A Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, has stated that Kwara State suffered from weak infrastructural development before 2019 due to the misappropriation of funds.
Speaking at the maiden personality lecture organized by the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Press Centre, Offa Road, Ilorin, Professor Abdulbaqi emphasized that past financial mismanagement hindered the state’s growth, particularly in education and healthcare.
She recalled that before 2019, educational and health facilities in Kwara were in a state of disrepair, leaving residents struggling with underdevelopment.
She noted that since the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government took office under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on May 29, 2019, there has been a remarkable turnaround in infrastructure and governance.
Delivering her keynote address on the theme “Kwara Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: The Giant Strides of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” she expressed optimism about the progress witnessed in the state.
According to her, due to financial mismanagement, Kwara experienced weak infrastructure, poor healthcare facilities, and dilapidated schools.
Citing her personal experience, Professor Abdulbaqi recounted a visit to the Egbejila Cottage Hospital in Ilorin West Local Government Area in 2012 while conducting research for her Ph.D. thesis on maternal mortality.
The Don contrasted this with a recent update from a colleague, who informed her that the facility is now fully functional.
Addressing the challenges in the education sector, Professor Abdulbaqi noted that poor public school conditions had forced many parents, including teachers in public schools to enroll their children in private institutions.
She commended the current administration for its commitment to revitalizing public education.
The professor also praised Governor AbdulRazaq’s fiscal discipline and transparency, stating that his infrastructural initiatives have been unprecedented.
Similarly, retired Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Muhammad, lauded the governor’s commitment to the state’s development. He particularly appreciated the approval of long-overdue gratuity payments for retired jurists, describing the governor as a true leader who values service.
Representing Governor AbdulRazaq, his Senior Adviser and Counselor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to partnering with the media for the state’s overall development.
The Governor commended journalists in Kwara for their constructive criticism and assured them of the government’s continued dedication to progress.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Engineer Rahman Giwa; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi; Senior Special Assistants; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye; former Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, Yomi Clement Adeboye; and APC chieftains, Alhaji Rasak Lawal and Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape, among others.
