From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Engineer Sulaimon Bolakale Kawu, has proposed a N100 billion Security Trust Fund and N19.2 billion revolving loan schemes for traders and small businesses as part of measures to tackle insecurity and stimulate economic growth in the state.
Kawu, who unveiled his governorship blueprint tagged “My Covenant with Kwara”, at the Arca Santa Event Centre, Ilorin, also promised to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants and allocate N4 billion annually for special hardship allowances for teachers serving in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
The PDP candidate said his proposed security fund would support intelligence-led operations, strengthen community-based security partnerships, provide equipment for security agencies and establish a coordinated system for identifying and responding to threats.
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He described security as the foundation of development, insisting that protecting lives, property and livelihoods would be the foremost responsibility of his administration if elected in 2027.
According to him, his recent visits to rural communities, particularly in Kwara North, exposed the devastating effects of insecurity on residents and reinforced his determination to seek solutions to the challenges confronting the state.
Kawu explained that his decision to contest the governorship, was driven by the need to provide purposeful leadership and address the challenges facing residents across the three senatorial districts.
He said the manifesto was designed to ensure that his administration would not begin its tenure without a clear direction, adding that his experience as a retired top civil servant had equipped him with the knowledge required to plan and implement government policies.
The former Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, said the manifesto reflected his commitment to transparent, responsible and competent leadership, adding that it was developed around the needs of residents, irrespective of their locations or economic circumstances.
On economic development, Kawu proposed a N9.6 billion statewide revolving loan scheme for market traders and another N9.6 billion facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), both to operate at single-digit interest rates.
He said the initiatives were aimed at expanding access to affordable financing, supporting small businesses, creating employment opportunities and improving the productive capacity of residents.
The PDP candidate also pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, describing it as a critical requirement for economic growth, investment and improved living standards.
He promised that qualified indigenous contractors would receive consideration in the award and execution of government projects, provided they met the required standards.
According to him, the policy would help retain government investments within the state, strengthen local businesses, create jobs and develop the capacity of indigenous contractors.
On education, Kawu promised to rehabilitate dilapidated schools, improve learning environments, provide teaching and learning materials and strengthen teachers’ welfare.
He said his administration would pay particular attention to rural schools and communities where children face additional barriers to accessing quality education.
He added that the proposed N4 billion allocation for special hardship allowances, would encourage teachers to accept postings to underserved rural communities and improve educational access in those areas.
He said his proposed policies were built around three interconnected priorities of security, economic productivity and infrastructure, which he described as essential to building a prosperous Kwara.
The PDP candidate maintained that his manifesto was not merely a collection of campaign promises but a commitment to delivering measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
He assured party supporters and other Kwarans that he would begin implementing his proposed programmes from the first day in office if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.
