Ever since Senator Bukola Saraki (CON) has come into national prominence first as the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, then as a arrowhead of a group of conscientious chieftains of the PDP who defected to the APC and later as a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kwara State has stuck positively in the national consciousness as a state of the progressives and positive thinkers. With the commendable steps of the likes of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, former Sports Minister and Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje in the build up to solid consolidation of what is today the APC, the state had never had it so good. Now with the election of Sen. Saraki, the state is yet again in the news for a good reason.

By all accounts, Dr. Saraki is the single biggest news maker in Nigeria today! The reasons are not farfetched. This is the first time an indigene of this state will rise to the exalted position of a Senate President of Nigeria. The closest we have had was the position of Senate Leader held by the patriarch of the Saraki Dynasty, late Dr. Olusola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin. Already, Kwarans all over the world are holding their heads high for having an illustrious son step up the ladder of Senate Presidency. But to me, this is just a tip of the iceberg because by the time Dr. Saraki commences proper legislative duties, the pride in us as a people will know no bounds.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Legendary for developing both human and infrastructural development through appointment and job creation, the divine elevation of Dr. Bukola Saraki to the position of Senate President promises to be yet another avenue through which the former Governor would further what he knows how to do best. And with a position as vantage as the President of the Senate, ABS is better positioned to position several hundred sons and daughters of the state with requisite expertise into juicy federal positions and appointments.

Can you imagine the number of employable youths of Kwara that stands a better chance now at federal ministries, parastatal, agencies, security agencies etc? The opportunities are endless!

BETTER FEDERAL PRESENCE IN KWARA

This is one area that Sen. Saraki and the APC-led government of Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed have complained bitterly against in the recent past. The Goodluck Jonathan presidency for reasons of politics and sentiments neglected Kwara to the background and bypassed with state in terms of sitting of viable federal government.

That bitter history is now history in Kwara with Dr. Saraki as the Senate President. If his antecedents are anything to go by, Kwara stands a huge chance in attracting positive ‘Federal President’ (which is another way of saying rapid infrastructural advancement). Recall that Dr. Saraki it was that attracted the multi-billion Naira project of Asa River dredging, having deployed his positive influence on and relationship with late President Umar Yardua.

Now that he is the number 3 citizen of Nigeria, his love for Kwara is expected to be taken a notch higher. If Sen. David Mark, using his vantage position, could attract several hundred of kilometres of federal roads, a federal hospital and university, and a multi-billion Naira dam project in Otukpo, a more patriotic Dr. Saraki will do far better for Kwara!

Sulyman Buhari is Publicity Secretary, APC, Kwara State.