As part of efforts to address insecurity and strengthen political cooperation in the region, the Kwara South G7 has held a political hangout in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun local government area of Kwara State.
The ‘Kwara South G7’ comprises seven local government areas, including Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Oyun, and Insin.
The event, held at the Omu-Aran City Complex Hall brought together political stakeholders, community leaders, and youth representatives across the senatorial district to deliberate on pressing security, political, and developmental issues confronting the area.
In his welcome address on behalf of the G7, the chief host, Prince Shuaib Olanrewaju, explained that the hangout was conceived to create a platform for dialogue and collective action toward peace, unity, and good governance in Kwara South.
He said the region could only thrive if leaders and citizens worked together beyond party lines.
He explained that the G7 initiative was borne out of patriotic concern for the district’s declining political cohesion and worsening insecurity.
“Our people are living in fear. Communities have suffered repeated attacks, and our farms and roads are no longer safe,” he said, calling for a minute of silence in honour of victims of insecurity in the region.
Olanrewaju, however, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his efforts in combating criminality, as well as the deputy Senate leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, for raising the insecurity matter at the National Assembly.
He noted that both actions signified a growing attention to the plight of the people of Kwara South.
Outlining the objectives of the ‘Kwara South G7’, Olanrewaju said the group was formed to pursue unity, development, and political consciousness among the people.
“We are not for anyone or against anyone. Our goal is to redirect the political mindset of our people towards peace, progress, and collective advancement,” he said.
He added that the group is committed to working with the state government and other relevant institutions to tackle security challenges and promote inclusiveness in governance.
One of the guest speakers, Femi Falade emphasised that politics remains central to solving the region’s security and development issues.
“We must get it right politically because leadership emerges through political means. Elected leaders must not play politics with security; the protection of lives and property is their primary duty,” he said.
The speaker identified money politics, godfatherism, and youth marginalisation as key factors undermining inclusive leadership.
He urged governments at all levels to act decisively on insecurity and youth empowerment, saying, : “What we are facing now is not a problem but a challenge. We have great minds at home and abroad. Let’s unite and develop our forests and communities to drive away insurgents and create opportunities.”
The deputy Senate leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, said insecurity in Kwara south could be drastically reduced through coordinated local government action, stressing that local councils have a constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property in their areas.
Ashiru called on the state government to adopt a more hands-on approach, saying, “Security is everyone’s business. The state must empower local authorities and vigilante networks to strengthen grassroots intelligence and protection.”
Also speaking, Professor Wale Sulaiman, a neurosurgeon and community development advocate, emphasised unity and shared purpose among the people of Kwara South.
He said peace and progress could only be achieved if citizens revived the values of cooperation and self-help that once defined the region.
