Kwara 2027: Kawu unveils ₦100bn security fund, promises ₦50m for each ward
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has unveiled plans to establish a ₦100 billion Security Trust Fund and inject ₦9.65 billion into grassroots development within the first 100 days of his administration if elected in 2027.
Kawu also promised to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants, create 200,000 youth employment opportunities annually and establish a ₦19.2 billion agricultural production fund as part of his proposed development agenda for the state.
The PDP candidate disclosed these initiatives on Thursday during the public presentation of his governorship manifesto, tagged ‘The SBK Compact – Kwara People First (KPF)’, held at Arca Santa Centre, Ilorin.
He said the manifesto, anchored on the pillars of security, productivity and prosperity, was designed to address the challenges confronting residents through purposeful leadership, strategic planning and equitable distribution of development projects.
Explaining his decision to prioritise security, Kawu recalled his visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where he said he witnessed the devastating consequences of insecurity and the trauma suffered by residents.
“One of the most painful experiences in my entire life was my visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of our state. I stood before the destruction. I saw blood on the ground. I witnessed firsthand the pain and fear of a traumatised community,” he said.
He added that the experience strengthened his determination to ensure that no community in the state was abandoned to criminal elements.
“Security must never be treated as a mere government policy or political promise. It is about human lives. It is about families who deserve to sleep in peace in their homes. It is about farmers who must be able to go to their farms without fear,” he said.
To address the challenge, Kawu promised to establish a ₦100 billion Security Trust Fund to finance intelligence-led operations, strengthen community partnerships, equip security agencies and improve coordination among relevant institutions.
On grassroots development, the former senior civil servant proposed the establishment of a ₦40 billion One Kwara Regional Development Agency, alongside at least ₦5 billion in counterpart funding to attract donor-supported development projects over four years.
He also pledged to allocate ₦50 million to each of the 193 wards in the state within his first 100 days in office, representing an initial commitment of ₦9.65 billion.
According to him, the initiative would allow communities to identify and determine their priority projects rather than having development programmes imposed on them by government officials.
“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,” he said.
He, however, promised that appropriate mechanisms would be established to guarantee transparency, accountability, technical supervision and value for money.
On economic empowerment, Kawu announced plans to establish a ₦9.6 billion revolving loan scheme for market traders and another ₦9.6 billion single-digit interest loan scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He also proposed a ₦3 billion Women Enterprises and Empowerment Fund to support women-owned businesses, while promising annual business support grants for at least 1,000 artisans.
The PDP candidate further pledged to create 200,000 youth employment opportunities and 5,000 enterprise opportunities annually through vocational training, digital skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support and partnerships with private-sector employers.
In the agricultural sector, he promised to establish a state-supported production fund of at least ₦19.2 billion to provide affordable financing, farm inputs and other support to farmers and agricultural cooperatives.
He said his administration would also prioritise farmers’ security, access to land, storage facilities, processing opportunities and reliable transportation routes to markets.
On education, Kawu promised to improve school infrastructure, provide teaching and learning materials and strengthen teachers’ welfare, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He disclosed plans to commit ₦4 billion to a special monthly hardship allowance for teachers serving in remote and underserved areas.
He also pledged to strengthen technical and vocational education, expand digital learning and introduce targeted scholarships and other support programmes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In the health sector, the governorship hopeful promised to strengthen primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 16 local government areas, improve access to essential medicines and equipment and introduce special allowances for qualified health workers serving in underserved communities.
Kawu also promised to improve maternal and child healthcare, immunisation and preventive medical services.
Addressing workers’ welfare, he said his administration would introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants, ensure prompt payment of salaries and settle other entitlements as and when due.
“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,” he said.
He further promised to strengthen pension administration and introduce a repayment framework for outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities, with an estimated ₦4 billion commitment over four years.
The PDP candidate also pledged improved remuneration and allowances for traditional rulers, whom he described as important partners in maintaining social cohesion and promoting development at the grassroots.
On infrastructure, he promised to prioritise the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads connecting communities to markets, schools, hospitals and economic centres.
He also outlined plans to improve electricity access through renewable energy solutions, solar-powered streetlights and rural electrification projects, alongside the provision of clean water through boreholes and improved water schemes.
Kawu, who said his professional experience in project planning and implementation had prepared him for the task of governance, particularly cited his years of service at the Rural Electrification Agency as an advantage.
He maintained that his administration would prioritise indigenous contractors who met the required standards in the award and execution of government projects to ensure that public investments generated employment and economic benefits within the state.
Describing the manifesto as a practical programme rather than a collection of political promises, he identified responsible planning and budgeting, efficient resource mobilisation, effective government systems, transparency and accountability, as well as citizen participation as the guiding principles of his proposed administration.
“We will not measure development merely by the number of projects commissioned but by the number of people whose lives are improved by them,” he said.
He added that his government would be judged by the quality of roads, availability of electricity, safety of communities, standard of education, access to healthcare and opportunities created for businesses and livelihoods.
The PDP candidate also called for unity within the party, appreciating its leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him following the governorship primary.
He particularly acknowledged former Senate President and ex-Kwara State Governor, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, describing his contributions to the political and developmental history of the state as significant.
Kawu said the PDP must draw lessons from previous administrations, correct present challenges and offer residents a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“We will not build Kwara through hatred, bitterness or unnecessary division. We may disagree politically but we must never lose sight of our shared humanity and common destiny,” he said.
