Ilorin, Kwara State – November 18, 2025: The Kwara State Government has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment by disbursing N5.4 million to 15 student entrepreneurs from tertiary institutions across the state. The grants were awarded during the Kwara State Entrepreneurship Expo, held in Ilorin to mark the 2025 International Students’ Day.
The beneficiaries were carefully selected from over 500 applicants, who submitted pitches for innovative or existing business ventures, highlighting the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Kwara’s youth.
Emerging as the top winner, Zainab Omodolapo, a University of Ilorin student and Ewa Aganyin vendor, received a N1 million grant for her business. The first runner-up, Waheed Lukman, was awarded N800,000, while Atinuke Lawal, the second runner-up, received N600,000. The remaining twelve participants each secured N250,000 in consolation grants.
Representing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, emphasized that the initiative is part of the administration’s long-term strategy to prioritize education, innovation, and youth development.
“International Students’ Day reminds us of the boundless resilience and potential of young people worldwide,” Dr. Olohungbebe said. “Here in Kwara, we celebrate this day by investing in what truly matters: the future and talents of our students.”
Highlighting progress over the past six years, he noted significant advancements including school infrastructure renewal, merit-based teacher recruitment, bursaries, scholarships, digital literacy initiatives, and enhanced student safety measures.
“The Entrepreneurship Expo is a practical extension of our vision to nurture self-reliant, innovative citizens who will drive economic growth,” he added. “It encourages student-led innovation and fosters a culture of enterprise aligned with Kwara’s broader economic ambitions.”
Governor Abdulrazaq commended the judging panel, chaired by Prof. Mubaraq Sanni, and Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs, Salami Onidugbe, for their dedication in ensuring a fair and thorough selection process. Onidugbe remarked that the high number of applicants reflects the creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial energy of Kwara’s youth, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to scaling impactful student-led ventures.
