Edit filter log

'{{Short description|State of Nigeria}} {{Redirect|Kwara}} {{Infobox settlement <!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name = Kwara | official_name = | type = [[States of Nigeria|State]] | image_skyline = | image_alt = | image_caption = | image_flag = Kwara_State_Flag.jpg | image_seal = | seal_alt = Seal of Kwara State | nickname = [[List of Nigerian state nicknames|State of Harmony]] | image_map = Nigeria Kwara State map.png | map_alt = | map_caption = Location of the State of Kwara in Nigeria | coordinates = {{coord|8|30|N|5|00|E|region:NG_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}} | coor_pinpoint = | coordinates_footnotes = | subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] | subdivision_name = {{flag|Nigeria}} | subdivision_type1 = [[Geopolitical zones of Nigeria|Geopolitical Zone]] | subdivision_name1 = [[North Central, Nigeria|North Central]] | parts_type = [[Local government areas of Nigeria|Number of LGAs]] | p1 = [[Local Government Areas of Kwara|16]] | parts_style = para | established_title = [[List of Nigerian states by date of statehood|Date created]] | established_date = 27 May 1967 | seat_type = [[List of Nigerian state capitals|Capital]] | seat = [[Ilorin]] | government_footnotes = | governing_body = Government of Kwara State | leader_party = [[All Progressives Congress (Nigeria)|APC]] | leader_title = [[List of Nigerian state governors|Governor]] <br /> ([[List of Governors of Kwara State|List]]) | leader_name = [[Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman]] | leader_title1 = {{nowrap|Deputy Governor}} | leader_name1 = Kayode Alabi | leader_title2 = Legislature | leader_name2 = [[Kwara State House of Assembly]] | leader_title3 = [[Senate of Nigeria|Senators]] | leader_name3 = {{Nowrap|[[Kwara Central Senatorial District|C]]: [[Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe]] ([[All Progressives Congress|APC]])}}<br>{{Nowrap|[[Kwara North Senatorial District|N]]: [[Suleiman Sadiq Umar]] ([[All Progressives Congress|APC]])}}<br>{{Nowrap|[[Kwara South Senatorial District|S]]: [[Lola Ashiru]] ([[All Progressives Congress|APC]])}} | leader_title4 = [[Nigerian House of Representatives|Representatives]] | leader_name4 = [[Nigerian National Assembly delegation from Kwara|List]] | unit_pref = Metric<!-- or US or UK --> | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 36825 | area_rank = [[List of Nigerian states by area|9th of 36]] | area_note = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = | population_footnotes = | population_total = 2,365,353<ref name="PHC Tables">{{Cite web|url=http://population.gov.ng/core-activities/surveys/dataset/2006-phc-priority-tables/|title=2006 PHC Priority Tables – NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION|website=population.gov.ng|language=en-US|access-date=2017-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010054745/http://population.gov.ng/core-activities/surveys/dataset/2006-phc-priority-tables/|archive-date=2017-10-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> | population_as_of = 2006 census | population_est = | pop_est_as_of = | population_rank = [[List of Nigerian states by population|30th of 36]] | population_density_km2 = auto | population_note = | demographics_type1 = [[List of Nigerian states by GDP|GDP]] | demographics1_footnotes = | demographics1_title1 = Year | demographics1_info1 = 2007 | demographics1_title2 = Total | demographics1_info2 = $3.84&nbsp;billion<ref name="C-GIDD GDP">{{cite web|url=http://www.cgidd.com|publisher=Canback Dangel|title=C-GIDD (Canback Global Income Distribution Database)|access-date = 2008-08-20}}</ref> | demographics1_title3 = Per capita | demographics1_info3 = $1,910<ref name="C-GIDD GDP" /> | timezone1 = [[West Africa Time|WAT]] | utc_offset1 = +01 | postal_code_type = postal code | postal_code = 240001 | area_code_type = | area_code = | iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:NG|NG-KW]] | blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2018) | blank_info_sec1 = 0.567<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref><br/>{{color|#fc0|medium}} · [[List of Nigerian states by Human Development Index|20th of 37]] | website = [http://www.kwarastate.gov.ng "Kwara State Government"] | footnotes = }} '''Kwara State''' ({{lang-yo|Ìpínlẹ̀ Kwárà}}) is a [[States of Nigeria|state]] in Western<!