Kwara State History: Culture, Economy & People

At a Glance

Capital	Ilorin
Geopolitical Zone	North Central
Date Created	May 27, 1967
Created From	The former Ilorin and Kabba Provinces of the Northern Region
Area	36,825 km²
Governor	AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (APC) — since 2019
Nickname	State of Harmony
No. of LGAs	16

History of Kwara State

Pre-Colonial Kwara — Ilorin, Yoruba, Nupe and Bariba Heritage

The history of present-day Kwara State reflects the interaction of several major peoples and political traditions in the region. The southern and central parts of the territory have deep connections with Yoruba civilisation, while communities in the northern and northwestern areas have strong Nupe, Bariba and other cultural traditions. The strategic location of the region between the forest belt and the northern savanna made it an important corridor for migration, trade and political expansion.

Ilorin developed into one of the most important political centres in the region. The city became associated with the Fulani leadership of Sheikh Alimi and his descendants during the nineteenth century. The resulting Ilorin Emirate became a major Islamic political authority and played a significant role in the history of the old Oyo region and northern Yorubaland.

Other important pre-colonial centres included Offa, Oro, Omu-Aran, Igbomina communities, Esie, Share, Lafiagi, Patigi, Kaiama and Baruten. These communities developed their own systems of kingship, trade, agriculture, religion and customary law.

The Rise of the Ilorin Emirate

The nineteenth-century rise of the Ilorin Emirate transformed the political history of the region. Sheikh Alimi, a Fulani Islamic scholar and leader, became associated with the political transformation of Ilorin during the decline of the old Oyo political system. His descendants and allied forces subsequently established a powerful emirate centred on Ilorin.

The emirate became an important centre of Islamic learning, administration and trade. Its influence extended across parts of the former Oyo territories and into areas that today form parts of Kwara, Osun, Oyo and neighbouring states. The Emir of Ilorin remains one of the most prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria.

Ilorin's position also made it a meeting point between northern Islamic traditions and the Yoruba cultural world of the south. This historical interaction remains visible in the city's language, architecture, religion, traditional institutions, cuisine and social life.

Colonial Kwara — British Rule and the Northern Protectorate

British influence expanded into the Ilorin area during the late nineteenth century. Following military and political developments in Yorubaland, the British incorporated Ilorin into their colonial administrative structure. The Ilorin Emirate was retained as a traditional institution under British indirect rule, while colonial officials exercised ultimate political authority.

The region became part of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and subsequently the Northern Region. British administration introduced new systems of taxation, courts, roads, education and agricultural administration. Christian missionary influence was stronger in many southern communities, while Islamic institutions remained particularly important in Ilorin and northern parts of the territory.

Agriculture remained central to the economy. Communities cultivated crops such as yam, cassava, maize, guinea corn, cotton, cocoa, kolanut and oil palm, depending on local ecological conditions. Trade routes connected Ilorin and other towns with markets across northern and southern Nigeria.

Kwara Before State Creation — From Northern Region to West Central State

At Nigerian independence in 1960, the area now known as Kwara State was part of the Northern Region. The territory was administered through the old provinces, including Ilorin and Kabba. The region occupied a strategic position between the northern and southern parts of the country.

The political restructuring of Nigeria during the 1960s eventually led to the creation of states. On 27 May 1967, the Federal Military Government under General Yakubu Gowon divided Nigeria into twelve states. The territory became part of the newly created West Central State, with Ilorin as its capital.

The name was later changed from West Central State to Kwara State, taking its name from a local name associated with the River Niger.

Creation of Kwara State — 27 May 1967

Kwara State was created on 27 May 1967 as one of the twelve states established by the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon. At creation, the state consisted largely of the former Ilorin and Kabba Provinces of the Northern Region and was initially known as West Central State.

The state was subsequently renamed Kwara. The name is associated with the River Niger, which forms an important geographical feature of the region. Ilorin was retained as the capital and became the administrative centre of the new state.

The territory of Kwara was considerably larger at creation than it is today. Subsequent state-creation exercises altered its boundaries. In 1976, parts of the territory were transferred to the newly created Benue State. In 1991, additional areas were transferred to newly created Kogi and Niger states, producing the territorial configuration of modern Kwara.

