Kwara State

{{Short description|State of Nigeria}}
{{Redirect|Kwara}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name                            = Kwara
| official_name                   = 
| type                            = [[States of Nigeria|State]]
| image_skyline                   = 
| image_alt                       = 
| image_caption                   = 
| image_flag                      = Kwara_State_Flag.jpg
| image_seal                      = Emblem of Kwara State.png
| seal_alt                        = Seal of Kwara State
| nickname                        = [[List of Nigerian state nicknames|State of Harmony]]
| image_map                       = Nigeria Kwara State map.png
| map_alt                         = 
| map_caption                     = Location of the State of Kwara in Nigeria
| coordinates                     = {{coord|8|30|N|5|00|E|region:NG_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint                   = 
| coordinates_footnotes           = 
| subdivision_type                = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|Nigeria}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[Geopolitical zones of Nigeria|Geopolitical Zone]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[North Central, Nigeria|North Central]]
| parts_type                      = [[Local government areas of Nigeria|Number of LGAs]]
| p1                              = [[Local Government Areas of Kwara|16]]
| parts_style                     = para
| established_title               = [[List of Nigerian states by date of statehood|Date created]]
| established_date                = 27 May 1967
| seat_type                       = [[List of Nigerian state capitals|Capital]]
| seat                            = [[Ilorin]]
| government_footnotes            =

| governing_body                  = Government of Kwara State
| leader_party                    = [[All Progressives Congress (Nigeria)|APC]]
| leader_title                    = [[List of Nigerian state governors|Governor]] <br /> ([[List of Governors of Kwara State|List]])
| leader_name                     = [[Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman]]
| leader_title1                   = {{nowrap|Deputy Governor}}
| leader_name1                    = [[Kayode Alabi]]
| leader_title2                   = Legislature
| leader_name2                    = [[Kwara State House of Assembly]]
| leader_title3                   = [[Senate of Nigeria|Senators]]
| leader_name3                    = {{Nowrap|[[Kwara Central Senatorial District|C]]: [[Saliu Mustapha]] ([[All Progressives Congress|APC]])}}<br>{{Nowrap|[[Kwara North Senatorial District|N]]: [[Suleiman Sadiq Umar]] ([[All Progressives Congress|APC]])}}<br>{{Nowrap|[[Kwara South Senatorial District|S]]: [[Lola Ashiru]] ([[All Progressives Congress|APC]])}}
| leader_title4                   = [[Nigerian House of Representatives|Representatives]]
| leader_name4                    = [[Nigerian National Assembly delegation from Kwara|List]]
| unit_pref                       = Metric<!-- or US or UK -->
| area_footnotes                  = 
| area_total_km2                  = 36825
| area_rank                       = [[List of Nigerian states by area|9th of 36]]
| area_note                       = 
| elevation_footnotes             = 
| elevation_m                     = 
| population_footnotes            = 
| population_total                = 2,365,353<ref name="PHC Tables">{{Cite web|url=http://population.gov.ng/core-activities/surveys/dataset/2006-phc-priority-tables/|title=2006 PHC Priority Tables – NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION|website=population.gov.ng|language=en-US|access-date=2017-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010054745/http://population.gov.ng/core-activities/surveys/dataset/2006-phc-priority-tables/|archive-date=2017-10-10|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| population_as_of                = 2006 census
| population_est                  = 3,551,000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kwara State: Subdivision |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/NGA024__kwara/|access-date=2024-02-05 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| pop_est_as_of                   = 2022
| population_rank                 = [[List of Nigerian states by population|30th of 36]]
| population_density_km2          = auto
| population_note                 = 
| demographics_type1              = [[List of Nigerian states by GDP|GDP]]
| demographics1_footnotes         = 
| demographics1_title1            = Year
| demographics1_info1             = 2021
| demographics1_title2            = Total
| demographics1_info2             = $8.91&nbsp;billion<ref name="C-GIDD GDP">{{cite web |date=2022-10-13 |year=2022 |editor-last=Okeowo |editor-first=Gabriel |editor2-last=Fatoba |editor2-first=Iyanuoluwa |title=State of States 2022 Edition |url=https://yourbudgit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-State-of-states_Official.pdf |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Budgit.org |publisher=BudgIT |publication-date=2022-10-13}}</ref><br />[[List of Nigerian states by GDP|35th of 36]]
| demographics1_title3            = Per capita
| demographics1_info3             = $2,401<ref name="C-GIDD GDP" /><br />[[List of Nigerian states by GDP|26th of 36]]
| timezone1                       = [[West Africa Time|WAT]]
| utc_offset1                     = +01
| postal_code_type                = postal code
| postal_code                     = 240001
| area_code_type                  = 
| area_code                       = 
| iso_code                        = [[ISO 3166-2:NG|NG-KW]]
| blank_name_sec1                 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2018)
| blank_info_sec1                 = 0.571<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref><br/>{{color|#fc0|medium}} · [[List of Nigerian states by Human Development Index|20th of 37]]
| website                         = [http://www.kwarastate.gov.ng  "Kwara State Government"]
| footnotes                       = 
}}
'''Kwara State''' ({{lang-yo|Ìpínlẹ̀ Kwárà}}) is a [[States of Nigeria|state]] in Western<!--Do not change from western to North Central without discussion. This is a geographical description, geopolitical zoning information has been stated in the infobox and also later in this same section--> [[Nigeria]], bordered to the east by [[Kogi State]], to the north by [[Niger State]], and to the south by [[Ekiti State|Ekiti]], [[Osun State|Osun]], and [[Oyo State|Oyo]] states, while its western border makes up part of the [[Benin–Nigeria border|international border with]] [[Benin Republic]].<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last1=Onyeakagbu |first1=Adaobi |title=See how all the 36 Nigerian states got their names |url=https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/see-how-all-the-36-nigerian-states-got-their-names/g8bkn2c |website=Pulse.ng |access-date=25 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="Creation">{{cite web |title=This is how the 36 states were created |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/nigerian-states-this-is-how-the-36-states-were-created/mdtnq3e |website=Pulse.ng |date=24 October 2017 |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref> Its capital is the city of [[Ilorin]] and the state has 16 [[Local government areas of Nigeria|local government areas]].

