The Kwara State government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has embarked on a significant initiative to honor prominent figures and leaders who have contributed immensely to the state and the nation. This undertaking involves renaming several legacy projects, both old and new, after these distinguished individuals. The initiative aims to immortalize their contributions and inspire future generations to strive for excellence in their respective fields. This symbolic gesture recognizes the indelible impact these individuals have made on the state’s development across various sectors, including healthcare, education, sports, and administration. The renaming of these projects represents a fitting tribute to their legacies.
One of the most notable projects included in this initiative is the multibillion-naira Civil Service Clinic, a crucial healthcare facility undergoing a complete reconstruction. This project will be named after Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, in recognition of her dedication to public service and her commitment to improving healthcare access across the country. Senator Tinubu is scheduled to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the revamped clinic during her official visit to Kwara State. The new multi-story facility is poised to significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the state. Its naming after the First Lady underscores the importance of the project and the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services.
Beyond the Civil Service Clinic, several other projects have been renamed to honor distinguished individuals. The ICT Centre at the Kwara State University of Education, built under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady’s office, will be named after Amina Ndalolo, a former Minister of State for Health and a respected figure from Kwara North. This acknowledges her contributions to the health sector and her dedication to public service. The executive ward at the Kwara State Teaching Hospital will bear the name of Dr. Amuda Aluko, a prominent physician and politician who dedicated his life to serving the people. This naming recognizes his outstanding contributions to the medical field and his commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community.
The government’s initiative also extends to recognizing past leaders who shaped the state’s administrative landscape. The first state secretariat will now be known as the Brigadier General David Bamigboye Secretariat, honoring the first military administrator of the old Kwara State. The new secretariat will bear the name of Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal, who governed the state between 1999 and 2003. These designations serve to remember the contributions of these leaders to the state’s development and governance. Naming the secretariats after these figures underscores their lasting impact on the state’s administrative history.
The Kwara State Stadium Complex will be renamed the Major-General George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, acknowledging his significant contributions to the state. Furthermore, the main bowl of the stadium will be named after the legendary footballer Rashidi Yekini, who scored Nigeria’s first World Cup goal and remains the country’s highest goal scorer. This honors his remarkable achievements in football and his contribution to the nation’s sporting pride. The renaming of the stadium complex and its main bowl pays tribute to individuals who have contributed significantly to the state and the nation, both in administration and sports.
Furthermore, the state government has decided to honor prominent figures in the sports arena. The Table Tennis Arena will be named after Atanda Musa (Manza Musa), a national champion in the sport. The Indoor Sports Hall will be named after Gabriel Babatunde Ladipo, the first black principal of the Government Technical Training School Ilorin (GTTS) and considered the father of sports in the state. The Squash Court will bear the name of Coach Bolakale Mogaji, a pioneer coach, player, and national champion in squash. The KFA Academy will be named after Coach Usuman Adenuja, the first football coach to lead the Kwara Academicals to the final of the Academical football competition.
The hostels within the stadium complex will also be renamed to honor distinguished athletes. Hostel A will be named after Salihu Ishola, the first Kwaran Commonwealth Games medalist. Hostel B will carry the name of Paralympic badminton bronze medalist, Bolaji Eniola. Finally, Hostel C will be named after Bola Esan, the first female director of sports in the state. These renamings represent a comprehensive effort to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to sports in Kwara State, fostering a sense of pride and inspiring future generations of athletes. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting sports and honoring those who have excelled in their respective disciplines. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these individuals and their impact on the state’s sporting landscape.
