By Engr. Ridwan Elemosho
As a politically conscious citizen and a firm believer in democratic ideals, I sit in silence while governance is reduced to symbolism. While it’s encouraging to see local government chairmen in Kwara State stepping out with renewed visibility, especially in recent budget presentations, I must remind them and the public that governance is not a theatrical performance.
Yes, I applaud some of the recent achievements across the LGAs: road grading, a borehole drilling, the occasional renovation of a primary school. But we must not allow these breadcrumbs to blind us to the bigger picture, the people of Kwara deserve more than surface-level gestures. They deserve real leadership driven by clear planning, execution, and transparency.
The recent buzz around budget presentations in various local government councils is a classic case in point. While some are quick to praise the optics chairmen walking into chambers with briefcases, flanked by aides and media crews.
*I ask the deeper questions: What is actually inside those budget boxes?*
*Where is the breakdown for various sectors? How much is going to health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment? What is the actual plan for implementation? Where is the room for community feedback and oversight?*
Let’s also not pretend we don’t know that the federal allocations to local governments have significantly increased. This isn’t speculations, it’s public record. With more resources now flowing to the grassroots, the expectations of the electorate must rise accordingly. It is no longer business as usual. This is a new era and it demands a new level of accountability.
As an individual and indigene of Babanla in Ifelodun local government, I do not speak out of bitterness or envy. I speak out of duty. I owe it to my state, to my people, and to the very principles of governance. I will not be silent when budgets are announced with flair but executed in silence. I will not look away when allocations disappear without traceable impact. I will not stop asking uncomfortable questions because someone has to.
To the chairmen: you’ve taken a step in the right direction, but this is no time to relax. The box you carry must carry the weight of responsibility, not just paper. The figures you present must align with realities on ground not inflated contracts or ghost projects. The people are watching and many, like me, are documenting.
Governance is not about headlines, it’s about headcounts in classrooms, hospital beds that are functional, roads that are motorable and secured communities.
Until we get there, I will not be satisfied. And I will not be quiet.
Kwara deserves better beyond box presentations and pictures.
