Prof. Muritala Awodun, PDP senatorial aspirant for Kwara South in the 2027 general elections, says tackling insecurity will be his first priority if elected, vowing to restore displaced communities within his first 100 days in office.
“My number one priority is security. Without the safety of lives and property, no meaningful development can take place,” Awodun told Firm News in an interview.
He said several Kwara South communities have been deserted under the outgoing administration due to insecurity. His plan is to “join hands with the incoming administration” to restore peace and enable displaced persons to return home.
Economic Blueprint for Kwara South
Awodun, a professor of business and entrepreneurship, said Kwara South’s challenge is not potential but “lack of coordinated development.” He pledged a collective strategy to mobilize indigenes at home and in the diaspora to invest back into the district’s agriculture and mineral sectors.
“We will develop short-, medium-, and long-term economic blueprints that will outlive any single administration,” he said.
Jobs Through Entrepreneurship, Not Just Government
On youth unemployment, the former founding Director of KWASU Centre for Entrepreneurship said government alone cannot create enough jobs. Citing his record at KWASU where students were trained to become “job creators,” Awodun said he will push entrepreneurship, grants, and support for youth-led small businesses.
For existing entrepreneurs, he promised to sponsor business registration for informal operators to unlock access to grants and soft loans, plus platforms linking them to funding, training, and markets.
Healthcare, Education, Agriculture
Awodun said he will back community-based healthcare through periodic medical outreaches in rural areas, with focus on early diagnosis and basic care.
On education, he pledged scholarships for need and excellence, plus learning materials for indigent students. “We must restore the culture of celebrating academic achievement while ensuring no child is denied education due to financial constraints,” he said.
He described agriculture as “the backbone of Kwara South’s economy” but underutilized. His model includes commercial agric investment and reviving Agric as a culture in secondary schools through competitions, similar to programs he ran at KWASU and KWIRS.
Women, Infrastructure, Federal Projects
Awodun said women remain central to his agenda, citing his Muritala Awodun Widows and Orphans Foundation which has supported over 900 widows since 2017. He promised to promote women’s access to education, economic opportunities, and political participation.
On infrastructure gaps, he will advocate for more government investment but also revive “community-driven development,” urging stakeholder collaboration on projects.
He pledged “active and result-oriented” representation to attract federal projects, saying Kwara South deserves “visible and impactful representation.”
First 100 Days: Security First
Awodun said security-related legislation will take precedence in his first 100 days, alongside laying foundations for economic and youth policies. He linked youth restiveness to economic hardship and promised engagement through skills, entrepreneurship, and sports.
His closing pitch to voters: “Kwara South has immense potential. With unity, strategic planning, and collective effort, we can transform our region into a hub of prosperity and security. Let my people trust me on this Kwara South Agenda, as the entire people of Kwara State once trusted me with the Revenue Reform Agenda and I delivered.”
