By Ibraheem Solaudeen.
The Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi has lamented the dearth of tangible development in the Northern part of the state, which he described as the most backward of the three Senatorial Districts in Kwara state.
He decried the ailing state of schools, hospitals and roads in the area, while highlighting the high unemployment rate and the frail economic capacity of the people who he said were largely farmers.
“This is not the time to fight or point accusing fingers at anybody, rather we should ask questions why despite the opportunities our sons have had in the past, our situations remain unchanged”, he added.
The Speaker, who took a tour of traditional rulers in the Edu-Patigi axis of the Senatorial District, called on relevant stakeholders to forge a common front for the development of the region.
During his visit to HRH. Saadu Kawu Haliru, HRH. Umar Bologi, and HRH. Dr. Haliru Yahyah of Lafiaji, Pategi and Tsonga Emirates respectively, Hon. Danladi noted that traditional institutions had a role to play in bringing together all stakeholders in Kwara North for a summit to torchlight developmental pathways for the senatorial district.
He said, “Our traditional institutions have a lot to do in bringing political and relevant stakeholders together, to look beyond political sentiments and personal interests for us to deliberate on the way forward for the development of Kwara North. We must set developmental agenda for the Senator, House of Representative members, House of Assembly members and political appointees at different levels from Kwara North and not just diffuse influence for our personal interests.”
Speaking on the role of the State Assembly in furthering the cause, he said, “we will always consult the traditional institutions on how we can better serve the people, while we have also initiated periodic retreat between ourselves and State legislators and our counterparts at the National Assembly.”