Modern Kwara — Education, Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism

Modern Kwara State has developed into an important economic and educational centre in North Central Nigeria. Ilorin has grown rapidly as an administrative, commercial and educational city and serves as a major connection between northern and southern Nigeria.

The state has developed a strong education sector around institutions such as the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Al-Hikmah University, the Federal Polytechnic Offa and other tertiary institutions. Ilorin's educational institutions attract students from across Nigeria and contribute significantly to the local economy.

Agriculture remains a major economic activity. Important crops include yam, cassava, maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cowpea, cotton, cocoa, kolanut, cashew and oil palm. Livestock production and fishing are also important in suitable areas.

Tourism has significant potential. Major attractions include Esie Museum, Owu Waterfalls, Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Sobi Hill, Agbonna Hill, Awon Mass Wedding site and Ero Omola Waterfall. The Kwara State Government has identified tourism as an important investment and development sector.

Kwara After 1991 — The Modern State

The creation of new states in 1991 significantly reduced Kwara State's territorial size. Areas that became part of Kogi State included Oyi, Yagba, Okene and Okehi, while parts of the former Borgu area were transferred to Niger State. The changes left Kwara with the territory that broadly corresponds to the modern state.

The state subsequently developed around three major senatorial districts: Kwara Central, Kwara North and Kwara South. Ilorin remained the political and economic centre, while Offa, Omu-Aran, Jebba, Lafiagi, Patigi, Kaiama and other towns developed as important regional centres.

Geography of Kwara State

Topography

Kwara has varied terrain consisting of plains, hills, valleys, rocky outcrops and riverine landscapes. The southern part contains portions of the forest and derived savanna belt, while the northern areas transition into more open Guinea savanna landscapes. The landscape around Owu Waterfalls, Sobi Hill, Agbonna Hill and other elevated areas demonstrates the geographical diversity of the state.

Rivers & Waterways

The River Niger is the most important river associated with Kwara and forms part of the state's northern and western drainage system. Other important rivers and water bodies include the Asa River, Awun River and various tributaries and reservoirs. The Niger supports fishing, transportation, agriculture and other economic activities in communities located along its course.

Forests & Vegetation

Vegetation varies across the state from forest-savanna mosaics in the south to Guinea savanna in the north. Agricultural land is widespread, while forest reserves, wetlands and river corridors provide important ecological habitats. The southern LGAs of Oke Ero, Isin, Ekiti and parts of Irepodun contain relatively greener and more forested landscapes.

Climate

Climate type: Tropical wet and dry / Guinea savanna

Kwara experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate. The rainy season generally occurs between about April and October, while the dry season extends roughly from November to March. Northern parts of the state generally experience longer dry periods than the southern areas. Harmattan conditions can occur during the dry season, particularly between December and February.

Bordering States

Kwara State shares boundaries with: Niger, Kogi, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti.

International Borders

Benin Republic

Culture & People of Kwara State

Ethnic Groups

Kwara State is culturally diverse. Major indigenous groups include Yoruba, Nupe and Bariba communities, together with other Nigerian ethnic groups living particularly in urban centres. Yoruba-speaking communities are especially prominent in the southern and central parts of the state, while Nupe and Bariba cultural traditions are strongly represented in northern areas.

Languages

Major languages spoken in Kwara include Yoruba, Nupe, Bariba, Hausa and English. Various Yoruba dialects are spoken across the southern communities, while Nupe is prominent around Edu, Patigi and adjoining areas. English is the official language of government and formal education, while Hausa is also widely understood in commercial and northern communities.

Festivals & Celebrations

Kwara's festivals reflect its diverse cultural heritage. Important celebrations include the Ilorin Durbar, Awon Mass Wedding in Shao, traditional royal festivals, Egungun celebrations, New Yam festivals and various Nupe cultural festivals. Different emirates, kingdoms and communities maintain their own annual cultural calendars.

Traditional Food

Kwara cuisine reflects both northern and southern Nigerian food traditions. Popular foods include tuwo, amala, pounded yam, iyan, eba, fufu, rice dishes, yam, cassava, beans, moin-moin and a variety of vegetable and meat soups. Ilorin cuisine also reflects centuries of interaction between Yoruba and northern Islamic food traditions.

