According to a news report from Nigerian Tribune, stakeholders in the Kwara South senatorial district of Kwara State, under the banner of the Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF), have pinpointed the lack of a unified approach among the area's residents as a significant barrier to development.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Thursday about the upcoming inaugural Kwara South summit on June 27, 2024, in Offa, Chief Bamisaye Ayeni, chairman of the forum, stressed the importance of unity to ensure that the people do not miss out on their entitlements.

Chief Ayeni, also the chairman of the forum's steering committee and the Baba Oba of Ora Aiyegbaju, mentioned that the forum aims to foster unity among the people of Kwara South. However, he expressed concern that some residents have misunderstandings about the forum's objectives.

“We're not asking the federal government to do anything for us or agitating for anything. Basically, all we need is unity. It's not about whether we are Ibolo, Ekiti, or Igbomina. We all have to come together to be stronger than we are now. With unity, other things will follow.

“We're not advocating for state creation or merging with people in the West or elsewhere. We said no! All we need now is unity. Essentially, we need to unite to avoid denying ourselves our rights. In a family where there's no unity, anything can happen. There'll be disorder and disharmony. Partisan politics should not divide us,” he said.

“The reason for our gathering is simply to inform the public and you, gentlemen of the press, about the forthcoming maiden edition of the Kwara South Summit, which is scheduled to be held at the National Secretariat of the Offa Descendants Union on the 27th of this month.

“But before I delve into the details of the Summit, I would first like to make it abundantly clear that the Kwara South Development Forum is composed of individuals driven only by the passion to get the people of Kwara South to speak in unison.

“Indeed, our interest is far beyond politics and political gains. That said, let me implore all our people of Kwara South origin who dream of a peaceful and developed Kwara South to join forces with us, for, as it is said, we are stronger together.”

The theme of the Summit is “Kwara South Unity and Prosperity,” he said, adding that the committee had gone beyond the borders of Kwara state to secure the buy-in of prominent personalities with the aim of getting them to share their wealth of knowledge.