•Takes Campaign Against Open Defecation To Grassroot

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has taken the campaign against open defecation to the grassroots to eradicate it across the state.

The Governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon.Usman Yunusa Lade, enjoined the traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands with the state government to put an end to open defecation in the state.

The Governor stated this on the occasion of the official flag-off of the stakeholder engagement meeting organized by the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) held at Iloffa Secretariat of Oke-Ero Local Government Area.

AbdulRazaq called on the stakeholders to join hands with the state government on this noble vision, adding that the state government cannot do it alone.

“Open defecation is not just a matter of sanitation; it’s a matter of public health, dignity, and human rights. It is a challenge that we must confront head-on. In our pursuit of a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Kwara State, this stakeholder engagement meeting is a pivotal step forward”.

He assured the public of the state government’s resolve to provide the necessary resources, support, and policies to make this enviable vision a reality.

In her address at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Christiana Omolola Asonibare, commended the organizers of the program for creating an enabling environment to engage the critical stakeholders in the best way possible to sensitize the public.

The Permanent Secretary implored the traditional rulers, community leaders other major stakeholders especially the Transition Implementation Chairmen (TIC) of the local government areas to help educate and enlighten the people at the grassroots to create awareness for its success.

In his welcome address, the Transition Implementation Chairman of Oke-Ero Local Government Area,

Engr. Gbenga Victor Yusuf said that forty-eight million Nigerians are still practicing open defecation with ninety-five million who are without access to basic sanitation services and facilities in the country.

He pledged to organize a similar campaign program for the people in his Local Government as a means of reaching out to the grassroots.

Speaking at the occasion, the General Manager of the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Ilorin Mr. Olorunfemi Oladipo Adewumi, described open defecation as a grave public health issue, not only in our state but across the entire globe.

The General Manager emphasized that the present administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has shown the state’s commitment to eradicating open defecation and providing a safe and clean water supply.

Mr. Adewumi said that water is a fundamental human right, and its provision is at the core of this administration’s mandate.

He pledged to carry the campaign to the rest part of the state for people to be more sensitized.

Mallam Adamu M. Saidu,

Press Secretary,

Ministry of Water Resources

In one of his many writings on leadership which he titled ‘Six Studies in World Strategy’, America’s all-time diplomatic czar and statesman Henry Kissinger said ‘leaders think and act at the intersection of two axes: the first, between the past and the future; the second, between the abiding values and aspirations of those they lead. Their first challenge is analysis, which begins with a realistic assessment of their society based on its history, mores, and capacities. Then they must balance what they know, which is necessarily drawn from the past, with what they intuit about the future, which is inherently conjectural and uncertain. It is this intuitive grasp of direction that enables leaders to set objectives and lay down a strategy’.

The above was what came to my mind as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq set the ball rolling for Kwara to own a state university of education — for a start. It is interesting to note that the report of the transition implementation committee (in 2019) that gave the Governor some preliminary insights into the whats, the hows, and the wheres of the state had specifically mentioned a need for Kwara to own one.

A few persons have asked why Kwara should have a university of education. A few others have scoffed at the initiative. What I observe is that most of the critics appear to not know what the issues are.

At this moment in history, our colleges of education in Nigeria are grasping for breath. Many of them hang on government’s subventions and bailouts, such as were again recently approved for our Colleges in Kwara to offset their salaries. In response to some of the challenges that colleges of education now face nationwide, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed Federal Colleges of Education Act 2023, which, among other things, empowers Federal Colleges of Education to run NCE and related degree programmes concurrently. The Act, which repealed the one of 2004, states its objectives to include provision of legal basis for the award of diplomas and degrees and give the Colleges the powers to expand the scope of the curriculum of the Colleges to degree-awarding institutions.

Stakeholders in the colleges of education call it dual mode, and have hailed the President for assenting to the bill. At an audience with them on August 21, 2023, the leadership of the Joint Academic Staff Unions in Tertiary Institutions (JASUTI) appealed to the state government to domesticate the Federal Colleges of Education Act in Kwara State. Another request of JASUTI on that day — and always — is for the government to convert one of the COED to a university of education. When the government set up visitation panels to the three COED in Kwara State, their terms of reference included to examine and recommend how the state can draw inspirations from the new College of Education Act 2023.

