The House of Representatives‘ Budget committee chairman, Mohammed Omar Bio, another governorship aspirant in Kwara State, has proposed the adoption of a structured state development programme similar to what operates in Akwa Ibom State for Kwara.

Describing Akwa Ibom infrastrucural developmet plan as the best in Nigeria, Bio said the model takes care of all senatorial districts at the same time unlike what he said obtains in Kwara State where projects are concentrated in Kwara Central at the expense of other geopolitical zones.

Fielding questions from newsmen earlier before his declaration for governorship, on Thursday, Bio said the absence of a comprehensive development plan in Kwara manifested in the ruling uneven distribution of projects and infrastructure across the state.

According to the Member representing Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency, “Akwa Ibom remains one of the few states in Nigeria where a clear development framework has helped ensure fairness in project allocation.

“The only way to achieve balanced development is through a proper state development plan. If a project is sited in Kwara North, another should go to Kwara Central and another to Kwara South,” he enjoined.

The aspirant also called for a shift from the traditional method of budgeting to a more inclusive community-based system, where people at the grassroots are actively involved in deciding what projects are most important to them.

He explained that representatives including youths, women, and community leaders from each local government would identify projects of priority in their areas, which must then be captured in the state budget.

“The needs of Ilorin are not the same as those of Asa or other local governments. Some communities need healthcare, others need roads, schools, or jobs. Government must reflect these differences,” he explained.

Bio further expressed concern over the decline in the education sector, noting that many teachers lack proper training. To address this, he pledged to revive teachers’ training colleges and technical and vocational educations to equip young people with practical skills and reduce unemployment.

On security, particularly allegations that some indigenes act as informants to bandits, the aspirant described such claims as unverified, but vowed to join in prosecuting anyone found guilty of what he described as crime against humanity.

Later in his declaration, the lawmaker said his membership of the committees on Appropriation, Public Accounts, Public Petitions, Justice, and Humanitarian Affairs afforded him to contribute to the shaping of the national budgets “with integrity, defended the interests of our people, and attracted meaningful interventions to our constituency,” he boasted.

If given the opportunity, Bio promised, among others that: “Our first and non-negotiable priority will be to make Kwara a true sanctuary of peace and safety.

“We will strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies while building robust community-based intelligence and vigilante networks rooted in trust and local ownership.

“Farmers must return to their fields without trepidation; traders must ply their routes in confidence; our children must walk to school and play under the sun without anxiety.

“Security will go beyond physical protection to include economic security-protecting livelihoods-and social stability, so every Kwaran can dream boldly andactualize those dreams in a peaceful environment. Kwara will become the shining beacon of safety in the North Central region,” he stated.

He added that his administration would focus on other key areas including: education, agriculture, health, and overall economic development if elected.