Residents of the Okuta community situated within the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State have appealed to the government for urgent action to address worsening infrastructural challenges, particularly the dilapidated road network plaguing towns across the Kwara North Senatorial District.
During a recent political campaign stop by the All Progressives Congress governorship hopeful and Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the traditional ruler of the area, the Emir of Okuta, Alhaji (Dr.) Idris Abubakar Kperogi Afon Totiri Serobetete III, highlighted that the deficits in public amenities have severely hampered local economic activities and daily living.
What are the primary challenges facing the agrarian population?
Local representatives pointed out that the farming community struggles with multiple developmental setbacks, encompassing security threats, unreliable electricity, substandard healthcare institutions, and heavily damaged roadways.
Addressing visitors, the monarch stressed that the district has lagged behind significantly in development since national independence, prompting appeals for federal intervention. He also urged voters from the remaining two senatorial zones in the state to back Kwara North's aspiration to occupy the governorship seat, noting that the zone has yet to produce a state governor in over 28 years of democratic governance.
Furthermore, the traditional leader charged the political hopeful to place premium focus on safeguarding lives and properties alongside road rehabilitation upon assumption of office.
"Security is much paramount in the country and by extension, Kwara North. Also, he should look into the poor condition of roads in Kwara North. Moreover, he should spread development to all parts of the state," the monarch stated.
Amplifying these sentiments, Hon. Adamu Sabi Ibrahim, a former two-term legislator representing Baruten constituency at the state assembly, asserted that equity and fairness dictate that Kwara North leads the state come 2027 to fast-track infrastructural transformation in health, education, and transport networks.
How did the candidate respond to the demands?
In his address, the APC governorship contender assured stakeholders that his administration would synergize with appropriate agencies to fix the deplorable transportation routes across the council area.
"I will be the first governor to come from a rural area when elected in 2027. I know the yearnings, aspirations, and challenges of the people. I also know the terrain. I will deploy all these and more to cause positive changes among the people," Danladi promised.