Colleges of Education were, to an extent, the successor institutions to the old Teachers’ College or Training Institute. But times have changed. Enrollment in the colleges has dropped drastically. For instance, as of November 2, 2023, the total number of students at the College of Education Ilorin is 2,751, which is hardly a fraction of Year One students in some universities. Ironically, the staff strength of the same college stands at 604, more than half of them being non-academic. Of the 604, the academic staff are just 163, representing a paltry 26.9% of the people on the payroll.

Reforms are inevitable, and the setting up of the visitation panels is the first step. The public should note that the early years of the administration were spent stabilising these colleges following several months of crises, which the new administration had since resolved.

Despite resolving the crises that spanned different periods of the former administration through 2019, the colleges remain at a critical intersection of history as the pressure for reforms and modernisation mounts. Many of them, especially CoED Ilorin and Oro, are now affiliated to some universities within and outside of Kwara State. It is a survival strategy, not something they willingly do. The affiliation offers their students an opportunity to upgrade their NCE to a university degree. This is a money-spinning initiative by the benefiting university at the expense of the Colleges. All the colleges benefit in this arrangement is to keep their NCE students.

On top of this is the persisting infrastructural deficits and lack of enough access to research grants now worsened by a new federal government policy that pegs the slots that Colleges of Education have in the Tertiary Education Trust (TETFUND).

Hunkering down for reforms that accommodate the current economic situation, the administration has decided, for a start, to make one of the three COED a university of education and the mechanisms for doing that have been set in motion with the committee led by Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem. That way, new and expectedly more enrollees are coming in either for double honours degrees, diplomas, or the traditional NCE. With more students come more revenues and the colleges (and their alumni) are saved the dishonour of dying off. The schools would no longer need affiliations to some other universities to keep their NCE students. And the colleges (now university) will have a stronger footing in the club of TETFUND beneficiaries for research grants and infrastructural development.

Methinks the burden of initial investments that would naturally be made will pale into insignificance when the hard work and the ingenuity of the government bear great fruits for all.

•Rafiu Ajakaye is Chief Press Secretary to the G overnor of Kwara State

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has appointed former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem (OFR) as chairman of the study, planning and implementation committee for the establishment of Kwara State University of Education, according to a statement on Wednesday.

The 11-person committee also comprised Deacon Pastor Afolayan J. Babatunde (Secretary); Professor (Mrs) Medinat Salman; Prof. (Mrs) Sidikat F. Adeyemi; Prof. Umar Gunu; Engineer Sa’ad Belgore; Mrs. Mulikat Lawal; Femi Aina; former Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji Abubakar Abdul-Razaq Jiddah; and a representative each of the Ministries of Housing and Urban Development and Justice (the latter being a female).

The administration has since started preliminary efforts to birth the university of education using one of the three existing Colleges of Education as the launchpad.

The state is similarly pulling the strings to have Abuja adopt one of the CoEDs as a Federal College of Education, while the third one adopts dual-mode that empowers it to issue bachelor’s degree in line with the recent laws governing Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

The 11-person committee will work out the modalities for the establishment, workings, and funding of the school. It will, among other things, develop the rationale and justification for a state-owned specialised university of education, including an assessment of the existing conventional, non-degree awarding —NCE/Diploma — colleges or university which limited facilities may fall short of the eligibility for automatic registration with the Teachers’ Registration Council.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
November 1, 2023

Our attention has been drawn to a ridiculous News Conference by ruminants of the discredited Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State about the situation of Local Governments in the State.

We observed that the party in recent times has been trying to seek relevance after its shocking defeat in the last General elections by crying wolf where there is none.

Like a drowned man clinging to a straw at the bank of a river, the PDP has suddenly associated itself with a judgement obtained by None-Governmental group which is on Appeal at the Supreme Court. We admonished the PDP to consult with its lawyers on the process of appeal at the Supreme court and stop misleading the public that the State Government has not filed any brief at the apex court.

For the purpose of clarity, our exemplary Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, a law-abiding leader, has only complied with the resolution of the State House of Assembly which directed the dissolution of the Local Governments following the discovery of monumental corruption by Chairmen hurriedly appointed into office in a sham election conducted by the PDP.

