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Kwara PDP Youths Demand Security, Jobs, Accountability

Published

2 months ago

August 13, 2026

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the state government to provide measurable results in security, employment, education and accountability, declaring that the youths would no longer be satisfied with political promises and slogans.

The demand was made by the PDP Youth Leader, Olori-Odo Adio Odunjo Obbo-Ile, on Wednesday in Ilorin at a press conference organised to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.

Speaking under the theme, “Kwara Youths Will Not Be Silent: Demanding Security, Accountability, Opportunity and Responsible Governance,” Odunjo said young people have a democratic responsibility to question government policies and demand answers on issues affecting their future.

According to him, the press conference was not intended to promote confrontation or political violence but to encourage responsible leadership and constructive engagement.

“As the opposition party in Kwara State, we have a constitutional and democratic responsibility to ask questions, demand answers, identify gaps and present alternatives. Where government performs well, we will acknowledge it. Where there are gaps, we will raise them. And where our people suffer, we will speak,” he said.

The PDP youth leader said the security situation in the State remained a major concern, particularly the February 2026 attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, where more than 160 people were reportedly killed and scores abducted.

He commended the security agencies for the recent rescue of 163 residents of Woro who had spent about six months in captivity, describing the operation as a significant achievement, while urging authorities to ensure that the rescue was followed by rehabilitation, justice and measures capable of preventing a recurrence.

“We commend our security forces for this successful operation. But while we celebrate their rescue, we must also ask difficult questions. How did an attack of such magnitude happen? What early-warning mechanisms were available? What intelligence existed concerning threats around Woro, Nuku and neighbouring communities?” he asked.

Odunjo said the PDP was not blaming Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Woro tragedy, noting that internal security was constitutionally dominated by the federal security agencies.

“Our concern is with state-level coordination, early warning, community protection, intelligence sharing, advocacy and the effectiveness of the mechanisms available to the state government in working with federal security agencies,” he said.

He also recalled the November 2025 attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, where 38 worshippers were reportedly abducted and three people killed.

While commending security agencies for the subsequent arrest of suspects allegedly linked to the attack and other criminal activities, he maintained that government must focus more on preventing attacks than merely responding after they occur.

“Arresting criminals after an attack is not enough. Our ultimate objective must be prevention,” he said, calling for intelligence-led policing, surveillance, rapid response, community engagement and effective early-warning systems.

On education, Odunjo expressed concern over the temporary closure of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, following security concerns, saying prolonged disruptions to education could have serious consequences for young people.

He urged the government to provide a clear timetable and security plan for reopening affected institutions, alongside academic support for students who have lost learning time.

“Security is education policy. Security is youth policy. Security is economic policy. When a young person cannot safely attend school, the consequences extend far beyond the classroom. It affects their future, their family and ultimately the future of Kwara State,” he said.

The PDP youth leader also called for greater transparency in the management of public resources, urging the state government to make contract and procurement information easily accessible to citizens.

He said citizens should be able to know the contractors handling public projects, contract values, locations, completion deadlines, amounts paid and the level of implementation.

“Transparency does not weaken government. Transparency strengthens public confidence,” he said.

On workers’ welfare, Odunjo called for continued dialogue between the government and organised labour over concerns surrounding teachers’ allowances and alleged delays in salary payments.

He acknowledged the government’s explanation that teachers were covered by a separate Teachers Specific Allowance structure, while urging authorities to ensure that teachers’ welfare remained a priority.

“Our teachers are responsible for educating the next generation. Their welfare cannot be treated as an afterthought,” he said.

Addressing the disagreement over alleged outstanding May and June 2026 salaries, he urged both the government and labour unions to make evidence available, stressing that workers deserved certainty and timely payment rather than political controversy.

“If the government says salaries have been paid, the relevant evidence should be made available. Where organised labour maintains that workers remain unpaid, the necessary evidence should equally be provided. Kwarans do not need political drama over salary payments. They need certainty, transparency and their salaries paid on time,” he said.

The PDP youth leader subsequently presented a seven-point agenda covering security, education, employment, transparency, rural development, youth participation and accountability.

He demanded a comprehensive state-community security and early-warning framework for vulnerable communities, clear reopening plans for schools affected by insecurity, and a verifiable youth employment and empowerment programme showing beneficiaries and measurable outcomes.

He also called for greater investment in rural roads, electricity, healthcare, water and agricultural infrastructure, as well as increased participation of young people in policy formulation, budgeting and development planning.

Odunjo urged the government to ensure that major programmes had measurable targets and publicly reported results.

He also challenged young Kwarans to become more actively involved in governance rather than limiting their political participation to election periods.

“Young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow. We are stakeholders today. We have a right to participate. We have a right to ask questions. We have a right to demand accountability and we have a responsibility to contribute constructively to the development of our state,” he said.

As the 2027 political activities gather momentum, Odunjo warned political parties and aspirants against taking the youth vote for granted.

“As we approach another electoral cycle, let every political party, every aspirant and every public official understand one thing: Kwara youth will not be satisfied with slogans.

“We will demand policies. We will demand programmes. We will demand performance. We will demand results.”

He called on the government to work with traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and federal security agencies to develop a stronger security framework for the state.

The PDP youth leader concluded by expressing solidarity with victims of insecurity across Kwara, particularly communities affected by the Woro, Nuku and Eruku attacks, while commending security personnel for their sacrifices.

He said the party’s youth wing would continue to demand responsible governance peacefully and within the bounds of the law.

“We want a Kwara where people are safe, where young people have opportunities, where public resources are transparent, where government is accountable and where leadership is measured by results,” he said.

The press conference was held at the PDP State Secretariat in Ilorin on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as part of activities marking International Youth Day.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

12 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

12 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”