In a proactive move to shape the 2025 budget, the Kwara State government has successfully wrapped up its engagement sessions with citizens across the three senatorial districts: Kwara South, Kwara North, and Kwara Central. This initiative aimed to gather valuable input from the community before finalizing the appropriation bill for submission to the state House of Assembly.
The three-day engagement for Kwara North took place in Baruten Local Government, while sessions for Kwara South and Kwara Central were held in Oke-Ero Local Government and Ilorin South Local Government, respectively. The forums attracted a significant turnout, emphasizing the importance of grassroots participation in governance.
Lafia Kora-Sabi, the state Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, stated that the engagement was designed to enhance economic and infrastructural development by incorporating the voices of the people. He emphasized that the government’s focus should be on the needs and expectations of citizens to accelerate progress in the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has made it a key policy to involve local communities in decision-making processes since taking office, fostering an inclusive government. Kora-Sabi encouraged residents to share their views freely, assuring them that their suggestions would be considered in the upcoming budget.
Fatimah Lawal, Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation in the state House of Assembly, expressed her satisfaction with the high attendance, noting the governor’s efforts to uplift the state and its people. Similarly, Hajia Maryam Aladi, a member of the State House of Assembly, urged attendees to fully utilize this opportunity to voice their needs.
Local Government Chairmen from the three senatorial districts praised the state government for promoting inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance. They pledged to support the initiatives aimed at improving conditions for their constituents.
Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, the state Director of Budget, reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the people through budget allocations for impactful programs and projects. He reported that the state’s budget performance has been commendable.
Traditional rulers also voiced their appreciation for the citizen engagement initiative. The Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Abubakar Idris, highlighted the significance of this policy, stating that it was unprecedented in previous administrations. Oba Samuel Niyi Dada, the Alofa of Iloffa, called for prioritized road rehabilitation and agricultural support to combat food insecurity.
Alhaji Sadik Atiku, the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, commended the institutionalization of citizen engagement and urged that community requests be reflected in the budget. He also emphasized the need for improved security in vulnerable areas to encourage youth participation in agriculture.
Youth leader Abdullah Hamidu requested the establishment of Computer-Based Test Centers for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board exams in the Baruten-Kaiama area, addressing the challenges faced by students traveling long distances for exams.
Mrs. Christie Ayobami-Oluwole, Coordinator of Global Hope for Women and Children, represented Civil Society Organizations and praised the governor for his ongoing commitment to citizen engagement since 2019. She encouraged newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen to adopt similar practices.
As the Kwara government prepares the 2025 budget, this citizen engagement initiative stands as a testament to the administration’s dedication to inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of its residents.
