…Olupo, stakeholders laud Governor’s achievements, highlight fresh community needs
The Kwara State Government on Thursday concluded its citizens’ engagement for the 2026 budget in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, giving residents of Kwara South a platform to shape the next fiscal plan.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Olubukola Babalola, said the engagements are designed to ensure that the state budget reflects the true needs and aspirations of citizens across all districts.
“For a budget to be effective, it must reflect the needs of the people. Our government believes that planning for the people without the people is planning to fail. That is why this engagement is crucial,” the Governor said.
He added that past engagements had produced results in healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, and education, stressing the need to deepen government–citizen partnership for inclusive and sustainable development.
Deputy Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Oyebode, commended the administration’s investment in road infrastructure in the region, citing the ongoing Afon-Ojoku-Offa-Odo Otin road. He also requested more roads linking rural communities to markets.
Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde, said the exercise underscores AbdulRazaq’s commitment to listening to the people. She noted that projects across Kwara South have shown that development is spread across the state.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, listed key projects in the region, including Ajase-Ipo to Bayero road, Arandun-Esie-Oro road, and Ijara-Isin-Sabaja-Owa Onire road, while announcing upcoming contracts such as Omu Aran township road and Olofa Way in Offa.
Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, disclosed that work will begin at the long-abandoned Offa stadium within two weeks, while housing projects are underway to benefit at least 600 households in Kwara South.
Council chairmen and community leaders praised the Governor’s open-door policy, requesting additional roads, water projects, and security interventions.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, commended AbdulRazaq’s people-focused governance, declaring the full support of monarchs in the region for his administration.
The engagement marks the final leg of the three-phase consultation, following similar sessions in Bode Saadu (Kwara North) and Afon (Kwara Central).
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