By Kayode Abdul
Leaders of thoughts across the seven local government areas in the Kwara South senatorial district on Monday canvassed for the credible leadership selection, saying it is a pathway to good governance and sustainable development in the area.
The leaders made up of business moguls, traditional rulers, public office holders, political stakeholders, academicians, youths and elders reached the resolution at a strategic consultation meeting convened by Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI).
Delivering his welcome address, the chief convener of the meeting, Engr (Dr) Johnson Adewumi said the aim of the summit is to reawaken the zeal of patriotism, redeem the zone from unsavory insecurity, and promote sustainable development.
Engr (Dr) Johnson Adewumi
“Although our problems are numerous key areas are: endemic poverty, severe rural urban migration (in some cases the demography is changing from Yorubas to Fulani/Hausa with severe consequences), lack of opportunities for our youths, kidnapping and killing of our people, insecurity, deliberate abandonment by the elites, apathy or in most cases complete cessation of our notable ideals of community development efforts etc).
“Even though some see doom looming on the horizon, I have a dream that better days are around the corner for Kwara South. We are the stakeholders of Kwara South, God will use our hands to rebuild the broken walls. We must not surrender and there should be no retreat.
“Those of us who live and work in Kwara South Communities can boldly say Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq CON is actively rebuilding our infrastructure by the large-scale reconstruction/rehabilitation of our roads, hospitals, and water supply facilities.
“On security, the governor invested in procurement of equipment to support local governments, training and deployment of forest guards etc etc. What is missing is the failure of stakeholders to take responsibility and be actively involved in the welfare and future of our individual communities like our fathers and our predecessors had done successfully.
“It is my hope that this consultation will AWAKE your PATROTIC ZEAL to redeem Kwara South Community”.
The convener who is also the proprietor of the Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko Irese, said that government alone cannot solve all the problems, adding that the KSDI was birthed to champion empirical solutions to an array of challenges facing the zone and all other stakeholders must be ready “KSDI aims at mobilising our collective efforts to find endurable solutions and reawaken the giants in us”.
“Although there is no political agenda for our gathering today, it is not out of place for this gathering to chart a political direction that brings competence, inclusiveness, accountability, and quality representation into focus.
“I will be speaking the mind of the majority here today: the political representation of Kwara South since 1999 is weak and not effective. We have had five Senators and several members of the House of Representatives, with some chairing key committees, but there is nothing tangible to show”.
Adewumi warned against recycle moneybag politicians in the 2027 elections “We must refocus our leadership selection process by paying more attention to antecedents of any aspirant in the area of community development and campaign manifestos.
“We are tired of empty promises. Even those abroad want to return home, but they hear depressing news from Kwara South. In 2027, we must raise the stakes,” Adewumi said.
He further urged royal fathers to resist inducements from aspirants, stressing that such practices perpetuate poor representation.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers from the area, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Atoloye, emphasized the need for collective action in the face of security threats in the area said “From our end as traditional leaders, we have pooled our meagre resources together to tackle insecurity in our communities. None of us is happy with the situation. As 2027 approaches, let us be fair to ourselves and to the generation unborn.
Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Atoloye
The Monarch also canvases for quality representation among the political office holders, said “Can anyone see the impact of any member of the National Assembly representing us?
“They have failed to touch the lives of their constituents. If you invite them for religious and community development purposes, they will not turn up.
“In the next elections, if they come to you canvassing for votes with money, do not hesitate to collect their money, but vote for the best candidates.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the state All Progressives Congress (APC),
APC State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi
, apologised for whatever they see as inadequate representation from some political office holders and promised that the party would step up its internal screening machinery in future elections.
“Anybody who does not have good intentions for Kwara will no longer occupy elective positions again. God will not allow that to happen again. After God, the APC will critically vet the antecedents of all aspiring candidates. I know the governor will not impose any candidate on us.”
In his speech, Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Olubukola Babalola, urged unity among the people, adding that: “Together, we can reawaken the giants of Kwara South, ensuring prosperity and security for all.
L-R: Representative of the Governor Princess Olubukola Babalola, Convener Engr (Dr) Johnson Adewumi and Chairman LOC of the Summit Chief Raheem Adedoyin.
“Your resilience and commitment have been the bedrock of our shared progress, and I commend you for your leadership role in shaping a vibrant Kwara South.
“Your dedication continues to inspire us all. We have prioritised infrastructure to unlock economic potential and improve lives. I urge you to continue to support our efforts in all spheres, particularly in strengthening human security across the state.
On the spate of banditry, Governor AbdulRazaq said: “We are sparing no resources to strengthen security and rout out criminal elements. Security is a collective responsibility, and your partnership and support for the security agencies are vital in this monumental task. I urge vigilance at all times, as our enemies have informants and enablers within us.
“Let us work together to unmask them and keep our communities completely safe and conducive for growth”.
