The Kwara State Citizens' Engagement for the 2026 budget was held on Tuesday in Afon, Asa Local Government Area, as part of a regional consultation drive to ensure inclusive and transparent budget planning.

This second leg of the three-part forum brought together residents, lawmakers, and state cabinet members from Kwara Central to directly contribute their priorities to the upcoming financial year.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chaired the session, described the initiative as a modest yet meaningful way to guarantee citizen participation in shaping the state's fiscal blueprint.

The first session was held on Tuesday, 28 August 2025, in Bode-Saadu, Moro LGA, in Kwara North, where the Governor urged attendees to share honest feedback on government performance and community needs.

"We are here for the second of the three-legged citizens' engagement on the 2026 budget. This is for the people of Kwara Central to have their input in the next budget cycle," AbdulRazaq said.

He added that the third and final leg will take place on Thursday, 4th September 2025, in Ilemona, Oyun LGA, for residents of Kwara South.

"The whole idea of the Citizens' Engagement is to further democratise the budget preparation process in line with global best practices of transparency and inclusion," he stated.

The Afon event drew key stakeholders from Asa, Ilorin West, Ilorin East, and Ilorin South, reinforcing the administration's commitment to bottom-up governance and responsive development planning.

"Notwithstanding the challenges of governance, our resolve will be to beat our own record of good and impactful governance," he stated.

The governor received inputs from the stakeholders, including local government chairmen and community leaders, who offered suggestions on specific needs of the people.

The stakeholders also commended the administration on its impactful projects, empowerment programmes, and political appointments in the region.

The commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Marry Arinde, said the event attests to the governor's belief that citizens' voices matter in policy formation and budget preparation and implementation.

"His Excellency has made it a state policy to engage with citizens through different platforms, including town hall meetings. This is to ensure that our budget estimates and policies are informed by the needs and perspectives of every segment of society," she said.

The chairman of Asa local government area, , Alh Shehu Yahaya, thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for the landmark achievements of his administration and the access given to all Kwarans to participate in the decision making process.

He appealed to the governor to support the council in opening up more rural roads.

The chairman of the Kwara House Committee on Water, representing Afon Constituency, Hon. Yunus Oniboki, said works are ongoing at Alapa waterworks, Budo Egba Integrated water project, and Panpo water project.

He lauded the government's efforts to improve the communities' access to potable water. Hon. Arinola Lawal of Ilorin East Constituency commended the governor for his commitment to people-focused development as could be seen in the quality and spread of his projects across the state.

Hon. Rukayat Shittu of Owode/Onire Constituency said the administration's feats in women empowerment and gender inclusion are commendable, citing how she had emerged as the youngest female legislator in Nigeria.