Fellow Kwarans, it’s essential to recognize that holding our newly elected local government chairmen accountable is critical for extending democracy’s benefits to our 193 wards. Writing articles and speaking on radio alone won’t bring the needed change—we must take concrete action.
My recent meeting with Hon. Femi Yusuf, LL.B, underscored this point, especially in light of the tragic killing of Jagun in Igbaja. We crossed paths at Comrade Abel Adewole’s book launch, where I offered my condolences to Hon. Femi Yusuf for Jagun’s loss and sought details on the incident.
Jagun’s role in safeguarding Igbaja and nearby communities in Ifelodun LGA made his killing by unknown gunmen unsettling, highlighting the lack of safety for all. I shared my concerns with the Chairman, having seen videos of protests at the Elese of Igbaja’s palace circulating online.
Hon. Yusuf assured me he would provide a full update, and I later visited him at his office near the late Governor Lawal’s residence in GRA, Ilorin. Before we continued, I congratulated him on recently earning his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Ilorin. Congratulations, Sir!
This accomplishment reflects your dedication to both public service and education. Moving forward, it’s crucial to emphasize transparency and accountability in governance.
Upon arriving at his office, I informed Hon. Femi Yusuf of my visit to discuss Jagun’s tragic killing in Igbaja and the subsequent protests. Demonstrators at the Elese palace called for justice, urging the arrest of those responsible and expressing a desire to remove Fulani residents from Igbaja. This incident, along with related video footage, compelled me to write about Jagun’s death and urge Chairman Yusuf to protect the people of Ifelodun.
I was impressed by the Chairman’s proactive approach to the issue. He had coordinated with the police, met with local hunters, and visited multiple communities in Ifelodun LGA. Yusuf also instructed hunters to prioritize community safety across the area.
With rising insecurity in Kwara South, it’s essential for local leaders to collaborate on a strategic plan to enhance regional security. While Ifelodun, Isin, and Ekiti LGAs are notably vulnerable, Offa and Oyun remain more secure. Insecurity is a major setback, limiting both business growth and food production, as farmers lack safe access to their fields.
During our assessment in Ekiti LGA, we required vigilante escorts—highlighting the urgent need for action. I strongly advocate for a security summit in Kwara South to address these issues. Recent press conferences by Kwara South Youth Association and Ekiti Youth Navigators are promising steps toward increasing awareness. It’s vital for us to come together, discuss, and identify solutions to tackle Kwara South’s security challenges.
I had the opportunity to discuss infrastructure development with Hon. Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun LGA. I inquired about his plans to address the infrastructure deficit in Ifelodun, and I was impressed by his response. He shared that the local government already possesses a grader and plans to acquire more to improve road conditions and facilitate movement within the area.
I emphasized the importance of transparency in all projects undertaken by his administration. Considering the enormity of the infrastructure deficit, I noted that bridging the gap may require a prolonged effort, potentially spanning twenty years. However, I expressed optimism that collaborative efforts with senators and house of representatives from Kwara South could significantly accelerate progress in Ifelodun.
I inquired about prompt staff salary payments from Hon. Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun LGA. He mentioned that he’s only been in office for a few days. I then asked if he was aware of the ENetSuD report on Kwara State’s LGA financial strength, highlighting that some local governments contribute funds to others to facilitate salary payments. However, he claimed unawareness of this report.
I further informed him that, historically, no workers in Ifelodun LGA had gone unpaid, and that the joint account had been abolished, meaning funds would no longer come from other LGAs. Again, he expressed unfamiliarity with this information.
Despite his limited knowledge in these areas, I sensed eagerness and readiness in Hon , Femi Yusuf Chairman to serve the people of Ifelodun LGA.
I had an insightful afternoon interviewing Hon. Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun LGA. I asked about his strategies to enhance food production, given that most residents are farmers. He mentioned that the local government already has tractors and plans to acquire more to support farmers in achieving food security.
I stressed the importance of collaborating with senators, the House of Representatives, and the Kwara State House of Assembly to accelerate Ifelodun’s development, considering limited monthly allocations. He agreed, highlighting the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grant, which has enabled the renovation and construction of classrooms in Ifelodun, including new structures.
I encouraged him to work closely with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to improve schools in Ifelodun. This meeting underscored the crucial role of local government in driving grassroots progress.
I plan to visit the remaining 15 LGA chairmen to provide constructive input for development, starting with Hon. Shehu Abdulraman Ladan of Ilorin West LGA, as promised during Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman’s birthday celebration last week.
I also sought Hon. Femi Yusuf’s views on two abandoned projects in Ifelodun LGA, specifically the Ora road constructed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. I shared our community’s actions to ensure the contractor returns to address poor construction quality and lack of value for money.
I urged him to petition the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to complete the project, using his office to advocate for the community. Additionally, I reminded him of ENetSuD’s collaboration with the Igbo-Owu community to revive the long-stalled Idofian-Igbaja road project managed by the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
We’ve held two meetings with FRIN management and the contractor in Ibadan and submitted a petition to the EFCC. Despite this, no action has been taken. I emphasized the need for his office to intervene and bring them back to site, as completing the project would boost the local economy.
Another petition will be submitted to the ICPC next week. Hon. Yusuf assured me of his willingness to support both communities, promising to review my request.
This conversation highlighted the importance of collaborative advocacy in addressing abandoned projects and ensuring accountability in Kwara State’s development initiatives.
With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s committee in place to monitor local government funds, all eyes are on the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. This committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), includes stakeholders like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to ensure proper allocation and utilization of local government funds .
As a citizen, it’s crucial to promote accountability by holding local government chairmen accountable. This can be achieved through proper monitoring and engagement. By doing so, we can prevent mismanagement of funds and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to benefit the community.
Let’s work together to ensure our leaders serve the people’s interests.By working together, we can foster a culture of transparency and accountability in local governance, ultimately driving development and progress in Nigeria.
Hon. Femi Yusuf, I extend my warmest wishes to you and promise to consistently engage with you and other stakeholders to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring your effective delivery of duties.
May God bless Kwara State. Farewell for now.
