Between Kwara’s popcorn politics of 2024
By Titilope TAWAKKALTU Anifowoshe
The last month of 2024 is upon us, and if I were to count my blessings, I would need not just my fingers and toes but perhaps the calculators at KWAIRS for backup. My gratitude overflows to Allah for sparing my life to witness this moment this season of progress, lessons, the cold, my Abu, the love and a sprinkle of melodrama. Being a Kwaran today feels like being on a rollercoaster ride; equal parts exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and heartwarming.
Despite the harrowing disruptions of the End Bad Governance protests, Kwara’s resilience has been nothing short of inspiring. We stood tall without a scratch despite the hullabaloo on radio, WhatsApp groups, Twitter and Facebook. This year saw the launch of the Kwara Innovation Hub, a bold statement that we are not just keeping up with the times but aiming to set the pace. Coding trainings reached the farthest corners of rural Kwara, thanks to my brother Ishola Kayode (Special Assistant on Digital Innovations to the Governor). Picture this: children in remote villages across all LGAs in Kwara learning Python, not the snake, but the programming language and dreaming of building the next big app.
Meanwhile, the construction of new roads not in Ilorin alone but in some rural communities, is reconnecting lives and livelihoods. There is something profoundly poetic about tarred roads, they are not just asphalt; but they give access, opportunity, and bridge to the future. And then, there is the KWAIRS building, which will soon be Kwara’s tallest structure. I know you are expecting me to mention how many floors it has, my answer is simple: enough to make you crane your neck! Tor, some of Kwara civil servants will now use elevators to access their offices- dazzol!
Owu Falls, the tallest waterfall in West Africa, is undergoing a transformation into an international standard tourist center. Imagine the ripple effect this will have; jobs, visitors, and a renewed sense of pride. I can already hear the hum of drone cameras capturing its majestic cascade for social media.
Speaking of pride, did anyone else catch the Best of Nollywood Awards hosted in Kwara? I could not help but grin like someone who just discovered extra meat in their soup. I watched celebrities gush about their experience on Sola Rahman’s IG, confirming what we Kwarans already know: our state is a hidden gem.
No year in Kwara is complete without a generous helping of political drama, and 2024 delivered in spades. The Local Government elections? Oh, what a spectacle! I sat back with my popcorn as press statements flew like missiles between rival camps. Watching it all unfold was like binging a political soap opera equal parts thrilling and absurd. Whether or not KWASIEC delivered its mandate without undue influence is a topic for the “oza room.
On a more personal note, the situation surrounding the Kwara State University of Education had me typing furiously in frustration. My piece, “Oppression of Kwara South: Separating Fact from Fiction?” was my emotional outburst. But here’s the good news: the Kwara State University campus in Osi (Kwara South) is now operational. We may have lost one thing, but we gained another—a bittersweet victory, but a victory nonetheless.
However, not all stories ended on a positive note. My sister, Saadat Bibire, and countless others suffered devastating losses shops gone, livelihoods destroyed, millions of naira gone in the seeming power tussle between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Alhaji Moshood Mustapha.
As the year winds down, my WhatsApp buzzes with activity, heralding the start of the political season. I have tagged this period “The Festival of Drama” because, let us face it, it is going to be exhausting, entertaining, and eye-opening all at once. The race to 2027 has begun, and the players are sending their minions out.
Have you noticed? The Lagos and Abuja elites, along with the diaspora “big boys and girls,” are making their way back home. Suddenly, old NGOs are springing back to life, while brand-new ones are mushrooming overnight. Social media is abuzz with pictures of handshakes, smiles, and carefully staged “grassroots engagement” photo ops. The charm offensive is real. Everyone is trying to cozy up to the most influential figure in Kwara today Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (or, as we like to call him, AA). If they are not sidling up to AA, they are making friends with anyone who has his ear.
Now, let me make this clear: I have nothing against people reconnecting with their roots or supporting their communities. It is a noble thing if it is genuine. But therein lies the rub: how do we tell the difference between those with sincere intentions and those with ulterior motives?
Over and over, we have seen Kwarans swept off their feet by smooth talkers with deep pockets. They show up in flashy agbadas, sprinkle some cash, and promise us heaven on earth. But when the votes are counted, and the positions secured, what happens? Silence. Vanishing acts. The only thing left are the memories of the jollof rice, puff-puff, amala, souvenirs, photo ops and promises they served at their rallies.
My dear Kwarans, the time has come to be wise. Not all that glitters is gold, and not every bag of rice is a solution to our challenges. We must scrutinize, question, and demand more. It is not enough to have leaders who are eloquent or wealthy; we need leaders with vision, competence, and a genuine love for the people.
Our traditional rulers, as custodians of our communities, must also step up. They are the gatekeepers, and we cannot afford another term of vibrant Ahmadu Bello occupiers paired with weak representations at other levels. Let us make 2027 the year we choose leaders who will prioritize the progress of Kwara over personal ambition.
As we await the inevitable drama of party congresses and conventions, I am stocking up on popcorn and soda. It is going to be a show!
To all the political players genuinely working to uplift Kwara, I salute you. May your efforts inspire others to follow suit.
Cheers to Kwara, its beautiful people, its progress, and its promise.
Titilope writes from Igbonla and can be contacted via titilopeanny@gmail.com.
