Kwara State Government has partnered with Kwara Kre8, an initiative to empower creatives, particularly photographers, filmmakers, social media influencers, content creators, and storytellers who leverage digital space in exhibiting their crafts with a focus on promoting the State’s vibrant culture, creativity, and talent globally.Announcing the collaboration, Kwara Kre8 said, “We are glad to announce that the Kwara State Government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, has become the headline sponsor for the maiden edition of the Kwara Kre8 workshop. This landmark partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey to nurture and promote creative talents in Kwara State.”Adebisi Oyelere, the Creative Lead of Kwara Kre8, described the “the headline sponsorship by Kwara state Government as a testament to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s recognition of the creative industry’s potential to drive economic growth, innovation and cultural development. It is also a moral booster for our determination at Kwara Kre8 to provide a sustainable platform for young creatives to showcase their creativity, receive mentorship and connect with industry professionals to enhance the visibility and viability of their talents. “Through Kwara Kre8, participants will be empowered with skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities to excel in their creative pursuits. The workshop promises to equip participants with industry-relevant skills and expertise, provide mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, facilitate networking opportunities with industry stakeholders and showcase participants’ talents and works to a wider audience,” the statement added.The event’s keynote speakers include the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq; Ayo Adeagbo, Special Assistant Art, Culture, and Creative Economy to the President; and Sadiq Rabiu, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Capacity Development, among others. Kre8 expressed its profound gratitude to His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON for the partnership, adding that it is a pointer that the Kwara State Government under his leadership is not only youth-friendly but always goes out of its way to embrace and encourage initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting the youth in all facets of life.

Kwara State Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology has played a crucial role in driving economic transformation across the state through strategic blend of innovation, entrepreneurship and infrastructure development.

The Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, stated this on Wednesday while presenting a comprehensive update on the Ministry’s achievements and ongoing projects during the first quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing, held at the conference room of Ministry of Finance, Ilorin.

Hon. Damilola noted that the Ministry is currently overseeing 10 strategic projects across Kwara Central Senatorial District – four of which have been completed, while six are still ongoing, highlighting that these efforts align with the vision of the current administration of the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, who remains committed to business development, digital innovation and creation of economic opportunities for all residents.

Among the completed projects are the Ilorin Innovation Hub, now a vibrant centre for technological advancement; the successful pilot of the Gasoline-to-Electric Vehicle Conversion Project, executed in partnership with Kwara State University, Malete, which resulted in the delivery of two electric buses and a Hilux EV to the Ministry; the operational Kwara Garment Factory and the Sugar Film Factory, established to boost the creative industry and position Kwara as a leading entertainment hub in Nigeria.

The Commissioner provided updates on ongoing initiatives such as the Ilorin International Conference Centre, a landmark infrastructure featuring a 1,500-seat auditorium, a 129-room hotel and other state-of-the-art amenities, which is slated for completion by Q1 of year 2026.

She also mentioned the Kwara Hotel Remodeling Project, currently at 63% completion and expected to be delivered by October, 2025; the 50-ton Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama; the rehabilitation of Patigi Regatta Motel; the Daada Pottery Facility; and the ICT Hub in Shonga, each designed to stimulate sectoral growth and promote inclusive economic development across the State.

Hon. Damilola listed several initiatives driven by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital and Innovation, notably the Kwara State Government Coding & Digital Literacy Programme (Holiday Edition), saying this initiative is a bold step toward building a tech-savy, youth-driven future, targeting students from 50 public schools across all the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.

The Commissioner noted that the Ministry is facilitating business support through soft loans and grants, in collaboration with Federal Agencies and the Bank of Industry, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a robust business ecosystem that supports innovation, empowers local industries and promotes job creation.

Hon. Damilola commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, assuring the public that the Ministry will continue to be steadfast in its mission to deliver sustainable development across all sectors.