Of the 36 [[states of Nigeria]], Kwara is the [[List of Nigerian states by area|ninth largest in area]], but the [[List of Nigerian states by population|sixth least populous]], with an estimated population of about 3.2 million as at 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population 2006-2016 |url=https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/474 |website=[[National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria|National Bureau of Statistics]] |access-date=21 December 2021}}</ref> Geographically, Kwara State is split between the [[West Sudanian savanna]] in the west, and the [[Guinean forest–savanna mosaic]] [[List of ecoregions in Nigeria|ecoregion]] in the rest of the states. Important geographic features of the state include rivers, with the [[Niger River|Niger]] flowing along the northern border into [[Lake Jeba]], before continuing as the border, while the Awun, Asa, Aluko, and [[Oyun]] rivers flow through the interior. In the far [[northwest]] of the State is the [[Borgu Game Reserve|Borgu section]] of the [[Kainji National Park]], a large [[List of national parks of Nigeria|national park]] that contains populations of [[grey heron]], [[kob]], [[hippopotamus]], [[African bush elephant]], [[olive baboon]], and [[roan antelope]], along with some of the last remaining [[West African lion]]s on Earth.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fingesi |first1=U. I. |last2=Tyowua |first2=B. T. |last3=Fajobi |first3=E. A. |last4=Jamilu |first4=S. M. |title=Species richness and diversity of birds in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria |journal=World News of Natural Sciences |date=18 November 2018 |url=http://www.worldnewsnaturalsciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/WNOFNS-22-2019-1-11.pdf |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ajayi |first1=S.R. |last2=Ejidike |first2=Bernadette |last3=Ogunjemite |first3=Babafemi |last4=Olaniyi |first4=Oluwatobi |last5=Adeola |first5=A.J. |title=Population status of Olive Baboon Papio anubis (LESSON, 1827) in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria |journal=Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife & Environment |date=June 2020 |volume=12 |issue=2 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343510440 |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Animal population grows at Kainji Lake National Park |url=https://guardian.ng/news/animal-population-grows-at-kainji-lake-national-park/ |website=[[The Guardian, Nigeria|The Guardian]] |date=3 March 2017 |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref> In the far southwest, a small part of the [[Old Oyo National Park]] contains [[crowned eagle]], [[martial eagle]], [[African buffalo]], [[oribi]], and [[patas monkey]] populations.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Okosodo |first1=Ehi Francis |last2=Orimaye |first2=Oluwafemi Jacob |last3=Awoyemi |first3=A. G. |title=Diversity and Abundance of Avian Species in Old Oyo National Park Southwest Nigeria |journal=Merit Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Science |date=December 2016 |volume=4 |issue=11 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312126220 |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Oyeleke |first1=Olaide Omowumi |last2=Odewumi |first2=Oluyinka |last3=Mustapha |first3=R.A. |title=Assessment of management practices for ungulates in old Oyo National Park, Nigeria |journal=Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management |date=August 2015 |volume=8 |issue=5 |page=548 |doi=10.4314/ejesm.v8i5.8 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282452146 |access-date=26 December 2021|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Halidu |first1=Shafiu Kilishi |last2=Adebayo |first2=Olaoluwa Ayodeji |last3=Chikezie |first3=Jude |last4=Ibrahim |first4=Azeez Olalekan |last5=Adedeji |first5=Olushola Emmanuel |title=Ecology of Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus Patas) in Buffer Zone Ranges, Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria |journal=Journal of Bioresource Management |date=23 April 2021 |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=29–37 |doi=10.35691/JBM.1202.0178 |s2cid=236615677 |url=https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1285&context=jbm |access-date=26 December 2021|doi-access=free }}</ref>

