Dr Oluwatoyin Alabi
Ilorin — A philanthropist and an entrepreneur and community leader, Dr. Oluwatoyin Tajudeen Alabi, has called for the development of a comprehensive master plan for Kwara State to guide successive administrations and sustain the legacies of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Dr. Alabi, the immediate past National President of the Igbaja Progressive Union National Executive Council (IPUNEC) and Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Catering Company Limited, owners of The Promise Fast Food brand, made the call during a tour of media houses in Ilorin.
He said the absence of a clearly documented master plan for the state prompted him to initiate a process, stressing that continuity in governance is critical for sustainable development.
“While thinking about the future of Kwara State after Governor AbdulRazaq, I searched for a state master plan but could not find one.
” That informed my decision to set up a 44-member panel to develop a master plan for the state,” he said.
According to him, the committee produced a 62-page document, which was later distilled into a one-page action plan, alongside a seven-point development agenda aimed at repositioning the state and lifting residents out of poverty.
The agenda, the state governorship hopeful said, covers agricultural revolution, world-class education, round-the-clock security, modern infrastructure linking all communities with roads, water, electricity and internet, quality healthcare delivery, tourism development, and an inclusive economy that promotes shared prosperity.
Dr. Alabi, APC chieftain, commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s investments in the education sector, but advocated free and compulsory education at primary and secondary school levels to eliminate out-of-school children in the state.
He noted that Kwara currently ranks 25th among the 36 states on the educationally disadvantaged index, stressing the need for deliberate efforts to raise educational standards at all levels.
On healthcare, the APC stalwart said special attention would be given to the aged and vulnerable, adding that the health sector would be strengthened to ensure that no resident dies from treatable illnesses such as malaria.
He praised the state government for providing health facilities and laying solid foundation but said qualified personnel would be engaged to manage them effectively, even if it requires sourcing skilled manpower from outside the state.
Dr. Alabi also outlined plans for an agricultural-led industrial revolution across the state’s 16 local government areas, noting that agriculture with value addition would drive employment and economic growth.
“With about 65 per cent of Kwara’s population being youths, their energies and capacities must be productively engaged,” he said.
The governorship hopeful explained that the state would clear land at no cost and provide farming inputs, while individuals would own and manage farm settlements equipped with urban-style facilities across the council areas.
According to him, proceeds from agricultural production would be shared into three parts — one for the state, one for the farmer, and the third reinvested to sustain the programme.
Dr. Alabi stressed the need to boost infrastructure across the three senatorial districts, particularly road networks, to ease the transportation of agricultural produce.
On tourism, he said, Ilorin would be transformed into a year-round destination through the development of tourist centres and attraction of international conferences.
“Governor AbdulRazaq has already laid the foundation with the construction of modern five-star hotels, international conference facilities and the renovation of Kwara Hotel,” he noted.
He added that tourism sites across the three senatorial districts would be upgraded to international standards to boost the state’s economy.
Dr. Alabi further promised the reconstruction of all major markets across the state to global standards and improved access to credit facilities for traders and entrepreneurs.
The immediate past National President of Igbaja Progressive Union disclosed plans to establish state-owned microfinance banks to be managed by commercial banks, offering single-digit interest loans to residents.
“If money circulates among the people, poverty and begging will reduce and eventually stop. We want Kwarans to be self-sufficient and empowered to grow their own businesses,” he said.
Dr. Alabi also pledged to partner with media organisations within and outside the state to promote development and project Kwara positively.
A visionary entrepreneur and governance advocate, Dr. Alabi is the Founder and CEO of Integrated Catering Company Limited, owners of The Promise Fast Food brand, which has grown into a national enterprise with plans for expansion to Dubai, London and Houston.
His aspiration to serve as Governor of Kwara State, he said, is driven by a commitment to transparency, inclusive governance, youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
Receiving the team of Dr Alabi at Radio Kwara, Alhaji Tajudeen Kayode Aremu welcome Dr Alabi and his team, saying that the organization do not discriminate against anyone, candidate and party.
He was glad to see the calibre of Dr Alabi showing interest to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who has gone a long way to reposition the state as noted by the APC stalwart.
According to him, all the three platforms of the state broadcasting organisation are available for usage by the governorship hopeful.
Also, at Herald Newspaper, the General Manager, Mr Yomi Adeboye thanked the team for the visit, saying that the Herald is now focused on generating fund for the state.
He said that when he came on board, everything about the newspaper was almost grounded but today the newspaper is online and on the social media.
The general manager thank Gov AbdulRazaq for giving the organisation free hands to operate, saying that the press cannot be separated from successful democratic structure anywhere in the world.
Other places visited during the two days media tour included News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NUJ, Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ, Diamond 88.7FM, Albarka 89.9 FM, NAWOJ, NALVEJ, Radio Kwara and the Herald.
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