While we sympathize with victims of different attacks by criminals in some parts of the State, the PDP should note that Kwara has been adjudged by different Law enforcement agencies as one of the peaceful States in the country when compared with the magnitude of insecurity in the country, it is therefore disheartening that the PDP is linking the Local Government issue with pockets of crimes in the State.

It is also absurd that the PDP which claimed that no one has seen the copy of amendment to the Local Government Bill before the House of Assembly at the same time claimed that there are plans to shift the Local Government elections to 2025. What a confusion by a rejected party!

We restate that the stage is set for Local Government elections and we have no doubt that like previous elections the PDP will suffer massive defeat at the polls

It is laughable that the PDP claimed that former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed launched, the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a World Bank Project in 2017 but failed to tell the public whether its administration ever paid counterpart funding as required by the partners.

Kwarans will never forget the PDP for the launch and commissioning projects that never got completed by the PDP administration. Such uncompleted projects include Ilesha Baruba Road, KWASU campuses in Okuta and Osi.

The Projects embarked upon by the current administration are well known to the public and will be commissioned at the right time

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is not known for failed promises or deception like leaders of the PDP who looted dry the public treasury before they were booted out of office in 2019

The People of Kwara now know the difference between plunderer of Public Treasury and man working to restore the lost glory of the state in order to improve their lives .

We urge Kwarans not to fall for the antics of the Kwara PDP who never mean well for the State. They are suffering from withdrawal syndrome from dipping their hands in the public Till.

They believe that the Public treasury is a slush fund with which they feed their greed

Alhaji Bashir Adigun

Special Adviser on Media

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday paid a visit to some of the medical facilities being put in place at the state General Hospital Ilorin to inspect the level and quality of work done so far.

The administration has since embarked on a comprehensive redesign and renovation of the dental clinics and eye care centre, new intensive care unit, and construction of some VIP wards at the hospital to improve healthcare service delivery for the citizens.

The Governor expressed satisfaction at the standards of the facilties.

“We have delivered several projects across different sectors for the use of the people. For us, it is not about commissioning. And we may, of course, commission some of these projects from time to time, and they are quite many as you have seen in this hospital alone. Our priority is service delivery. This visit is to see things for myself and make sure our people have the right equipment and personnel in place,” AbdulRazaq told newsmen after the facility tour in Ilorin.

The Governor was conducted round by the Executive Secretary State Hospital Management Board Dr AbdulRaheem Malik and the Chief Medical Director of the hospital Dr Ahmed Bola Abdulkadir.

He pledged that the government will also give the right attention to the other General Hospitals at Offa, Omu-Aran, Kaiama, and other parts of the state one after the other.

“From what I have seen so far, it is excellent. The standard is very good. I am impressed with what I have seen. We intend to build on this. We will also go to Offa, Omu-Aran and Kaiama and the likes, and make sure that they meet the standards,” the Governor added.

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

October 30, 2023

The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state through the procurement of mattresses for the Camping activities.

The official handing over was carried out by the Supervising Commissioner for Ministry of Youth Development, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, who expressed the agenda of the government to doing everything necessary to make the lives of Youth Corp members bearable.

The Commissioner stressed that the procurement of the mattresses is a reflection of the collaboration between the body and the state government.

“Our Governor is a father for all, and this is part of the government’s support for the NYSC, which shows that the government is interested in the welfare of youth corp members in the state.

“It is part of His Excellency’s commitment to creating enabling environment for the youth to thrive and also make the stay of the Corp members memorable.

“the mattresses will be available for use for prospective corp members now and in the future,” he stated.

Earlier, The Kwara NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, stressed that the kind of gesture shown to them cannot be overemphasized.

The state coordinator expressed that the procurement of 500 mattresses for Corp members by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq shows that he is a good father and leader, who wants the Corp members to sleep at ease during their camp activities.

Present at the handing over are the Management staff of the Ministry of Youth Development, and staff of the State NYSC body.

Oluwafemi Samuel Adeoye,

Press Secretary,

Ministry of Youth Development.

• State reduces under-five malaria prevalence to 6%

• Gov demonstrates use, flags off distribution of 2.2m treated nets in Kwara

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday came up for national applause by the Global Fund as the body rated the administration as one of the best in the fight against malaria.

