Residents seek responsible leadership, laud philanthropist’s impact in Kwara South
Residents in Kwara South have vowed that they will only vote a governor that demonstrates genuine unifying leadership and measurable impact in the North, Central, and South senatorial districts. They
Residents in Kwara South have vowed that they will only vote a governor that demonstrates genuine unifying leadership and measurable impact in the North, Central, and South senatorial districts. They believed that leadership is defined by by sustained presence, consistency, and contributions that communities can point to.
Communities here have continued to reference the engagement of Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman (Amana). Although he is from Kwara Central, residents maintain that leadership is not about origin, but about impact and connection to the people. Many describe his activities as reflective of a unifying presence, noting his interventions cut across communities in the South.
In education, residents point to the JAMB fees sponsorship programme as one of the most impactful interventions in the zone. Sulaiman is said to have supported students in Kwara South by covering the cost of their JAMB registration and examination fees. Residents note that this intervention has removed a significant financial barrier, enabling many young people to access tertiary education and pursue academic and career opportunities.
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Residents also referenced donation of classroom blocks, reconstruction of dilapidated school structures, and establishment of computer laboratories in communities, noting these efforts have contributed to improved learning.
The communities also emphasise his interventions inhuman capital development through facilitation of jobs for indigenes. According to community members, this has been one of the most visible aspects of Sulaiman’s contributions. During his time as a federal office holder and through subsequent roles, he is said to have facilitated jobs for a significant qualified individuals from Kwara South and other parts of the state into federal parastatals, including agencies such as National Pension Commission, Federal Road Safety Corps, and others.
On the economy, Farm2Feed programme has been described as a significant intervention. Residents said the initiative strengthened agricultural productivity and support rural livelihoods. Farmers reportedly received financial support of up to N200,000, with improved seedlings and fertilisers. Mechanisation services were provided, with tractors deployed for ploughing, harrowing, tilling, and ridging. This has improved land preparation, increased food production, and enhanced income opportunities for farmers.
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Residents also highlighted social support initiatives, particularly during Ramadan. These include daily feeding programmes reaching over 2,000 people, financial support for imams, distribution of Eid packages, and annual children’s Eid celebrations that attract thousands of participants.
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Some residents expressed surprise at recent narratives linking similar initiatives to other individuals, noting many of the programmes have been implemented in their communities over the years.
A resident of Omu-Aran, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We have seen these things happen year after year; from education support to employment and farming. It is not recent.”
Another in Offa added: “The impact cuts across different areas. People can point to students supported, people employed, and farmers empowered. These we can verify.”
A youth leader noted: “We are not saying others are not trying, but when it comes to consistent impact that people have felt, Amana stands out.”
