State: Kwara

Kwara State sits in Nigeria’s west, with Ilorin as its capital. It was created on 27 May 1967, one of the twelve original states formed that year.

The state borders Kogi to the east, Niger to the north, and Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo to the south, with an international border against Benin Republic to the west.

Most residents are Yoruba, with sizable Nupe communities in the northeast and Bariba and Busa groups near the western border, alongside Fulani herders found throughout the state.

Farming carries much of the economy, with cotton, cocoa, coffee, kola nut, tobacco, sesame, and palm produce all grown across the state. Petroleum, gold, limestone, and marble deposits add a mineral dimension, and Ilorin has built up a sizable services sector of its own.

Kainji National Park stretches into Kwara’s northwest corner, and the Owu Waterfalls, among the tallest in West Africa, draw hikers willing to make the trek. The Esie Museum holds hundreds of mysterious soapstone figures whose origins are still debated by historians.

Kwara has produced politician Bukola Saraki, filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, musician Tunde Adebimpe, televangelist David Oyedepo, diplomat Ibrahim Gambari, and footballer Rashidi Yekini.