Kwara Assembly Backs Suburb Road Repairs, Pushes for Tree Planting Drive
The Kwara State House of Assembly has called for urgent action on the rehabilitation of suburban roads across Ilorin and other parts of the state, while also mandating local governments to take the lead in combating deforestation through tree planting campaigns.
At Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, lawmakers commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what they described as “massive and unprecedented” infrastructural development, particularly in road construction.
Hon. Abdulraheem Medinat Motunrayo (Lanwa/Ejidongari), who moved the motion on suburban roads, noted that while the administration had made impressive strides in road projects, smaller community roads were in dire need of attention.
“Timely intervention by KWARMA in maintaining and rehabilitating suburb roads will not only restore easy access but also boost economic activities, reduce accidents, and improve the quality of life of our people,” she argued.
The House urged the Governor to direct the Kwara State Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA) to immediately assess and rehabilitate dilapidated suburb roads, with the Ministry of Works providing close monitoring to ensure sustainability.
Lawmakers also called on the Kwara State Community and Social Development Agency (KWCSDA) to partner with traditional rulers and community leaders for routine reporting of road failures.
On a separate motion, the Assembly raised alarm over the growing rate of deforestation in the state. Hon. Babatunde Ayi Olatundun (Ilorin North-West), who sponsored the motion, stressed that illegal logging, charcoal production, and unsustainable farming practices were threatening livelihoods, biodiversity, and food security.
“Without urgent action, we risk worsening flooding, soil erosion, and desertification. Local governments must be active players in reforestation and afforestation campaigns,” Olatundun said.
The House resolved that all 16 local government councils should spearhead tree planting drives, prioritizing native species and targeting already deforested areas. It also tasked the Ministry of Environment to support the initiative with seedlings, funding, and technical expertise, while urging Kwarans, schools, and community leaders to take part.
Lawmakers further reminded residents of the need to comply with the Kwara State Charcoal Production (Prohibition) (Amendment) Law, 2018, describing it as a key tool in protecting the environment.
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