A forum in Kwara State yesterday deliberated on the future of the south senatorial zone in the 2027 election outings.
The forum, organised by Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI), discussed the choice of representatives and permutations to be made.
The convener of the event, Engineer Thomas Adewumi, in his presentation titled Transforming Lives, Fostering Unity and Driving Sustainable Development of Kwara South, hinted that as another election circle approaches in 2027, the zone is at a crossroad, especially on the choice that would determine not just who emerges in Kwara South, but the direction of the community for generations.
During the exercise that would determine the next set of representatives, Adewumi said the community needs selfless leadership and cooperation.
The founder of Thomas Adewumi University in Oko-Irese, Kwara State, urged for legacy above money and other selfish aggrandisement.
“I urge you to pursue legacy and not money. The stakes are immense; some of the players are amassing money to buy your votes. They are formidable. If stakeholders fail to put personal monetary interest aside and UNITE, the outcome is far from certain.
“We need leaders who can unite Kwara South, represent the interest of our people in Ilorin and Abuja, and restore economic hope,” he stated.
He identified security (or a lack of it) as the cornerstone of Kwara South developmental challenges.
“I acknowledge and appreciate the enormous support the government at state and local levels, under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has given to security architecture. The sacrifice of our gallant vigilantes is noteworthy. Some have paid the supreme sacrifice.
“It is reassuring that the Governor and his team are not relenting. The governor did not only procure necessary security equipment to support the local governments, but he personally visited the epicentre of terrorists in Ifelodun. That visit boosted morale. Thank you, Sir.
“I am making a clarion call to all of us to get involved in securing our communities. We can support the security architecture and our gallant vigilantes in Kwara South. I salute the efforts of these patriotic individuals who have worked to improve the security narratives of our community,” he stressed.
He alerted that: “some people are already erecting billboards, giving and accepting money and sundry gifts from some intending contestants,” urging: “when INEC blows the whistle for the commencement of the 2027 election, Kwara South must unite to select candidates with verifiable community records of performance.”
He enjoined Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Fagbemi, to use their position of closeness to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lobby for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Ilorin-Kabba Road and Ajase-Offa-Erinle Road to improve the socio-economic life of our people.
Other speakers also condemned what they termed the insensitive attitude of notable politicians domiciled in Abuja.
They alleged that the zone has not benefited anything tangible from them since they were elected.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated that his government has prioritised infrastructure to unlock economic potential and improve lives.
He said: “To date, we have completed at least 63 kilometers of roads in Kwara South alone, with an additional 109 kilometers either under construction or soon to be awarded.
“These include critical routes like Ajase-Ipo to Okeya Ipo; Owode Ofaro to Alabe; Omu Aran to Oko; Palace Road in Ijagbo; Arandun Township Roundabout; Esie-Oro Township Road; Ijara Isin Sabaja Owa Onire (en route Owu Waterfall); Ibrahim Taiwo Popo General Hospital in Offa; Oke Iyapo to Oba Yero Village along Oke Ode; Ilemona Ojoku Road (to be awarded); Agbamu Ila Orangun Road; Offa Ojoku Afon Eiyenkorin; Orisa Bridge; and Osi Obo Aiyegunle Road, among others.
“According to him, these projects reflect our commitment to connecting communities, improving lives, and fostering growth.
“Beyond roads, we have awarded contracts for the upgrade of Offa Stadium and Lafiagi Stadium to enhance sports and community engagement in the region. Additionally, we have completed and commissioned the Osi Campus of Kwara State University, a milestone in advancing education and empowering our youth for the future.
“We have many other great things in the works as we deepen our strategic engagement with this important region,” he revealed.
