The Nigerian Minister of Youth Development has highlighted Kwara State as a leading example in youth inclusion, saying most other states in the federation are trailing behind.
He credited deliberate policies of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration, which have placed young people at the centre of governance, for the state’s success.
The minister’s position was conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Funsho Abdullahi, at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin, during a fitness exercise organised by the AA Youth Wing.
Abdullahi said Kwara had become a reference point in youth participation and empowerment, noting that opportunities created by the state government had given young people a strong voice nationally and internationally.
“We will continue to appreciate the governor for expanding the space for youths. When you compare what is happening here with many other states, you can see that Kwara is clearly ahead in youth inclusion,” he said.
He urged youths to take advantage of the opportunities available in the state and beyond, stressing the need for intellectual development alongside physical fitness.
“We should not only exercise our bodies, but also our minds, so we can serve better and create opportunities for others,” he added.
The event attracted top government officials and political leaders, including the Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu; former Non-Executive Director of NNPCL, Dr Mohammed Ghali Alaya; Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, AbdulLateef Alakawa; Special Advisers on Special Duties and Media, AbdulRazaq Jiddah and Bashiru Adigun; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam), Ibrahim Danmaigoro; and Engr. AbdulRahman Giwa.
The dignitaries participated in aerobics and dance sessions that energised the arena.
The exercise also featured novelty football matches, with Team Salahudeen emerging champions in the veterans’ category, while Ayegbami Team won the youth competition. Salahu was named best aerobic dancer, while Jiddah clinched the highest scorer award. Both dedicated their awards to Governor AbdulRazaq.
Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Usman Ndanusa, described the event as timely, saying the governor’s policies had repositioned youths as active leaders.
“Through various empowerment schemes, the governor has made it clear that youths are not just leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today,” he said.
In his remarks, Salahu said the programme reflected the administration’s commitment to sports and youth empowerment, adding that Kwara athletes had recorded notable successes in international competitions in recent years.
He also emphasised the health benefits of regular exercise, urging participants to make fitness a daily habit rather than an annual event.
The Deputy Chief of Staff at the Government House, Princess Adebukola Babalola, called on the organisers to hold the exercise quarterly to further improve public health.
Earlier, the convener, Ambassador Akanbi Iliyas Shola, said the initiative was designed to complement the state government’s efforts at promoting the wellbeing of residents through sports and healthy living.