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Kwara 2027: Kawu unveils ₦100bn security fund, promises ₦50m for each ward
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has unveiled plans to establish a ₦100 billion Security Trust Fund and inject ₦9.65 billion into grassroots development within the first 100 days of his administration if elected in 2027.
Kawu also promised to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants, create 200,000 youth employment opportunities annually and establish a ₦19.2 billion agricultural production fund as part of his proposed development agenda for the state.
The PDP candidate disclosed these initiatives on Thursday during the public presentation of his governorship manifesto, tagged ‘The SBK Compact – Kwara People First (KPF)’, held at Arca Santa Centre, Ilorin.
He said the manifesto, anchored on the pillars of security, productivity and prosperity, was designed to address the challenges confronting residents through purposeful leadership, strategic planning and equitable distribution of development projects.
Explaining his decision to prioritise security, Kawu recalled his visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where he said he witnessed the devastating consequences of insecurity and the trauma suffered by residents.
“One of the most painful experiences in my entire life was my visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of our state. I stood before the destruction. I saw blood on the ground. I witnessed firsthand the pain and fear of a traumatised community,” he said.
He added that the experience strengthened his determination to ensure that no community in the state was abandoned to criminal elements.
“Security must never be treated as a mere government policy or political promise. It is about human lives. It is about families who deserve to sleep in peace in their homes. It is about farmers who must be able to go to their farms without fear,” he said.
To address the challenge, Kawu promised to establish a ₦100 billion Security Trust Fund to finance intelligence-led operations, strengthen community partnerships, equip security agencies and improve coordination among relevant institutions.
On grassroots development, the former senior civil servant proposed the establishment of a ₦40 billion One Kwara Regional Development Agency, alongside at least ₦5 billion in counterpart funding to attract donor-supported development projects over four years.
He also pledged to allocate ₦50 million to each of the 193 wards in the state within his first 100 days in office, representing an initial commitment of ₦9.65 billion.
According to him, the initiative would allow communities to identify and determine their priority projects rather than having development programmes imposed on them by government officials.
“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,” he said.
He, however, promised that appropriate mechanisms would be established to guarantee transparency, accountability, technical supervision and value for money.
On economic empowerment, Kawu announced plans to establish a ₦9.6 billion revolving loan scheme for market traders and another ₦9.6 billion single-digit interest loan scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He also proposed a ₦3 billion Women Enterprises and Empowerment Fund to support women-owned businesses, while promising annual business support grants for at least 1,000 artisans.
The PDP candidate further pledged to create 200,000 youth employment opportunities and 5,000 enterprise opportunities annually through vocational training, digital skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support and partnerships with private-sector employers.
In the agricultural sector, he promised to establish a state-supported production fund of at least ₦19.2 billion to provide affordable financing, farm inputs and other support to farmers and agricultural cooperatives.
He said his administration would also prioritise farmers’ security, access to land, storage facilities, processing opportunities and reliable transportation routes to markets.
On education, Kawu promised to improve school infrastructure, provide teaching and learning materials and strengthen teachers’ welfare, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He disclosed plans to commit ₦4 billion to a special monthly hardship allowance for teachers serving in remote and underserved areas.
He also pledged to strengthen technical and vocational education, expand digital learning and introduce targeted scholarships and other support programmes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In the health sector, the governorship hopeful promised to strengthen primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 16 local government areas, improve access to essential medicines and equipment and introduce special allowances for qualified health workers serving in underserved communities.
Kawu also promised to improve maternal and child healthcare, immunisation and preventive medical services.
Addressing workers’ welfare, he said his administration would introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants, ensure prompt payment of salaries and settle other entitlements as and when due.
“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,” he said.
He further promised to strengthen pension administration and introduce a repayment framework for outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities, with an estimated ₦4 billion commitment over four years.
The PDP candidate also pledged improved remuneration and allowances for traditional rulers, whom he described as important partners in maintaining social cohesion and promoting development at the grassroots.
On infrastructure, he promised to prioritise the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads connecting communities to markets, schools, hospitals and economic centres.
He also outlined plans to improve electricity access through renewable energy solutions, solar-powered streetlights and rural electrification projects, alongside the provision of clean water through boreholes and improved water schemes.
Kawu, who said his professional experience in project planning and implementation had prepared him for the task of governance, particularly cited his years of service at the Rural Electrification Agency as an advantage.
He maintained that his administration would prioritise indigenous contractors who met the required standards in the award and execution of government projects to ensure that public investments generated employment and economic benefits within the state.
Describing the manifesto as a practical programme rather than a collection of political promises, he identified responsible planning and budgeting, efficient resource mobilisation, effective government systems, transparency and accountability, as well as citizen participation as the guiding principles of his proposed administration.
“We will not measure development merely by the number of projects commissioned but by the number of people whose lives are improved by them,” he said.
He added that his government would be judged by the quality of roads, availability of electricity, safety of communities, standard of education, access to healthcare and opportunities created for businesses and livelihoods.
The PDP candidate also called for unity within the party, appreciating its leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him following the governorship primary.
He particularly acknowledged former Senate President and ex-Kwara State Governor, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, describing his contributions to the political and developmental history of the state as significant.
Kawu said the PDP must draw lessons from previous administrations, correct present challenges and offer residents a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
