A coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Cultural and Societal Values Development Initiatives, Moringa Development Association of Nigeria and the Ruminants and Livestock Cooperatives Society, has launched a series of workshops aimed at enhancing local government autonomy and boosting agricultural development in Kwara State.
At a press conference in Ilorin, the coordinator of the coalition, Professor Samuel Ibiyemi, announced that the workshops will take place in six communities across the state from September 12 to October 3.
Professor Ibiyemi, who emphasised the need for local government areas to achieve sustainable autonomy, said that this is essential for effective service delivery at the grassroots.
“The purpose of these workshops is to ensure that local government areas in Kwara State can function independently and contribute to the development of their communities.
“The first workshop held in Ilorin on September 12 and focused on agriculture, solid minerals, community policing and road maintenance—key sectors that have struggled to spur economic growth in the state.
“The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 2026 vision, which aims to empower local government areas to operate without undue interference from state or federal authorities,” he said.
The NGOs also called for amendment of the 1999 Constitution in order to reflect a Supreme Court ruling that supports full autonomy for local councils.
This, according to Professor Ibiyemi, will allow local government areas to manage critical areas such as land, education, health and security more effectively.
“In addition to local government reforms, the workshops will address issues related to chieftaincy affairs, judicial processes, river basin development and the finances of local councils. The ultimate goal is to remove barriers to rural development and increase agricultural productivity, particularly in local markets across the state.
“These efforts will create a more supportive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and foster growth in the state’s agricultural sector,” he said.
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