Kwarambit

KWSG Commences Renovation of Patigi Cultural Centre to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth

The Kwara State Government has commenced the renovation of the Patigi Cultural Centre in Patigi Local Government Area as part of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s deliberate drive to preserve cultural heritage while stimulating inclusive economic growth through innovation and culture.

The project, initiated under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, underscores the administration’s commitment to balanced development across all local governments of the state, with culture positioned as a strategic asset for social cohesion and economic diversification.

Speaking on the project, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, explained that the renovation of the Patigi Cultural Centre aligns with the Governor’s vision of inclusive development that recognises the importance of indigenous culture in driving sustainable growth.

Accordingly the renovated facility will provide a modern space for the documentation, preservation, and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the Patigi people, Kwara and the wider Nupe-speaking communities. The centre will host cultural exhibitions, performances, festivals, and educational programmes aimed at strengthening intergenerational transmission of values and traditions, while safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems.

She further stated that by institutionalising cultural activities within a well-structured and revitalised centre, the Kwara State Government is positioning the state as a destination of cultural excellence, in line with Governor AbdulRazaq’s development agenda.

Beyond cultural preservation, the renovation project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the people of Patigi and the state at large. The renovation works and subsequent operations of the centre will create employment opportunities, engage local artisans, performers, and creative entrepreneurs, and stimulate tourism-related activities within Patigi and surrounding communities.

*Tech 4 Market Women: KWSG to Strengthen Grassroots Digital Economy, Partners Foundation*

The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to inclusive economic growth through technology, as the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, received the AY Community and Tumishe Johnson Household Foundation on a courtesy visit to her office over the Tech 4 Market Women initiative.

Hon. Adelodun described the initiative as a strategic intervention that aligns with the vision of the present administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to empower women, strengthen the informal sector, and deepen financial inclusion through innovation and technology-driven programmes.

The Commissioner noted that the training of market women on financial literacy and internet usage is critical to enhancing productivity, improving access to digital financial services, and enabling traders to adapt to the evolving digital economy

She emphasised that technology remains a powerful tool for transforming micro and small businesses across the state.

Hon Adelodun also assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with credible partners to scale up such initiatives, stressing that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology will continue to support programmes that directly impact market women and promote sustainable economic development at the grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of the AY Community and Tumishe Johnson Household Foundation, Mr. Solomon Adami, appreciated the warm reception accorded to the delegation by the Commissioner and expressed gratitude for her openness to the engagement, while also seeking the support and partnership of the Kwara State Government to further strengthen and scale the Tech 4 Market Women initiative.

He then disclosed that the Tech 4 Market Women initiative has successfully trained 220 market women across selected markets within Ilorin metropolis.

According to him, the training focused on practical financial literacy, basic internet usage, and the use of simple digital tools to support daily trading activities and business growth.

Solomon further revealed that the next phase of

MBIT Commissioner Reaffirms Kwara’s Drive for Inclusive AI-Powered Growth

The Honourable Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, has reiterated the commitment of the Kwara State Government to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. Speaking on Day 2 of the Kwara AI Summit 2025 as a panelist during a high-level discourse on “AI as a Tool for Inclusive Economic Growth,” the Commissioner highlighted the strategic steps being taken by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to position Kwara as a leading innovation-driven economy in Nigeria.

Hon. Adelodun noted that the state government has already begun integrating AI-enabled solutions into key sectors to expand access to opportunities for youth, women, and MSMEs. According to her, initiatives such as , digital literacy programmes, and enterprise support schemes are designed to ensure that the benefits of AI are not limited to technology experts but are extended to everyday citizens and small businesses across the state.

She further highlighted key projects embarked upon by the state government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency the Executive Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq to drive industrialisation and economic inclusiveness. These include the state-owned Garment Factory, the Sugar Factory Film Studio, the Kaiama Shea Butter Processing Plant, as well as the government’s collaboration with Kwara State University (KWASU) on electric vehicle conversion and green mobility innovation. The Commissioner noted that these projects are part of a broader economic diversification plan aimed at creating jobs, boosting exports, and accelerating technology adoption across various value chains.

The Commissioner explained that one of the government’s priorities is to create an enabling ecosystem where technology and innovation can thrive without barriers. She emphasised that through strategic partnerships with private investors, global tech players, and development agencies, Kwara is building a pipeline of skilled talent.