Kwara Governorship Aspirant Advocates for Akwa Ibom-Style Development Plan
Mohammed Omar Bio, the House of Representatives Budget Committee chairman and a governorship aspirant in Kwara State, has called for the adoption of a structured state development programme modeled after Akwa Ibom State's approach. He emphasized that this model is essential to end the infrastructural development imbalance currently plaguing Kwara, where projects are disproportionately concentrated in Kwara Central at the expense of other geopolitical zones.
Addressing Infrastructural Imbalances
Bio described Akwa Ibom's infrastructural development plan as the best in Nigeria, noting that it ensures fairness by simultaneously addressing the needs of all senatorial districts. In contrast, he pointed out that Kwara lacks a comprehensive development plan, leading to uneven project distribution. He stated, "Akwa Ibom remains one of the few states in Nigeria where a clear development framework has helped ensure fairness in project allocation. The only way to achieve balanced development is through a proper state development plan. If a project is sited in Kwara North, another should go to Kwara Central and another to Kwara South."
Community-Based Budgeting and Grassroots Involvement
The aspirant also proposed a shift from traditional budgeting methods to a more inclusive, community-based system. Under this approach, representatives including youths, women, and community leaders from each local government would identify priority projects for their areas, which would then be incorporated into the state budget. Bio explained, "The needs of Ilorin are not the same as those of Asa or other local governments. Some communities need healthcare, others need roads, schools, or jobs. Government must reflect these differences."
Focus on Education and Security
Expressing concern over the decline in Kwara's education sector, Bio pledged to revive teachers' training colleges and enhance technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills and reduce unemployment. On security, he addressed allegations that some indigenes act as informants to bandits, describing such claims as unverified but vowing to prosecute anyone found guilty of what he termed crimes against humanity.
Vision for Kwara's Future
In his declaration, Bio highlighted his experience on committees such as Appropriation, Public Accounts, and Justice, which he said allowed him to contribute to national budgets with integrity and attract meaningful interventions to his constituency. If elected, he promised to make Kwara a sanctuary of peace and safety by strengthening collaboration with federal security agencies and building community-based intelligence networks. He added, "Farmers must return to their fields without trepidation; traders must ply their routes in confidence; our children must walk to school and play under the sun without anxiety." His administration would also focus on education, agriculture, health, and overall economic development.