The commendation came as

Governor AbdulRazaq personally launched the statewide distribution of integrated Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention and insecticide Treated Nets (SMC/ITN) across communities in the state.

“Today’s event again testifies to the commitment of our administration to the wellbeing of our people, especially in the fight against malaria. Our malaria elimination programmes and strategies are complementary to the multipronged approach we are using to address health care challenges in the state,” the Governor said in Ilorin at the flag off ceremony of the integrated SMC/ITN campaign for 2023.

Dwelling on the huge success recorded by the administration during the implementation of 2020 ITN campaigns, AbdulRazaq promised to continue to pay prompt attention to the health needs of the masses.

The Governor said the mosquito net is an effective tool to tackle the menace of malaria through the barrier it provides against mosquito bites, especially in the night when used as prescribed, urging Kwara residents to collect and put them to good use.

“The remarkable success of our last outing in November, 2020 was not limited to the 99% state-wide coverage and its attendant socioeconomic impacts. It also contributed to the overall improved health indices that we are celebrating and have been rewarded for in the state,” he said.

“It has been established that these interventions have helped to bring the prevalence of malaria to as low as 20%. This is far from the 27% that was recorded in 2018 before we came on board and even below the current national average of 22%.

“The success in the implementation of the SMC strategy since 2021 where we have been administering malaria preventive tablets to our under 5-year-old children has also crashed the incidence of severe malaria among this age group to as low as 6%.”

He congratulated every member of the team and partners on the huge feats made, and pledged to continue to create an enabling environment to encourage and support partnership and collaborations to achieve a lot more.

The Governor had earlier on Wednesday received on a courtesy visit a delegation comprising representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Team Lead for Global Fund Programme Management Unit for National Malaria Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health Dr. Issa Kawu; Nigeria Country Manager for Global Fund Dr. Jean-Thomas Nouboussi; Managing Director Society for Family Health Dr. Omokhudi Idogho; and State Coordinator for World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Salihu Abdullahi; among other dignitaries.

They were received at the Government House alongside Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; Secretary to the State Government Prince Abdulkadir Mahe Aliyu; and State Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam; Commissioner for Communications Hon. Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology (BIT) Yusuf Damilola; Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs Abubakar Bata; and Commissioner for Energy Abdulganiy Abdulazeez Kola; among others.

Dr. Issa Kawu, who represented the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said malaria, according to the 2022 World Malaria report, remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country contributing 27 % to the global malaria burden and 23% to malaria deaths globally.

He commended the Governor for his proactiveness that has resulted in the huge success recorded in the state’s response to malaria prevalence.

Dr. Kawu said malaria prevalence has dropped drastically in Kwara State under the watch of the Governor owing to his commitments to the antimalaria campaign in the state.

Dr. El-Imam, for her part, said some 2.2m nets worth $11.6m and SPAQ (malaria preventive drugs) worth $36.1m are to be distributed in this round for the benefit of the people.

She attributed the feat the government has recorded to the government’s passion and responsiveness to the welfare needs of the citizens, hoping to achieve greater results for the current SMC/ITN campaign.

The Commissioner said the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) activities are already ongoing in 11 LGAs of the state that were selected based on rainfall pattern information for 4 consecutive months.

Dr. Jean-thomas, country manager for Global Fund, hailed the Governor’s leadership style and dynamism that he noted led to the state’s landmark achievements in the health sector.

He said AbdulRazaq’s passionate drive of the health sector accounted for the choice of Kwara as the first state to receive the new and effective LLIN and SMC/ITN nets.

“Before the end of the year, our Executive Director will organise a mission to visit Kwara. He wants to visit Kwara because of all the successes that we have been telling. It is not only the Global Fund secretariat, but the whole world is telling good stories about Kwara, on the story of Kwara regarding the successes and elimination of Malaria in Kwara,” he said.

“This (first-of-its-kind event) is to compensate your effort in mobilising your colleagues and health workforce in putting some resources in this campaign. Kwara is one of the best states playing its part by putting its counterpart resources as and when due. It has been quite exemplary.”

Highlights of the event were the symbolic presentation of insecticide Treated Nets to some families in the state and the Governor demonstrating the use of the net by briefly sleeping in it.”