Traditional Attire

Traditional clothing varies by community. Yoruba men commonly wear agbada, buba and sokoto with caps, while women wear iro, buba and gele. Nupe and Bariba communities have their own traditional clothing styles. Aso-oke, embroidered fabrics and elaborate ceremonial garments are commonly worn during weddings, festivals, coronations and religious celebrations.

Music & Dance

Traditional music includes talking drums, bata, dundun, sekere, flutes and other percussion instruments. The Ilorin Emirate is particularly known for its durbar tradition, featuring horses, drumming, praise singing and ceremonial processions. Yoruba and Nupe communities also maintain distinctive traditional dances and praise poetry.

Arts & Crafts

Arts and crafts include pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, leatherwork, wood carving, beadwork, textile production, basketry and traditional sculpture. The famous terracotta figures associated with Esie represent one of the state's most important archaeological and artistic traditions.

Traditional Rulers of Kwara State

Ilorin Emirate

Emir of Ilorin: Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (since 1995)

LGA: Ilorin West

The Emirate of Ilorin is one of the most historically important traditional institutions in northern Nigeria. Its political history developed during the nineteenth century under Sheikh Alimi and his successors. The Emir of Ilorin remains a prominent traditional ruler and custodian of the emirate's cultural and Islamic heritage.

Offa Kingdom

Olofa of Offa: Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Okikiola

LGA: Offa

The Olofa of Offa is the traditional ruler of Offa, one of the historic Yoruba kingdoms in Kwara State. Offa has a long history of trade, agriculture, education and military traditions. The annual cultural celebrations of the town form an important part of Kwara's Yoruba heritage.

Omu-Aran Kingdom

Olomu of Omu-Aran: Traditional institution of Omu-Aran

LGA: Irepodun

Omu-Aran is an important traditional and commercial centre in southern Kwara. The Olomu institution represents the traditional authority of the town and surrounding communities. The area is strongly associated with Yoruba and Igbomina heritage.

Oro Kingdom

Oloro of Oro: Traditional institution of Oro

LGA: Irepodun

The Oloro of Oro is the traditional ruler of Oro, an important Yoruba kingdom in southern Kwara. Oro communities have longstanding agricultural, cultural and traditional institutions and are part of the wider Igbomina cultural region.

Patigi Kingdom

Etsu Patigi: Traditional institution of Patigi

LGA: Patigi

The Etsu Patigi is the traditional ruler of Patigi and an important authority among the Nupe-speaking communities of the Niger River region. Patigi has historically served as a centre of riverine trade, fishing, agriculture and Nupe cultural heritage.

Lafiagi Emirate

Etsu Lafiagi: Traditional institution of Lafiagi

LGA: Edu

The Etsu Lafiagi is the traditional ruler of Lafiagi. The town has longstanding connections with Nupe political and cultural traditions and occupies an important position in northern Kwara's agricultural and commercial network.

Kaiama Emirate

Emir of Kaiama: Traditional institution of Kaiama

LGA: Kaiama

The Emirate of Kaiama is located in northern Kwara near the international border with Benin Republic. The area has strong Bariba and related cultural traditions and is historically connected to trade, agriculture and pastoral activities.

Shao Kingdom

Olofa of Shao: Traditional institution of Shao

LGA: Ilorin West

Shao is an historic Yoruba community near Ilorin. It is particularly famous for the annual Awon Mass Wedding, a unique cultural event that has attracted national and international attention. The community maintains its own traditional leadership structure.

Esie Kingdom

Elesie of Esie: Traditional institution of Esie

LGA: Irepodun

Esie is famous for the archaeological and artistic heritage of its soapstone figures. The Elesie of Esie serves as the traditional ruler of the community. Esie's heritage is closely connected to the famous Esie Museum.

Isanlu-Isin Kingdom

Olusin of Isanlu-Isin: Traditional institution of Isin

LGA: Isin

The Isin area contains several historic Yoruba communities with traditional institutions that preserve local customs, festivals and royal heritage. The Olusin institution is one of the important traditional stools in the area.

Economy of Kwara State

Kwara State's economy is based on agriculture, commerce, public administration, education, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, construction and solid minerals. Its location between northern and southern Nigeria gives it an important strategic advantage for trade and transportation.

Ilorin functions as the major economic hub, while Offa, Omu-Aran, Jebba, Lafiagi, Patigi, Kaiama and other towns support regional commercial activity. The state also has significant opportunities in agro-processing, tourism, mining and manufacturing.

