools in Kwara State,” he said at the symbolic launch at the Bishop’s Smith Junior Secondary School Ilorin.

“It is our expectation that with the foundation laying of a digital society for this generation, the children of Kwara State would not lag behind among their counterparts globally,” the statement read.

Other public schools in the capital city where the pilot scheme was launched include Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin Grammar School, and Sheikh Alimi L.G.E.A Primary School.

On his part, Ishola said the programme was to ensure that public school students are not lagging behind in the digital world.

“They should be digitally literate, they should be able to solve problems in their communities because the problems can be solved with the knowledge of technology, and if you don’t have that knowledge, you can’t actually solve the problems.

“The selection of 50 schools was to serve as a pilot scheme. 15 schools are selected from Kwara Central, 13 from North, while 22 are picked from the southern part of the state,” Ishola said.

He said the programme will be expanded after the data driven assessment.

Principal of Bishop’s Smith College (Junior Session), Mrs Akanbi Ayoola, said the project is one of the best decisions the governor has taken in the era where information Technology and artificial intelligence have become a necessity of life.

Opadili Dorcas Boluwatife and Akinola Kolawole Abdulrahman, among other students who spoke at the ceremony, thanked the state government for the initiative.

They promised to make good use of the opportunity that they said would enable them to compete favourably with their counterparts globally in the digital revolution.

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The Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Idris Mohammed Malagi, have commended PRNigeria for its noteworthy initiative aimed at mentoring and equipping the next generation of communicators.

Their praise came during the unveiling of the new PRNigeria Centre and the inauguration of the second batch of the Young Communication Fellowship in Ilorin, Kwara State. They also acknowledged the efforts of Image Merchant Promotion Ltd (IMPR), the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, for their dedication to providing young Nigerians with essential communication skills and adapting to modern communication trends.

Represented by the Commissioner for Communications in Kwara State, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of empowering young minds in the communications sector.

He highlighted the rapidly changing landscape of digital media and public relations, noting the critical role of effective communication across various domains, including governance, public health, and business.

“It fills me with pride to see so many bright and passionate young individuals gathered here, ready to become the future storytellers and media strategists who will shape the narrative of their communities,” the governor asserted.

He urged the fellowship participants to seize the available opportunities and to embrace integrity, responsibility, and creativity as they progress in their careers.

The Information Minister, represented by the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, expressed confidence that the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship Programme would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s development goals.

He encouraged young professionals to embrace technological innovation and become credible sources of information.

“This Centre is a beacon of hope for the younger generation, providing them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving communication landscape,” Malagi noted.

In his keynote address, the NITDA boss highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strategic communication.

Represented by Dr. Falilat Olaitan Jimoh, Head of Innovation and Digital Inclusion at NITDA’s South-West Zone, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa acknowledged AI’s revolutionizing effect on how information is communicated and consumed.

“AI is reshaping industries, especially in communication,” he stated, emphasizing the technology’s capability to manage the complexities of social media and the fast-paced 24/7 news cycle.

He elaborated on AI’s benefits for public relations professionals, noting tools that predict trends, understand audience sentiment, and enhance message tailoring through advanced technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP).

“AI equips communicators with the agility needed to navigate today’s complex media environment,” he explained.

Encouraging the fellowship participants, he urged them to view AI as a tool for enhancing storytelling and public engagement while reminding them that these technologies should complement human creativity rather than replace it.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchant Promotions and Publisher of PRNigeria, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, emphasized the organization’s commitment to youth development alongside its core activities in journalism, public relations, fact-checking, and publishing.

According to him, PRNigeria has made significant strides in nurturing the next generation of communicators through impactful capacity-building programs, including internships and mentorship opportunities, culminating in the newly launched Young Communication Fellowship.

“Over the past three years, PRNigeria has equipped more than 280 journalists and writers to navigate the evolving landscape of digital journalism and has empowered 1,387 young Nigerians with vital digital skills.

“Our collaborations with esteemed organizations like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), and the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) have been instrumental in enhancing our capacity for innovation and diversification within the communications sector,” Shuaib stated.

“Our trainees are making strides in various fields, from academia to communications, showcasing the profound impact our programs have on their careers,” Shuaib added, highlighting the need for continued investment in youth development within the communications industry.

The opening of the new PRNigeria Centre in Ilorin represents a significant milestone for the organization.

Shuaib expressed gratitude to the state government and the Ilorin Emirate for their support, acknowledging the contributions of local figures such as Alhaji Kale Kawu Agaka, Daniyan Ilorin for vital infrastructure assistance.

“As PRNigeria moves forward, it remains dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering growth among youth, laying the groundwork for a vibrant future in communication and journalism,” he added.

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TECHDIGEST – The Kwara State Government on Wednesday kick-started the disbursement of N20,000 grant to 30,000 female petty traders across the 16 local government areas of the state.

The support, which is modelled after a World Bank programme, Nigeria for Women Project, is being coordinated under the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP)’s popular known as “Owo Isowo” initiative.

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Abdulquawiy A. Olododo, Ag. General Manager of KWASSIP, said in a statement that the disbursement begins in Ilorin West, Ilorin South, and Asa and will proceed to other local government areas in the coming days.

He said that the programme was designed under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to specially give a lifting hand to the poorest and vulnerable citizens in the state.

He said that the initiative was a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to address poverty which has become a core developmental challenge confronting the good people of the state.

“Since the inception of Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration in 2019, it has inherited a high national poverty incidence level.

“The State Government has paid more attention to generating solutions to address the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the state in spite of other economic challenges the administration inherited.

“This informed the decision to initiate the Owo Isowo as a strategy for poverty reduction and enhancing women empowerment,” Mr. Olododo said.

He said the Kwara State Government is the first state to kick off the women empowerment programme after the Federal Government NSIP initiative.

This newspaper gathered the initiative had been approved by the state executive council on August 10, 2022.

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