Kwara State

Kwara State is an administrative division in western Nigeria that extends from wooded savanna in the north to forested areas in the south. The River Niger crosses the territory from north to west, forming natural borders with neighboring regions.

The Nigerian military government created this administrative unit on May 27, 1967, when the country was reorganized into twelve regions. Later boundary changes separated Kogi and parts of Osun, shaping the current borders.

The name comes from the River Niger, locally called Kwara, which flows through the territory. Markets in larger towns display handwoven cloth and pottery made using methods passed down through generations.

Ilorin serves as the capital and has an international airport with connections to Lagos and Abuja. Intercity buses run regularly between larger towns and villages across the region.

The Esie Museum holds over eight hundred half-life-size stone figures found in a small forest area, and their origin remains a mystery. The bronze artifacts from Jebba Island are among the oldest metal finds in the region.

Location: Nigeria

Inception: May 27, 1967

Capital city: Ilorin

Elevation above the sea: 377.9 m

Shares border with: Niger State, Kogi State, Ekiti State, Osun State, Oyo State

Website: https://kwarastate.gov.ng

GPS coordinates: 8.50000,5.00000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:42