Citizens’ Engagements For 2027 budget Ends In Kwara
* As Stakeholders Hail Govt, List Their Other Demands
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Citizens’ Engagement programme for the year 2027 budget has come to a glorious end in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, serving as a platform for the people of Kwara Central Senatorial District to air their views and present their requests in the next fiscal year.
The townhall meeting started on 1st September in Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area for Kwara Southerners, after which the Northerners had their turn in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of the state.
Tuesday’s session, like before, was attended by senior government officials and key stakeholders, such as Local Council Chairmen, top bureaucrats, community and religious leaders, representatives of the civil society groups, development partners, women and youth groups, persons living with disabilities, and the media.
The traditional chiefs were present in their large numbers, including the Magaji Are of Ilorin, Alhaji Aremu Zubair; Balogun Alanamu, Dr Usman Abubakar Atolagbe Jos; Baba Isale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Sidiq; Balogun Baare Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad and Magaji Esinrogunjo who is the Chairman for Magajis and Alanguas Forum in Ilorin Emirate, and Alhaji Isiaka Amoda Ojulari, among others.
Addressing participants, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the open budget process was part of his campaign promises that sought to rebuild public confidence in government, restore infrastructure, improve public service delivery, and place the welfare of Kwarans at the centre of governance.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr Mary Arinde, said the administration has continued to engage the citizens and various stakeholders across communities to hear directly from them where the shoe pinches with a view to improving their living conditions.
AbdulRazaq touted his giant strides in critical infrastructure and capital projects that cut across the state, and assured that the 2027 budget offers another opportunity to consolidate the gains of his administration.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have maintained that a budget should never be a mere administrative routine or a closed-door exercise. Governance belongs to the people, and for any fiscal plan to deliver meaningful impact, it must directly reflect the life experiences, priorities, and voices of our citizens across the state,” the Governor said.
“Our administration remains committed to building a state where no community is left behind and where development reaches every corner of Kwara.
“Our urban renewal initiatives have transformed the landscape of llorin and other major towns. Landmark projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of township roads, Kwara Hotels, Innovation Hub Civil Service Clinic, International Conference Centre, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service office, Finance House, and other several strategic road networks, which have improved traffic flow, enhanced safety, and boosted commercial activities.”
On his part, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof Mamman Saba Jubril, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary General Service, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Shuaib, said the event was not just another meeting but a testament to the collective resolve to deepen democracy and strengthen participatory governance in Kwara State.
“Notably, we are here today because governance is not a one-way street approach. It thrives when the government listens to its people, engages with them, and incorporates their voices into the policies and programmes of the administration that will shape the life of the citizens,” he said.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development and a native of Ilorin West LGA, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, while praising the developmental drives of the administration, appealed for interlocking of more communities within the city.
He also requested the government to renovate mini-palaces of some traditional chiefs in the Ilorin Emirate and install solar lights for markets within his local government area.
Former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Afeez Abolore, who hails from Ilorin East, applauded the Governor for the infrastructural development across the nooks and crannies of the state, noting that the autonomy of local government has been operational and effective in the state.
Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply in the Ministry of Planning, Hajia Madinat Ajao, who read the Commissioner’s address, said the programme clearly demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the Governor AbdulRazaq to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
“Since assuming office, this administration has institutionalized participatory budgeting, ensuring that the voices of citizens remain central to government planning and resource allocation”, she said.
Vice Chairman of Asa Local Government Area, Hon Rasidat Issa;
Vice Chairman of Ilorin South LGA, Hon Mary Joel; Hon Abdulraheem Nafisat Sauta (Vice Chairman of Ilorin East), and Director Personnel Management in Ilorin West Local Government, Alhaji Hussain Sabi Saidu, in their separate remarks, appreciated the state government’s developmental projects in their respective local governments and appealed for more, especially in the area of road construction and rehabilitation.
Other stakeholders and community leaders, who spoke at the event, such as National President, Reke Community, Engr Surajeen Olaiya, Alhaji Salami Jimoh from Asa LGA, Mallam Abdulazeez Omoola from Ilorin South LGA, Mallam Garba Alao from Ilorin East LGA, Hon Maruf Onibanoje from Ilorin West and Mallam Yusuf Aderemi, took turns to appreciate the government’s presence in their respective areas, soliciting for more developmental projects in the year 2027 appropriation.
Alhaji Samsudeen Aregbe, Director of Budget, in his presentation, said the government achieved 93.5% budget performance in 2025, calling it a good development for the state.