--Do not change without discussion. this is a geographical description. Geopolitical zoning is also stated in this same section--> [[Nigeria]], bordered to the east by [[Kogi State]], to the north by [[Niger State]], and to the south by [[Ekiti State|Ekiti]], [[Osun State|Osun]], and [[Oyo State|Oyo]] states while its western border makes up part of the [[Benin–Nigeria border|international border with]] [[Benin Republic]]. Named for the [[Hausa language|Hausa]] word "''Kwara''" for the [[River Niger]]—which makes up much of the state's northern border—Kwara State was formed from the [[Northern Region, Nigeria|Northern Region]] on 27 May 1967 as the '''West Central State'''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Onyeakagbu |first1=Adaobi |title=See how all the 36 Nigerian states got their names |url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/see-how-all-the-36-nigerian-states-got-their-names/g8bkn2c |website=Pulse.ng |access-date=25 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="Creation">{{cite web |title=This is how the 36 states were created |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/nigerian-states-this-is-how-the-36-states-were-created/mdtnq3e |website=Pulse.ng |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref> Its capital is the city of [[Ilorin]] and the state has 16 [[Local government areas of Nigeria|local government areas]]. Of the 36 [[states of Nigeria]], Kwara is the [[List of Nigerian states by area|ninth largest in area]] but the [[List of Nigerian states by population|sixth least populous]] with an estimated population of about 3.2 million as of 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population 2006-2016 |url=https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/474 |website=[[National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria|National Bureau of Statistics]] |access-date=21 December 2021}}</ref> Geographically, Kwara is split between the [[West Sudanian savanna]] in the east and the [[Guinean forest–savanna mosaic]] [[List of ecoregions in Nigeria|ecoregion]] in the rest of the state. Important geographic features include rivers with the [[Niger River|Niger]] flowing along the northern border into [[Lake Jeba]] before continuing as the border while the Awun, Asa, Aluko, and Oyun rivers flow through the interior. In the far northwest of the state is the [[Borgu Game Reserve|Borgu section]] of the [[Kainji National Park]], a large [[List of national parks of Nigeria|national park]] that contains populations of [[grey heron]], [[kob]], [[hippopotamus]], [[African bush elephant]], [[olive baboon]], and [[roan antelope]] along with some of the last remaining [[West African lion|West African lions]] on Earth.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fingesi |first1=U. I. |last2=Tyowua |first2=B. T. |last3=Fajobi |first3=E. A. |last4=Jamilu |first4=S. M. |title=Species richness and diversity of birds in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria |journal=World News of Natural Sciences |date=18 November 2018 |url=http://www.worldnewsnaturalsciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/WNOFNS-22-2019-1-11.pdf |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ajayi |first1=S.R. |last2=Ejidike |first2=Bernadette |last3=Ogunjemite |first3=Babafemi |last4=Olaniyi |first4=Oluwatobi |last5=Adeola |first5=A.J. |title=Population status of Olive Baboon Papio anubis (LESSON, 1827) in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria |journal=Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife & Environment |date=June 2020 |volume=12 |issue=2 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343510440_Population_status_of_Olive_Baboon_Papio_anubis_LESSON_1827_in_Kainji_Lake_National_Park_Nigeria |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Animal population grows at Kainji Lake National Park |url=https://guardian.ng/news/animal-population-grows-at-kainji-lake-national-park/ |website=[[The Guardian, Nigeria|The Guardian]] |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref> In the far southwest, a small part of the [[Old Oyo National Park]] contains [[crowned eagle]], [[martial eagle]], [[African buffalo]], [[oribi]], and [[patas monkey]] populations.