The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, who marks one year in office on Tuesday, speaks in this interview with Dare Akogun about the security challenges crippling the state's socio-economic growth and his vision for Nigeria's largest local government by landmass. Excerpts:

You are one year in office. How would you assess your performance so far, given the peculiar challenges of Ifelodun, the largest LGA in Nigeria?

Ifelodun is a unique council area. It is the largest local government area in Nigeria. We have 18 political wards, nine districts, 54 graded traditional rulers, and about 500 ungraded ones. Managing such a diverse area has not been easy, especially with security challenges.

But we thank God. In the past 365 days, we have worked to ensure the people feel the positive impact of governance at the grassroots while remaining true to our campaign promises.

Can you point to three specific projects or initiatives that directly improved the lives of residents?

Health is one of our biggest achievements. We renovated seven primary healthcare centres, built a new one in Oreke, and revived abandoned facilities in Babanloma and Offa-Irese. We also invested N10m to resuscitate the drug revolving scheme, ensuring that our 80 health facilities now have drugs.

In agriculture, when I came on board, only two tractors were functional. Now, we have seven, alongside ridges and input distribution to farmers. We secured land in seven wards for communal farming and trained over 100 people under the L-PRESS programme. We stepped up the training to 500 more with equipment and livestock. We are also planning dry season farming led by our youths to boost food security.

On infrastructure, we graded about 100km of rural roads to link isolated communities like Oro-Ago and Owa Kajola with the headquarters in Share. We also constructed 10 motorised boreholes and provided solar streetlights to 14 communities.

Insecurity, especially around Baba Sango forest, has been a major concern. What steps have you taken to address it?

A week after I assumed office, one of our hunters, Jagun from Igbaja, was killed by bandits. That incident forced us to restructure the LGA's security architecture. We employed 100 forest guards trained by the state, bought 23 motorcycles for them, and reorganised policing. This led to the arrest of several informants, a situation that disrupted bandits' operations.

The forest is vast, stretching into four states, with hideouts where they keep captives. We appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's intervention and the support of the federal government through the Office of the National Security Adviser, which facilitated the establishment of a Forward Operating Base.

But I strongly appeal for a permanent military presence inside Baba Sango forest. That will cripple the bandits. So far, about 70 suspected bandits have been arrested and are facing trial.

Has the LGA provided concrete support to security agencies?

Yes. Being the first point of call, we give security agencies funding, logistics, and intelligence support. Our traditional rulers have also been contributing financially. Soldiers camped in Oke-Ode are jointly supported by the local and state governments. Security is costly, but it is a sacrifice we are committed to.

So, why are residents still crying aloud that banditry and kidnapping persist?

The truth is, this is not an easy battle. Intelligence shows there are no fewer than 3,000 bandits inside Baba Sango forest, heavily armed, with informants in surrounding towns. They have been there for over 15 years. So, removing them will not happen overnight. But we are tightening security, and with collective efforts, we believe their activities will soon be history.

How has insecurity affected farming and economic activities?

It has hit us hard. Markets, which are our major source of revenue, have been abandoned. Farmers are scared to venture into their farmlands.

There has been agitation that Ifelodun has been marginalised in producing representatives for the Oyun/Offa/Ifelodun Federal Constituency. What's your view?

It is true. Ifelodun has only produced a representative once, between 2007 and 2011. For equity and fairness, we deserve another chance.

We are the largest LGA in Nigeria in terms of land mass and voting strength, but we often divide our votes across party lines. My priority is to unite stakeholders so that in 2027, Ifelodun will produce the next representative in the Green Chamber. That is one of my biggest commitments.

As you enter your second year, what specific commitments are you making to your people?

I appreciate the people of Ifelodun for their support. I promise to continue delivering the dividends of democracy, prioritising security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. With collective effort, we will overcome insecurity and ensure inclusive development.