I waited until all the birthday wishes slowed down before writing this. I usually don’t join in public praise and I have never posted anything on this platform, but this time is different. In Nigeria, important people often get lots of praise, many of which are sycophantic and overblown and mostly more than they deserve.

However, in this instance, the praise is genuinely warranted. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s impact on Kwara State’s development is undeniable. He is a man who avoids the limelight and excessive media attention. It seems that Governor Abdulrazaq’s focus is on substance over style. He just gets things done. He’s demonstrated a clear commitment to transforming Kwara State.

Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has significantly improved Kwara State’s infrastructure and human capital – 145 roads (including many in Ilorin) have been built or repaired, with 50 more in progress. A record over 8,000 teachers have been hired, and KwaraLEARN is boosting learning outcomes. The garment factory, currently employing 400 with a potential of 4,000, and the Visual Arts Centre (a movie production facility, said to be the largest in West Africa) will boost the local economy, attract investment and help put Kwara on the national map.

The urban redevelopment project, which includes Ilorin’s new flyovers and roads, has transformed the city. Critically, Kwara North, which has long been ignored, has seen unprecedented road development, including the facilitation of the 217km Bode Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu, Lafiagi-Shonga-Bacita and Okuta-Gwanara-Bukoro road networks, promising to revolutionise transportation and open up the region. Also, through initiatives like SAPZ (Special Agro-Industrial processing Zone), the acquistion of tractors, farming clusters, irrigation schemes, and farming support, the administration has boosted agriculture, creating new opportunities and income for rural communities.

Therefore, my “happy birthday” wishes are not simply a perfunctory addition to the well-wishing; they are a sincere acknowledgement of his achievements and his positive impact on the State. He has truly earned the accolades he is receiving. So, when I say “happy birthday,” I mean it. He’s made a real difference.