From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kwara South, Saheed Popoola, has promised to establish a community-based security network and facilitate the rehabilitation of major roads across the district if elected in the 2027 general elections.
Popoola made the pledge during the News Keg Engagement Series, organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, where he outlined his plans to address insecurity, infrastructure deficits, agricultural development, youth unemployment and healthcare challenges.
The former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, said the increasing cases of kidnapping had become a major threat to residents, particularly farmers who could no longer access their farmlands without fear of being attacked.
He described the situation as a departure from the relative peace enjoyed by communities in the district, insisting that restoring security would be his foremost responsibility if elected.
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Popoola said he would replicate the neighbourhood watch initiative he established while serving as a local government chairman, stressing that community participation was essential to tackling insecurity.
According to him, the proposed security arrangement would involve youths, Fulani residents and other stakeholders, with members properly registered with the government and adequately equipped to support security agencies.
He added that he was prepared to commit his personal resources to the initiative, arguing that residents who understood the terrain and peculiarities of their communities could provide valuable intelligence to security operatives.
The PDP candidate expressed concern over the impact of kidnapping on agricultural activities and the livelihoods of rural residents, citing an incident in Isanlu-Isin where a farmer and his two children were reportedly abducted.
He said he contributed N2 million towards efforts to secure their release, alleging that the community had struggled to raise the ransom demanded by the kidnappers, while the local government contributed only N50,000.
Popoola also alleged that another abduction involving a father and his two children occurred in Oro, challenging the state government to explain the measures being taken to address the worsening security situation.
He urged journalists to pay greater attention to insecurity in rural communities, noting that several incidents were not receiving adequate media coverage.
On infrastructure, the former lawmaker lamented the deplorable condition of roads linking communities across the senatorial district, particularly the Iloffa-Ekiti axis.
He promised to use his legislative influence to lobby relevant federal agencies for the rehabilitation and construction of major roads, including the Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Egbe and Ajase-Offa routes.
He maintained that effective representation went beyond legislative debates, noting that senators had a responsibility to engage government institutions and attract development projects to their constituencies.
Popoola, who said he had 27 years of political experience, listed his previous positions as local government chairman, commissioner and two-time member of the Kwara State House of Assembly.
He also disclosed that he served as Secretary of the Governing Council of Kwara State Polytechnic between 2003 and 2007, describing his experience in public service as an advantage in delivering effective representation.
On agriculture, he identified the sector as a major economic opportunity for Kwara South, given the district’s vast arable land, but stressed that farmers must first be guaranteed security before meaningful agricultural development could take place.
He said the prevailing insecurity had discouraged farming activities, weakened rural economies and contributed to food insecurity, adding that restoring confidence among farmers would be central to his development agenda.
The candidate also identified youth unemployment as a major challenge, warning that the absence of meaningful economic opportunities could expose young people to criminal activities.
He pledged to facilitate employment and empowerment programmes that would engage youths in productive ventures and improve their economic prospects.
To strengthen grassroots representation, Popoola promised to establish liaison offices in each of the local government areas in Kwara South.
He explained that the offices would serve as centres for receiving complaints and collating development needs from the district’s 83 wards.
According to him, each ward would have a legislative aide responsible for gathering reports and forwarding them through local government liaison officers to ensure that the concerns of constituents reached the appropriate authorities.
On healthcare, he promised to facilitate the rehabilitation and revitalisation of non-functional cottage hospitals across the district to improve access to medical services, particularly in rural communities.
The former lawmaker said he would remain accessible to constituents and ensure that their concerns received adequate attention.
Popoola urged voters to scrutinise the experience, competence and track records of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections rather than allowing financial inducements to determine their choices.
He maintained that the district needed credible representation capable of attracting development, addressing insecurity and advancing the welfare of its people.
