Kwara PDP Candidate Promises ₦100bn Security Fund If Elected

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kwara State, Bolakale Kawu, has announced a ₦100bn security trust fund. He plans to use this fund to fight kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes if he wins in 2027.

Kawu explained that the fund will help gather intelligence, equip security agencies, involve communities, and improve teamwork among security bodies. This would help detect and respond quickly to security threats.

He made this announcement on Thursday in Ilorin while sharing his manifesto, titled ‘The SBK Compact, Kwara People First.’

The former senior civil servant said his focus on security grew stronger after visiting Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area. He went there after an attack on the community.

"One of the most painful experiences in my entire life was my visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of our state. I stood before the destruction. I saw blood on the ground. I witnessed firsthand the pain and fear of a traumatised community."

Kawu added, "As Governor, I will not rest or sleep when the life of any Kwaran is under threat."

On the welfare of workers, Kawu promised to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants. He also wants to make sure salaries and other payments are made regularly.

He plans to increase pension and gratuity payments by around ₦4bn over four years through a clear repayment plan.

"As a retired public servant myself, I understand the sacrifices, expectations and challenges of workers. I will ensure the prompt and timely payment of salaries and other entitlements. Workers must not have to struggle or beg for what they have lawfully earned," he said.

To boost businesses, the PDP candidate proposed two loan schemes worth ₦9.6bn each. One scheme will help market traders with financing, while the other will give small businesses loans at low interest rates.

He also promised to give ₦50m to each of the state’s 193 wards in his first 100 days in office, totaling ₦9.65bn.

Kawu explained that this initiative will let communities identify their needs and take part in choosing and carrying out development projects.

"Under this initiative, development projects will originate directly from the various wards. Communities will identify and choose their most pressing needs, propose projects and participate in their implementation," he said.

Kawu further proposed a ₦40bn One Kwara Regional Development Agency to manage infrastructure and community development projects.

He stated that his government would also provide at least ₦5bn in counterpart funding for donor-supported projects over four years. This will focus on rural roads, electricity, renewable energy, streetlights, and clean water access.

The candidate wants to prioritize qualified local contractors for government projects. He believes this will keep investments in the state, support local businesses, and create jobs.

In education, he proposed a ₦4bn hardship allowance program for teachers in rural and underserved areas. He also plans to rehabilitate schools, provide learning materials, and expand technical and vocational education.

"Every child in Kwara deserves access to quality education irrespective of where they are born or the economic circumstances of their parents," he said.

On healthcare, Kawu promised to strengthen primary healthcare facilities in the state’s 16 local government areas. He wants to improve access to essential medicines and equipment and give special allowances to health workers in underserved areas.

He added that maternal and child healthcare will also be a priority for his administration.

To tackle unemployment, Kawu promised to create 200,000 job opportunities for youths and 5,000 opportunities for businesses each year. This will be through vocational training, digital skills development, and partnerships with private employers.

"Our young people are not a problem to be managed. They are an enormous resource waiting for the right opportunities," he said.

He also proposed a ₦3bn fund to empower women and annual business support grants for at least 1,000 artisans and skilled workers.

In agriculture, Kawu promised at least ₦19.2bn in funding to help farmers and cooperatives with affordable loans and better inputs.

He said this plan will also address issues like access to land, modern farming methods, storage, processing, and markets.

The former public servant also wants to review the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers, citing his experience at the Rural Electrification Agency as proof of his ability to plan, execute, and monitor development projects.

"A manifesto must be more than a collection of attractive promises. It must be a realistic programme of government supported by clear goals, responsible financing, competent implementation and measurable outcomes," Kawu said.

Kawu’s security proposal comes as people grow more worried about attacks, kidnappings, and displacements in parts of Kwara State.

In February 2026, an armed attack on Woro and nearby communities in Kaiama Local Government Area led to many deaths and forced hundreds to flee.

A UNFPA report on the incident recorded 176 deaths and the displacement of about 650 households. UNICEF also reported many killings and abductions during the attacks.

The state government has since announced more security measures, including more military deployments and starting Operation Savannah Shield. Efforts are ongoing to rescue those who were abducted.

During the 2026 budget presentation, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also highlighted spending on security infrastructure, equipment, vehicles, and technology to fight kidnapping and crime.