From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
From the busy streets of Omu-Aran to the calm stretches of Oro and Offa, communities in Kwara South are witnessing a quiet transformation—one project at a time. Roads are being rehabilitated, hospitals are revived, and long-forgotten waterworks are springing back to life. Behind these changes is the steady hand of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose developmental strides are drawing praise from traditional rulers, residents, and local leaders.
In Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti (Olomu Efon II), through his representative, High Chief Asanlu Oyedepo, lauded the Governor for his recognition of the town and its people.
“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency for appointing one of our sons as the Chief Medical Director of the Thomas Adewumi Teaching Hospital. It is a great honour to Omu-Aran,” Chief Oyedepo said during a visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel.
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He also commended the state government for the road project expected to commence soon in the community, noting that measurements had already been taken, an indication that work would begin in earnest. “We have seen the signs of readiness, and we are hopeful that this project will bring ease of movement and more economic activities to our people,” he added.
At the Omu-Aran Water Works, the signs of progress are visible. The facility, first built in 1977, is now 90 percent rehabilitated. Site Supervisor, Mr. Tunde Adewale of DELKO International, told visiting journalists that the installation of new pumps and machines was complete. “We have installed pumps capable of pumping 70 litres of water per second, with a delivery head of 160 meters. Once the transformer is installed, water will begin to flow again to about half of the community,” Adewale explained.
Speaking on behalf of the Olomi Council, the Petu Aran of Omu-Aran, High Chief Lawrence Adeboye, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done and urged the state government to expand the project to meet the needs of the growing population.
“We used to supply water to neighbouring communities like Iloffa and Odo-Owa, but now the reverse is the case. We need another treatment plant to serve our people adequately,” he appealed.
Chief Adeboye also called for more technical staff and security personnel at the facility, emphasising that maintenance and safety are key to sustaining the progress achieved so far.
Across Kwara South, similar projects are reshaping communities. In Oro, the Asanlu of Oro Kingdom, High Chief Simeon Olayioye, praised the governor for transforming the once deplorable Oro-Isie road into a smooth and safe route. “Before this road was reconstructed, it was a nightmare for motorists. Today, the drive is smooth, and we are thankful,” he said.
He also recalled the dark days of the Oro General Hospital, when leaking roofs and dilapidated structures rendered the facility almost unusable.
“I once visited the theatre and saw rainwater dripping into the operating room. We made several appeals to past administrations with no response. But Governor AbdulRazaq, changed the story. The hospital now wears a new look that reflects his commitment to health care,” he stated.
Chief Olayioye, however, appealed for the installation of speed breakers along the newly reconstructed road to prevent accidents caused by overspeeding. “Many lives have been lost here before. We need the government to help us protect our people,” he pleaded.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Lade, has confirmed that government’s effort to provide potable water are yielding results. Presenting the ministry’s scorecard between April and September 2025, Lade said the administration had embarked on the drilling of 35 new boreholes across the three senatorial districts, alongside the rehabilitation of major waterworks in Omu-Aran, Oyun, Kaiama, Irra, and Otte-Budo Egba.
“The AbdulRazaq administration remains unwavering in its resolve to ensure every household in Kwara has access to clean and affordable water. Water is not a luxury, it is a right, and this government is committed to making it available to all,” he declared.
The development wave extends to Offa, where work is ongoing at the new Offa Sports Stadium. The Managing Director of Urban Nexus Limited, Arch. Abdulmajeed Mustapha, assured that the first phase of the 3,000-capacity complex would be completed within six months. “This facility will serve multiple purposes, sports, meetings, and cultural events. We are paying special attention to the foundation to ensure long-term durability,” Mustapha said.
Special Adviser on Sports to the Offa Local Government Chairman, Olabusoye Oladapo, commended the Governor for prioritising youth and sports development. “Governor AbdulRazaq is a sports-loving leader. This project will open opportunities for talent discovery and boost community pride,” he noted.
From road rehabilitation and water expansion to health and sports infrastructure, Kwara South is witnessing a renewed sense of belonging. The testimonies from Omu-Aran, Oro, and Offa paint a picture of communities reconnecting to progress after years of neglect.
As High Chief Adeboye of Omu-Aran put it, “We thank our Governor and pray that God will continue to provide for him. May he have the strength to continue these good works.”
For many residents, that prayer echoes their shared hope that the current momentum of development in Kwara South will not only continue but expand, bringing prosperity and better living standards to every community across the state.
