On Senator Saliu Mustapha Effect in Kwara Central’s Renaissance
By Nasif Sholagberu
In June 2023, Kwara Central welcomed a new chapter in its political journey with the swearing-in of Senator Saliu Mustapha.
This marked not merely the commencement of a new term but the advent of a visionary leader poised to drive meaningful change in the Senate.
Senator Mustapha emphasizes human capital development, infrastructure enhancement, and the empowerment of women and youth as the foundation of his agenda.
His comprehensive approach to alleviating poverty through these initiatives is commendably distinctive and impactful.
One of Senator Mustapha’s hallmark initiatives is his sponsorship of eight significant bills that aim to tackle critical issues affecting both his constituency and the wider nation. These bills include:
– Electronic Transaction Bill, 2023 (SB 94)
– National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (SB 139)
– Donkey Slaughter Regulation & Export Certificate Bill, 2023 (SB 209)
– National Agricultural Land Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (SB 225)
– Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) Bill, 2023 (SB 254)
– Integrated Rural Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB 342)
– Nigerian Economic Diversification Bill, 2024 (SB 371)
– Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB 464)
– Local Government Fiscal Accountability Bill, 2024 (SB 549).
Significantly, the amendment to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act aims to lay the groundwork for establishing the Federal College of Agriculture in Oke-Oyi—an endeavor that his predecessor, Distinguished Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, initiated but could not finalize due to the earlier National Assembly’s adjournment.
Beyond his legislative responsibilities, Senator Mustapha has worked tirelessly to create jobs for numerous constituents within his Senatorial District, successfully placing many in Federal Government Agencies, military, and paramilitary organizations.
More personally, he has appointed several individuals as Senior Legislative Aides and Aides to Principal Officers in the National Assembly.
Senator Mustapha is also steadfastly committed to sustainable development. He oversaw the reconstruction of a one-kilometer asphaltic road connecting Al-Hikmah University to the Oke-Foma link road in the Ilorin West Local Government Area, significantly improving local infrastructure.
His innovative projects extend to environmental sustainability, as he installed solar-powered motorized boreholes and street lights across the four local government areas in his senatorial district.
These efforts complement the state government’s mission to ensure all citizens have access to safe water. Remarkably, solar-powered boreholes have been established in several locations, including:
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– Ile Onifitila, Kankatu, Okelele Road (Ilorin East LGA)
– Jato Community Ifesowapo, behind Taoheed Central Mosque (Ilorin South LGA)
– Itamerin Junction, Opposite Alhaja Oil (Ilorin West LGA)
– Aloba Close, Oke Ikoyi, Oke Oyi (Ilorin East LGA)
– Agbeyangi town (Ilorin East LGA)
Additionally, solar-powered street lights have been strategically placed in areas such as Computer Village, Challenge Area, Ilorin, and the Muslim Cemetery, Oko-Olowo.
Looking ahead, Senator Mustapha has initiated the conversion of hand-pump boreholes to solar-powered systems, aiming to ensure a reliable water supply for residents—particularly in communities where access to clean water has long been a challenge.
In terms of educational infrastructure, he has facilitated the construction and furnishing of classrooms with modern amenities at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Karuma (Ilorin East LGA), and Fate/Basin Junior Secondary School (Ilorin South LGA). These generous contributions enhance the learning environment for students in the region.
As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Mustapha has provided essential resources to smallholder farmers within Kwara Central Senatorial District, distributing 3,500 tons of fertilizer and 1,000 pumping machines.
This critical support empowers local farmers to overcome challenges in food production, thereby enhancing food security for residents.
Recognizing the importance of youth empowerment, Senator Mustapha has organized various initiatives aimed at equipping young people with essential skills and knowledge, including a two-day training workshop in celebration of this year’s International Youth Day.
Furthermore, he supported 2,000 applicants for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), 250 applicants for the National Examination Council (NECO), and another 250 applicants for the West African Examination Council (WAEC). His commitment to alleviating the financial burden on families while encouraging educational pursuits is commendable.
Building on these efforts, he has launched a sponsorship program for beneficiaries pursuing higher education at selected institutions in Kwara State, ensuring that bright but financially disadvantaged students can realize their academic aspirations.
Additionally, Senator Mustapha has facilitated an empowerment training program targeted at local artisans and market women. In the coming weeks, participants will receive tools and resources tailored to their trades, further enhancing their income-generating capabilities.
As Senator Mustapha continues his journey in representing the people of Kwara Central in the National Assembly, his unwavering dedication to progressive representation and community development reflects his commitment to enhancing the lives of his constituents.
With a proactive approach to leadership, he is indeed setting a new standard for public service in Nigeria.
Nasif Sholagberu is a PRNigeria Fellow and writes from ilorin
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