………Describes it a symbol of national pride, unity
By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State has officially hoisted its 70-meter Unity Flagpole, which Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described as a towering symbol of “national unity, our collective journey and aspirations as a people”.
At a brief ceremony in Ilorin, the state capital, the Governor said the State was not just raising a flag, but was unveiling a bold symbol of unity, pride, and national identity.
He was represented by Commissioner for Communication, Bola Olukoju, who was assisted by three other Commissioners: Aliyu Kora Sabi (Transport); Nafisat Buge (Environment); and Nnafatima Imam (Social Development).
Watched by hundreds of citizens from different axes of the metropolis, the flag hoisting was also witnessed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Nurudeen Abdulraheem, other top officials, bureaucrats, among many others.
“Just like the Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, and Garment Factory, this flagpole stands as a regional marvel—another testament to the transformation taking place across Kwara,” the Governor said, referring to its status as the tallest in British West Africa.
“It asserts our place on the global stage and reinforces the growing reputation of our state as a centre of innovation, culture, and purposeful leadership.
“We envision this landmark becoming a major attraction—drawing visitors, creating more opportunities, and showcasing Kwara’s strategic investment in infrastructure that not only serves but also inspires.
“We have built roads. We have modernised hospitals. We have strengthened water access and extended support to farmers, traders, and various segments of our community. We have also introduced targeted social protection programmes for the most vulnerable among us.
“But development is not only about the tangible. It is also about the spirit —about building monuments and spaces that lift our hearts, celebrate our heritage, and remind us of who we are and where we are headed. This flagpole belongs in that special category. It aligns with our broader vision of a Kwara that is not only functional, but also beautiful, inspiring, and globally visible.”