By Folayimika Akanbi
An entrepreneur, Dr Oluwatoyin Tajudeen Alabi, said in Ilorin on Sunday that Kwara State is desirous of stability, opportunity and inclusive prosperity.
Alabi stated this at a policy dialogue Greater Kwara Foundation convened in Ilorin to commemorate his 63rd Birthday Celebration where he officially declared his intention to contest the state gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
He is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The dialogue session, with experts offering their perspectives on numerous issues plaguing the country, was themed “Kwara of Our Dreams: Building on Legacy, Sustainable Prosperity and Empowering the People.”
The governorship aspirant noted that Kwara is endowed with fertile land, resilient individuals and potential but responsible leadership is required to transform the state.
Alabi explained that his joining the gubernatorial race transcends personal ambition, describing it as a generational responsibility.
“Today, I stand before you at 63 not merely to celebrate the passage of time, but to embrace the responsibility of destiny. Kwara is blessed with. Blessed with fertile land. Blessed with resilient people. Blessed with culture, intellect and enterprise.
“But potential alone does not build prosperity. Good intentions alone do not build institutions. And hope alone does not secure the future. What transforms a state is a responsible leadership.
“Over the years, I have listened. I have studied. I have engaged farmers in Kaiama, traders in Oja-Oba, students in Ilorin, artisans in Offa, and entrepreneurs across our districts.
“The message is clear: Kwara wants stability. Kwara wants opportunity. Kwara wants inclusive prosperity. Agriculture must move from subsistence to wealth creation. Education must prepare our children for global competitiveness. Security must be proactive, not reactive. Health care must be affordable and accessible.
“Infrastructure must connect opportunity to people. Tourism must become an economic driver. Youth must not just be voters, they must be innovators. My dear people, governance is not noise. Governance is system. Governance is discipline. Governance is accountability.
“After wide consultations with stakeholders across our state and within our great party, and in alignment with the progressive ideals of the APC, today, on this occasion of my 63rd birthday, with humility, conviction and an unwavering belief in the greatness of our people, I hereby formally declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Kwara State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
A development expert, Dr David Olayemi, who keynoted the event, urged stakeholders to adopt strategic policies capable of transforming Kwara into a leading economic hub, drawing inspiration from the rapid growth of Asian economies.
He said, “This colloquium is not just a celebration, but a platform to shape the next phase of development for our state. Our dreams can become reality if we are intentional.”
Olayemi noted that countries such as South Korea and Singapore achieved remarkable growth through deliberate investments in education, industrialisation and strong policy direction, urging Kwara to adapt similar strategies.
“There is clear evidence that the state is laying a solid foundation. What is required now is continuity and scaling up these efforts to achieve sustainable prosperity,” he said, referencing ongoing reforms in education, healthcare, infrastructure and social investment.
He stressed the importance of human capital development, describing it as the backbone of any meaningful economic transformation.
He added, “If we pursue human capital development to its logical conclusion, we will have a population that is well-nourished, healthy, informed and properly skilled for industrial revolution.”
Also speaking, Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Dr Johnson Bamidele Olorunsola Adewumi, called for a renewed commitment to people-driven development, tasking both leaders and citizens to take collective responsibility for the state’s progress.
“There is nothing better than building on legacy and ensuring that what we do today benefits the next generation. We must sustain progress and solve the problems confronting our people,” he said.
Adewumi emphasised unity and shared vision as essential ingredients for development, noting that meaningful growth cannot be achieved in isolation.
He said, “We must put ourselves in a position where we truly care for the wellbeing of our people. Development is about improving lives, and that responsibility rests on all of us.”
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