Country Nigeria Area 36,825 km2 | Capital Ilorin Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed Population 1,566,469 | |
Colleges and Universities University of Ilorin (Ilorin), Kwara State University, Kwara State College of Education - Ilorin, Landmark University, Al-Hikmah University (Ilorin) | ||
Kwara State (Yoruba: ) is in Western Nigeria. Its capital is Ilorin. The primary ethnic group of Kwara State is Yoruba, with significant Nupe, Bariba Hausa minorities.
Contents
Map of Kwara State
History
Kwara State was created on 27 May 1967, when the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon broke the four regions that then constituted the Federation of Nigeria into 12 states. At its creation, the state was made up of the former Ilorin and Kabba provinces of the then Northern Region and was initially named the West Central State but later changed to "Kwara", a local name for the River Niger.
Kwara State has since 1976 reduced considerably in size as a result of further state creation exercises in Nigeria. On 13 February 1976, the Idah/Dekina part of the state was carved out and merged with a part of the then Benue/Plateau State to form Benue State.
On 27 August 1991, five local government areas, namely Oyi, Yagba, Okene, Okehi and Kogi were also excised to form part of the new Kogi State, while a sixth, Borgu Local Government Area, was merged with Niger State.
Tourism
Important tourist attractions in Kwara State include Esie Museum, Owu Falls, Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro, Kainji Lake National Parks and Agbonna Hill Awon Mass Wedding in Shao. there is need to develop tourist centers in the state to enhance physical development, a place like owu fall needs standard hotel and a good road, which will encourage people to visit the fall as a picnic center.
Economy
Agriculture is the main source of the economy and the principal cash crops are: cotton, cocoa, coffee, Kolanut, tobacco, beniseed and palm produce.