On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq delivered a compelling call to action during a citizens’ engagement session in Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government Area, urging residents to provide constructive feedback on government initiatives to enhance living standards and deliver more effective services. The session, organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, was part of a broader effort to gather public input for the 2026 budget, involving consultations with civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, the organized private sector, traditional leaders, and the general populace. Emphasizing the critical role of public participation in governance, AbdulRazaq described the engagement as a vital tool for identifying community priorities and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. This article explores the significance of the governor’s appeal, the details of the citizens’ engagement session, the broader context of governance in Kwara State, and the implications for participatory democracy in Nigeria.
A Call for Constructive Engagement
Governor AbdulRazaq’s address in Bode Saadu underscored his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, emphasizing that public input is essential for crafting policies that address the real needs of Kwara State’s diverse population. Speaking to a large gathering of stakeholders, the governor expressed delight at the turnout, noting that such sessions are pivotal for effective planning and development. “I am glad to be back in Moro and pleased with this large turnout. Sessions like this are vital for our development because they allow us to plan effectively,” he said, setting the tone for an open and collaborative dialogue.
The governor described a budget as “a statement of intent that charts the government’s direction for the financial year,” highlighting its role as a roadmap for addressing public needs and driving progress. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to consistently collecting public views to inform budget priorities, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects that have the greatest impact on citizens’ lives. “Citizens’ engagement serves as a barometer to understand public needs and guide how resources are allocated across the state. Every project and programme has significance,” AbdulRazaq stated, emphasizing the interconnectedness of infrastructure, social services, and economic initiatives.
AbdulRazaq’s appeal for candid feedback was particularly striking, as he encouraged residents to share their challenges and aspirations openly. “Tell us what affects you and what would improve your lives. You wear the shoe and know where it pinches. Sharing these insights ensures that the next budget addresses real needs and enhances wellbeing,” he urged. This call for transparency reflects a governance philosophy rooted in accountability and responsiveness, positioning citizens as active partners in the development process.
The Citizens’ Engagement Session: A Platform for Dialogue
The citizens’ engagement session in Bode Saadu was a flagship initiative of the Kwara State Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, designed to foster participatory governance and ensure that the 2026 budget reflects the priorities of the state’s residents. The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, traditional and community leaders, and ordinary citizens. This broad participation underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, recognizing that effective governance requires input from all segments of society.
The session provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns, share their needs, and propose solutions to local challenges. By engaging directly with the public, the government aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, ensuring that budgetary decisions are grounded in real-world realities. The event in Bode Saadu was one of several planned across Kwara State, reflecting a systematic approach to gathering input from all regions, including the northern, central, and southern zones.
Dr. Mary Arinde, the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, highlighted the importance of such engagements in fostering accountability and encouraging citizen participation. “Listening to the public fosters accountability and encourages citizen participation in decision-making processes,” she said, emphasizing that the process strengthens the social contract between the government and its people. Arinde’s remarks underscore the transformative potential of participatory governance, which empowers citizens to shape the policies that affect their lives.
Contributions from Traditional and Community Leaders
The engagement session also featured contributions from traditional and community leaders, who play a significant role in Kwara State’s social and cultural fabric. The Ohoro of Shao, Oba Dr. Obalowu Atolagbe, praised Governor AbdulRazaq’s achievements in areas such as gender balance, infrastructure development, and human capital initiatives. He commended the administration’s efforts to promote women’s participation in governance and invest in education and healthcare, which have had a tangible impact on communities across the state.
However, Oba Atolagbe also used the opportunity to highlight specific needs in his community, requesting more township roads and the rehabilitation of the Shao/Sobi water project. These requests reflect the practical concerns of local leaders, who serve as intermediaries between their communities and the government. By addressing infrastructure and water access, the administration can improve living conditions and economic opportunities in rural areas like Shao.
Similarly, Prince Olatunji Adebara of Jebba called for the establishment of a School of Nursing in Jebba to expand access to quality healthcare. This proposal aligns with the broader need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Kwara State, particularly in underserved areas. The contributions of traditional leaders like Oba Atolagbe and Prince Adebara demonstrate the value of community-driven input, which helps the government prioritize projects that address local needs.
Budget Performance and Development Achievements
During the session, Samsudeen Aregbe, Director of Planning at the Ministry, presented a detailed review of the state’s budget performance for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. The review highlighted the administration’s progress in delivering on its commitments, including investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and technology. Aregbe’s presentation provided a transparent account of how public funds have been utilized, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accountability.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed optimism about the scale of development across Kwara State, noting that the support of the people has been a driving force behind these achievements. “We are encouraged by the scale of development across the state, and the support of the people motivates us to do even more,” he said. His remarks reflect a governance approach that values collaboration and recognizes the importance of public trust in sustaining progress.
The governor highlighted the significance of a wide range of projects, from roads and pedestrian walkways to water projects, health facilities, and agricultural initiatives. He also emphasized the importance of investing in technology, such as establishing a technology hub to prepare Kwara’s youth for the digital economy. These priorities reflect a holistic vision for development, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals to ensure sustainable growth.
