Kwara South G7 calls for collective action on peace

As part of efforts to tackle insecurity and strengthen political collaboration in Kwara South, the Kwara South G7 on Sunday held a political hangout in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The event, which took place at the Omu-Aran City Complex Hall, attracted political stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth representatives from the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial district — Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Oyun, and Isin.

Speaking at the event, the chief host and representative of the G7, Prince Shuaib Olanrewaju, said the gathering was conceived as a platform for dialogue and collective action toward peace, unity, and good governance in the region. He emphasized that Kwara South could only achieve sustainable progress if leaders and citizens worked together beyond political party lines.

Olanrewaju explained that the G7 initiative was born out of growing concern over the district’s worsening insecurity and declining political cohesion. “Our people are living in fear. Communities have suffered repeated attacks, and our farms and roads are no longer safe,” he said, calling for a minute of silence in honour of victims of insecurity in the area.

He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his efforts to combat insecurity and the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, for raising the issue at the National Assembly, describing both actions as encouraging signs of increased government attention to the plight of Kwara South residents.

Highlighting the group’s objectives, Olanrewaju said the Kwara South G7 was established to promote unity, development, and political consciousness across the senatorial district. “We are not for anyone or against anyone. Our goal is to redirect the political mindset of our people toward peace, progress, and collective advancement,” he added.

One of the guest speakers, Femi Falade, noted that politics remains central to solving the region’s security and development challenges. “We must get it right politically because leadership emerges through political means. Elected leaders must not play politics with security; protecting lives and property is their primary duty,” he stated.

Falade identified money politics, godfatherism, and youth marginalisation as key barriers to inclusive leadership. He urged governments at all levels to take decisive action on insecurity and youth empowerment, encouraging communities to reclaim and develop local forests and farmlands to deter criminal elements and generate opportunities.

In his remarks, Senator Oyelola Ashiru said insecurity in Kwara South could be significantly reduced through stronger local government participation. He urged the state government to empower local councils and vigilante groups to improve grassroots intelligence and protection, noting that “security is everyone’s business.”

Also speaking, Professor Wale Sulaiman, a neurosurgeon and community development advocate, called for unity and a renewed sense of shared purpose. He said the region’s development depends on reviving the traditional values of cooperation and self-help that once defined Kwara South’s communal life.