The visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has shielded Kwara State from the sharp rise in rural poverty recently highlighted by the World Bank, which reported that 75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below the poverty line.

Long before this stark statistic emerged, His Excellency had already begun laying the groundwork for rural development and economic empowerment across the state. A Buffer and a Prime Mover, His Excellency's policies-centered on inclusivity, sustainability, and practical impact-are now producing measurable results in improving the standard of living for citizens.

Women and youths, once marginalized in economic development plans, have become central to Kwara's progress story. Through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) and other empowerment schemes, thousands have accessed startup capital, vocational training, and digital skills-translating into jobs, business growth, and improved livelihoods in both urban and rural communities.

One of the boldest illustrations of this transformation is the Kwara Garment Factory, commissioned in August 2024. Equipped with advanced technology, including the only Oshima Cutting Machine in West Africa, the factory currently employs over 245 trained workers, with plans to scale up to 4,000. The factory produces around 6,000 garments daily and is rapidly becoming a key contributor to the state's internally generated revenue (IGR).

The impact of this project has been so significant that the Federal Government recently adopted it as a national model with the creation of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board (CTGDB), domiciled in the Presidency. This step is part of a broader strategy aimed at repositioning Nigeria's economy and combating insecurity through agribusiness, livestock development, and industrial growth-initiatives Kwara is already well ahead on.

Furthermore, value-chain projects such as the Shea Butter Processing Plant and the Innovation Hub (in partnership with HIS) are opening new doors for local producers and tech-savvy youths. These projects are creating a bridge between traditional industries and modern technology, allowing rural communities to connect with broader markets and digital opportunities.

Governor AbdulRazaq's administration has also strengthened rural development through its active participation in major national and international projects. Under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program, the state is tackling land degradation and improving climate resilience in different parts of the state. These interventions promote sustainable land use, reforestation, and access to clean water.

Through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Kwara is enhancing animal health services and boosting livestock productivity in multiple rural locations. This initiative has improved food security and increased rural incomes, particularly among women and pastoralist communities.

Additionally, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Federal Government, is positioning Kwara as a regional hub for agro-industrial growth. With planned hubs and supported communities in various parts of the state, SAPZ will catalyze agribusiness investments, create jobs, and connect farmers to high-value markets.

As Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, I have observed firsthand how Governor AbdulRazaq's leadership is restoring dignity to rural life and building a foundation for sustainable development. His administration's choices have not only improved living conditions but also inspired confidence in what purposeful governance can achieve.

Kwara's story today is one of foresight, discipline, and people-focused leadership. And in these trying times, that makes all the difference.

As these transformative initiatives continue to expand, I call on all stakeholders-community leaders, private investors, development partners, and the good people of Kwara-to rally behind His Excellency's bold rural development vision. Together, we can secure a future where no Kwara community is left behind.

Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi
Honourable Commissioner
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development