The Kwara State Government has empowered students across tertiary institutions in the state with a total of N5.4 million in entrepreneurship grants. Fifteen contestants were selected from over 500 applicants who submitted pitches for various business ventures.

A University of Ilorin student, Zainab Omodolapo, a beans vendor, emerged as the overall winner with a grand grant of N1,000,000. The first runner-up, Waheed Lukman, received N800,000, while the second runner-up, Atinuke Lawal, won N600,000. The remaining 12 contestants each received a consolation prize of N250,000.

Speaking at the event, held in commemoration of International Students' Day and themed "Entrepreneurship for development: igniting students as catalysts for economic prosperity", Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said the day serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience of students globally. He stated that Kwara marks the occasion by investing in the minds and future of its young people.

Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mallam Lawal Olohungbebe, the Governor said his administration has, over the past six years, repositioned education and youth development as major pillars of growth.

He cited several interventions as evidence of this commitment:

• Infrastructural renewal in schools
• Merit-based teacher recruitment
• Bursaries and scholarships
• Student safety interventions
• Digital literacy programmes

He added that the entrepreneurship expo reflects the government's vision to raise a generation of self-reliant, bold and innovative young people. The initiative, he said, is designed to promote student-led innovation, business creativity and an entrepreneurial culture aligned with the state's economic aspirations.

In his remarks, the governor commended the panel of judges, chaired by Prof Mubaraq Sanni, for their professionalism throughout the screening process, and praised the special assistant on students' affairs for driving the initiative with passion.

He disclosed that over 580 students applied for the expo, describing the high turnout as a demonstration of the creativity and enterprise among Kwara youths. After strict evaluation, 15 finalists were selected and awarded grants to support and expand their businesses.

Earlier, the special assistant to the governor on students' affairs, Mallam Salami Onidugbe, noted that the initiative reflects Governor Abdulrazaq's efforts to redefine student development beyond classroom learning by nurturing young people who can create opportunities, provide solutions and become employers of labour.