The Kwara State government has concluded its citizen engagement sessions across the three senatorial districts in preparation for the 2025 budget.
This initiative aimed to gather input from residents in Kwara North, Kwara South, and Kwara Central before finalizing the appropriation bill for submission to the state House of Assembly.
The engagement events took place in Baruten Local Government Area for Kwara North, Oke-Ero for Kwara South, and Ilorin South for Kwara Central.
The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, highlighted that the forums focused on grassroots developmental expectations to be incorporated into the upcoming budget.
Kora Sabi emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of citizens for accelerated development, noting that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has committed to engaging citizens at the local level since taking office to promote inclusivity.
He encouraged 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, praised the high turnout and recognized Governor Abdulrazaq’s efforts to uplift the community.
Hajia Maryam Aladi, representing Ilorin South Constituency, urged participants to fully utilize the opportunity to voice their needs.
Local government chairmen expressed gratitude for the initiative, which they believe fosters inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance. They pledged to support state efforts in providing assistance at the local level.
Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, the state Director of Budget, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting the citizens’ needs through budgetary provisions for impactful programs and projects.
He highlighted the impressive performance of the state’s budget.
Traditional rulers also participated, with the Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Abubakar Shero Idris, commending the Governor for his commitment to sustaining growth since 2019.
He described the citizen engagement as a significant and unprecedented policy.
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The Alofa of Iloffa, Oba Samuel Niyi Dada, suggested that the government prioritize road rehabilitation and agricultural support in Kwara South to address food insecurity.
Alhaji Sadik Atiku, the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, urged the government to ensure that citizens’ requests are reflected in the budget and called for increased security in vulnerable areas to encourage youth participation in farming.
Abdullah Hamidu, a youth leader from Kwara North, requested 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, praised the Governor for the exemplary citizen engagement initiative since 2019 and encouraged newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen to follow suit.