Kwara PDP gov candidate pledges ₦100bn security fund if elected

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kwara State, Bolakale Kawu, has unveiled a ₦100bn security trust fund as part of his proposed plans to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities if elected in 2027.

Kawu said the fund would support intelligence gathering, equip security agencies, strengthen community involvement and improve collaboration among security formations to enable early detection and swift response to security threats.

He announced the proposal on Thursday in Ilorin while presenting his manifesto, titled ‘The SBK Compact – Kwara People First.’

The former senior civil servant said his determination to make security a priority was strengthened by his visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area after an attack on the community.

“One of the most painful experiences in my entire life was my visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of our state. I stood before the destruction. I saw blood on the ground. I witnessed firsthand the pain and fear of a traumatised community.

“As Governor, I will not rest or sleep when the life of any Kwaran is under threat,” he said.

On workers’ welfare, Kawu promised to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants and ensure the regular payment of salaries and other entitlements.

He also proposed increasing pension and gratuity payments by an estimated ₦4bn over four years through a transparent repayment arrangement.

“As a retired public servant myself, I understand the sacrifices, expectations and challenges of workers. I will ensure the prompt and timely payment of salaries and other entitlements. Workers must not have to struggle or beg for what they have lawfully earned,” he said.

To support businesses, the PDP candidate proposed two revolving loan schemes worth ₦9.6bn each. One would provide financing for market traders, while the other would offer single-digit interest loans to micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.

He also promised to allocate ₦50m to each of the state’s 193 wards within his first 100 days in office, bringing the proposed total to ₦9.65bn.

According to him, the initiative would allow communities to identify their priority needs and take part in selecting and implementing development projects.

“Under this initiative, development projects will originate directly from the various wards. Communities will identify and choose their most pressing needs, propose projects and participate in their implementation,” he said.

Kawu further proposed a ₦40bn One Kwara Regional Development Agency to coordinate infrastructure and community development projects.

He said his administration would also provide at least ₦5bn in counterpart funding for donor-supported projects over four years, with emphasis on rural roads, electricity, renewable energy, streetlights and access to clean water.

The candidate pledged to give qualified indigenous contractors consideration in government projects, saying the policy would retain investments within the state, strengthen local businesses and generate employment.

In education, he proposed a ₦4bn hardship allowance programme for teachers working in rural and underserved communities.

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He also promised to rehabilitate schools, provide learning materials and expand technical and vocational education.

“Every child in Kwara deserves access to quality education irrespective of where they are born or the economic circumstances of their parents,” he said.

On healthcare, Kawu pledged to strengthen primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 16 local government areas, improve access to essential medicines and equipment, and introduce special allowances for health workers serving in underserved communities.

He added that maternal and child healthcare would receive attention under his proposed administration.

To address unemployment, the PDP candidate promised to create 200,000 youth employment opportunities and 5,000 enterprise opportunities annually through vocational training, digital skills development, entrepreneurship support and partnerships with private employers.

“Our young people are not a problem to be managed. They are an enormous resource waiting for the right opportunities,” he said.

He also proposed a ₦3bn women empowerment fund and annual business support grants for at least 1,000 artisans and skilled workers.

For agriculture, Kawu pledged a minimum of ₦19.2bn in production funding to provide farmers and cooperatives with affordable loans and improved inputs.

He said the proposed intervention would also address challenges relating to access to land, modern farming methods, storage, processing and markets.

The former public servant further promised to review the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers upwards, citing his experience at the Rural Electrification Agency as evidence of his ability to plan, execute and monitor development projects.

“A manifesto must be more than a collection of attractive promises. It must be a realistic programme of government supported by clear goals, responsible financing, competent implementation and measurable outcomes,” Kawu said.

Kawu’s security proposal comes amid growing concerns over attacks, kidnappings and displacement in parts of Kwara State.

In February 2026, an armed attack on Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area caused mass casualties and forced hundreds of households to flee.

A UNFPA situation report on the incident recorded 176 deaths and the displacement of about 650 households, while UNICEF also reported large-scale killings and abductions during the attacks.

The state government has since announced additional security measures, including increased military deployments and the establishment of Operation Savannah Shield, while efforts have been made to rescue abducted residents.

At the presentation of the state’s 2026 budget, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also identified security infrastructure, equipment, vehicles and technology for tackling kidnapping and criminal activities as spending priorities.