Kwara: CBOs urge government to address rural teacher shortage, basic amenities
Participants at the recent summit for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) have called on the Kwara State Government to address key challenges in rural communities, including the recruitment of more teachers and healthcare workers, as well as providing support for deserving residents through cash awards. This was revealed in a report from the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Community Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe.
The summit, which took place across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State from August 20 to 24, attracted over 900 CBOs, resource persons, and community leaders. Organized by the Office of the SSA on Community Development, the event was themed ‘Self-help: A Sustainable Communal Development Approach.’
In his report, Dr. Olohungbebe commended the government’s efforts in urban renewal, infrastructural development, welfare initiatives, and the distribution of palliatives.
He also highlighted the ongoing recruitment and promotion exercises aimed at boosting public service efficiency.
“The summit brought together 900 CBOs to discuss strategies for advancing development and promoting inclusive growth in the state,” the report stated. “It also celebrated the government’s initiatives, including urban renewal projects, social welfare programs, and the distribution of palliative items.”
As part of the summit’s outcome, outstanding CBOs will receive awards and matching grants upon verification of their self-help projects by an independent panel of jurists.
Participants also called for greater investment in rural communities, particularly in the provision of potable water, construction of public toilets, and the conversion of abandoned public buildings for community use.
They urged the government to pass or domesticate legislation supporting people with disabilities and called for more frequent summits or town hall meetings to strengthen dialogue between government representatives and community members.
In addition, the summit recommended a review of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), suggesting that the list of beneficiaries be revalidated to ensure accuracy, replacing deceased or relocated individuals with new beneficiaries.
Participants also requested the reintroduction of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and more farm extension workers to collaborate with CBOs for better impact.
Emphasis was also placed on constructing rural roads and adopting a community-based approach for distributing farm inputs such as fertilizers.
