A Stagnant Opposition Can Not Fool Majorities

▪︎ Ladan Delivered One Year Excellently with Accountability and Public Needs.

By Comr Abdulgafar Abayomi

In response to the unethical PDP stagnant member, Onilemarum Abdulkareem, who stands against the dividends of democracy being delivered by Ilorin West Local Government Council under the leadership of Hon. Shehu Abdulrahman Babatunde Ladan. It’s clearly opposing progress and development. Such individuals have chosen to ignore the visible transformation projects, empowerment initiatives, and accountability-driven leadership that Hon. Ladan has brought to the people of Ilorin West. Their opposition is not based on facts but on envy and political bitterness, as the people continue to enjoy the positive impact of Hon. Ladan’s good governance.

It is well acknowledged that Hon. Ladan has marked his remarkable one year in office with different projects to meet public needs. This milestone is not just a passage of time but a true reflection of purposeful leadership, good governance, and selfless service to the people.

Over the past twelve months, Hon. Ladan has distinguished himself as a leader with vision and compassion. His administration has placed the welfare of the people at the center of governance, ensuring that every policy and project directly impacts lives positively. His first year in office has therefore become a testament to the fact that when there is dedication, sincerity, and accountability, leadership brings forth tangible progress.

On Security, Hon. Ladan has made deliberate efforts to strengthen security in Ilorin West, working closely with community leaders and security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property. This proactive approach has fostered peace and stability, enabling residents to pursue their daily activities without fear. Under his watch, he has recruited 100 local security personnel, constructed the multimillion-naira biggest divisional NSCDC office in Nigeria, located at Apalara, Ilorin, which includes the distribution of 20 motorcycles to all security agencies in Ilorin, a patrol van, and other essential security instruments.

Also, in terms of infrastructure, the infrastructural transformation under his leadership has been commendable. Five (5) drainage and culvert systems have been constructed (Warra, Odota, Baboko, Apalara, and Anifowoshe) to ease public challenges. This has brought a development closer to the grassroots not only to beautify the communities but also to open up opportunities for economic growth and connectivity within the local government. The Ilorin West LG has constructed modern 11-user toilet facilities at Ojatuntun and Madate school, also constructed a shopping complex with more than 40 shops at the Yebumut area, and more than 45 shops at Egbejila, Airport area, to improve economic stability.

Believing that education is the bedrock of progress, Hon. Ladan has invested in the future of young people by constructed over six (6) new block of classrooms with full furniture, renovated four (4) classrooms,  sponsoring of 30 University and 30 Polytechnic students, providing furniture for abandoned four classrooms in Ajegunle of Egbejila by past administration of PDP, sponsored of 1000 youths on ICT training and certification including Laptops, CAC, and Smedan certificates, 500 JAMB slots, 30 WAEC and NECO sponsorship, as well as distribution of 20,000 copies of books and not less than 100 school bags to primary school pupils. His commitment to education is gradually reshaping Ilorin West into a hub of knowledge and intellectual growth.

Understanding the importance of access to clean and safe water, his administration has embarked on projects to provide 22 new motorized drilling boreholes, rehabilitated 56 abandoned boreholes, and ensured that communities have a steady water supply. This has eased the burden of many households and enhanced public health standards.

The Human Capital Development, perhaps one of his most profound achievements, is in the area of human capital development. Through empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition programs, and support for youths and women, Hon. Ladan has given many opportunities to be self-reliant and productive to thousands of members of society. His vision goes beyond immediate needs; it builds lasting foundations for prosperity.

Indeed, in just one year, Hon. Ladan has shown that leadership is about service, and service is about touching lives meaningfully. As he celebrates this landmark achievement, he has procured and installed more than 11 new transformers and renovated more than 8 dilapidated ones across the twelve wards. Over 250 solar street lights have been distributed to wards and communities, especially to rural areas of Ilorin West.

As Governor Abdulrazaq implemented the initiative business’s cash support called Owo Arugbo and Owo Isowo, the council chairman also backed the cash support to more than 750 businesswomen who have benefited from it. Ladan partners with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food to increase the living standards of the people by facilitating an Ultra-Modern market with at least 74 shops in the Ita-Nmo area. He also sponsored farmers by distributing farm inputs to all local farmers in Ilorin West. The Chairman also created a big abattoir with a motorized borehole and modern toilet facilities at Itanmo market. He partnered with L-PRES and sponsored youths by allocating farm sites for operations.

Health is wealth, Hon. Ladan consistently revolving drugs for more than 29 health facilities in Ilorin West every week to have a good healthcare delivery service. He has done a full renovation of 3 primary healthcare centers (Oke Agodi, Pakata, and Zarumi facilities) with instructional equipment. Ladan facilitated the renovation of 5 facilities from the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Agency to Ilorin West.

Of course, Hon. Ladan Mega Empowerment initiatives brought to support the economic growth of our people, which include grinding machines, sewing machines, deep freezers, and POS terminals. He initiated the empowerment program for 200 beneficiaries, reaching the grassroots on the dividends of democracy.

Any facts about the system of government, either on FAAC or IGR disbursement, can be ascertained from the Public Complaint Office, and it is well open for every citizen of Ilorin and Kwara State to know what is missing. I am confident that Ilorin West Local Government Council, under the leadership of Hon Shehu Abdulrahman Babatunde Ladan, has shown accountability and governance in the last year of government.

“Only stagnant opposition figures like Onilemarum Abdulkareem would neglect Hon. Ladan’s achievement in just one year.”

Let me commend him for his unwavering dedication, and we pray for more wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he continues to steer the affairs of Ilorin West Local Government. May his legacy of good governance endure for generations in our dear local government.

~ Abdulgafar Abayomi is the Special Assistant on New Media to the Ilorin West Executive Chairman