Kwara State has been inhabited for years by various ethnic groups, primarily the majority [[Yoruba people]] that live throughout the state, but there are sizeable minorities of [[Nupe people]] in the northeast, [[Bariba people|Bariba (Baatonu)]] and [[Bissa people|Busa (Bokobaru)]] people in the west, and a small [[Fula people|Fulani]] population in [[Ilorin]], moving through the state as nomadic [[Fulani herdsmen|herders]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kwara {{!}} state, Nigeria {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kwara |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

In the pre-colonial period, majority of the area that is now Kwara state was part of the [[Oyo Empire]], with part of the western portions in the [[Borgu|Borgu Kingdoms]] peopled by the Bariba, [[Boko language|Boko]] and Bissa people, and [[Nupe Kingdom]] (1531-1835). In the mid 1800s, the [[Fulani jihad]] annexed some part of what is now the state of Kwara and placed the area under the Gwandu sphere of the [[Sokoto Caliphate]]. In the 1890s and 1900s, British expeditions occupied the area and incorporated it into the [[Northern Nigeria Protectorate]]. The [[Northern Nigeria|Northern]] Nigeria later merged into [[British Nigeria]] in 1914, before becoming independent as [[Nigeria]] in 1960. Originally, the modern-day Kwara state was a part of the post-independence [[Northern Region, Nigeria|Northern Region]] until 1967, when the region was split and the area became the [[West Central State]]. In 1976, the state was renamed Kwara state and the name remained until the 1990s, when its southeast was split off to form a part of [[Kogi State|Kogi state]] and its far northwest Borgu division was annexed into the Borgu division of [[Niger State|Niger state]].

Economically, Kwara state is largely based around [[agriculture]], mainly of [[Coffea robusta|coffee]], [[cotton]], [[Peanut|groundnut]], [[Cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[oil palm]], and [[kola nut]] crops. Other key industries are services, especially in the city of [[Ilorin]], and the [[herding|livestock herding]] and [[ranching]] of [[cattle]], [[goats]], and [[sheep]]. Kwara state has the [[List of Nigerian states by Human Development Index#2019|joint-twentieth highest]] [[Human Development Index]] in the country and numerous institutions of tertiary education.<ref>{{cite web |title=Human Development Indices |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |access-date=15 December 2021}}</ref>

== History ==
Kwara state was created on 27 May 1967,<ref name="kwasang.org.uk">{{Cite web|title=History of Kwara State – Kwara State Association of Nigeria|url=https://kwasang.org.uk/history-of-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-12-31|language=en-US}}</ref> when the Federal Military Government of General [[Yakubu Gowon]] broke the four regions that then constituted the [[Federation of Nigeria]] into 12 states. At its creation, the state was made up of the former [[Ilorin]] and [[Kabba]] provinces of the then [[Northern Region, Nigeria|Northern Region]] and was initially named the West Central State but later changed to "Kwara", a local name for the [[River Niger]], in the [[Hausa language]].

