Category: News

…Cites Aspirant’s Policy Proposals on State Policing, Power, Economic Growth

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, a prominent youth advocacy group, Kwara Youth for Good Governance, has again declared its unwavering support for governorship aspirant, Engr. Femi Sanni popularly known as Araba, following a strategic engagement held in Ilorin.

The earlier endorsement signals new alignment among youth stakeholders in Kwara State, with the group describing Femi Sanni’s agenda as practical, people oriented, and reflective of the aspirations of young people across the state.

Speaking after the meeting, a representative of the group, Abdulrahman from Patigi Local Government Area, said the decision to back Araba was driven by his clarity of purpose and commitment to addressing key challenges facing Kwara.

During the engagement, Femi Sanni stated that critical policy directions of the president, placing strong emphasis on the need for state policing as a solution to rising security concerns at the grassroots level.

According to Femi Sanni, a decentralized security framework would enhance intelligence gathering, enable faster response to threats, and better address community specific challenges across Kwara State.

He also praised the president’s reforms in the power sector, stressing that the decentralization would unlock economic opportunities, particularly for small and medium scale enterprises. Femi Sanni noted that improved electricity supply would not only boost business productivity but also create jobs and raise living standards in Kwara State, adding that reliable power remains central to industrial growth and innovation.

On governance, the aspirant reiterated his commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, assuring that his administration would continue to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement and broader stakeholder participation in decision making. He emphasized that sustainable development in Kwara State can only be achieved when governance reflects the voices of the people.

In a further push to drive economic growth, Femi Sanni unveiled plans to position Kwara as a “Conference hub State,” a vision aimed at attracting national and international events to the state by riding on the great work started by Governor Abdulrahman in the area of infrastructure. He explained that such an initiative would boost tourism, stimulate local businesses, and significantly increase internally generated revenue.

The Kwara Youth for Good Governance group subsequently pledged to mobilize grassroots support for Engr. Femi Sanni across all 16 local government areas, reinforcing the growing role of young voters in the build-up to the Kwara 2027 governorship race. The group also called on Kwarans, particularly the youth, to rally behind leadership anchored on competence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to development.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, political observers note that endorsements from youth driven organizations would play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the Kwara governorship contest.

In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of the “State of Harmony,” the youth demographic of Kwara State has made a definitive stand regarding the future of both the state and the nation.

Under the organized banner of the Kwara Youth for Good Governance, representatives from all 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have formally declared their unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the gubernatorial candidacy of Engr. Femi Sanni, affectionately known by his supporters as “Araba.”

The declaration, contained in a detailed communiqué issued on Friday, marks a significant shift in local political dynamics. It suggests a strategic alignment between the youth’s vision for federal continuity and a fresh, technocratic approach to state leadership.

The communiqué follows weeks of what the group described as “extensive grassroots consultations, town hall assessments, and rigorous internal debates.”

From the northern reaches of Baruten and Kaiama to the industrial hubs of Offa and the capital in Ilorin, the message from the youth was singular: Kwara requires a leadership synergy that connects the “Renewed Hope” agenda in Abuja directly to the streets of Kwara.

Salman Idris Olamilekan, the Convener of Kwara Youth for Good Governance, signed the document, emphasizing that this was not a decision made in a vacuum.

We have watched, we have listened, and we have analyzed the trajectory of our nation and our state,” Olamilekan stated. “This endorsement is the result of a collective realization that Kwara cannot afford to be an island. We need a bridge-builder at home and a reformer at the center.

A significant portion of the communiqué was dedicated to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Despite the complexities of national economic reforms, the Kwara youths expressed a sophisticated understanding of the “long game.” They commended the President’s boldness in tackling structural issues that have historically hindered Nigeria’s growth.

The group highlighted several key areas where the Tinubu administration’s direction aligns with youth interests.

The youths argued that “changing horses mid-stream” would only reset the progress made in the last few years, asserting that continuity at the federal level is the safest bet for national growth.

While the federal endorsement focused on stability, the state endorsement for Engr. Femi Sanni focused on transformation. The nickname “Araba” referring to the mighty Mahogany tree is symbolic of the strength, shelter, and deep roots Sanni has established within the Kwara community.

The Kwara Youth for Good Governance meticulously detailed why Sanni is their choice to succeed the current administration. According to the communiqué, the “Araba” vision is built on four pillars.

