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. The major populated local governments are Ilorin and Offa.
Kwara state has numerous mineral resources such as tourmaline, tantalite, and many mineral deposits in the northern part. Cocoa and Kolanut in the Southern parts Oke – Ero, Ekiti and Isin LGA.
As of 2006, the population of Kwarans was 2.37 million based on the Nigeria 2006 Census. This population size constitutes about 1.69% of the Nation’s total population having relied upon immigration for population growth and socio-economic development.
Residents of the state are sometimes referred to as Kwarans.

Kwara State, located in western Nigeria, is a peaceful and promising region known for its agricultural potential, educational initiatives, and business-friendly environment. The state’s economy is largely agrarian, with over 70% of the population involved in farming. Innovative projects like Shonga Farms have revolutionized agriculture in the area, promoting job creation and enhancing food security. Kwara is also committed to improving education through programs such as KwaraLEARN, which aims to dramatically enhance learning outcomes in public primary schools across the state. The government’s efforts to position Kwara as a leading food-producing state in Nigeria and West Africa, coupled with its focus on human capital development, make it an attractive destination for investors and businesses looking to tap into the region’s potential. With its blend of agricultural resources, educational advancements, and business-friendly policies, Kwara State stands out as a peaceful and progressive region in Nigeria.

Kwara State, located in western Nigeria, is a peaceful and promising region known for its agricultural potential, educational initiatives, and business-friendly environment. The state’s economy is largely agrarian, with over 70% of the population involved in farming. Innovative projects like Shonga Farms have revolutionized agriculture in the area, promoting job creation and enhancing food security. Kwara is also committed to improving education through programs such as KwaraLEARN, which aims to dramatically enhance learning outcomes in public primary schools across the state. The government’s efforts to position Kwara as a leading food-producing state in Nigeria and West Africa, coupled with its focus on human capital development, make it an attractive destination for investors and businesses looking to tap into the region’s potential. With its blend of agricultural resources, educational advancements, and business-friendly policies, Kwara State stands out as a peaceful and progressive region in Nigeria.