Kwara state has since 1976 reduced considerably in size as a result of further state creation exercises in Nigeria. On 13 February 1976, the [[Idah]]/[[Dekina]] part of the state was carved out and merged with a part of the then [[Benue/Plateau State|Benue/Plateau state]] to form [[Benue State|Benue state]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Kwara State – Kwara State Association of Nigeria|url=https://kwasang.org.uk/history-of-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-06-03|language=en-US}}</ref>

On 27 August 1991, five [[Local Ggvernment]] areas, namely [[Oyi]], [https://www.behance.net/gallery/18479533/Yagba-VillageKogi-stateNigeria Yagba], [[Okene]], [[Okehi]] and [[Kogi State|Kogi]] were also excised to form part of the new [[Kogi State|Kogi state]], while a sixth, [[Borgu Local Government Area]], was merged with [[Niger State|Niger state]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kwara State of Nigeria :: Nigeria Information & Guide|url=https://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Nigeria/States_Nigeria/Kwara/|access-date=2021-06-03|website=www.nigeriagalleria.com}}</ref> The major populated local governments are [[Ilorin]] and [[Offa, Kwara|Offa]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Kwara State – Kwara State Association of Nigeria|url=https://kwasang.org.uk/history-of-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-06-20|language=en-US}}</ref>

Kwara state has numerous mineral resources such as [[tourmaline]], [[tantalite]], and many mineral deposits in the northern part. [[Cocoa bean|Cocoa]] and [[Kola nut|Kolanut]] in the Southern parts [[Oke Ero|Oke - Ero]], [[Ekiti, Kwara|Ekiti]] and [[Isin, Kwara|Isin LGA]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kwara State|url=https://nipc.gov.ng/nigeria-states/kwara-state/|date=2019-01-09|website=Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-30}}</ref>

==Population==
As of 2006, the [[population]] of Kwarans was 2.37 million, based on the Nigerian [[Demographics of Nigeria|2006 Census]].<ref name="PHC Tables" /> This population size constitutes about 1.69% of the nation's total population having relied upon [[immigration]] for population growth and [[socioeconomic development]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/Nigeria06CensusFigs.html|title=Nigeria 2006 Census Figures|work=Nigeria master web|access-date=June 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821125730/http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/Nigeria06CensusFigs.html|archive-date=August 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The principal ethnic groups are Yoruba, Nupe, Fulani, and Baruba.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Gemma|first=Wilson|title=Kwara: the making of a new state|publisher=Bookcraft|year=2012|pages=12–13}}</ref>

Residents of the state are sometimes referred to as Kwarans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/new/no-plans-to-impose-fresh-taxes-on-kwarans-ahmed/|title=No plans to impose fresh taxes on Kwarans|work=The Nation News|access-date=June 3, 2015}}</ref>

==Languages==
Languages of Kwara State listed by LGA:<ref name=e22>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ethnologue.com/country/NG|title=Nigeria|work=Ethnologue|edition=22|access-date=2020-01-10}}</ref><ref name="kwasang.org.uk"/>

{| class="wikitable"
! LGA !! Languages
|-
| [[Asa, Kwara|Asa]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Baruten]] || [[Bariba language|Baatonum]]
|-
| [[Edu, Kwara|Edu]] || [[Nupe language|Nupe]]
|-
| [[Ekiti, Kwara|Ekiti]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Ifelodun, Kwara|Ifelodun]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Ilorin East]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]] 
|-
| [[Ilorin South]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Ilorin West]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Isin, Kwara|Isin]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Irepodun, Kwara|Irepodun]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Kaiama]] || [[Bokobaru language|Bokobaru]]
|-
| [[Moro, Kwara|Moro]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Offa, Kwara|Offa]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Oke Ero]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Oyun]] || [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]
|-
| [[Pategi]] || [[Nupe language|Nupe]]
|}
Other languages spoken in Kwara State include [[Busa language (Mande)|Busa]], [[Boko language|Boko]], and [[Sorko]].

== Local Government Areas ==
{{See also|List of villages in Kwara State}}

Kwara State consists of sixteen [[Local government areas of Nigeria|Local Government Areas]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-10-16|title=List Of Local Government Areas In Kwara State And Their Headquarters|url=https://oldnaija.com/2018/10/16/list-of-local-government-areas-in-kwara-state-and-their-headquarters/|access-date=2021-06-20|website=OldNaija|language=en-GB |last1=Omipidan |first1=Teslim }}</ref> They are:

{{div col|colwidth=10em}}
* [[Asa, Nigeria|Asa]]
* [[Baruten]]
* [[Edu, Nigeria|Edu]]
* [[Ekiti, Kwara State|Ekiti]]
* [[Ifelodun, Kwara State|Ifelodun]]
* [[Ilorin East]]
* [[Ilorin South]]
* [[Ilorin West]]
* [[Irepodun, Kwara State|Irepodun]]
* [[Isin, Nigeria|Isin]]
* [[Kaiama]]
* [[Moro, Nigeria|Moro]]
* [[Offa, Nigeria|Offa]]
* [[Oke Ero]]
* [[Oyun]]
* [[Pategi]]
{{div col end}}

==Governor of  Kwara State==
Like every other state in Nigeria, Kwara State has had a mix of civilian and military Governors. The first Governor of Kwara state was [[David Bamigboye]]. The current governor of Kwara State is Governor [[Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman]], who emerged victorious in the March 9, 2019's governorship election, with the political party APC. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak was sworn in on May 29, 2019, making him the 4th democratic governor of Kwara State and the 20th governor of Kwara State overall.Kayode Alabi is serving as the deputy governor of Kwara state under AbdulRahman's administration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-25 |title=PROFILE: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria [2019 -] |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/profiles/438474-profile-abdulrahman-abdulrazaq-governor-of-kwara-state-nigeria-2019.html |access-date=2022-03-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigerian States |url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria_federal_states.htm |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=www.worldstatesmen.org}}</ref>

== Education ==
[[File:Kwara State University, Malete.jpg|thumb|Kwara State University, Malete]]
Kwara State has a federal [[university]], the [[University of Ilorin]], a state university, [[Kwara State University]] , and seven other privately owned Universities: [[Al-Hikmah University]], [[Landmark University]], [[Summit University, Offa]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Summit University, Offa|url=https://summituniversity.edu.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=summituniversity.edu.ng}}</ref> [https://crownhilluniversity.edu.ng/ Crown Hill University],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crown-Hill University Ilorin {{!}}{{!}} Home|url=https://www.crownhilluniversity.edu.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=www.crownhilluniversity.edu.ng}}</ref> [https://tau.edu.ng/ Thomas Adewumi University],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home - Thomas Adewumi University|url=https://tau.edu.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|language=en-US}}</ref> Ahman Pategi University<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://apu.com.ng/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=Ahman Pategi University|language=en-US}}</ref> and University of Offa.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-10|title=How many Universities are in Kwara State? – Kwara News|url=https://theinformant247.com/full-list-of-universities-in-kwara-state-location-and-year-established/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-03|title=Exclusive: How Kwara North lost KWASU VC slot|url=https://theinformant247.com/exclusive-how-kwara-north-lost-kwasu-vc-slot/|access-date=2021-01-17|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref> Kwara state also has five approved polytechnics; a federal polytechnic, [[Federal Polytechnic, Offa|Federal Polytechnic Offa]], a state-owned polytechnic, [[Kwara State Polytechnic]] , and three privately owned: The Polytechnic Igbo Owu, Lens Polytechnic, and Graceland Polytechnic.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-13|title=How many Polytechnics are in Kwara State? – Kwara News|url=https://theinformant247.com/how-many-polytechnics-are-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref> Of the fifteen Colleges of Education in Kwara state, eleven are owned by private establishments: College of Education Ilemona, Muhyideen College of Education, Kinsey College of Education, Ilorin, Kwara State, Moje College of Education, Erin-Ile, Imam Hamzat College of Education, ECWA College of Education, College of Education Offa, Nana Aisha College of Education, Adesina College of Education and Pan African College of Education. Four colleges of education in Kwara state are funded by the star government: [[Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin|Kwara State College of Education Ilorin]], College of Education Oro, Kwara State College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi, and one federal government's institution offering NCE, the Nigeria Army School of Education.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=List of Colleges of Education in Kwara State – Kwara News|url=https://theinformant247.com/list-of-colleges-of-education-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=The Informant247 News|language=en-US}}</ref> There is also a Navy school, Nigerian Navy School of Health Science, Irra Road, Offa, and an aviation college, [[International Aviation College, Ilorin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to International Aviation College, Ilorin|url=http://aviation.africhoice.website/|website=aviation.africhoice.website}}</ref>