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Okosodo |first1=Ehi Francis |last2=Orimaye |first2=Oluwafemi Jacob |last3=Awoyemi |first3=A. G. |title=Diversity and Abundance of Avian Species in Old Oyo National Park Southwest Nigeria |journal=Merit Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Science |date=December 2016 |volume=4 |issue=11 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312126220_Diversity_and_Abundance_of_Avian_Species_in_Old_Oyo_National_Park_Southwest_Nigeria |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Oyeleke |first1=Olaide Omowumi |last2=Odewumi |first2=Oluyinka |last3=Mustapha |first3=R.A. |title=Assessment of management practices for ungulates in old Oyo National Park, Nigeria |journal=Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management |date=August 2015 |volume=8 |issue=5 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282452146_Assessment_of_management_practices_for_ungulates_in_old_Oyo_National_Park_Nigeria |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Halidu |first1=Shafiu Kilishi |last2=Adebayo |first2=Olaoluwa Ayodeji |last3=Chikezie |first3=Jude |last4=Ibrahim |first4=Azeez Olalekan |last5=Adedeji |first5=Olushola Emmanuel |title=Ecology of Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus Patas) in Buffer Zone Ranges, Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria |journal=Journal of Bioresource Management |date=23 April 2021 |volume=8 |issue=2 |url=https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1285&context=jbm |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref> Kwara State has been inhabited for years by various ethnic groups, primarily the majority [[Yoruba people]] that live throughout the state but there are sizable minorities of [[Nupe people]] in the northeast, [[Bariba people|Bariba (Baatonu)]] and [[Bissa people|Busa (Bokobaru)]] peoples in the west, and the [[Fula people|Fulani]] people moving through the state as nomadic [[Fulani herdsmen|herders]]. {{fact|date=March 2022}} In the pre-colonial period, the area that is now Kwara State was split up between various states including the [[Oyo Empire]], [[Borgu Emirate]], and [[Nupe Kingdom]] until the early 1800s when the [[Fulani jihad]] annexed much of now-Kwara and placed the area under the [[Sokoto Caliphate]]. In the 1890s and 1900s, British expeditions occupied the area and incorporated it into the [[Northern Nigeria Protectorate]]. The Northern Nigeria later merged into [[British Nigeria]] in 1914 before becoming independent as [[Nigeria]] in 1960. Originally, modern-day Kwara State was a part of the post-independence [[Northern Region, Nigeria|Northern Region]] until 1967 when the region was split and the area became the [[West Central State]]. In 1976, the state was renamed Kwara State and remained intact until the 1990s when its southeast was split off to form a part of [[Kogi State]] and its far northwest was given to [[Niger State]]. Economically, Kwara State is largely based around [[agriculture]], mainly of [[Coffea robusta|coffee]], [[cotton]], [[Peanut|groundnut]], [[Cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[oil palm]], and [[kola nut]] crops. Other key industries are services, especially in the city of [[Ilorin]], and the [[herding|livestock herding]] and [[ranching]] of [[cattle]], [[goats]], and [[sheep]]. Kwara has the [[List of Nigerian states by Human Development Index#2019|joint-twentieth highest]] [[Human Development Index]] in the country and numerous institutions of tertiary education.<ref>{{cite web |title=Human Development Indices |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |access-date=15 December 2021}}</ref> == History == Kwara State was created on 27 May 1967,<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Kwara State – Kwara State Association of Nigeria|url=https://kwasang.org.uk/history-of-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-12-31|language=en-US}}</ref> when the Federal Military Government of General [[Yakubu Gowon]] broke the four regions that then constituted the [[Federation of Nigeria]] into 12 states. At its creation, the state was made up of the former [[Ilorin]] and [[Kabba]] provinces of the then [[Northern Region, Nigeria|Northern Region]] and was initially named the West Central State but later changed to "Kwara", a local name for the [[River Niger]], in the [[Hausa language]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kwara State – Local Governments, Facts & History |url=https://www.propertypro.ng/blog/kwara-state-facts-history/ |date=2020-05-31 |website=PropertyPro |author=Abiola Adekunle |access-date=2021-03-08}}</ref> Kwara State has since 1976 reduced considerably in size as a result of further state creation exercises in Nigeria. On 13 February 1976, the [[Idah]]/[[Dekina]] part of the state was carved out and merged with a part of the then [[Benue/Plateau State]] to form [[Benue State]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Kwara State – Kwara State Association of Nigeria|url=https://kwasang.org.uk/history-of-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-06-03|language=en-US}}</ref> On 27 August 1991, five [[Local Government]] areas, namely [[Oyi]], [https://www.behance.net/gallery/18479533/Yagba-VillageKogi-stateNigeria Yagba], [[Okene]], [[Okehi]] and [[Kogi State|Kogi]] were also excised to form part of the new [[Kogi State]], while a sixth, [[Borgu Local Government Area]], was merged with [[Niger State]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kwara State of Nigeria :: Nigeria Information & Guide|url=https://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Nigeria/States_Nigeria/Kwara/|access-date=2021-06-03|website=www.nigeriagalleria.com}}</ref> The major populated local governments are [[Ilorin]] and [[Offa, Kwara|Offa]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Kwara State – Kwara State Association of Nigeria|url=https://kwasang.org.uk/history-of-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-06-20|language=en-US}}</ref> Kwara state has numerous mineral resources such as [[tourmaline]], [[tantalite]], and many mineral deposits in the northern part. [[Cocoa bean|Cocoa]] and [[Kola nut|Kolanut]] in the Southern parts [[Oke Ero|Oke - Ero]], [[Ekiti, Kwara|Ekiti]] and [[Isin, Kwara|Isin LGA]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kwara State|url=https://nipc.gov.ng/nigeria-states/kwara-state/|date=2019-01-09|website=Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-30}}</ref> ==Population== As of 2006, the [[population]] of Kwarans was 2.37 million based on the Nigeria [[Demographics of Nigeria|2006 Census]].<ref name="PHC Tables" /> This population size constitutes about 1.69% of the Nation's total population having relied upon [[immigration]] for population growth and [[socioeconomic development]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/Nigeria06CensusFigs.html|title=Nigeria 2006 Census Figures|work=Nigeria master web|access-date=June 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821125730/http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/Nigeria06CensusFigs.html|archive-date=August 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The principal ethnic groups are Yoruba, Nupe, Fulani and Baruba.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Gemma|first=Wilson|title=Kwara: the making of a new state|publisher=Bookcraft|year=2012|pages=12-13}}</ref> Residents of the state are sometimes referred to as Kwarans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/new/no-plans-to-impose-fresh-taxes-on-kwarans-ahmed/|title=No plans to impose fresh taxes on Kwarans|work=The Nation News|access-date=June 3, 2015}}</ref> ==Languages== Languages of Kwara State listed by LGA:<ref name=e22>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ethnologue.com/country/NG|title=Nigeria|work=Ethnologue|edition=22|access-date=2020-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Kwara State – Kwara State Association of Nigeria|url=https://kwasang.org.uk/history-of-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-12-31|language=en-US}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" ! LGA !! Languages |- | [[Asa, Kwara|Asa]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]] |- | [[Baruten]] || [[Bariba language|Baatonum]] and [[Busa language (Mande)|Bokobaru]] |- | [[Edu, Kwara|Edu]] || [[Nupe language|Nupe]] |- | [[Ekiti, Kwara|Ekiti]] || Yoruba |- | [[Ifelodun, Kwara|Ifelodun]] || Yoruba |- | [[Ilorin East]] || Yoruba |- | [[Ilorin South]] || Yoruba |- | [[Ilorin West]] || Yoruba |- | [[Isin, Kwara|Isin]] || Yoruba |- | [[Irepodun, Kwara|Irepodun]] || Yoruba |- | [[Kaiama]] || Bokobaru |- | [[Moro, Kwara|Moro]] || Yoruba |- | [[Offa, Kwara|Offa]] || Yoruba |- | [[Oke Ero]] || Yoruba |- | [[Oyun]] || Yoruba |- | [[Pategi]] || Nupe |} == Local Government Areas == {{See also|List of villages in Kwara State}} Kwara State consists of sixteen [[Local government areas of Nigeria|Local Government