Kwara First Lady Urges Youth Investment For Development

Wife of Kwara Governor, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has described investment in young people as a strategic imperative for sustainable development, peace and shared prosperity.

AbdulRazaq, founder of the Ajike People Support Centre, said this while delivering an address at the official launch and public presentation of the 2026 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition in Ilorin on Wednesday.

She commended the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), Nigeria Branch for its longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, education, and advocacy across Commonwealth nations.

The governor’s wife explained that the Commonwealth operates on shared values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law, noting that Nigeria remains one of its 56 member countries.

“The rebranded essay competition provides a platform for young writers to express their thoughts on contemporary global issues; i recall Kwara hosted the 2021 edition of the competition.

“The Kwara government, under Governor Abdulrazaq, has prioritised education and youth development through policies aimed at improving access to quality education and inclusive opportunities for young people,” she said.

According to her, the government’s efforts include the recruitment of qualified teachers, the rehabilitation of school infrastructure, and investments in institutions such as the Kwara State University of Education, Kwara State Teaching Hospital, the Innovation Hub, and the Sugar Factory Film Studio.

She noted that these interventions have yielded positive outcomes, with young people excelling in academics, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sports, and occupying leadership positions.

“My office, through the Ajike People Support Centre, has complemented government efforts by providing scholarships, skills acquisition programmes, educational materials, leadership training and support for youth participation in creative and sporting activities”, she said.

AbdulRazaq affirmed her office’s commitment to promoting literacy, equality, inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community development in line with the values of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

She appreciated them for choosing Kwara as the host for the 2026 edition.

She urged prospective participants to put forward their best efforts in the competition and bring honour to their families and the state.

The Country Director of the RCS Nigeria Branch, Mr Blackson Bayewumi, said the writing competition had been redesigned to encourage wider participation, noting that winners would be celebrated not only globally but also at the regional level.

He encouraged more students below the age of 18 across the Commonwealth countries to participate in the competition towards enhancing their writing skills, creativity and innovations.

Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development in Kwara, said learning competition allows children to be impacted with lasting knowledge.

Olohungbebe charged the competitors to ignite new passion for intellectual vibrancy.

In their separate speeches delivered virtually, Elizabeth van der Valk, Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Commonwealth Society and Amb. Chris Nonis, Former Chairman Board of Governors, Commonwealth Secretariat, London, highlighted the exceptional talent emerging from the region and encouraged young people to share their voices on the global stage.

They expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support, noting that such commitment has been instrumental in inspiring youth participation.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the governor’s wife with the 2026 Commonwealth Leadership Award of Excellence in Nigeria.