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By Ameen Ayinla
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Alhaji Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has unveiled his development agenda for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election, promising to create 200,000 youth employment opportunities annually if elected.
Kawu made the pledge on Thursday during the public presentation of his manifesto, titled The SBK Compact – Kwara People First, held at the ARCA Centre Hall, Ilorin.
He also promised to create 5,000 enterprise opportunities annually as part of efforts to expand economic activities, promote entrepreneurship and tackle unemployment across the state.
The PDP candidate described young people as critical assets for Kwara’s development, stressing that they should be provided with opportunities to thrive rather than treated as problems to be managed.
He explained that his proposed employment strategy would focus on vocational training, digital skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, investment attraction and partnerships with private sector employers.
According to him, the programmes would ensure that skills development is directly linked to actual employment opportunities, thereby improving the economic prospects of young people.
Kawu also unveiled a proposed three-billion-naira Women Enterprises and Empowerment Fund to provide affordable financing and business support for women-owned enterprises.
He further promised annual business support grants for at least 1,000 artisans and skilled workers to strengthen small businesses, expand economic opportunities and improve household incomes.
On workers’ welfare, the retired civil servant pledged to pay civil servants 13 months’ salary immediately upon assuming office, alongside other benefits aimed at improving their welfare.
The PDP candidate also assured residents that when elected his administration would prioritise security, pledging not to rest until every community across Kwara State was safe and secure.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
