The Kwara South Youth Congress, a pro-democracy group advocating for the rights of residents in Kwara South, has publicly condemned Fafoluyi Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Kwara, for allegedly disseminating false information regarding the conditions at the Kwara State College of Health Technology in Offa. The spokesperson for the group, Adejare Bashir, expressed grave concerns over what they perceive as a lack of accountability and sincerity from the Kwara State government towards its citizens.
In a recent statement, Adejare referred to a video shared by the chairman of Kwara’s National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which vividly depicted the dire living conditions of health technology students. The footage revealed students forced to sleep on metal bunk beds without adequate bedding, all while residing in a decaying building. This alarming situation is compounded by the fact that the school management and the government impose high fees on students for hostel accommodations that offer little more comfort than a refugee camp. According to Bashir, this reflects a disturbing pattern of neglect towards the people of Kwara South, especially in light of the ongoing insecurities afflicting various communities in the region.
Adequate governmental action in such situations would normally include a hands-on approach, as a responsible government, one would expect that the governor or his commissioners would visit the school, access the poor situation, initiate a meaningful dialogue about potential remedies through established governmental channels. However, what transpired was instead a controversial statement issued by Olayinka. This statement, which has been described as misleading, attempted to depict a photograph linked to hospitals in Osun State as a representation of ongoing construction within the Health Technology College’s premises. Bashir raised serious questions about this insincerity, asking, “What are they trying to achieve with such deception? Who are they attempting to impress—the vulnerable students whose wellbeing is at risk, or the affluent citizens of Offa?”
Bashir further remarked on the unsettling reality that a government, tasked with safeguarding its citizens’ lives, appears to be prioritizing propaganda over genuine action. This, he asserted, not only undermines public trust but also signals a dangerous deviation from responsible governance. “When a government chooses to manipulate the truth rather than address pressing issues, it is an ungovernable act,” he stated. “ it’s more worrisome, when a government that is meant to protect the lives of its citizens now thrive in propaganda and insincerity using people lives to settle political inabilities, it’s not only an ungovernable act, it’s a step towards lose of trust in the government”
To emphasize their commitment to truth, Adejare noted that members of the Kwara South Youth Congress had visited the college and engaged with students firsthand. They have gathered ample video evidence corroborating the appalling state of the college, further reinforcing the urgent need for assistance. He urged Solace and other governmental aides who may be engaging in misinformation to refrain from exploiting the region for their own ends. “If the government is unable or unwilling to provide necessary support, it should not obstruct potential benefactors,” he concluded, expressing disappointment at what he perceives as a government opting for falsehood over genuine solutions.
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