Posted on: Wed, 14 Nov 2007
Kwara State is bounded in the north by Niger State, in the south by Osun and Ondo States, in the east by Kogi and in the west by Oyo State and has an international boundary with Benin Republic.
Farming in Kwara State
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and the state's principal cash crops are cotton, cocoa, coffee, kolanut, tobacco, benseed and palm produce. In 2004 the Kwara State government invited a group of displaced Zimbabwean farmers to visit the region to assess the potential for commercial agriculture activities. The Kwara project was met with great enthusiasm and has led to the development of a pilot scheme involving fifteen farmers who have moved to the state from Zimbabwe. The project has already attracted international investment from outside Africa.
Mineral resources such as limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz and granite rocks are found throughout the area although these have not been adequately exploited.
The Asa Dam
Kwara State has a few industrial concerns, most notably Global Soap and Detergent Industries Nigeria Limited and International Tobacco Company and companies which operate in the region include Kwara Breweries, Global Soap and Detergent Industry, United Match Company, Tate and Lyle Company, Resinoplast Plastic Industry, Phamatech Nigeria Limited, Kwara Textile and Kwara Furniture Company. The capital Ilorin is the state's main industrial area although industries are also found in other areas. Ilorin Airport is a major centre both for domestic and international flights and has now been built up into a hub for the transportation of cargoes. The state also hosts the Jebba Dam, which is one of the major sources of hydro-electric power in the Nigeria.
Wood processing activities
Important tourist attractions in Kwara State include the Esie Museum, Owu Falls, Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro and the Kanji Lake National Park among other attractions.
KWARA AT A GLANCE
Governor: Bukola Saraki
Capital: Ilorin
Population: 2 591 555 (2005 estimate)
Area: 36 825 km²
Main Cities and Towns: Ilorin, Jebba, Offa, Oro, Esie, Omu-Aran, Lafiagi, Oke-Oyi, Pategi, Ilorin, Ajasse Ipo
Kwara State links:
