I want to congratulate the effective governor of Kwara State on his appointment as the new head of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. This is significant, historic, and has broad ramifications for the standing and reputation of Kwara State. This selection is evidence of his inclusive and transformative leadership abilities. The governor has remained a background player who is more concerned with producing results and creating legacies for the following generation.
I think a new Kwara is coming, and all residents of the state, as well as all other citizens, can look forward to another four years of advancement and progressive politics, led by Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, the capable executive governor of Kwara State. He has continued to uphold the utilitarian principle, which states that politics should be used to advance the happiness of the greatest number of people and put the interests of “all for the good of all.”
The slogan “Maa selo,” which means keep up the good work, summarises the aspirations and desires of the majority of Kwarans and serves as the campaign theme for his re-election as executive governor of Kwara State. Maa selo served as the foundation on which voters re-elected AbdulRazaq with a resounding majority, giving him a four-year mandate to continue the consolidation of the system of moral leadership and efficient government that he personifies. As he begins his second term as governor of Kwara State, I believe the following priorities will continue to define his second term:
A willingness to continue promoting the idea of accountability in government, including the effective use of the state’s human and material resources, a willingness to continue building and nurturing Kwara so that every unit, component, and part feels like it belongs and has ownership over it, a willingness to have a highly motivated, effective, and functional civil service that will prioritise the public good and service delivery in accordance with their values.
Continue promoting decentralisation of infrastructure development to increase intra- and interstate trade and commerce; promote and further leverage Kwara State’s locational comparative advantage as a gateway and link between the North and South; emphasise policies that are investor- and people-friendly to encourage technological innovation and growth.
disposition to strengthen the state health system to support the wellbeing and wellness of our population in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations; disposition to continue supporting the growth of the agro- and mining-related industries and the localization of the value chain in order to increase employment opportunities.
Promote occupational health, workplace safety, and environmental imperatives that highlight the value and quality of life; gender and youth inclusivity that highlights the value of and quality of life; develop and strengthen the capacity of Small & Medium Scale Enterprises and the informal sector of the state’s economy as a veritable engine for shared prosperity and growth; diversify and improve the capacity of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue in view of dwindling and diminishing federal allocations.
As an incoming lawmaker, I will work with my returning honourable colleagues to effectively support people-centered lawmaking, oversight, and representation so that your excellency can resoundingly keep the promises he made to the Kwara State people during the campaign.
My sincere wishes are for His Excellency to serve in a fruitful second term and to have a significant tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
