From Samuel James, Ilorin

The Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has advised stakeholders in the southern senatorial district of the Kwara state to unite in advancing the interests of their people. He made the call at a one-day summit on the socio-economic development of Kwara South Senatorial District, organised by the Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI) in Abuja.

Mallam Abdurazak who participated in the summit via Zoom, reiterated his full support to the initiative while canvassing for the unity among stakeholders.

“I thank Dr Adewumi for bringing up this programme alongside our reliable Raheem Adedoyin Oloriewe and I can only say that I fully support the meetings and programmes in the future, as It aligns with our vision to take our State to a higher level.

“It’s not gaining traction yet, but I believe that such an economic agenda will gain traction because it’s an economic emancipation that is essential for us.

“If you look at the noise going about Tax Reforms, the noise comes from States that are not producing but consuming, therefore, we have to change our State from a consuming to a productive State so that we will not be beggars waiting for handouts from Abuja.

“That is part of why this is essential, as it will let us be a productive State, tackling issues of security threats, and fostering unity among ourselves to progress forward.

“This meeting has my full endorsement, and I apologise for being unable to attend due to my trip and if I am back this week, hopefully, I will be able to attend the next engagement personally,” he said.

This organized summit followed the earlier conferences held on October 29, 2022 and that of 2023, 13, May at Thomas Adewumi University Oko-Irese, in Ifelodun local government. At those conferences, issues ranging from empowerment to job creation, security, and infrastructure development in the zone were at the centre stage.

In his earlier welcome address, chief convener of the initiatives, Dr Johnson Adewumi, reassured of his commitment to the development of the zone while canvassing for collaboration to improve people’s fortunes.

Those attending the summit reviewed the scorecard of the present administration in the state regarding the development of the zone that was carried out by the cabinet members of the Governor Abdulrazaq administration, the Hon. Bolanle Olukoju and Dr. Mary Arinde, commissioners for Communications Tertiary Education, respectively, and the Hon. Femi Whyte.

The scorecards was also given to the seven local government chairmen in the zone, and the summit further stated it appreciation to the state governor for his sterling performance in Kwara South, particularly the completion of the Osi Campus of Kwara State University and other impressive road construction projects in the zone which includes Omu – Aran – Oko – Oro Ago, Oro – Esie-Agbonda – Arandun (transversing four wards in Irepodun LGA).

Others include Ajase-Okeya-Igbaja, Esie Museum Road, Okerimi Oro Junction- NITEL, Oro road, and the Obbo Aiyegunle road that had been abandoned for over 50 years.

The summit also talked on several other projects by the state government in other ongoing sectors, particularly of note in the Improvement of security situation across the Kwara south of which they accredited to combined efforts of the State and local governments in the zone.

It’s also noted in the summit with satisfaction that KSDI had established functional co-operative societies in Irepodun, Ekiti and Ifelodun local government areas as well as encouraged every Local Government to do the same at ward level as a veritable tool for the empowerment of their people.