Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, officially swore in the newly elected chairmen of the 16 local government areas on Monday, urging them to be agents of positive change and responsible governance in their respective communities. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Ilorin, marked a significant moment for the local councils, as the newly elected officials took an oath to serve with integrity and dedication.
Earlier in the day, the chairmen had received their certificates of return from the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) at a brief ceremony in Ilorin. This followed their successful election during the local government council polls held the previous Saturday, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) swept all 16 local government areas (LGAs) and secured victories in 193 wards across the state. The chairmen, now officially in office, are expected to lead their councils in line with the state’s broader developmental agenda.
During the swearing-in, Governor Abdulrazaq called on the newly elected leaders to be mindful of the economic realities currently facing the nation, charging them to make decisions that would not only benefit their communities but also be sustainable in the long term. The governor’s address was a mix of encouragement and caution, reminding the chairmen of their responsibilities to the people who elected them and the importance of leaving a lasting, positive legacy.
“Set realistic goals for yourselves. Be conscious of your legacies. Be fair to everyone and yourself. Attend to the needs of the people, and be open to positive engagements across the board,” Governor Abdulrazaq said, speaking to the chairmen as they began their new roles.
The governor also stressed the importance of remaining sensitive to the current economic challenges Nigeria is facing. With reforms underway in various sectors of the economy, he pointed out that there are inevitable hardships affecting citizens, particularly in meeting their basic needs. He urged the local government leaders to be empathetic to the plight of the people and not to engage in unnecessary indulgence while their constituents are struggling.
“Our country is in a transitional phase as our economy undergoes reforms. This has brought some inconveniences for the people. Please be sensitive to the realities of the time. Don’t indulge yourselves while the people struggle to meet basic needs,” Abdulrazaq said, emphasizing the need for leadership that is both grounded in the reality of the times and focused on the wellbeing of the people.
Governor Abdulrazaq further encouraged the chairmen to be innovative in their approach to governance, urging them to find ways to collaborate with one another to achieve greater results. As the local government level is the closest to the people, he noted that there is a unique opportunity for these officials to make a real difference in the lives of their constituents.
“As local government areas, the first layer of government, be creative, explore areas of cooperation, and complement one another for bigger accomplishments,” the governor advised. He urged them to take their responsibilities seriously, reminding them that they hold their offices by the grace of the people who trusted them to lead and improve their communities.
“Importantly, please prove to the people that you truly deserve to occupy this esteemed office,” he added, encouraging the new leaders to demonstrate their commitment to service and the development of their local areas.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of what is expected to be a critical period of leadership for the newly elected chairmen, as they step into their roles amidst a challenging national economic climate. Their ability to lead effectively will be pivotal not just for the success of their individual councils but also for the overall development of Kwara State.
Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Femi Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in chairmen, assured the governor and the people of Kwara that the local leaders are fully prepared to get to work and complement the efforts of the state government. He acknowledged the collective commitment of the chairmen to support Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration in driving development across the state.
“This is a great moment. We have just cemented the foundation laid for the good of Kwara. We are thankful to the Kwarans for their support. The agenda is to develop Kwara and take the state to the next level,” Yusuf said, expressing gratitude to the people of Kwara for their trust in the new leadership and reaffirming the chairmen’s dedication to their mandate.
With the APC winning all the available seats in the local government elections, expectations are high for the party to deliver on its promises of grassroots development and effective governance. The newly elected chairmen are stepping into office at a time when local government leadership is being looked upon to provide solutions to pressing issues, including infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and social welfare.
Governor Abdulrazaq’s charge to the new chairmen is not just a reminder of their responsibilities but also a call to action. As leaders closest to the people, their decisions and actions will have immediate and lasting impacts on the communities they serve. The governor’s emphasis on realistic goal-setting, fairness, and collaboration will serve as guiding principles for the chairmen as they embark on their new journey in public service.
As the new local government leaders settle into their roles, all eyes will be on how they navigate the challenges ahead, especially in delivering on their promises amidst economic constraints. Their ability to be creative, efficient, and people-centered in their governance will determine the success of their administrations and the overall progress of Kwara State in the coming years.
