We’re Glad to Model Budgets After Public Needs, Says Kwara Governor in Afon

…Administration records 90.6% budget performance in 2024, completes 120km of roads in two years

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance, saying the state budget will continue to reflect the true needs of citizens.

The Governor spoke at the Citizens’ Engagement on the 2026 budget held in Afon, Asa Local Government, where residents from across Kwara Central gathered to present their priorities for the coming fiscal year.

“We are here for the second of the three-legged citizens’ engagement on the 2026 budget. This is for the people of Kwara Central to have their input in the next budget cycle,” the Governor said. “The whole idea of this engagement is to democratise the budget process in line with global best practices of transparency and inclusion.”

Governor AbdulRazaq, who was joined by lawmakers and top officials, said previous engagements had shaped the administration’s policies and projects since 2019, leading to visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, job creation, and food security. He assured residents that the administration would build on its record despite the challenges of governance.

Stakeholders at the event, including traditional rulers, lawmakers, community leaders, and government officials, lauded the administration’s achievements and presented fresh demands ranging from rural road construction to water supply and market upgrades.

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed that the government has completed 120km of roads in the last two years, apart from hundreds of kilometres still ongoing. Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the engagement underscored the Governor’s belief that citizens’ voices must guide policy decisions.

Director of Budget, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, announced that Kwara achieved 90.6% budget performance in 2024, the highest in recent years, with capital projects accounting for the bulk of spending.

Stakeholders including Asa LGA Chairman Alhaji Shehu Yahaya, Hon. Yunus Oniboki, Hon. Arinola Lawal, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, and other leaders commended the Governor for his inclusive leadership and sectoral interventions.

The Governor said the administration’s determination is to “beat its own record of good and impactful governance” while urging citizens to continue to provide honest feedback to guide government priorities.