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

October 18, 2023

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to invest in agriculture and partner with relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem of food insecurity, as the state marks the World Food Day.

The Governor said one of the key mandates of his government is to support food production for the masses, and ensure that extreme hunger and starvation are curtailed to the barest minimum.

“I am delighted to join you as we mark World Food Day ‘23 to create awareness on food security, food safety and zero hunger. This day is more than just about food; it is also about the people and communities that rely on it for their survival. It is also about the shared responsibility we all have to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and affordable food,” the Governor said in Ilorin at the 4th Kwara Food Summit – one of the flagship activities put together to commemorate the day.

The Summit was jointly organized by the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Kwara Agriculture Network, with the sub-theme: “Harnessing Agricultural Potential in Kwara state; Roles of Agricultural Financing and Technical Advisory services’ ‘.

The programme featured paper presentations and panelists, drawn from various institutions of government and private businesses.

AbdulRazaq expressed concern that despite the importance of food to mankind there are millions of people around the World facing chronic hunger. He said all hands must be on deck to address the hunger crisis.

“At our level in Kwara State, we have made some significant strides in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. We shall continue to invest in agricultural development; we will also continue to partner with other governments and organizations to find lasting solutions to the problem of food insecurity”.

Represented by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, the Governor said the sub-theme aligns with the administration’s effort on the need to foster collaborations to improve access to finance as well as extension and technical advisory services especially for small and medium scale enterprises across the agricultural value chains as contained in its 10 years Agricultural Transformation Plan.

He said the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has been rolling out a series of initiatives and programmes to ensure that the local farmers get the needed support to improve their productivity.

“Finally, let us celebrate the progress we have made in the fight against food insecurity and rededicate ourselves to the goal of a world free of hunger,” he added. The Governor commended the partnership of Kwara Agriculture Network (KAN) under the headship of Al-Mustapha Ibrahim.

The event was attended by Kwara House of Assembly member and Chairman House Committee on Agriculture Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon; state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas; Olupako of Share Oba Haruna Olawale Sulaiman; Olusin of Ijara-isin Oba Ajibola Ademola Julius; Elerin of Adanla Irese Dr. David Oyerinola Adedumoye; Executive Director for ARMTI Dr. Olufemi Oladuni; Senator Solihu Mustapha ably represented by Prince Ayodeji Ajisefini; Executive Chairman Kwara Agriculture Network (KAN) Al-Mustapha Ibrahim; representatives of Bank of Industry; Bank of Agriculture; Al-hikwah University; financial institutions and agro-allied companies and associations; among others.

Hon. Gideon, in his goodwill message, pledged that the House will continue to make available necessary legislations to support the state government in the efforts to consolidate on its success in that sector.

Hon. Thomas, in her remarks, said Governor AbdulRazaq has approved the creation of Kwara Agriculture Help Desk that will be located at the Ministry to further assist farmers, processors and investors in finding solutions to challenges bordering on finances and technical advisory support for them to start and scale up their agro-businesses.

“The desk office is also designed to guide our indigenous farmers on the right farm inputs, chemical and other technical services to enhance their productivity, which will ultimately lead to increase in food production and security,” the Commissioner said.

Executive Director, ARMTI, Dr. Olufemi Oladunni, in his paper presentation, said there was the need for all year round irrigation farming if food security is to be achieved.

He appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for his strides and focus on developing the agric sector and called on all and sundry to join hands with governments to achieve sufficiency in food production in the state.

Executive Chairman, Kwara Agriculture Network (KAN) Al-Mustapha Ibrahim, said they are committed to working with necessary stakeholders to enhance agricultural productivity, support small-scale farmers, and invest in modern farming technologies.

Modupe Joel

Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Deputy Governor

October 16, 2023

The Kwara State Government has inaugurated special taskforce on waste management, in order to eradicate indiscriminate dumping of refuse, with the aim of sustaining a clean and hygienic environment, to ensure a healthy living of the people.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman stated this during the inauguration ceremony over the weekend, at the Ministry’s conference hall.

According to the Commissioner: “today is another milestone in Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led administration on its efforts at repositioning the state to be clean, hygenic and healthy for the entire citizens.”

