The LEADERSHIP Newspaper, via its official X handle, has announced that Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will embark on a historic visit to Kwara State from January 28 to 30, 2025. As part of her visit, she will inaugurate a series of monumental projects and partake in the state’s bold initiative to honor illustrious figures who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s history and development.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, revealed that the First Lady will lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the multibillion-naira Civil Service Clinic, a flagship healthcare project named after her as a tribute to her contributions to national progress.
The First Lady will also commission several other legacy projects, including the Unity Flyover, an ultramodern Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an Executive Ward, and the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover, named in honor of the revered late military figure from the state. Furthermore, the adjoining road to the flyover has been rechristened Tafawa Balewa Road, in memory of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, who tragically lost his life during the January 1966 military coup.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has taken a bold step to immortalize both historic and contemporary heroes through the renaming of key infrastructure across the state:
ICT Centre at Kwara State University of Education: Named after Dr. Amina Ndalolo, a former Minister of State for Health who championed significant health initiatives.
Executive Ward at the Kwara State Teaching Hospital: Now bears the name of Dr. Amuda Aluko, a distinguished physician and statesman.
Brigadier General David Bamigboye Secretariat: Formerly known as the first Kwara State Secretariat, now commemorates the state’s first military administrator.
Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal Secretariat: The state’s new secretariat is named after the former governor who served between 1999 and 2003.
Honoring Sports and Culture Legends
The Kwara State Stadium Complex has been renamed the Major-General George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, paying homage to his outstanding contributions to the state. The main bowl of the stadium now honors Rashidi Yekini, the late Super Eagles striker celebrated for scoring Nigeria’s first World Cup goal and holding the record as the nation’s highest goal scorer.
Other notable facility renamings include:
Table Tennis Arena: Dedicated to Atanda Musa, Nigeria’s 1979 national table tennis champion.
Indoor Sports Hall: Renamed after Gabriel Babatunde Ladipo, a trailblazer in sports and education.
Squash Court: Now honors Coach Bolakale Mogaji, a pioneer coach and champion in squash.
KFA Academy: Celebrates Coach Usuman Adenuja, the legendary football coach who propelled Kwara Academicals to the national spotlight.
Additionally, the state’s recognition extends to three hostel facilities at the stadium:
Hostel A: Named after Salihu Ishola, the first Kwaran Commonwealth Games medalist.
Hostel B: Dedicated to Bolaji Eniola, a Paralympic badminton bronze medalist.
Hostel C: Commemorates Bola Esan, the first female director of sports in Kwara State.
A Historic Milestone
Kwara State’s bold move to rename these landmarks reflects its commitment to preserving the legacies of its heroes while celebrating excellence across sectors. The First Lady’s involvement underscores the administration’s drive to align state development with national progress under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
As Kwara State welcomes Senator Oluremi Tinubu for this landmark visit, it not only celebrates its rich history but also charts a course for future generations to honor and emulate the values of leadership, service, and excellence embodied by the honorees.
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