By Titilope T. Anifowoshe

I had just completed my vacation abroad when the invitation to attend the Annual Titilope Anifowoshe Freshers Moots Competition at Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin arrived. Seeing it as an opportunity to settle my table-tennis challenge with Buhari Saddiq, a former Commissioner of Communications in Kwara, I gladly accepted.

Beyond leisure, I seized the chance to engage with my acquaintances who are public officials, visiting their offices to discuss Kwara Youths' concerns, those of the entire Kwara South, and to explore government opportunities for Igbonla (my hometown).

Upon landing in Kwara, my first visit, just two hours later, was to the office of Commissioner for Water Resources, Yunusa Lade. His profound knowledge of Kwara State's water trajectory left me in awe. I couldn't help but inquire if he had a background in engineering or geology, as I knew he hadn't majored in either.

Throughout my visit, I met with eleven other dedicated public servants, including House Majority Leader Hon. Oba Magaji, the pride of Owode Onire Constituency Rukayyat Shittu, Hon. Segun Ogunniyi of Offa/Ijomu, Hon. Sola Odetundun from my Irepodun LGA Constituency, the remarkable Dr. Amina El-Imam of the Ministry of Health, the vibrant 26-year-old Nafisat from the Ministry of Youths, my longtime tech brother Ishola Kayode, SA to the Governor on Digital Technology, Officer Mikhail, SA to the Governor on Drug Abuse and Prevention, my reliable mother figure Dr. Ouwatoyin Opawoye, The Talba of Ilorin Prof. Shuaib Oba and my teacher and street-credible marshal of KWASSIP, Dr. Tedijini.

I heaved a sigh of relief, not because Kwara's development is scored an A at 70%, but because Kwara is undoubtedly better than the past. Each interaction was marked by passion and vigor to elevate Kwara to the next level.

Some of these public servants are individuals I knew as passionate Kwarans years ago, individuals with whom I enjoyed discussing Kwara and national issues. What changed? Was it the party, the structure, the system, or the leadership?

Proudly, I can say that the current crop of Commissioners, legislators, and appointees are individuals whose understanding of the genuine needs and aspirations of Kwarans cannot be underestimated. The era where the movers of Kwara politics were selected in a hollow hall in GRA white house is over. Now, sons and daughters of nobody occupy those aspirational chairs, determined to shape Kwara's destiny. They won't want to let us down because they are from the street, and only the street knows the code of the street.

I am delighted to witness the inspiration for the girls and boys of Kwara to build lives of vocation, academic excellence, and strong professional capacity before aspiring to be politicians. The era where the male version holy trinity ruled over Kwara is gone.

This is a historic era for youth participation in Kwara politics, unlike any opportunity we have seen since 1999. The onus is on you to dispel doubts and elevate Kwara with your innovation, vigor, and youthful excellence. Collaborate rather than compete, ensuring each day of service is purposeful. Recognize that you are now a shaper of the future you once envisioned, sitting on the throne you criticized in the past. The time to build your name and legacy has begun, and time waits for no one.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has played his part by massively including youths in his government. Failing to live up to this responsibility is not just a letdown for Kwara Youths but for Nigerian youths, as Kwara stands as a model for youth inclusion in Nigeria and Africa.

Dear young political enthusiast, as you aspire to be a legislator in your 20s like Rukayyat or commissioner like Nafisat, choose your role models or mentors wisely. Not everything that glitters is gold, and engaging in political thuggery, whether online or offline, won't lead to quick prominence. Prioritize knowledge and opportunities over immediate benefits.

My trip ended with an encounter with Professor Oba Shuaib, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and an academic sage at the Nnamdi Azikwe airport. Initially, my goal was to advance my proposal for establishing a university in Kwara South to Prof, who currently leads the Committee on Study, Planning, and Implementation of the proposed Kwara State University of Education. However, Prof took the time to share a crucial lesson, emphasizing that my focus should be on the standardization and quality of the institution rather than sectional advocacy.

While acknowledging there's still more to be done, Kwara is not at its final destination. Yet, it's pure bliss to see merit take over mediocrity. The future is green. May Kwara be Great again.


Titilope Anifowoshe writes from FCT
titilopeanny@gmail.com