Indigenes of Kwara South say their support for anyone seeking to govern Kwara State will depend on measurable impact, adding that such a person must demonstrate genuine unifying leadership across the North, Central, and South senatorial districts.

For many in that region, leadership is not defined by recent visibility but by sustained presence, consistency, and contributions that communities can point to over time.

Within this context, communities across Kwara South have continued to reference the longstanding engagement of Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, a professor, fondly called Amana.

Although he is from Kwara Central, residents maintain that leadership is not about origin but about impact and connection to the people. Many describe his activities as reflective of a unifying presence, noting that his interventions have consistently cut across communities within the South.

In the area of education, residents frequently point to the JAMB fees sponsorship programme as one of the most impactful interventions in the zone.

Over the years, Sulaiman is said to have supported hundreds of students across Kwara South by covering the cost of their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration and examination fees. Community members note that this intervention has removed a significant financial barrier, enabling many young people to access tertiary education and pursue long-term academic and career opportunities.

Beyond this, residents also referenced the donation of classroom blocks, reconstruction of dilapidated school structures, and the establishment of computer laboratories in communities such as Babanloma and others across the zone, noting that these efforts have contributed to improved learning environments.

During his time as a federal office holder and through subsequent roles, he is said to have facilitated employment opportunities for a significant number of qualified individuals from Kwara South and other parts of the state into federal parastatals, including agencies such as the National Pension Commission (PenCom), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and others.

Residents further note that during his tenure as minister of National Planning, aides were selected across various local governments in Kwara State, with a notable representation from Kwara South.

Similarly, in his role as Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), community members say opportunities for legislative aides and related appointments were extended across the state, with many beneficiaries coming from the South.

According to residents, these efforts have not only provided employment but have also contributed to skills development, career progression, and broader participation of Kwara indigenes in national institutions.

On the economic front, the Farm2Feed programme has been widely described as a significant intervention within the zone. Residents say the initiative was designed to strengthen agricultural productivity and support rural livelihoods.

Under the programme, farmers reportedly received financial support of up to N200,000, alongside improved seedlings and fertilisers. Mechanisation services were also provided, with tractors deployed for ploughing, harrowing, tilling, and ridging. Community members note that this has improved land preparation processes, increased food production, and enhanced income opportunities for farmers across Kwara South.

Residents also highlighted ongoing social support initiatives, particularly during the Ramadan period. These include daily feeding programmes reaching over 2,000 people across local government areas, financial support for Imams, distribution of Eid packages, and annual children's Eid celebrations that attract thousands of participants.

Tunji Alao, a resident of Omu-Aran, said: "We have seen these things happen year after year; from education support to employment and farming programmes. It is not something that started recently."

Another community member in Offa, Adewale Ganiyu, added: "The impact cuts across different areas. People here can point to students supported, people employed, and farmers empowered. These are things we can verify."

Segun Olalekan, a youth leader in Ijagbo, also noted: "We are not saying others are not trying, but when it comes to consistent impact that people have actually felt, Prof. Amana stands out."

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