The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, has commended Kwara State for its progress in gender inclusion, describing the state under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a leading example of women’s participation in governance.

Speaking during a visit to the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin on Tuesday, Lever said Kwara has become a model for gender equity, noting that over half of the state cabinet positions are held by women.

She praised the governor for his support of women’s representation in politics and for endorsing the special seats bill for women, describing him as a “HeForShe ambassador.”

Lever also highlighted ongoing UK-supported programmes in Kwara, including digital skills development initiatives aimed at empowering young people and improving access to global tech opportunities. She referenced projects such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub and a community tech centre in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area, which she said could benefit thousands of residents.

On Nigeria’s upcoming elections, she reaffirmed that the British government remains neutral, stressing support for peaceful, inclusive, and credible polls while rejecting interference in domestic politics.

“We do not favour any political party and will never tell Nigerians how to vote,” she said, while emphasising that stable elections are important for both democracy and economic development.

In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration has recorded significant progress across key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure since assuming office in 2019.

He said the state had addressed long-standing issues such as unpaid salaries, pension arrears, and poor education infrastructure, noting improvements in school facilities, healthcare delivery, and workforce welfare.

The governor added that Kwara State has expanded access to higher education through new campuses of the Kwara State University (KWASU) and is working towards establishing five teaching hospitals by 2027.

On agriculture, he said the state has supported federal efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration by investing in agro-processing, including the establishment of a shea processing factory in Kaiama.

AbdulRazaq also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen security in rural communities through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, aimed at improving safety and stability across the state.