Babalola Urges Kwara Governor to Focus on Education, Agriculture and Industry

A former governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Sunday Babalola, has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to shift attention toward essential sectors like education, agriculture, and industry rather than concentrating development efforts on symbolic projects within the state capital alone.

Speaking on Wednesday, Babalola expressed concern that certain areas in Kwara are receiving more development attention than others. He argued that with the increase in federal allocations following the fuel subsidy removal, the state has an opportunity to invest in projects that directly improve people’s lives rather than flashy or grandiose structures.

He pointed out that the three senatorial zones of the state should all benefit equally from government projects. According to him, development should not be limited to the state capital, Ilorin, and all communities, regardless of their size or location, deserve access to quality infrastructure and government support.

While acknowledging the construction of overhead bridges and the tallest flagpole in West Africa in Ilorin, Babalola said these should not be mistaken for meaningful progress. He believes true advancement lies in how well education is funded, how agriculture is supported for food security, and how industries are grown to create jobs and reduce poverty.

He advised the governor to use the remaining two years of his tenure to spread development across rural areas and invest in sectors that would have lasting economic impact. He warned that without balanced development, the divide between urban and rural parts of Kwara could worsen.

Babalola also urged the administration to avoid white elephant projects—costly undertakings that serve more as symbols than solutions. He stated that infrastructure should not just beautify the state capital but also serve functional purposes in remote communities where basic amenities are still lacking.

Calling for inclusive governance, he reminded the state government that Kwara is home to diverse ethnic groups and communities beyond Ilorin, all of whom deserve equal attention in the state’s developmental agenda.

In closing, he appealed for a more thoughtful and people-centered approach to governance, where funds are channelled into projects that make education accessible, promote food production, and support local industries to grow the state’s economy from the grassroots up.