The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has pledged to establish a N100 billion Security Trust Fund and introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants if elected governor in the 2027 general elections.

Kawu made the commitments in Ilorin during the public unveiling of his policy manifesto, tagged The SBK Compact – Kwara People First, which outlines his comprehensive agenda across security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment.

Explaining his focus on security, the former senior civil servant stated that the proposed N100 billion Security Trust Fund would finance intelligence-led operations, strengthen community policing partnerships, procure modern equipment for security agencies, and enhance inter-agency coordination across Kwara State. He noted that his resolve was deepened following a visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where he witnessed the aftermath of violent attacks.

"One of the most painful experiences in my entire life was my visit to Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of our state. I stood before the destruction. I saw blood on the ground. I witnessed firsthand the pain and fear of a traumatised community. As Governor, I will not rest or sleep when the life of any Kwaran is under threat," he declared.

On civil service and pensioners' welfare, Kawu assured workers of prompt payment of salaries and entitlements alongside an annual 13th-month salary bonus. He also pledged to clear outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities through a transparent repayment framework projected to increase payments by N4 billion over four years, as well as review upward the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers in recognition of their role in maintaining community peace.

To drive grassroots infrastructure and community participation, the PDP candidate promised to allocate N50 million to each of the 193 wards in the state totalling N9.65 billion within his first 100 days in office for community-selected priority projects under strict technical supervision. He further proposed a N40 billion One Kwara Regional Development Agency and at least N5 billion in counterpart funding over four years to rehabilitate rural and urban roads, expand rural electrification, deploy renewable energy, and improve access to potable water.

In the economic, agricultural, and enterprise sectors, Kawu pledged to create 200,000 youth employment opportunities and 5,000 enterprise opportunities annually through skills acquisition and private-sector partnerships. His economic blueprint includes a N19.2 billion agricultural production fund for farmers and cooperatives, a N9.6 billion revolving loan scheme for market traders, a N9.6 billion single-digit interest loan facility for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), a N3 billion Women Enterprises and Empowerment Fund, and annual support grants for at least 1,000 artisans.

Addressing human capital development, Kawu committed N4 billion to special monthly hardship allowances for teachers posted to underserved and hard-to-reach rural communities, alongside school rehabilitation, digital learning expansion, technical and vocational training, and scholarships for indigent students. In the health sector, he promised to upgrade primary healthcare centres across all 16 local government areas, ensure steady access to essential medicines, and introduce special allowances for rural health workers.

Drawing on his administrative experience in public service, particularly at the Rural Electrification Agency, Kawu stated that his programmes would be funded through disciplined budgeting, efficient domestic resource mobilisation, and transparent governance, stressing that he would assume office with a clear, actionable blueprint for Kwara State.