About Kwara State Overview & The People History

Many people have diverse opinions about Kwara State location. The North Central region often comes to mind due to its geographical position. However, if you believe otherwise, be informed that Kwara is officially part of the North Central region of Nigeria. This state shares an international border with the Republic of Benin and interstate borders with the following states:

• To the east: Kogi State
• To the north: Niger State
• To the south: Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo States

Kwara State’s coordinates are 8°30′N, 5°00′E. 

Creation

Kwara State was established on May 27, 1967, by the military government of General Yakubu Gowon. Initially named West Central State, it was renamed Kwara State in 1976. The name “Kwara” originates from the River Kwara, which flows through the state. Ilorin is the capital and the most urbanized city in the state. Other cities/towns include Offa, Jebba, Patigi, Omu-Aran, and others. Jebba town shares a border with Niger State.

Kwara’s nickname or slogan is State of Harmony, which is usually inscribed on vehicle plate numbers registered in the state. Kwara has a six-digit postal code, 240001, which represents the central postcode.

Kwara State
Capital:Ilorin < Slogan: State of Harmony
Date of Creation:	May 27 1967
Location	North Central
Executive Governor:	Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman
Deputy Governor:	Kayode Alabi
Population:	2.4 million as at 2006 Census
Language:	Yoruba & others
LGA:	16
Postal Code	240001

Land Area

Among Nigeria’s 36 states, Kwara is the 9th largest in terms of land area, covering 36,825 square kilometers. This accounts for 3.99% of Nigeria’s total landmass.

What is The Population?

Kwara ranks 20th in population, making it the 6th least populous state in Nigeria, according to the 2006 National Population Census, which recorded a population of 2,365,353. However, by 2022, the estimated population had increased to 3,551,000.

Geographical Features

Kwara lies between Sudan savannah vegetation in the west and Guinea savannah in the rest of the state. Thus, Kwara has two main vegetation zones: Sudan savannah and Guinea savannah.

In addition to its diverse vegetation, Kwara has numerous rivers that shape its topography. The most significant is the River Niger, which traverses the northern border of the state before emptying into Jebba Lake. Other notable rivers include the Aluko, Awun, Ass, and Oyun rivers, which flow through different parts of the state.

Towards the extreme northwest of the state lies Kainji National Park, one of Nigeria’s top tourist destinations. This park hosts a rich wildlife population, including the African bush elephant, hippopotamus, roan antelope, grey heron, and olive baboon. It is also home to the last remaining species of West African lions.

Additionally, in the southwest of Kwara is Oyo National Park, which preserves species such as the African buffalo, patas monkey, and various eagles.

The state’s terrain is characterized by undulating topography, with rivers, elevated areas, and mountains in some regions. Vast plains with erosion-prone soil further define the landscape.

Climate in The Region

The climate of Kwara State is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate. The rainy season lasts from April to October, with September being the wettest month, recording an average rainfall of 11.02 inches. The state receives an annual precipitation of 3.99 inches and experiences approximately 148 rainy days per year. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 21.28°C (70.3°F).

The dry season, classified under the savanna climate, spans from early November to mid-April, lasting about five months. Kwara has an annual average temperature of 28.75°C (83.75°F). February is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring to 102.33°F (39°C), while December is the driest month, receiving only 0.02 inches of rainfall.

Languages in The State

Historically, various ethnic groups have lived in Kwara State, including the Yoruba, Nupe, Baatonu, and Bokobaru people. The Yoruba dialect serves as the main lingua franca, and the Yoruba ethnic group is the majority, spread across the state. Nupe-speaking communities are found in the northeast, while the western part of Kwara is home to Baatonu and Bokobaru speakers. Additionally, in Ilorin, a small portion of the population speaks Fulani. Despite its ethnic diversity, Kwara is generally considered a Yoruba state.

Religion

Kwara residents practice both Islam and Christianity. However, the majority of the population follows Islam, while the Christian population forms a minority. The state has a sitting Emir, leading to Kwara sometimes being referred to as a Muslim state.

In Taiwo Isale, there is a major Catholic cathedral, while along Post Office Road, you will find the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) also has several branches within the state. The Gaa Imam area is home to one of the largest Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel) parishes in the state, with another located along Offa Garage Road, along with Dunamis International Gospel Church.

How Many Local Government Areas?

Kwara State is divided into 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs), as listed in the table below:

List of All Kwara State Governors

Below is a list of individuals who have governed Kwara State since its creation, along with their years in office and official titles.

Who Was the First Governor of Kwara State?