He affirmed that the Ministry in partnership with Kwara State Social Investment Programmes (KWASSIP) has employed 20 youth to work in conjunction with the Environmental Officers with the aim of policing major roads in town, in order to curb indiscriminate dumping, stop road encroachment and maintain sanity at market places.

The Commissioner therefore charged members of the newly appointed special taskforce to be proactive and discharge their duties in accordance with the rules and regulation as entrenched in the environmental law, without fear or favor of anyone.

He appreciated Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for the Ministry to achieve its mandate.

Mallam Ndanusa also thanked the General Manager, State Social Investment Programmes (KWASSIP), Dr.Tejidini for supporting the Ministry in its bid to sustain a clean and healthy environment.

In his remarks, the General Manager, Kwara State Social Investment Programmes (KWASSIP), Dr Olayinka AbdulWasiu Tejidini commended the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his approval of the proposal to put in place a 20 member Special Taskforce, to compliment efforts of the Environment Ministry, in order to sustain an healthy environment.

He however revealed that, the Special Taskforce will be on six months probation, to test their effectiveness.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim applauded the initiative of the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and General Manager, KWASSIP which she said will go a long way at complimenting the efforts of the present administration to eradicate indiscriminate dumping of refuse and ensure a clean and healthy environment.

Hajia Ibrahim therefore charged members of the newly inaugurated Special Taskforce to be dedicated to their duties to get the desired result.

She also warned them not to take laws into their hands while discharging their duties by reporting erring members of the public, to the appropriate authority, for necessary actions.

Among the official that attended the inauguration were the Hon Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman, General Manager KWASSIP, Dr Olayinka AbdulWasiu Tejidini, Directors in the Ministry and other Principal officers from both Ministry and KWASSIP.

Yakub Kamaldeen Aliagan

Press Secretary,

MOE.

• Federal Commissioner applauds AbdulRazaq for commitment to people’s welfare

No fewer than 100 households at the weekend benefitted from the Federal government food items for internally displaced persons in Kwara State.

The food items include Rice, Garri, Semo, spaghetti, vegetable oil and salt.

At the flag off ceremony held at the Federal Secretariat Ilorin, the Federal Commissioner National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Tijani Aliyu Ahmed said the federal government is concerned about the plights of the internally displaced persons and spare no effort to assuage their sufferings.

“What we are doing here is line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has equally supported us that something meaningful is done to assuage the succour of displaced persons.

“Today’s event is an important occasion and we have come here because we have the mandate to ensure that we have durable solutions for people of concerns,” Ahmed explained.

Represented by the Deputy Director Communications and Strategy of the commission Tunde Oyasanya, the Federal Commissioner, urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items to serve the intended purpose.

“The commission has committed huge some of money to purchase these items and support you. We beg you not to sell them. This is just one of our programmes and very soon we will go into livelihood programme to empower each one of you. We do not need to be bringing food items you. We are interested in what you can do for yourselves and make money.”

Ahmed applauded the Kwara State Government for its resilience and commitment to the welfare of the people, urging the public not to stigmatise against the victims.

For his part, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties John Bello described IDPs issue as a challenge to governments at all levels, saying the administration is committed to alleviating challenges facing the internally displaced persons and other vulnerable members of the society.

“The issue of IDPs is a serious challenge to the government and the society at large. So, government is making efforts to ease the sufferings of the affected persons at all levels.

“The moment you are displaced or migrated from one place to the other, you won’t settle down well and you are likely to stretch existing facilities in your new place and that will affect the society and by extension the government,” AbdulRazaq said.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, North Central National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Bashir Abuga Yusuf lamented the increasing rate of internally displaced persons in Nigeria which he attributed to both natural and human factors.

“The increase and spread of internally displaced persons in Nigeria is at alarming rate which is resulted from factors such as violent-conflict, natural hazard and human factors like banditry. However, internally displaced persons are faced with different challenges and more at risk of physical attack, sexual exploitation and adoption and frequently deprived of adequate shelter, food and health services.”

“The federal government is not the only entity to display service to humanity. But all individuals should also partner with the government to make life worth living for everyone,” Zonal Coordinator appealed.

Hassan Jibril,

Press Secretary Kwara State Ministry of Special Duties

October 15, 2023