== Healthcare ==
Kwara State has many [[hospital]]s and medical health cares; these include:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hospital Locations |url=https://hmb.kw.gov.ng/hospital-locations/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Kwara State Hospital Management Board |language=en-US}}</ref>

* General Hospital Illorin<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ukoh |first=Emmanuel |date=2022-12-15 |title=West African Physicians Commend Ilorin General Hospital On Public Safety |url=https://von.gov.ng/west-african-physicians-commend-ilorin-general-hospital-on-public-safety/ |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=Voice of Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref>
* University of Illorin Teaching Hospital<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olesin |first=Abdullahi |date=2022-12-10 |title=Hospital Tasks Nurses On ICT, Mulls Digital Services |url=https://leadership.ng/hospital-tasks-nurses-on-ict-mulls-digital-services/ |access-date=2023-01-05 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=T. S. J. |date=2022-12-27 |title=One of separated conjoined twins at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital dies |url=https://thestreetjournal.org/one-of-separated-conjoined-twins-at-university-of-ilorin-teaching-hospital-dies/ |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=The Street Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Life Line Hospital
* Lifefount Hospital
* Balm Hospital
* Sadiku Hospital
* kwara State Civil Service Hospital
* Sobi Specialist Hospital
* Anchormed Hospital
* Mimtaz Hospital
* Asa Dam Hospital
{{Further|Every Child Counts}}

== Tourism ==
[[Image:Kwarastatedrummers.jpg|thumb|right|Drummers in Ijomu Oro village, Kwara State.]]
Important [[tourist]] attractions in Kwara state include [[Esie Museum]], [[Owu waterfalls]], one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in West Africa.<ref name=":2" /> Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro, [[Kainji National Park|Kainji Lake National Parks]], now in [[Niger State|Niger state]] , and Agbonna Hill—Awon Mass Wedding in Shao. There is also Sobi Hill amongst others, which is the largest landform in Ilorin, the state capital.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sule |first=Mariam |title=Off the beaten path: Western Nigeria's Sobi hill offers striking view, spiritual experience |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2022/03/31/nigeria-travel-sobi-hill-pray/7069110001/ |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> A huge [[natural reserve]] also divides the state into East and West. Ero Omola waterfall is also a tourist attraction <ref>{{Cite web|last=Great|first=Dennis|date=2021-08-06|title=ERO-OMOLA WATERFALL|url=https://www.bigtimeafrica.com.ng/ero-omola-waterfall/|access-date=2022-02-25|website=BTATnT - Big Time Africa Travels & Tours Company|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Climate ==
Located at an [[elevation]] of 286.86 meters (941.14 feet) above sea level, Kwara has a [[Tropical savanna climate|Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate]] (Classification: Aw). The city's yearly [[temperature]] is 29.54&nbsp;°C (85.17&nbsp;°F) and it is 0.08% higher than Nigeria's averages. Kwara typically receives about 101.45 millimeters (3.99 inches) of [[precipitation]] and has 148.38 rainy days (40.65% of the time) annually.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Kwara, NG Climate Zone, Monthly Weather Averages and Historical Data |url=https://tcktcktck.org/nigeria/kwara#:~:text=Located%20at%20an%20elevation%20of,0.08%25%20higher%20than%20Nigeria%27s%20averages. |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=tcktcktck.org}}</ref>  It is located at 4.3874051 longitude and 8.9668961 latitude.<ref name=":3" />

