In just twenty-four months, Honorable Muktar Tolani Shagaya has redefined what it means to serve, proving that visionary leadership knows no term limits. Like the proverbial iroko tree that provides shade before its roots run deep, Shagaya—against all expectations for a first-timer—has silenced doubting Thomases with an avalanche of achievements that even veterans would envy. His tenure as Member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency has been a masterclass in effective legislation, constituency engagement, and progressive policymaking, perfectly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s Kwara development blueprint. From sponsoring groundbreaking bills to executing life-changing projects, Shagaya has not just kept promises but exceeded them, transforming Ilorin West/Asa into a model constituency.
Shagaya’s legislative footprint is both deep and wide—a rare combination of quality and quantity. With 15 bills sponsored (including the landmark Federal Medical Centre Afon establishment and the revolutionary Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act amendment) and 7 co-sponsored bills (notably the State Police Bill), he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to address both local and national priorities. His audacious push for five Federal Cancer Research Centres across geopolitical zones reveals a pan-Nigerian vision, while his amendment of penal codes shows his commitment to justice reform. Like the needle that stitches together the fabric of society, Shagaya’s motions—from combating diphtheria outbreaks to banning Styrofoam—prove his acute sensitivity to emerging national challenges. This isn’t just lawmaking; it’s nation-building with surgical precision.
If legislation is Shagaya’s sword, empowerment is his shield—protecting his people from poverty’s arrows. His constituency projects read like a development economist’s playbook: 50 motorized boreholes quenching communities’ thirst, 1,500 constituents lifted with N50,000-N100,000 grants, 350 JAMB forms unlocking academic dreams, and 1,000 fertilizer sacks boosting agrarian productivity. The “Keke Irorun” tricycles and Aso-Oke weaving materials aren’t just gifts; they’re economic seeds planted in fertile soil. His medical outreach touched thousands, while 29 ward liaison officers ensured no voice went unheard. Like the legendary Messi wielding skills, Shagaya has harnessed both grassroots wisdom and governmental machinery to deliver unprecedented dividends of democracy.
Shagaya understands that today’s classrooms are tomorrow’s leadership factories. His educational interventions—from constructing six-classroom blocks at Alore Junior Secondary School to donating 10,000 exercise books and digital classroom boards—are investments in Kwara’s intellectual infrastructure. By renovating schools like Pakata LGEA and providing 100 free WAEC registrations, he’s not just fixing roofs but raising ceilings of opportunity. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) amendment he co-sponsored will ripple across generations. Like the Yoruba proverb says, “À ń rí iná, a ń rí ìmọ́lẹ̀” (Where there’s fire, there’s light)—Shagaya’s education drive illuminates paths out of poverty.
Shagaya’s triumphs aren’t solitary—they’re amplified by his strategic alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Abdulrazaq’s Kwara First mantra. His rail rehabilitation motion dovetails with federal infrastructure plans, while his anti-fake drugs motion complements the governor’s healthcare reforms. This synergy isn’t coincidence; it’s the hallmark of a leader who knows development is a relay, not a sprint. Even his Ramadan/Easter palliatives mirror his compassion, proving that effective representation bridges faiths and factions.
As we celebrate these two years of meteoric impact, one truth emerges: Shagaya isn’t just meeting expectations—he’s redefining them. From grading roads in Asa to distributing solar home systems, his work ethic turns legislative jargon into tangible joy. The 3,500 Ramadan food packs and vigilante motorcycles show a leader who listens before he acts. The volume of sewing machines and grinding machines for the petty traders and artisans are unprecedented. Like the moon that pulls the tide without noise, Shagaya’s quiet efficiency speaks volumes. As dawn breaks on Year Three, Ilorin West/Asa can rest assured—their iroko tree is still growing, and the best is yet to come.
Basheer Luqman Olarewaju anipr,
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity
Office of Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya
Member, House of Representatives (Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency)
June 13, 2025
