The Kwara State Government held the final session of its citizens’ engagement for the 2026 budget in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government, on Thursday, providing residents of Kwara South a platform to present their priorities and developmental needs for the upcoming fiscal year. The event was attended by lawmakers from Kwara South, top government officials, local council chairmen, traditional rulers led by the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, religious and party leaders, women support groups, marketers, and student representatives. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was represented at the session by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Olubukola Babalola.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized that the engagement was designed to ensure a budget that truly serves the people, noting that fiscal planning without citizen input is planning destined to fail. He highlighted that this year’s consultations began in Kwara North on August 26 at Bode Saadu, continued in Kwara Central on September 2, and concluded in Kwara South, underscoring the administration’s commitment to participatory governance. He stated that every voice—from farmers, traders, artisans, youth, and traditional institutions—must be heard and reflected in the state’s fiscal priorities, and credited citizen feedback with the government’s progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and job creation across the state.
During the engagement, Deputy Speaker Hon. Oyebode praised the government’s investment in road infrastructure, citing projects such as the ongoing Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road, while advocating for the construction of additional roads linking key localities to facilitate the transport of agricultural produce. Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Marry Arinde, stressed that citizens’ engagement moves beyond statistics to understanding what truly matters to the people, noting the continuous developmental projects in the southern region since 2019.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, outlined major road projects completed or underway in Kwara South, highlighting projects such as the 24.6km Ajase-Ipo to Bayero road, 21km Arandun-Esie-Oro road, 24km Bayero to Oke Ode road, Omu Aran-Oko-Oro-Ago road, Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Offa, Orisa Bridge, 8km Ijara-Isin-Sabaja-Owa Onire, 13km Owode Ofaro-Alabe road, and Agbamu-Ila Orangun road. He also announced upcoming road contracts and encouraged all stakeholders to take ownership of public facilities. Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, highlighted the facilitation of over 1,600 housing units through federal partnerships, with 600 units earmarked for Kwara Southerners, and confirmed the upcoming reconstruction of Offa Stadium and the awarded contract for Lafiagi Stadium to promote youth sports. Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Bosede Olaitan Buraimoh, highlighted the administration’s dedication to citizen welfare, particularly women and youth empowerment initiatives.
Local government leaders and traditional rulers praised the government’s open-door policy and responsiveness. Chairmen from Oyun and Ifelodun lauded the provision of solar-powered boreholes, classroom construction and renovation, solar streetlights, and tractor refurbishment, as well as swift security responses, while requesting additional road projects in key areas. The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Alebiosu, reaffirmed the full support of traditional institutions for Governor AbdulRazaq’s people-focused programmes, emphasizing the trust and confidence of the people of Kwara South in his administration.
The engagement concluded with a strong reaffirmation of partnership between government and citizens, highlighting how inclusive consultations, targeted investments in infrastructure, social services, and empowerment initiatives can drive sustainable development across Kwara State.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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