Agriculture

Important agricultural products include yam, cassava, maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cowpea, cotton, cocoa, kolanut, cashew, oil palm, groundnut and vegetables. Livestock production includes cattle, goats, sheep and poultry. Fishing is important along the Niger River and other water bodies.

Natural Resources

Kwara has deposits of limestone, marble, granite, kaolin, clay, feldspar, quartz, tantalite, tourmaline and other minerals. Mineral-bearing areas are found in several parts of the state. The abundance of construction minerals also supports quarrying and building-material industries.

Industries

Industrial activities include food processing, flour milling, agricultural processing, quarrying, construction materials, furniture, textiles, packaging and small-scale manufacturing. Ilorin hosts several industrial and commercial businesses, while Offa and other towns support agro-processing and manufacturing enterprises.

Commerce & Trade

Ilorin is the largest commercial centre in Kwara State. Other important commercial towns include Offa, Omu-Aran, Jebba, Lafiagi, Patigi, Kaiama, Oro and Erin-Ile. The state's position on major transportation corridors makes it an important link between Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria.

Government of Kwara State

Since its creation, Kwara State has been governed by the following:

#	Name	Party	Period	Note
1	AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq	APC	2019 — Present
2	David Lasisi Bamigboye		1967 — 1975	Military Governor — pioneer Governor of the state after its creation in 1967.
3	Ibrahim Taiwo		1975 — 1976	Military Governor — served during the period of further state restructuring in Nigeria.
4	George Innih		1976 — 1978	Military Governor — administered the state during the early phase of the Murtala/Obasanjo military governments.
5	Salaudeen Latinwo		1978 — 1979	Military Governor — served during the final phase of military administration before the Second Republic.
6	Cornelius Adebayo	UPN	1979 — 1983	Civilian Governor — elected Governor of the former Kwara State during the Second Republic.
7	Mohammed Ndatsu Umar		1983 — 1985	Military Governor — served following the December 1983 military takeover.
8	Ahmed Abdullahi		1987 — 1988	Military Governor — served during the Babangida military administration.
9	Ibrahim Alkali		1988 — 1989	Military Governor — served during the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
10	Alwali Jauji Kazir		1989 — 1992	Military Governor — administered Kwara during the transition period preceding the Third Republic.
11	Shaaba Lafiaji	SDP	1992 — 1993	Civilian Governor — elected Governor during the short-lived Third Republic.
12	Mustapha Ismail		1993 — 1994	Military Administrator — served during the Abacha military administration.
13	Baba Adamu Iyam		1994 — 1996	Military Administrator — served during the transition period before the return to civilian government.
14	Peter A. M. Ogar		1996 — 1998	Military Administrator — served after the creation of the modern territorial configuration of Kwara State.
15	Rasheed Shekoni		1998 — 1999	Military Administrator — served until the restoration of democratic government in May 1999.
16	Mohammed Lawal	ANPP	1999 — 2003	Civilian Governor — served as Governor of Kwara State during the first elected administration of the Fourth Republic.
17	Bukola Saraki	PDP	2003 — 2011	Civilian Governor — served two consecutive terms and oversaw major infrastructure and institutional projects.
18	Abdulfatah Ahmed	PDP	2011 — 2019	Civilian Governor — served two consecutive terms as Governor of Kwara State.
19	AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq	APC	2019 — Present	Civilian Governor — incumbent Governor of Kwara State. He assumed office on 29 May 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.

Full governors history →

Education & Institutions in Kwara State

University of Ilorin Federal — Est. 1975 — Ilorin South LGA
Kwara State University State — Est. 2009 — Moro LGA
Al-Hikmah University Private — Est. 2005 — Ilorin West LGA
Landmark University Private — Est. 2011 — Omu-Aran LGA
Federal Polytechnic, Offa Federal — Est. 1992 — Offa LGA
Kwara State Polytechnic State — Est. 1973 — Ilorin West LGA

Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Kwara State

Esie Museum

Irepodun LGA

Esie Museum is one of Nigeria's most important cultural and archaeological museums. It is famous for its collection of soapstone figures and is located in Esie, Irepodun Local Government Area. The figures are regarded as an important part of the cultural heritage of the region and have attracted researchers and tourists for decades.

