North Central · Capital: Ilorin
Kwara State
Governor: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Population
2,371,089
Land area
36,825 km²
Created
May 27, 1967
Governance
Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (APC, born 5 February 1960 in Zaria) has served as Governor of Kwara State since 29 May 2019, re-elected in 2023. An entrepreneur who founded NOPA Oil Services, Nigeria's first indigenous crude-oil trading company, he currently chairs the Nigeria Governors' Forum and has prioritized infrastructure, education, and healthcare reform.
History
Kwara State was created on 27 May 1967 as the West Central State, one of the original 12 states, and was renamed Kwara in 1976. Ilorin, its capital, was historically both a Yoruba town and, after 1817, seat of a Fulani emirate within the Sokoto Caliphate, giving the state a distinct blend of Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani heritage often summarized in its 'State of Harmony' nickname.
Natural Resources
Marble and clay
Solid mineral deposits found across several LGAs.
Tourism
Known as the 'State of Harmony' for its blend of Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani cultures, anchored by the historic Ilorin Emirate.
- Emir of Ilorin's Palace
- Owu Waterfalls
- Esie Museum (stone carvings)
Agriculture
A significant middle-belt agricultural producer of grains, cassava, and livestock, supported by the Ifelodun and Edu farming belts.
Maize · Rice · Cassava · Yam · Guinea corn
Investment
Home to a growing agribusiness and logistics sector benefiting from its position linking the north and southwest along major federal highways.
Agriculture & agro-processing · Education · Manufacturing · Solid minerals
Infrastructure
Education
University of Ilorin · Kwara State University