Areas]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-16|title=List Of Local Government Areas In Kwara State And Their Headquarters|url=https://oldnaija.com/2018/10/16/list-of-local-government-areas-in-kwara-state-and-their-headquarters/|access-date=2021-06-20|website=OldNaija|language=en-GB}}</ref> They are: {{div col|colwidth=10em}} * [[Asa, Nigeria|Asa]] * [[Baruten]] * [[Edu, Nigeria|Edu]] * [[Ekiti, Kwara State|Ekiti]] * [[Ifelodun, Kwara State|Ifelodun]] * [[Ilorin East]] * [[Ilorin South]] * [[Ilorin West]] * [[Irepodun, Kwara State|Irepodun]] * [[Isin, Nigeria|Isin]] * [[Kaiama]] * [[Moro, Nigeria|Moro]] * [[Offa, Nigeria|Offa]] * [[Oke Ero]] * [[Oyun]] * [[Pategi]] {{div col end}} ==Governor of Kwara State== The current governor of Kwara Stage is Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, who emerged victorious in the March 9, 2019 Governorship elections. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak was sworn in on May 29, 2019, making him the 4th democratic governor of Kwara State and the 20th governor of Kwara State overall.Kayode Alabi is serving as the deputy governor of Kwara State.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-25 |title=PROFILE: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria [2019 -] |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/profiles/438474-profile-abdulrahman-abdulrazaq-governor-of-kwara-state-nigeria-2019.html |access-date=2022-03-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigerian States |url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria_federal_states.htm |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=www.worldstatesmen.org}}</ref> == Education == Kwara has a federal [[university]], the [[University of Ilorin]], a state university, [[Kwara State University]] and four other privately owned Universities: [[Al-Hikmah University]], [[Landmark University]], Summit University,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Summit University, Offa|url=https://summituniversity.edu.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=summituniversity.edu.ng}}</ref> Crown Hill University,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crown-Hill University Ilorin {{!}}{{!}} Home|url=https://www.crownhilluniversity.edu.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=www.crownhilluniversity.edu.ng}}</ref> Thomas Adewumi University,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home - Thomas Adewumi University|url=https://tau.edu.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Ahman Pategi University<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://apu.com.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=Ahman Pategi University|language=en-US}}</ref> and University of Offa.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-10|title=How many Universities are in Kwara State? – Kwara News|url=https://theinformant247.com/full-list-of-universities-in-kwara-state-location-and-year-established/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-03|title=Exclusive: How Kwara North lost KWASU VC slot|url=https://theinformant247.com/exclusive-how-kwara-north-lost-kwasu-vc-slot/|access-date=2021-01-17|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref> Kwara also has five approved polytechnics; a federal polytechnics, [[Federal Polytechnic, Offa|Federal Polytechnic Offa]], a state owned polytechnics, [[Kwara State Polytechnic]] and three privately owned: The Polytechnic Igbo Owu, Lens Polytechnic, Graceland Polytechnic.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-13|title=How many Polytechnics are in Kwara State? – Kwara News|url=https://theinformant247.com/how-many-polytechnics-are-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref> Of the fifteen Colleges of Education in Kwara State, eleven are owned by private establishments: College of Education Ilemona, Muhyideen College of Education, Kinsey College of Education, Ilorin, Kwara State, Moje College of Education Erin-Ile, Imam Hamzat College of Education, ECWA College of Education, College of Education Offa, Nana Aisha College of Education, Adesina College of Education, Pan African College of Education, while the state government founded three: [[Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin|Kwara State College of Education Ilorin]], College of Education Oro, Kwara State College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi and one federal government's institution offering NCE: Nigeria Army School of Education.