By Kingsley Adegboye

Residents of Kwara South have commended Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, popularly known as Amana, for his consistent interventions that have shaped education, employment, and community development across the zone.

Though from Kwara Central, residents stress that leadership is about impact, not origin. They highlight Prof. Sulaiman’s sustained presence and contributions as evidence of unifying leadership that resonates across Kwara’s three senatorial districts.

One of his most celebrated efforts is the sponsorship of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) fees, which has enabled hundreds of students to pursue higher education. Communities also point to his donations of classroom blocks, renovation of schools, and establishment of computer labs in towns like Babanloma. Prof. Sulaiman is further credited with facilitating jobs for indigenes in federal agencies such as PenCom and FRSC. His tenure as Minister of National Planning and later as Director-General of NILDS also opened opportunities for legislative aides and other appointments, ensuring representation from Kwara South.

Through the Farm2Feed programme, farmers received financial support, improved seedlings, fertilisers, and mechanisation services. These interventions boosted productivity, enhanced food security, and increased rural incomes. Residents also highlight his Ramadan initiatives, including daily feeding programmes for thousands, Eid packages, and children’s celebrations that strengthen community bonds.

Community members emphasise that these efforts are not recent but have been sustained over the years. “We have seen these things happen year after year,” said Tunji Alao of Omu-Aran. Chief Adewale Ganiyu of Offa added: “People here can point to students supported, people employed, and farmers empowered.” Youth leader Segun Olalekan noted: “When it comes to consistent impact, Prof. Amana stands out.”

While acknowledging that other aspirants may have good intentions, residents maintain that Prof. Sulaiman’s interventions are widely recognised due to their consistency, scale, and direct impact on communities across Kwara South.

Some community members also describe him as having played a notable role in the growth and development of the zone in recent years. “If you look at the opportunities created and the level of engagement across communities,” said Raheem AbdulLateef, “it is clear that the impact has been both visible and sustained over time.”