The table below has data for the whole year as an average taken from last 12+ years of historical data for Ilorin.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ilorin Annual Weather Averages |url=https://www.worldweatheronline.com/ilorin-weather/kwara/ng.aspx |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=WorldWeatherOnline.com |language=en}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
!Month
!Day
!Night
!Rain Days
|-
|January
|36°c
|21°c
|1
|-
|February
|38°c
|23°c
|1
|-
|March
|38°c
|24°c
|4
|-
|April
|36°c
|25°c
|9
|-
|May
|34°c
|24°c
|15
|-
|June
|31°c
|23°c
|17
|-
|July
|29°c
|22°c
|18
|-
|August
|28°c
|22°c
|18
|-
|September
|29°c
|22°c
|20
|-
|October
|31°c
|23°c
|15
|-
|November
|35°c
|23°c
|1
|-
|December
|36°c
|21°c
|0
|}

== Incidents ==
{{See also|Kwara boat disaster}}
According to reports, a boat capsized and broke in two on June 12, 2023, in the Niger River close to Pategi, in Kwara State, Nigeria. The guests on the boat were originally arriving on motorcycles, but the intense rain left them stranded. It was confirmed that at least 108 people have died and many are absent.<ref name=":4" />

On October 25, 2023, a tree fall killed two people and injured at least five.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Omidiji |first=Rachael |date=2023-10-23 |title=Kwara: Fallen tree kills woman, injures 10 others |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/kwara-fallen-tree-kills-woman-injures-10-others/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Olesin |first=Abdullahi |date=2023-10-23 |title=2 Die As Tree Falls On Commuters In Kwara |url=https://leadership.ng/2-die-as-tree-falls-on-commuters-in-kwara/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |language=en-US}}</ref>

On February 2, 2024, Ejire Adeyemi Toun, the traditional ruler was assassinated in his palace, and his wife was kidnapped. <ref>https://www.chronicle.ng/news/police-confirm-killing-of-kwara/</ref>

== Transport ==
[[File:Ilorin Train Station, kwara state.jpg|alt=Ilorin Train Station in Kwara|thumb|Ilorin Train Station in Kwara]]
The [[Nigerian Railway Corporation]] extends services from [[Lagos]] through the state to the northern part of the country. [[Ilorin Airport]] is a major center for both domestic and international flights and has now been built up into a hub for transportation of [[cargo]]es.<ref>{{Cite web |title=13 Airports Now Cargo Terminals - P.M. News |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/06/19/13-airports-now-cargo-terminals/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Economy ==
Agriculture is the main source of the state's economy and the principal cash crops are :<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cash Crops - an overview {{!}} ScienceDirect Topics|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cash-crops|access-date=2022-02-25|website=www.sciencedirect.com}}</ref> [[cotton]], [[cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[coffee]], [[kola nut]], [[tobacco]], [[sesame]] and palm produce. Kwara state is home to [[Shonga Farms]], a product of the Back-to-Farm project of one of the past administrators of the state, Dr. [[Bukola Saraki|Abubakar Bukola Saraki]]. Shonga Farms is made up of 13 commercial farmers. [[Natural resource|Mineral resources]] in the state are Petroleum, [[Gold]], [[limestone]], [[marble]], [[feldspar]], [[clay]], [[kaolin]], [[quartz]] and [[Granite|granite rocks]],
and laterite found majorly in omuaran.
<ref>{{Cite web|last=Atulegwu|first=David|date=2020-09-08|title=List of Natural Mineral Resources Found in Kwara State|url=https://nigerianinfopedia.com.ng/natural-mineral-resources-found-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2020-09-22|website=Nigerian Infopedia|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Infrastructure===

*'''Hygiene and Sanitation'''

