The leaders under the auspices of Kwara State Leadership Caucus recalled that at inception, the state was a symbol of prosperity, saying "our state was successful because of hard work, creativity and enterprise of our people".

"These were the true strength of our economy. In that era, there was job for every employable person. Industries that abound the state include, Paper Manufacturing Industry, Jebba, United Match Company, Ilorin, Tate and Lyle Sugar, Ilorin, Kwara Breweries, Ijagbo, Kwara Paper Converter, Erin-ile, Bacita Sugar Company, etc.

"Regrettably today, not only have these companies disappeared or dead but that Kwara, a state that has excellent prospects and potentials at birth, is now rated as one of the three backward states in the federation", they said.