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=List of Colleges of Education in Kwara State – Kwara News|url=https://theinformant247.com/list-of-colleges-of-education-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref> There is also a navy school, [[Nigerian Navy School of Health Science Irra Road Offa]] and aviation college, [[International Aviation College, Ilorin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to International Aviation College, Ilorin|url=http://aviation.africhoice.website/|website=aviation.africhoice.website}}</ref> == Tourism == [[Image:Kwarastatedrummers.jpg|thumb|right|Drummers in Ijomu Oro village, Kwara State.]] Important [[tourist]] attractions in Kwara State include [[Esie Museum]], [[Owu waterfalls]] is one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in west Africa.<ref name=":2" /> Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro, [[Kainji National Park|Kainji Lake National Parks]], now in Niger State and Agbonna Hill Awon Mass Wedding in Shao. There is also Sobi Hill amongst others which is the largest landform in Ilorin, the state capital.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Which One Is More Acient? Ilorin or Akure - Opera News|url=https://ng.opera.news/ng/en/travel/2b55eb18f733fa81309bd5f2b7111731|access-date=2021-06-03|website=ng.opera.news}}</ref> A huge [[natural reserve]] also divides the state into East and West. Ero Omola waterfall is also tourist attractions<ref>{{Cite web|last=Great|first=Dennis|date=2021-08-06|title=ERO-OMOLA WATERFALL|url=https://www.bigtimeafrica.com.ng/ero-omola-waterfall/|access-date=2022-02-25|website=BTATnT - Big Time Africa Travels & Tours Company|language=en-US}}</ref> == Transport == [[File:Ilorin Train Station, kwara state.jpg|alt=Ilorin Train Station in Kwara|thumb|Ilorin Train Station in Kwara]] The [[Nigerian Railway Corporation]] extends services from [[Lagos]] through the state to the northern part of the country. The [[Ilorin Airport]] is a major center for both domestic and international flights and has now been built up into a hub for transportation of cargoes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History and Origin of Kwara State - Opera News|url=https://ng.opera.news/ng/en/agriculture/d6d4fdece8cc11075fbd932700f6d023|access-date=2021-06-03|website=ng.opera.news}}</ref> == Economy == Agriculture is the main source of the economy and the principal cash crops <ref>{{Cite web|title=Cash Crops - an overview {{!}} ScienceDirect Topics|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cash-crops|access-date=2022-02-25|website=www.sciencedirect.com}}</ref>are: [[cotton]], [[cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[coffee]], [[kola nut|Kolanut]], [[tobacco]], beniseed and palm produce. Kwara is home to [[Shonga Farms]]''',''' a product of the Back-to-Farm project of one of its governments and made up of 13 commercial farmers. Mineral resources in the state are Petroleum, [[Gold]], [[limestone]], [[marble]], [[feldspar]], [[clay]], [[kaolin]], [[quartz]] and [[Granite|granite rocks]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Atulegwu|first=David|date=2020-09-08|title=List of Natural Mineral Resources Found in Kwara State|url=https://nigerianinfopedia.com.ng/natural-mineral-resources-found-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2020-09-22|website=Nigerian Infopedia|language=en-US}}</ref> ===Infrastructure=== *'''Hygiene and Sanitation''' The Government of Nigeria is increasingly aware of problems emanating from poor environmental sanitation and Kwara state is working on improving its environment and sanitation.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Adedibu|first=Afolabi A.|date=1986-03-01|title=Solid waste management and a new environmental edict: a case study from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02240232|journal=Environmentalist|language=en|volume=6|issue=1|pages=63–68|doi=10.1007/BF02240232|s2cid=84938959|issn=1573-2991}}</ref> On September 22, 2020, Kwara state governor, officially commenced the 'Clean Kwara' Campaign to end open defecation and promote good [[hygiene]] in the state.