Governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Wake Sulaiman, has outlined plans to prioritise job creation, education and economic opportunities if elected governor in 2027, saying continuity of the current administration’s development agenda is crucial for the state.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Ilorin, the professor of neurosurgery said leadership at this stage of the state’s development requires competence, experience and a clear agenda capable of addressing the challenges facing residents.
He began by extending goodwill messages to Muslims observing Ramadan and Christians in the Lenten season, while also praying for Nigeria and its leaders.
Sulaiman offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commending the governor’s efforts in steering the state through ongoing reforms.
“May Almighty Allah continue to bless him and guide him to the final days of his governance when we will all be proud that he has done an amazing job in moving Kwara to where it is today,” he said.
The aspirant noted that Nigeria and the state are confronting serious economic, security and social challenges, stressing that effective governance requires individuals with administrative experience and global exposure.
According to him, “Nigeria is at a crossroads. We have seen transformation in the last few years, even though there have been hardships. But the economy is heading in the right direction.”
He argued that the complexities of governance cannot be addressed within a single tenure, hence the need for capable leadership to sustain ongoing reforms in Kwara.
“Some of these issues cannot be tackled within eight years. That is why continuity is important. We must have people with the capacity, capability and experience to continue that legacy,” he said.
Sulaiman described job creation as the central pillar of his agenda, noting that tackling unemployment would also help reduce insecurity and economic hardship.
“We must create jobs for our teaming youth and economic opportunities for our people. Whether it is agriculture, mineral resources, tourism or infrastructure development, these sectors can generate thousands of jobs,” he said.
He added that partnerships with international organisations and investors would also be explored to attract resources that could complement government funding for development projects.
The aspirant also emphasised the importance of education, recounting how access to quality education and scholarships transformed his life from humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a globally recognised neurosurgeon.
“I come from a very humble background in the ghetto of Lagos. It was because of education and good governance that I got the opportunity to go to medical school abroad,” he said.
“Today, a kid from the ghetto has become one of the most renowned neurosurgeons in the world. We must recreate that opportunity for our children.”
He said his vision is to build a Kwara where talent and hard work can lead to success regardless of background.
“I dream of a Kwara where the child of nobody can become somebody. We must create a platform where there is upward mobility for our people.”
Sulaiman expressed support for the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress, saying the reforms of the federal government were gradually stabilising the economy.
He pointed to positive economic indicators and international recognition of Nigeria’s reforms, including commendations from institutions such as the World Bank.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is gaining ground. Exchange rates are stabilising and the economy is beginning to move in the right direction, but we still need to do more to support vulnerable citizens,” he said.
He also urged students in Kwara to take advantage of federal initiatives such as the student loan programme, adding that collaboration with the federal government would remain key to development.
Sulaiman said his proposed “prosperity agenda” would build on the achievements of the current administration in Kwara State while introducing new ideas to accelerate development across sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and economic growth.
He explained that the document presented during the parley represents an overview of his vision, adding that detailed policy frameworks would be developed with input from experts and stakeholders.
“This is not the full roadmap. It is an overview of where we want to take Kwara. Behind each of these ideas, there will be a team that will develop detailed implementation plans,” he said.
The aspirant concluded by encouraging professionals and Nigerians in the diaspora to participate actively in governance, stressing that national development requires the involvement of citizens across all sectors.
“We are the giant of Africa, but we must demonstrate it. Many Nigerians are doing amazing things around the world, and we must bring that same excellence back home to build our country,” he said.
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