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.
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