The Broader Context: Participatory Governance in Nigeria
Governor AbdulRazaq’s call for public input aligns with a growing emphasis on participatory governance in Nigeria, where citizens are increasingly seen as partners in the development process. Nigeria’s democratic system, restored in 1999 after decades of military rule, has faced challenges such as voter apathy, lack of transparency, and disconnect between leaders and citizens. Initiatives like the citizens’ engagement session in Kwara State represent a step toward addressing these challenges, fostering a more inclusive and responsive governance model.
Participatory governance is particularly critical in a diverse state like Kwara, which spans three senatorial districts—Kwara North, Kwara Central, and Kwara South—each with unique cultural, economic, and social dynamics. By engaging residents across these regions, the government can ensure that budgetary priorities reflect the diverse needs of its population. This approach also helps build trust, as citizens see their voices reflected in government policies and projects.
The session in Bode Saadu is part of a broader trend in Nigeria, where state governments are increasingly adopting participatory budgeting to enhance transparency and accountability. States like Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra have implemented similar initiatives, recognizing that public input leads to more effective and equitable resource allocation. Kwara’s citizens’ engagement sessions position the state as a leader in this movement, setting an example for other states to follow.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the citizens’ engagement session represents a significant step forward, it also highlights challenges that must be addressed to maximize its impact. One key challenge is ensuring that the process is truly inclusive, reaching marginalized groups such as women, youth, and rural communities. Women, in particular, face barriers to participation due to cultural norms, childcare responsibilities, and limited access to information. The government can address these barriers by organizing targeted outreach programs and ensuring that engagement sessions are accessible to all.
Another challenge is translating public input into actionable policies. While the engagement sessions provide a platform for dialogue, the government must demonstrate that it is acting on the feedback received. Transparent reporting on how public input shapes the 2026 budget will be critical to maintaining trust and encouraging future participation.
The initiative also presents significant opportunities. By fostering a culture of participatory governance, Kwara State can strengthen its democratic institutions and empower citizens to take ownership of their development. The engagement sessions can also serve as a model for other states, demonstrating the value of inclusive decision-making in addressing complex challenges like poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.
The Role of Stakeholders in Shaping Kwara’s Future
The participation of diverse stakeholders in the Bode Saadu session underscores the importance of collaboration in governance. Civil society organizations bring expertise in advocacy and community mobilization, helping to amplify marginalized voices. Non-governmental organizations contribute technical knowledge and resources, supporting the implementation of development projects. The organized private sector, including businesses and industry leaders, provides insights into economic priorities, ensuring that the budget supports job creation and growth.
Traditional and community leaders play a unique role in bridging the gap between the government and local communities. In Kwara State, where traditional institutions hold significant influence, leaders like the Ohoro of Shao and Prince Adebara of Jebba serve as trusted intermediaries, advocating for their communities’ needs. Their involvement in the engagement sessions ensures that local perspectives are heard and addressed.
The general populace, particularly youths and women, represents the heart of Kwara’s future. By encouraging their participation, the government is investing in a generation that will drive the state’s development in the years to come. The focus on technology, as highlighted by AbdulRazaq’s mention of a technology hub, aligns with the aspirations of young Kwarans, who are eager to participate in the digital economy.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Inclusive Development
Governor AbdulRazaq’s call for constructive feedback reflects a vision for inclusive development, where every citizen has a stake in Kwara’s progress. The 2026 budget, shaped by the input gathered during engagement sessions, has the potential to address pressing needs while laying the foundation for long-term growth. Projects like township roads, water rehabilitation, and healthcare expansion will improve living standards, while investments in technology and agriculture will drive economic opportunities.
The governor’s optimism about the scale of development across Kwara State is grounded in tangible achievements. Since taking office in 2019, AbdulRazaq’s administration has prioritized infrastructure, education, and healthcare, earning praise for its focus on human capital development. The citizens’ engagement sessions build on these efforts, ensuring that future policies are responsive to the evolving needs of the population.
As Kwara State enters a new phase of governance, the support of its citizens will be critical to sustaining progress. By fostering an environment where feedback is valued and acted upon, the government can build a stronger, more resilient state. The engagement sessions also send a powerful message about the importance of participatory democracy, encouraging other states and the federal government to adopt similar approaches.
Conclusion
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s call for citizens to provide constructive feedback during the citizens’ engagement session in Bode Saadu on August 26, 2025, marks a significant step toward inclusive governance in Kwara State. By emphasizing the importance of public input in shaping the 2026 budget, the governor is empowering residents to play an active role in their state’s development. The session, organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, brought together diverse stakeholders, highlighting the value of collaboration in addressing community needs.
The contributions of traditional and community leaders, combined with the administration’s progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, reflect a commitment to improving living standards and fostering economic growth. Despite challenges like inclusivity and policy implementation, the engagement sessions offer a pathway to a more transparent and responsive governance model. As Kwara State prepares for the 2026 budget, the voices of its citizens will guide the way, ensuring that development is equitable, sustainable, and reflective of the people’s aspirations.