Date: 2014-06-30

“It is in line with this quest to grow our state for greater prosperity that we are re-branding Kwara State. This campaign and the new logo that comes with it are designed to promote our state as a top investment destination using our reputation for peace, our strengths in agriculture, commerce, solid mineral development, tourism and strategic infrastructure.

“We intend to strongly market our state as a haven for lucrative domestic and foreign direct investment. Let me state here this is not a mere political gimmick. Rather, we are setting the foundations for the long-term prosperity of our great state and its people. As you are all aware, the previous administration placed the state on a global stage through innovative programmes and policies. Today, we make history by midwifing a new Kwara, one which gives us all a greater sense of pride, ownership and participation" these are the words of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmad, the number one citizen of our beloved state of Harmony. These statements were made on the 29th May, 2012 when the state was re-branded with the "It's Good Here Logo".

Being a Kwaran that has studied the development, politics and economy of the state and is desirous of a positive growth in the state, while reading through the Internet on the recent youth empowerment program of the KWSG, I was forced to inquire into the truism of our purported brand. Is it really good here?

First, let us take an empirical scrutiny at our logo! The brand is made up of antelope, cassava, precious stone, cowries, water, crown, and colors blue,  red, gold and black.

The antelope represents humility, goodness, down-to-earth and natural beauty of the land and people.

Cassava represents abundant agricultural potential. The cowries connote the forbearers of enterprise and deep cultural heritage.

For the crown on the logo, it depicts royalty and deep cultural heritage, the flowing water is a source of natural goodness.

The precious stones represent abundant natural resources, while the Shield means the unyielding spirit to succeed and excel.

Blue represents flowing water and the beautiful seasonal belts.

 Deep red represents the pride, passion, royalty and great spirit of enterprise that has been a life long heritage

Black represents being part of the African race as Nigerians, while Gold represents the minerals and industrial wealth, and Green represents the rich agricultural and potential).

No doubt the people of Kwara are humble, God fearing, submissive and hospitable. This is evident in the considerable peacefulness of the state and the political structure and dynasty in the state. Agriculture also thrives well in the State. Does all this makes it good here in Kwara?

The diversification in the economies of states like Lagos, Akwa Ibom etc is what fetches these states considerable wealth. However, here in Kwara it is an open secret that asides our banks, agriculture, the public service, commerce, education, politics, transportation we have virtually nothing else. Remove Oja Oba or Oja Tuntun, Taiwo or Challenge from our capital city and imagine what is left of Ilorin? Take away University of Ilorin, Kwara State University and Al-Hikmah from the Emirate city and imagine the emptiness. Many a times capital projects are executed by multinational companies for indigent students, villages and towns in other states. How possible is that here in Kwara? Is it good here in Kwara?

What happened to Okin biscuit, Okin soap? Do you know the details of Shonga Farm agreement with the State government?

It's not about being antagonistic but being pragmatic. Is it good in a state where power and wealth has from time immemorial revolved around the hands of a few, and for you to amass such wealth you must join those few? It is a fact that there are only two classes of people in Kwara: the first class and the lower class?

What would be the fate of the Emirate city if G.R.A is extradited? Is interrelationship not one of the purports of human existence?

Is it good here in Kwara where development is one-sided? As much as I know that equality is impossible, I am also well abreast of the fact that equity is the best resultant where equality cannot be done, even if other sides of the state cannot be equal to the Emirate city, can't there at least be equity? Can't the people of Kwara feel the presence of the government asides during election period? When the government of the state openly shows its preference for a part than the other, what is the fate of the disadvantaged parts?

Is it good here in Kwara? Is our logo or brand in tandem with the state of affairs of our beloved state?

*ANIFOWOSHE Titilope Tawakkalt (Legal Eagle) is a 300L law student, Unilorin.