2027 Budget: Kwara Concludes Citizens’ Engagements, Gov. AbdulRazaq Promises More Inclusive Growth

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The final session of Kwara Citizens’ Engagement programme for the year 2027,  which serves as a platform for all residents to air their views and present their requests in the next fiscal year budget ended on Tuesday in Ilorin, the state capital.

The session, organised for residents of the Kwara Central Senatorial District at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, followed earlier engagements which started on September 1, 2026, in Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area, followed by Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area, representing the Kwara South and Kwara North Senatorial Districts, respectively.

Addressing participants, the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the open budget process was part of his campaign promises that sought to rebuild public confidence in government, restore infrastructure, improve public service delivery and place the welfare of residents at the centre of governance.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr Mary Arinde, reiterated that the present administration has continued to engage the citizens and various stakeholders across communities to hear directly from them where the shoe pinches with a view to improving their living conditions.

Gov. AbdulRazaq touted his giant strides in critical infrastructure and capital projects that cut across the state, assuring that the 2027 budget offers another opportunity to consolidate the gains of his administration.

"Since the inception of this administration, we have maintained that a budget should never be a mere administrative routine or a closed-door exercise. Governance belongs to the people and for any fiscal plan to deliver meaningful impact, it must directly reflect the life experiences, priorities and voices of our citizens across the state,” the Governor noted.

"Our urban renewal initiatives have transformed the landscape of llorin and other major towns. Landmark projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of township roads, Kwara Hotels, Innovation Hub, Civil Service Clinic, International Conference Centre, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service office, Finance House and other several strategic road networks, which have improved traffic flow, enhanced safety and boosted commercial activities,” he stated.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Saba Jubril, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Service, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Shuaib, said the event was not just another meeting but a testament to the collective resolve to deepen democracy and strengthen participatory governance in Kwara State.

"Notably, we are here today because governance is not a one-way street approach. It thrives when the government listens to its people, engages with them and incorporates their voices into the policies and programmes of the administration that will shape the life of the citizens," he explained.

The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr Mary Arinde, who was represented by the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Hajia Madinat Ajao, pointed out that the programme clearly demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the Governor to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance. 

"Since assuming office, this administration has institutionalized participatory budgeting, ensuring that the voices of citizens remain central to government planning and resource allocation," Dr Mary Arinde asserted.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development who is a native of Ilorin West Local Government Area (LGA), Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, praised the developmental drives of this administration and appealed for interlocking of more communities within the city.

Dr Olohungbebe also requested for the renovation of mini-palaces of some traditional chiefs in the Ilorin Emirate and installation of solar lights for markets within his local government.

In his contribution, the former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Afeez Abolore, who also hails from Ilorin East, applauded the Governor for the infrastructural development across the nooks and crannies of the state, noting that the autonomy of local government has been operational and effective in the state.

In his presentation, the Director, Budget Department, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Samsudeen Aregbe, revealed that the state government achieved 93.5% budget performance in 2025, calling it a good development for the state.

In their separate remarks, the Vice Chairman, Asa LGA, Hon Rasidat Issa; Vice Chairman, Ilorin South LGA, Hon. Mary Joel; Vice Chairman of Ilorin East LGA, Hon Abdulraheem Nafisat Sauta; and Director, Personnel Management, Ilorin West LGA, Alhaji Hussain Sabi Saidu, appreciated the state government's developmental projects in their respective LGAs and appealed for more, especially in the area of road construction and rehabilitation.

Other stakeholders and community leaders, who spoke at the event, such as the National President, Reke Community, Engr Surajeen Olaiya, Alhaji Salami Jimoh from Asa LGA, Mallam Abdulazeez Omoola from Ilorin South LGA, Mallam Garba Alao from Ilorin East LGA, Hon Maruf Onibanoje from Ilorin West and Mallam Yusuf Aderemi, took turns to appreciate the state government's presence in their respective areas, soliciting for more developmental projects in the year 2027 appropriation.

 The Citizens’ Engagements across the senatorial districts were attended by senior government, LGA chairmen, top bureaucrats, community and religious leaders, representatives of the civil society groups, development partners, women and youth groups, persons living with disabilities and the media.

Traditional Chiefs were also in attendance, including the Magaji Are of Ilorin, Alhaji Aremu Zubair; Balogun Alanamu, Dr Usman Abubakar Atolagbe Jos; Baba Isale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Sidiq; Balogun Baare, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad and Magaji Esinrogunjo who is the Chairman for Magajis and Alanguas Forum in Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Amosa Esinrogunjo and Alhaji Isiaka Amoda Ojulari, among others.


Falade Gbenga Tayo, ANIPR,
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
08035127868

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