As an engineer, Sanni is viewed through the lens of a “fixer.” The youths expressed a preference for a leader who understands the mechanics of infrastructure, urban planning, and industrialization. In a state looking to modernize its economy, a technocratic background is seen as a major asset.

The group praised Sanni’s “people-oriented” approach. Unlike the ivory-tower politics often criticized by the youth, Sanni’s campaign has been characterized by direct engagement with local artisans, students, and young entrepreneurs.

This announcement is more than just a statement on paper; it is a call to action. The group revealed that they have already begun setting up “Good Governance Directorates” across the 193 wards of Kwara State. These directorates will serve as hubs for voter education, mobilization, and the promotion of the Tinubu-Sanni ticket.

The youths pledged their readiness to engage in a door-to-door campaign to explain the benefits of this partnership to the elderly, the market women, and their fellow young citizens. They emphasized that this declaration was made “freely and independently,” aimed at correcting the narrative that youth involvement in politics is purely transactional.

The communiqué concluded with a powerful plea for unity among Kwarans. The youths stressed that the era of divisive politics must give way to an era of “Inclusion and Progress.”

By backing a seasoned engineer like Sanni and a veteran reformer like Tinubu, the Kwara Youth for Good Governance believes they are securing a future where the “State of Harmony” becomes the “State of Prosperity.”

As the political season heats up, this 16-LGA endorsement serves as a formidable baseline for the conversations to come. Whether in the bustling markets of Ilorin or the quiet farmlands of Patigi, the name “Araba” and the call for federal continuity are now firmly etched into the Kwara political lexicon.

A coalition of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and student leaders under the aegis of Kwara Youth for Good Governance (KYFGG) has officially declared its support for Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.

The endorsement was made public on Friday during a press conference held at the Arca Santa Event Place in Ilorin, where the group’s convener, Salman Idris Olamilekan, read a detailed speech outlining the reasons behind the decision.

According to the group, the endorsement is not based on emotion or political sentiment, but on “evidence, credibility, capacity, and compassion.”

Why Araba?

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Olamilekan described Engr. Sanni as “a builder in every sense of the word” – a businessman with a verifiable track record in enterprise, job creation, and economic foresight.

“We see more than a politician. We see a leader who understands how wealth is created, sustained, and expanded,” Olamilekan said. “At a time when youth unemployment remains a critical concern, Kwara needs a governor who has actually built things.”

The group also highlighted Sanni’s sustained investment in sports development, noting that his grassroots sporting initiatives have provided platforms for young talents to thrive, stay engaged, and pursue excellence.

“Sports is not just recreation – it is a tool for discipline, unity, and opportunity. Engr. Sanni’s contributions in this space prove he understands youth engagement as a pathway to a stable and progressive society,” the convener added.

Humanitarian footprint and political consistency

Beyond business and sports, KYFGG pointed to Sanni’s quiet but meaningful humanitarian interventions across Kwara communities, describing them as evidence of empathy and character.

“His compassion goes beyond the spotlight. That speaks to a leadership spirit that prioritises people over personal gain,” Olamilekan noted.

The group further stated that Sanni has not emerged overnight in politics. He has grown within the progressive system, contributed to grassroots mobilisation, and remained committed to inclusive, consultative governance.

Support for Tinubu’s re-election bid

In a separate communique issued alongside the endorsement, KYFGG declared its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the sake of continuity and stability in Nigeria.

“We recognise and appreciate the leadership direction and reform efforts of President Tinubu’s administration. Continuity at the centre, aligned with competent and people-driven leadership in Kwara, will deliver maximum development impact,” the communique read.

Call for unity and inclusive process

The youth group also called on political leaders, party members, civil society, and the general public to embrace a consultative process that reflects the true will of the people.

“Our support for Engr. Femi Sanni is rooted in credibility, capacity, and compassion. He represents not just a choice, but a direction – leadership that works, empowers, and delivers,” Olamilekan said.

The coalition reaffirmed its readiness across all local government areas in Kwara to support a vision anchored on unity, inclusion, and people-centred governance.

As the 2027 gubernatorial race begins to take shape, the endorsement by a significant youth coalition adds weight to the growing calls for Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) to fly the APC ticket and lead Kwara State into a new era of enterprise-driven governance.