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By Ameen Ayinla
Kwara State House of Assembly has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to order the immediate implementation of the State Security Trust Fund Law to further strengthen community security and promote youth empowerment.
The call followed a debate on a motion seeking to commend the Governor for the progress recorded in combating insecurity, and to urge the enforcement of the Security Trust Fund Law sponsored by the member representing Share/Oke-Ode Constituency, Alhaji Rasaq Owolabi.
In his lead submission, Alhaji Owolabi praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his sustained efforts in addressing security challenges but expressed concern that some neighbouring communities continue to suffer incidents of armed banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural settlements, including Patigi, Kaiama, Ekiti, Oke-Ode and Babanla.
He noted that full enforcement of the Security Trust Fund Law would consolidate government achievements by institutionalising community ownership of security, making safety a collective responsibility, improving youth economic inclusion, and aligning with the State Development Plan.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate observed that high youth unemployment — currently estimated at 40 percent statewide — remains a major driver of insecurity, fuelling social vices and restiveness.
They also acknowledged the state government’s strides in youth empowerment, citing initiatives such as the expanded Ilorin Innovation Hub, which is boosting tech-driven ventures and digital literacy among young people.
In its resolution, read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the House urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to provide adequate financial and logistical support to registered vigilante groups and community policing units across the sixteen Local Government Areas, granting them statutory backing to complement existing security efforts.
Editing: Abdullahi Ahmed
