Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, applauding the #PlayWithKwaraYouth initiative, which aims to unite young people across the state through sports and social engagement. Hosting the group’s organisers at the Government House in Ilorin on Thursday, the Governor praised their efforts to use sports as a tool for peace, unity, and political harmony.

Governor Abdulrazaq commended the annual #PlayWithKwaraYouth program, started in 2022, for bringing together youths from various backgrounds to foster understanding and reduce tensions, especially around election periods. “This initiative is not only timely but essential for building peace in our communities,” he said, adding his hopes to see the event expand across all local governments.

He suggested that the event, set for December 28, be held simultaneously across Kwara’s local government areas, emphasizing the program’s potential to extend beyond Kwara State. “You’re nurturing an idea with the potential to reach a national level, making this initiative more than a competition but a bridge for understanding and engagement among youth,” he noted.

The program, launched to counter political discord, has since evolved into a widely embraced platform for unity, initially starting with football and other recreational activities. Group convener Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan explained that #PlayWithKwaraYouth was established in December 2022 to promote harmony and avoid political violence, given the intense atmosphere leading up to the 2023 elections.

Representing the group, spokesperson Basheer Luqman Olanrewaju mentioned the Emir of Ilorin’s endorsement of their motto, “Kwara first,” further boosting the group’s mission to promote peace and collaboration.

The Governor was joined at the meeting by Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah and APC Chieftain Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, highlighting the state’s support for initiatives that encourage youth unity and development.