Leaders from across the Kwara South Senatorial District convened over the weekend in Lagos to deliberate on the socio-economic and political progress of the region. The meeting, held under the banner of the Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI), was marked by widespread commendation of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, with attendees affirming that his administration has outperformed all predecessors since 1999 in advancing the region’s development.
The summit, hosted at Eko Hotel, marked the fourth gathering organized by KSDI to foster unity and refocus developmental goals within Kwara South. The first two summits were held in Oko, with the third taking place in Abuja.
In his opening address, Dr. Johnson Adewunmi, Convener of KSDI and Founder of Thomas Adewunmi University, called on Kwara South indigenes to rally together and commit to the region’s growth. He praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his remarkable contributions to infrastructural development in Kwara South and across the state, urging citizens to return home and invest in their communities.
Dr. Adewunmi presented a paper on the socio-economic development of Kwara South, highlighting the importance of small and medium-scale industries and cooperative societies. He emphasized that these initiatives, led by KSDI, are critical for the district’s economic advancement.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq delivered a goodwill message virtually, commending the summit’s theme as both relevant and timely. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting KSDI and urged Kwara South leaders to maintain unity and work collectively towards the state’s development.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ojo Oyebode Olayiwola, echoed these sentiments, encouraging Kwara indigenes in Lagos to collaborate with their counterparts at home for the district’s progress. He lauded Dr. Adewunmi’s leadership and sustained investment in the region’s education, health, and economic sectors.
Hon. Benjamin Jolayemi, Chairman of Isin Local Government, presented the achievements of local government chairmen within their first 100 days in office, further demonstrating the administration’s dedication to grassroots development.
The forum also recognized Governor AbdulRazaq’s notable infrastructural achievements, including the completion and commissioning of the Kwara State University (Osi Campus) and various road projects. These projects, which have transformed the region’s connectivity and accessibility, include roads in Omu-Aran, Oko, Oro Ago, Oro, Esie, Agbonda, Arandun, and others spanning multiple local government areas.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration received accolades for addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges, particularly with the Osi-Obbo Aiyegunle road, which had been neglected for over five decades.
In a significant development, the leaders pledged to align with Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision and direction for the state, reaffirming their support as the 2027 elections approach. The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to foster unity and collaboration, ensuring continued progress and prosperity for Kwara South.