The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engineer Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has pledged to establish a N100 billion Security Trust Fund to tackle insecurity in parts of Kwara State if elected governor in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the public presentation of his manifesto, titled THE SBK COMPACT – KWARA PEOPLE FIRST (KPF), in Ilorin on Thursday, the PDP governorship candidate said the fund would provide resources for intelligence-led operations, stronger community partnerships, well-equipped and coordinated security services, and a government-wide system for identifying threats, responding quickly and holding agencies accountable for security risks.
The governorship candidate, who described security as the foundation of development, added that, “As Governor I will not rest or sleep when the life of any Kwaran is under threat”.
“Security is the foundation of development. The first responsibility of government is to protect the lives, property and livelihoods of the governed. This aspect of the contract is for the people who have lost somebody dear to them. It is for our people who have been displaced from their homes as a result of banditry and kidnapping. It is for those who have been prevented from freely conducting their businesses. To restore the glory of our State as the State of Harmony, we will establish a 100 billion naira security trust fund to tackle insecurity”.
Engineer Kawu said his proposed administration would also establish a N40 billion One Kwara Regional Development Agency to deliver viable projects and ensure equitable development across communities in the state.
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He added that a minimum of N5 billion would be provided as counterpart funding to access donor funds in the sector over four years.
“In addition, our government will introduce a special grassroots development initiative under which N50 million will be allocated to each of the 193 wards in the state within the first 100 days of our administration. This represents a total initial commitment of ₦9.65 billion. Under this initiative, development projects will originate directly from the various wards.
“Communities will identify and choose their most pressing needs, propose projects and participate in their implementation. Required mechanisms will be put in place to ensure transparency, accountability, technical supervision and value for money”.
The PDP governorship candidate also pledged to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants in the state.
“As a retired public servant myself, I understand the sacrifices, expectations and challenges of workers. I will ensure the prompt and timely payment of salaries and other entitlements. Workers must not have to struggle or beg for what they have lawfully earned.
“This is a strong commitment to improving workers’ welfare, rewarding dedication to public service and restoring dignity to the workforce”.
He further said his proposed administration would create 200,000 youth employment opportunities and 5,000 enterprise opportunities annually.
“We will support women-owned businesses by establishing a ₦3 billion Women Enterprises and Empowerment Fund to provide affordable finance and business support to our women-owned enterprises.
“Also, artisans and skilled workers will enjoy business support grants.
At least 1,000 artisans will benefit from this grant annually”.
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