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Olesin|first=Abdullahi|date=2020-09-22|title=Nigeria: Abdulrazaq Launches Clean Kwara Campaign, to End Open Defecation|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202009220758.html|access-date=2020-09-22|website=allAfrica.com|language=en}}</ref> The state government is working to fix all the roads and waterways to ensure free water flow,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Environmental Sanitation: Govt assures of a clean Kwara, to supply waste receptacle containers – RoyalFM 95.1MHz, Ilorin|url=http://royalfm.net/environmental-sanitation-govt-assures-of-a-clean-kwara-to-supply-waste-receptacle-containers/|access-date=2020-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> putting in efforts to ensure [[water sanitation]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Alhaji|date=2019-11-19|title=Nigeria inaugurates water plants in Kwara State|url=https://constructionreviewonline.com/2019/11/nigeria-inaugurates-water-plants-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2020-09-22|website=Construction Review Online|language=en-US}}</ref> building [[toilets]] and making clean water accessible.<ref name=":1" /> This is also to promote [[Sustainable Development Goals]] 3 & 6 (general access to safe and affordable drinking water and access to adequate and equitable sanitation, hygiene for all, and end [[open defecation]] by 2030)<ref name=":0" /> == Sports == Sporting activities are managed by the State Sports Council. The importance attached to sports led to the construction of a stadium complex. The facilities available at the stadium complex are mainbowl, indoor sports hall, hostel, recreational press center as well as an Olympic size swimming pool. The state is actively represented both in football and basketball. The state is the home to the [[Kwara United FC|Kwara United Football Club]], [[ABS F.C.|ABS FC]] and [[Kwara Falcons Basketball Club]]. == Notable people == <!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> <!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦---> {{div col}} *[[AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq]], politician *[[Bukola Saraki]], politician *[[David Abioye]], cleric *[[Cornelius Adebayo]], politician *[[Femi Adebayo]], actor and film producer *[[Tunde Adebimpe]], musician *[[Kemi Adesoye]], screenwriter *[[Abdulfatah Ahmed]], banker and politician *[[Simon Ajibola]], politician *[[Mustapha Akanbi]], lawyer *[[Sheik Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory]], Islamic scholar *[[Sarah Alade]], former CBN governor *[[Lola Ashiru]], architect and politician *[[Adamu Atta]], politician *[[Kunle Afolayan]], actor, film director and producer *[[Ayeloyun]], musician *[[Joseph Ayo Babalola]], cleric *[[David Bamigboye]], soldier *[[Theophilus Bamigboye]], soldier and politician *[[Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore]], jurist and former Chief Justice of Nigeria *[[Oga Bello]], actor and producer (real name Adebayo Salami) *[[Ibrahim Gambari]], diplomat *[[Yusuf Gobir]], administrator *[[Ola Ibrahim]], naval officer *[[Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim]], politician *[[Tunde Idiagbon]], soldier *[[Ahmed Mohammed Inuwa]], politician *[[Farooq Kperogi]], journalist *[[Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi]], politician *[[Lagbaja|Lágbájá]], musician *[[Salaudeen Latinwo]], soldier *[[Mohammed Lawal]], naval officer *[[Lai Mohammed]], lawyer and politician *[[Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe]], politician *[[Abdulkadir Orire]], first Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal *[[David Oyedepo]], cleric *[[Wasiu Alabi Pasuma]], musician *[[Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki]], politician *[[Olusola Saraki]], politician * [[Toyin Saraki]], healthcare philanthropist *[[Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki]], politician *[[AbdulRazzaq Ibrahim Salman]], cleric *[[Bola Shagaya]], businessman *[[Tony Tetuila]], musician *[[Rashidi Yekini]], soccer player *[[Abimbola Abolarinwa]], urologist {{div col end}} <!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> <!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦---> ==See also == *[[Kwara State Executive Council]] ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Kwara State}} {{Nigeria states}} {{Authority control}} {{Portal bar|Nigeria}} [[Category:Kwara State| ]] [[Category:States of Nigeria]] [[Category:States in Yorubaland]] [[Category:States and territories established in 1967]]'