In 1967, under the military government of General Yakubu Gowon, Femi David Lasisi Bamigboye became the first governor of Kwara State. Bamigboye was a military officer in the Nigerian Army, and he led Kwara as governor from May 1967 to July 1975.

An indigene of Kwara, Bamigboye laid the foundation for the state’s development. One of his earliest achievements was organizing the educational sector by establishing the Ministry of Education. In the same 1968, he created a department within the ministry to coordinate student bursary and scholarship programs.

In 1972, he founded Kwara State Polytechnic and commissioned the state’s first hospital, which initially had 35 beds, improving healthcare access for Kwarans. His administration also established the Kwara State Printing and Publishing Corporation and the State Investment Corporation.

Additionally, he played a key role in developing technical colleges and senior high schools in various communities. His initiatives extended to the agricultural sector, promoting growth and sustainability.

Due to his impactful leadership, on May 27, 2017, he received an award from Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for being an outstanding leader in Kwara State’s history.

Who Is the Current Governor of Kwara State?

The current governor of Kwara State is AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Despite unsuccessful attempts to contest for the governorship seat in 2003, 2007, and 2011, he remained persistent and eventually won the 2019 Kwara State gubernatorial election. He was sworn into office on May 29, 2019.

After completing his first term, AbdulRazaq contested again under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 governorship election and was re-elected after securing the highest number of votes.

He was born in Zaria, Northern Nigeria, on February 5, 1960. His early education took place in both Ilorin and Kaduna. Before venturing into politics in 1999, he was a successful businessman, primarily in the oil sector.

Religiously, he is a Muslim.

Higher Institutions in Kwara State

Kwara State, Nigeria, is home to several higher education institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Below is a categorized list of these institutions.

Universities  

Polytechnics

Colleges of Education

Other Specialized Institutions

History of Kwara State

In ancient times, parts of what is now Kwara-State were under the control of the Oyo Empire, including the Borgu Kingdom (inhabited by the Bariba, Bissa, and Boko groups) and the Nupe Kingdom from the 1500s to the early 1800s.

The Fulani presence in the current territory of Kwara began in the mid-1800s when the Fulani Jihadists conquered and seized parts of the land. As a result, the area was placed under the control of the Sokoto Caliphate until the early 1900s, when the British colonial government took over. The Fulani ethnic group remains a significant part of the Kwara population today.

Under British rule, the region was incorporated into Northern Nigeria Protectorate. By 1914, Northern Nigeria was merged into British Nigeria, which later became independent in 1960. Initially, Kwara was part of the Northern Region, but in 1967, it was renamed West Central State. Again, in 1976, the area was rename to Kwara state. Over time, parts of Kogi State and Niger State were carved out of Kwara, leading to a reduction in its size.

Notable People from Kwara

• Rashidi Yekini, a renowned Nigerian professional footballer, was born on October 23, 1963, and passed away on May 4, 2012. He was an indigene of Kwara State and played for the Nigerian national team.
• David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), was born on September 27, 1954. Apart from being a bishop, he is also a businessman. He owns the prestigious Covenant University, located in Ogun State, Nigeria, along with other educational institutions.
• Abubakar Bukola Saraki, born on December 19, 1963, is a Nigerian politician from Kwara State. He served as the 13th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2015 to 2019.
• Femi Adebayo, born on December 31, 1978, hails from Kwara State. He is a Nollywood actor, film director, and producer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of kwara state? The capital city of Kwara State is Ilorin. Popular areas in Ilorin include Taiwo Road, Post Office, Fante, Offa Garage Road, Tipper Garage, and the road leading to the Federal University of Ilorin and the GRA (Government Reserved Area).

What geopolitical zone is kwara state? The state is part of the north central geopolitical zone of Nigeria 

What is the postal code for ilorin kwara-state? The postal code for Ilorin, Kwara State is 240001, which serves as the central hub for other post office branches in the city.

How many tribes are in kwara state? There are up to eight tribes, including Yoruba, Nupe, Baatonum, Bokobaru, Boko, Busa, Sorko, and Fulani speakers.

How to Travel to Kwara State? You can travel to Kwara State by road, rail, or air depending on your location:

1. By Road:
   • Several motor parks across Nigeria offer direct bus services to Ilorin, the state capital.
   • From Ilorin, you can take another ride to your specific destination within the state.
2. By Train:
   • The Nigerian railway system passes through Kwara, connecting Lagos (Doyin Oyingbo Station) to the northern regions of Nigeria.
3. By Air:
   • Ilorin International Airport serves as an alternative travel route, offering flights to and from different parts of Nigeria.