The government of Nigeria is increasingly aware of problems emanating from poor environmental sanitation, and Kwara state is working on improving its environment and sanitation.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Adedibu|first=Afolabi A.|date=1986-03-01|title=Solid waste management and a new environmental edict: a case study from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02240232|journal=Environmentalist|language=en|volume=6|issue=1|pages=63–68|doi=10.1007/BF02240232|s2cid=84938959|issn=1573-2991}}</ref> On September 22, 2020, the Kwara state governor officially commenced the 'Clean Kwara' Campaign to end open defecation and promote good [[hygiene]] in the state.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Olesin|first=Abdullahi|date=2020-09-22|title=Nigeria: Abdulrazaq Launches Clean Kwara Campaign, to End Open Defecation|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202009220758.html|access-date=2020-09-22|website=allAfrica.com|language=en}}</ref>  The state government is working to fix all the roads and waterways to ensure free water flow,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Environmental Sanitation: Govt assures of a clean Kwara, to supply waste receptacle containers – RoyalFM 95.1MHz, Ilorin|url=http://royalfm.net/environmental-sanitation-govt-assures-of-a-clean-kwara-to-supply-waste-receptacle-containers/|access-date=2020-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> putting in efforts to ensure [[Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Monitoring Program|water sanitation]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Alhaji|date=2019-11-19|title=Nigeria inaugurates water plants in Kwara State|url=https://constructionreviewonline.com/2019/11/nigeria-inaugurates-water-plants-in-kwara-state/|access-date=2020-09-22|website=Construction Review Online|language=en-US}}</ref> building [[toilets]] , and making clean water accessible.<ref name=":1" /> This is also to promote [[Sustainable Development Goals]] 3 & 6 (general access to safe and affordable drinking water and access to adequate and equitable sanitation, hygiene for all, and end [[open defecation]] by 2030)<ref name=":0" />

== Sports ==
Sporting activities are managed by the State Sports Council. The importance attached to sports led to the construction of a [[stadium]], named—Kwara State Stadium Complex. The facilities available at the stadium complex are mainbowl, indoor sports hall, hostel, recreational press center as well as an Olympic size swimming pool. The state is actively represented both in football and basketball. The state is the home to the [[Kwara United FC|Kwara United Football Club]], [[ABS FC]] and [[Kwara Falcons Basketball Club]].

== Notable people ==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
{{div col}}
*[[AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq]], politician 
*[[Bukola Saraki]], politician
*[[David Abioye]], cleric
*[[Abimbola Abolarinwa]], urologist
*[[Cornelius Adebayo]], politician
*[[Femi Adebayo]], actor and film producer
*[[Tunde Adebimpe]], musician
*[[Kemi Adesoye]], screenwriter
*[[Abdulfatah Ahmed]], banker and politician
*[[Simon Ajibola]], politician 
*[[Mustapha Akanbi (jurist)]], jurist
*[[Mustapha Akanbi (academic)]], academic and lawyer
*[[Sheik Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory]], Islamic scholar
*[[Sarah Alade]], former CBN governor
*[[Lola Ashiru]], architect and politician
*[[Kunle Afolayan]], actor, film director and producer
*[[Ayeloyun]], musician
*[[Joseph Ayo Babalola]], cleric
*[[David Bamigboye]], soldier
*[[Theophilus Bamigboye]], soldier and politician
*[[Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore]], jurist and former Chief Justice of Nigeria
*[[Oga Bello]], actor and producer (real name Adebayo Salami)
*[[Ibrahim Gambari]], diplomat
*[[Yusuf Gobir]], administrator
*[[Ola Ibrahim]], naval officer
*[[Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim]], politician
*[[Tunde Idiagbon]], soldier
*[[Ahmed Mohammed Inuwa]], politician 
*[[Ayinla Kollington|General Ayinla Kollington]], musician
*[[Joana Nnazua Kolo]], Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development
*[[Farooq Kperogi]], journalist
*[[Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi]], politician
*[[Lagbaja|Lágbájá]], musician
*[[Salaudeen Latinwo]], soldier
*[[Mohammed Lawal]], naval officer
*[[Lai Mohammed]], lawyer and politician
*[[Saliu Mustapha]], politician 
*[[Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe]], politician
*[[Abdulkadir Orire]], first Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal
*[[Oye Owolewa]], politician
*[[David Oyedepo]], cleric
*[[Wasiu Alabi Pasuma]], musician
*[[Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki]], politician
*[[Olusola Saraki]], politician
* [[Toyin Saraki]], healthcare philanthropist
*[[Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki]], politician
*[[AbdulRazzaq Ibrahim Salman]], cleric
*[[Bola Shagaya]], businessman
*[[Rukayat Shittu]], journalist and politician
*[[Tony Tetuila]], musician
*[[Rashidi Yekini]], soccer player
{{div col end}}
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->

==See also ==
*[[Kwara State Executive Council]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Kwara State}}
{{Nigeria states}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Nigeria}}

[[Category:Kwara State| ]]
[[Category:States of Nigeria]]
[[Category:States in Yorubaland]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1967]]
[[Category:1967 establishments in Nigeria]]