Tejidini's KWASSIP Cash Cow Under Scrutiny: Where Has The Money Gone?
By Sulaiman Onimago
I decided to pen down this piece after reading, listening to and watching the recent conversations around KWASSIP, both on and offline. The programme, meant to be a pillar of social investment in Kwara State, now faces questions that touch the very core of transparency and accountability. What exactly does KWASSIP stand for? What has it achieved since inception? More importantly, where has the money gone?
Reflecting on the national backdrop, we can’t ignore the Buhari administration's initial steps into social investment programmes. Spearheaded by then-Vice President Prof. Osinbajo, initiatives like ‘Trader Moni’ were introduced as targeted measures to alleviate poverty. However, over time, concerns around accountability began to emerge. In Buhari’s second term, the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouk aimed to expand efforts to combat poverty on a broader scale. But soon, the ministry faced accusations of misappropriating billions meant for public welfare, resulting in failure of the ministry to meet expectations placed on it.
President Tinubu’s tenure began with hopes for change. He appointed a young, vibrant Medical Doctor. Beta Edu to man the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, aiming for better oversight and transparency. The minister’s open stance on accountability initially gave us hope; she even boldly said it during the budget defence by charging the relevant committees for oversight. But before any substantial budget implementation could even begin, reports surfaced that funds were diverted against government policy, leading to her suspension. Both APC and PDP members all benefitted from the ministry’s lapses, and here we are again, hoping for honesty and a fresh start.
Now let’s bring it back to Kwara. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq introduced the Kwara State Social Investment Programme, KWASSIP in 2020, modelled somewhat after the above-mentioned national programmes to provide targeted financial support to vulnerable individuals in the state. The programme birthed initiatives like *Owo Isowo* and *Owo Arugbo*, intended to uplift small traders and the elderly. Since its inception, KWASSIP has been led by three different individuals -- Muhammad Brimah, Qoweey Olododo and now the acting DG, Dr. Abdulwasiu Tejidini. And here lies a major concern: despite the billions reportedly channelled into KWASSIP, poverty rates in Kwara have surged from 11.7% in 2018 to an alarming 42.5% today.
With these numbers in mind, it is difficult to ignore the questions raised by opposition parties: has KWASSIP genuinely worked for the people, or has it devolved into a political tool? The recent confrontation between PDP’s PRO, Olusegun Olushola Shollyment and the acting DG only heightened this question. When asked about the funds allocated to KWASSIP, Dr. Tejidini, no less redirected the inquiry to the CPS, Malam Rafiu Ajakaiye. But why? What does the CPS have to do with KWASSIP’s financial management? Or is there something the public isn’t aware of?
The opposition’s claims that billions of naira of state funds have passed through KWASSIP since 2020 call for clarity. If KWASSIP has indeed received such substantial funding, accountability is essential. In fact, it is non-negotiable. Why should Kwarans remain uninformed about allocations to a government agency and how much has been actually been disbursed? This lack of clear answers not only undermines the agency’s credibility but also raises doubts about the government’s commitment to addressing poverty in an open and accountable manner.
I have noticed how APC members, loyalists and friends of Dr Tejidini, including those we once regarded as activists, have been skirting around the questions of transparency and accountability posed at KWASSIP leadership by mentioning opposition figures who have received money from the agency. The question isn’t about who has benefited from KWASSIP money or not. Every Kwaran irrespective of their political affiliation is entitled to benefit from any state-funded initiatives and projects. There’s no debate about that. The central issues we should be looking at is the financial records of KWASSIP; how much has the state government injected into the agency since its establishment and how have these monies been utilised. Is that too much to ask? Certainly Not. Another concern I would like KWASSIP to address is the loans it has given out. What has been the recovery rate?
The Acting DG, Dr Tejidini and by extension, the state government, owe the people of Kwara a clear, unfiltered breakdown of KWASSIP’s finances from 2020 to date. This isn’t a request borne out of scepticism; it is a fundamental right of every Kwara citizen. How much has been allocated? Where has it gone? And, most crucially, how has it impacted the lives of the people? If billions of naira are purportedly channeled into fighting poverty, but poverty rates continue to soar, is that not an indication that there is a problem somewhere and that there is a need for government to review its approach?
In writing this piece, my intent isn’t to point fingers but to advocate for transparency. KWASSIP’s purpose is to uplift, not mystify. Governor Abdulrahman introduced it with a noble goal. Yet, noble goals mean little without transparency and measurable results.
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