British envoy lauds Kwara governor for role in promoting gender parity
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, on Tuesday described Kwara State under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a model for gender equity, commending his trailblazing role in women’s rights, including appointing over 50 per cent of cabinet positions to women, supporting the special seats bill, and earning recognition as a HeForShe ambassador.
Lever said the British Government is collaborating with several Nigerian states to enhance digital skills and innovation, noting that the delegation visited the Ilorin Innovation Hub to assess UK-supported initiatives aimed at building tech capacity, expanding global networks, and creating opportunities for young innovators.
She added that through the UK’s digital access programme, efforts are being intensified to nurture talents, strengthen digital competencies, and improve employment prospects, while also highlighting a community hub in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area, designed to benefit over 50,000 residents with access to technology and skills development.
The British envoy further reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for free, peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria next year, stressing that Downing Street maintains strict neutrality and will not interfere in the country’s domestic political processes.
In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration had significantly transformed Kwara State through sustained progress across key sectors of the economy.
He explained that major investments in education and healthcare had improved sectoral performance, expanded access to services, and included the development of two campuses of Kwara State University in the northern and southern parts of the state as well as plans to establish five teaching hospitals by 2027.
On agriculture, the governor said the administration, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s support for farming initiatives, had established a shea processing factory in Kaiama, which is projected to become the second largest in Nigeria when fully operational.
AbdulRazaq also highlighted ongoing security collaborations with stakeholders, saying the efforts had strengthened responses to security challenges and improved safety in rural communities across the state.
