ATOYEBI URGES KWARA TO SECURE BORDERS, CLARIFY STATE IDENTITY
Read Time:1 Minute, 28 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
The Convener of the BAT Ideological Group and National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring, Mr Bamidele Atoyebi, has urged the government and people of Kwara State to place security at the forefront of governance and clearly define the state’s identity amid increasing cases of banditry.
Reacting to the rising attacks, Atoyebi warned that insecurity in areas such as Oke-Ode, Ekiti-Kwara, Isin and Kaiama threatens not only lives and livelihoods but also Kwara’s economic and strategic interests.
He cautioned that the continued violence could be a deliberate effort to displace indigenous communities and take control of the state’s mineral resources, including tin, gold, lithium and marble.
Describing Kwara as the “Gateway State,” Atoyebi noted its borders with Oyo, Ekiti and Osun states and stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation to address cross-border security challenges.
He called on the state to formally align with the Southwest Governors’ Forum and work closely with the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, to deploy localised security strategies, particularly in forested areas increasingly vulnerable to attacks.
On governance, Atoyebi advocated the establishment of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to bring governance closer to rural communities, enhance security monitoring and ensure more effective resource distribution.
He also emphasised the need for proactive leadership, urging the emergence of a “hands-on” governor committed to grassroots engagement, transparency and effective governance rather than political showmanship.
“A clear identity, secured borders and accountable leadership are essential to reposition Kwara from a middle-belt afterthought into a prosperous and self-reliant state,” Atoyebi said.
He added that future leadership in the state must prioritise the protection of Kwara’s collective interests beyond ethnic considerations while building a secure and sustainable future for its people.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0