The Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nuhu Podo, has commended the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, citing their positive impact on local governments. According to Podo, these reforms have increased financial resources available to local governments, enabling them to execute grassroots development projects. This statement was made during the presentation of his administration's two-year scorecard, where he highlighted the council's achievements.
Podo's administration has executed over 130 projects and interventions across the council's 11 wards. These projects span various sectors, including security, education, electricity, water supply, roads, and administrative infrastructure. The chairman emphasized that the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, and increased financial autonomy for local governments have improved the council's capacity to undertake these development projects.
In the security sector, Podo's administration has taken significant steps to enhance security and community surveillance. The council has employed an additional 150 security personnel and distributed 50 motorcycles to support community surveillance efforts. Furthermore, the Civil Defence Outpost in Alagbado was upgraded to a full division, and a Sienna bus was donated to strengthen patrol operations.
The council has also made notable interventions in the education sector. Podo stated that his administration has renovated classrooms and principals' offices in some schools, distributed writing materials to reduce the financial burden on parents, and constructed a multipurpose hall at Sheikh AbdulSalam Junior Secondary School. Additionally, the council facilitated the renovation of junior secondary schools in various communities and sponsored 30 students at the College of Health Sciences, Osogbo.
Podo's administration has also addressed the power sector by distributing 17 transformers to serve communities across the local government. This effort earned him the 2025 Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award. Moreover, the council has improved water supply by drilling new boreholes and repairing existing ones across the 11 wards, enhancing residents' access to potable water.
The chairman's scorecard presentation was attended by key officials, including the Vice Chairman, Joel Mary Abiodun; Council Secretary, Mohammed Hameed; and Speaker of the Legislative Arm, Jimoh Taibat Tope. Podo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the reforms, which he believes have strengthened the financial capacity of local governments to execute projects and provide services at the grassroots level.
The reforms implemented by President Tinubu's administration have had a significant impact on local governments nationwide. Podo's commendation highlights the positive effects of these reforms on grassroots development. With over 130 projects executed, the Ilorin South Local Government Area has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of its residents through strategic development initiatives.
Key points
- President Tinubu's reforms have increased financial autonomy for local governments.
- The Ilorin South Local Government Area has executed over 130 projects across various sectors.
- The council has improved security, education, and water supply in its area.
