Kwara State government don dey engage citizens across the three senatorial districts of the state to prepare for the 2025 budget. This engagement na part of the government’s effort to get inputs from the people before dem document the year’s appropriation bill and submit am to the state House of Assembly for approval.
The engagement events happen for three days in different locations: Baruten Local Government for Kwara North, Oke-Ero Local Government for Kwara South, and Ilorin South Local Government for Kwara Central. The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, say the forums focus on grassroots developmental expectations to be incorporated into the upcoming budget.
Kora Sabi emphasize say development can only be accelerated if the government prioritize the needs of the people. He say Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has been engaging citizens at the local level since he take office to promote inclusivity. He encourage attendees to express their views freely, assuring them that their requests would be addressed in the budget.
Hajia Fatimah Arinola Lawal, chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation in the State House of Assembly, praise the high turnout and recognize Governor Abdulrazaq’s efforts to uplift the community. Hajia Maryam Aladi, representing Ilorin South Constituency, urge participants to fully utilize the opportunity to voice their needs.
Local government chairmen express gratitude for the initiative, which they believe fosters inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance. They pledge to support state efforts in providing assistance at the local level. Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, the state Director of Budget, reaffirm the government’s commitment to meeting the citizens’ needs through budgetary provisions for impactful programs and projects.
Traditional rulers also participate, with the Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Abubakar Shero Idris, commending the Governor for his commitment to sustaining growth since 2019. He describe the citizen engagement as a significant and unprecedented policy. The Alofa of Iloffa, Oba Samuel Niyi Dada, suggest that the government prioritize road rehabilitation and agricultural support in Kwara South to address food insecurity.
Alhaji Sadik Atiku, the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, urge the government to ensure that citizens’ requests are reflected in the budget and call for increased security in vulnerable areas to encourage youth participation in farming. Abdullah Hamidu, a youth leader from Kwara North, request the establishment of Computer-Based Test Centers for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board exams to alleviate travel challenges for students in the Baruten-Kaiama axis.
Mrs. Christie Ayobami-Oluwole, Coordinator of Global Hope for Women and Children, representing Civil Society Organizations, praise the Governor for the exemplary citizen engagement initiative since 2019 and encourage newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen to follow suit.