The museum preserves hundreds of stone sculptures and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the artistic and archaeological traditions of the area.

Owu Waterfalls

Ifelodun LGA

Owu Waterfalls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Nigeria and is located at Owa-Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area. The waterfall drops over a rocky escarpment into a cold natural pool below and is surrounded by forested hills and dramatic scenery.

Owu Falls is an important ecotourism destination and one of Kwara State's best-known natural attractions.

Imoleboja Rock Shelter

Moro LGA

Imoleboja Rock Shelter is an important natural and archaeological feature in Kwara State. The rock formation and surrounding landscape provide evidence of the long relationship between human communities and the region's natural environment.

Sobi Hill

Ilorin West LGA

Sobi Hill is one of the most recognisable geographical landmarks of Ilorin. Rising above the city, the hill provides elevated views of parts of the state capital and is associated with local history, recreation and traditional beliefs.

Agbonna Hill

Offa LGA

Agbonna Hill is a notable elevated landscape associated with Shao and surrounding communities. The hill contributes to the cultural and natural tourism potential of the area and provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Awon Mass Wedding Site

Ilorin West LGA

The Awon Mass Wedding is a distinctive cultural event associated with Shao in Kwara State. The celebration brings together multiple couples in a traditional communal marriage ceremony and has become one of the state's best-known cultural tourism events.

Ero Omola Waterfall

Oke Ero LGA

Ero Omola Waterfall is a natural attraction in southern Kwara. The waterfall and surrounding rocky landscape form part of the state's growing ecotourism potential and demonstrate the scenic diversity of the Oke Ero area.

Ilorin Emir's Palace

Ilorin West LGA

The Ilorin Emir's Palace is the traditional seat of the Emir of Ilorin and one of the most important symbols of the city's historical identity. The palace represents the history of the Ilorin Emirate and remains an important centre of traditional authority and Islamic heritage.

All landmarks →

Notable People from Kwara State

AbdulGaniyu AbdulRazaq (1925–2020) — Prominent Nigerian lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and first Northern Nigerian lawyer to attain the rank of Senior Advocate. He was also a traditional title holder in Ilorin.

Politics & Government

Cornelius Adebayo (1933–2022) — Former Governor of Kwara State during the Second Republic and prominent politician associated with the Yoruba political tradition.
Bukola Saraki (1962) — Former Governor of Kwara State, former Senator representing Kwara Central and former President of the Nigerian Senate.
Abdulfatah Ahmed (1963) — Former Governor of Kwara State from 2011 to 2019.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (1960) — Governor of Kwara State since 2019 and entrepreneur with interests in petroleum, agriculture, construction, shipping, information technology and real estate.
Saka Tinubu — Historic political figure associated with the development of Ilorin and Kwara political administration.

Academia

Hakeem Shakur — Academic and professional associated with the educational and intellectual development of Kwara.

Sports

Rasheed Yekini (1963–2012) — Legendary Nigerian football striker and the country's leading scorer at the time of his death. He scored Nigeria's first goal at the FIFA World Cup in 1994.

Military

David Lasisi Bamigboye (1940) — Military officer and pioneer Military Governor of Kwara State following its creation in 1967.

Religion

Abdul-Rahman Alimi — Religious and historical figure associated with the development of Islamic scholarship and the Ilorin Emirate tradition.

Full notable people list →

Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara State

Kwara State has 16 Local Government Areas:

Asa — HQ: Afon (1,280 km²) Asa is one of the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State and is located around the western and southwestern approaches to Ilorin. Its headquarters is Afon.
Baruten — HQ: Kosubosu (9,671 km²) Baruten is the largest Local Government Area in Kwara State by land area and occupies the northwestern part of the state. It shares an international boundary with the Republic of Benin.
Edu — HQ: Lafiagi (2,535 km²) Edu is one of the major northern LGAs of Kwara State and has a strong Nupe cultural presence. Lafiagi is its administrative headquarters.
Ekiti — HQ: Araromi-Opin (479 km²) Ekiti LGA should not be confused with Ekiti State. It is a Local Government Area in southern Kwara State, with Araromi-Opin as its headquarters.
Ifelodun — HQ: Share (3,425 km²) Ifelodun is one of the largest and economically important LGAs in Kwara State. Its administrative headquarters is Share.
Ilorin East — HQ: Oke-Oyi (484 km²) Ilorin East forms part of the Ilorin metropolitan region. Its headquarters is Oke-Oyi and it contains a mixture of urban, peri-urban and rural communities.
Ilorin South — HQ: Fufu (174 km²) Ilorin South is part of the Ilorin metropolitan area. Fufu is traditionally listed as the headquarters, while many well-known urban districts of Ilorin are located within the LGA.
Ilorin West — HQ: Oja-Oba / Ilorin (104 km²) Ilorin West is one of the most densely populated LGAs in Kwara State and contains much of the historic and commercial core of Ilorin. Its headquarters is commonly associated with the Oja-Oba/Ilorin area.
Irepodun — HQ: Omu-Aran (734 km²) Irepodun is an important southern Kwara LGA with Omu-Aran as its headquarters. It contains several historic Yoruba towns and cultural attractions.
Isin — HQ: Owu-Isin (631 km²) Isin is a predominantly rural LGA in southern Kwara with a strong Yoruba cultural identity. Owu-Isin serves as the headquarters.
Kaiama — HQ: Kaiama (6,936 km²) Kaiama is one of the largest LGAs in Kwara State by land area. It is located in the northwestern part of the state and has important links to the Republic of Benin and Niger State.
Moro — HQ: Bode-Saadu (3,258 km²) Moro is a large LGA north of Ilorin and contains important communities along the Niger River. Bode-Saadu serves as its headquarters.
Offa — HQ: Offa (95 km²) Offa is one of the most prominent historic Yoruba towns in Kwara State. The LGA is relatively small in land area but has a dense urban population and strong commercial activity.
Oke-Ero — HQ: Iloffa (437 km²) Oke-Ero is a southern Kwara LGA with Iloffa as its headquarters. It is predominantly rural and agricultural.
Oyun — HQ: Ilemona (475 km²) Oyun is a southern Kwara LGA headquartered at Ilemona. It contains several important Yoruba towns and agricultural communities.
Patigi — HQ: Patigi (2,910 km²) Patigi is a historic Nupe-speaking area in northern Kwara State. Patigi town serves as the headquarters and is located close to the Niger River.

Detailed LGA information →

Did You Know? — Kwara State Facts

Kwara State was created on 27 May 1967 by the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon.
Ilorin is the capital and largest city of Kwara State.
Kwara State is located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone.
Kwara State has 16 Local Government Areas.
The 16 LGAs are Asa, Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Ilorin West, Irepodun, Isin, Kaiama, Moro, Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun and Patigi.
Kwara State was initially called West Central State when it was created in 1967.
The name Kwara is associated with a local name for the River Niger.
Kwara shares an international boundary with the Republic of Benin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kwara State

What is Kwara State known for?

Kwara State is known for its historic Ilorin Emirate, diverse Yoruba, Nupe and Bariba cultures, agriculture, education, tourism, traditional institutions and strategic position between northern and southern Nigeria. Major attractions include Esie Museum, Owu Waterfalls and Sobi Hill.

What is the capital of Kwara State?

The capital of Kwara State is Ilorin. Ilorin is the political, administrative, commercial and educational centre of the state and is also the seat of the Emir of Ilorin.

When was Kwara State created?

Kwara State was created on 27 May 1967 by the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon. It was initially known as West Central State before being renamed Kwara.

Who is the current Governor of Kwara State?

The current Governor of Kwara State is AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He assumed office on 29 May 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.

How many Local Government Areas are in Kwara State?

Kwara State has 16 Local Government Areas: Asa, Baruten, Edu, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Ilorin West, Irepodun, Isin, Kaiama, Moro, Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun and Patigi.

What ethnic groups are found in Kwara State?

Major indigenous ethnic groups in Kwara include Yoruba, Nupe and Bariba communities. Other Nigerian ethnic groups also live in the state, particularly in Ilorin and other urban centres.

What languages are spoken in Kwara State?

Major languages include Yoruba, Nupe, Bariba, Hausa and English. Yoruba is particularly prominent in southern and central communities, while Nupe and Bariba are important in northern parts of the state.

Why is Kwara called the State of Harmony?

Kwara is popularly known as the State of Harmony, reflecting the coexistence of diverse ethnic, religious and cultural communities within the state.

Other North Central States

All North Central States →