If not that shamelessness is a disease, a man like the former Senate President and leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara state, Bukola Saraki would not be discussing Governor AbdulRahman AbulRazaq’s administration, not to talk of threatening a lawsuit against him over a statement of fact on UBEC fund which he claimed soiled his image.

What did AbdulRazaq say? He said in a forum “UBEC officials said if they had taken the matter to EFCC, the commission might begin to have problems getting their budget approved at the Senate.” Where is the lie in this statement? Where is the lie in this statement? Would Saraki not use his seat as the Senate President to afflict the commission? He would do exactly that!

This is a case that would have his name mentioned as one of the people who cornered the UBEC grants which were meant to put our schools in good shape, training teachers, and others. Saraki would have to explain how the UBEC funds he got as the governor and governor-general of Kwara state were spent. Let’s not forget that both Saraki and his handpicked Ahmed Abdulfatai left our schools in a terrible state. Nothing was done to the dilapidated buildings.

It was the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration that paid the funds that was diverted in Kwara PDP’s reigns. Now, a shameless Saraki who was supposed to bury his ugly head in shame is threatening to sue the gentleman who took the steps that erased Kwara from UBEC’s blacklist for stating the obvious. In a saner clime, Saraki and his boys who looted Kwara’s coffer to zero would have been forgotten in gulags.

Who doesn’t know Saraki to be a power drunk? President Muhammadu Buhari can’t forget how Saraki’s 8th National Assembly delayed the budget that was supposed to better the lives of millions of Nigeria. He connived with some members of his Party including the Kogi nuisance — Dino Melaye who would later fall out with him. They booed the President and set bad records in the history of Nigeria’s National Assembly.

The same Bukola Saraki who could organize the above crime wants to sue Governor AbdulRazaq for stating the obvious. Where is the lie? If the commission had taken the issue to the EFCC truly, Saraki would make sure it regret doing so. If Saraki could delay a budget meant to better the lives of millions of Nigerians over personal issues, he would not allow the commission to live without regretting taking the case to the EFCC.

Indeed, those who defame others won’t take defamatory remarks about their person from anyone. Imagine! The same Saraki who is encouraging his loyalists and fake boys to spread falsehoods about Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is feeling bitter over a state that described what he would do as a senate President and power drunk had the commission reported the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Abdulqaudri Mahmud writes from Ilorin East LGA, Zango Ward, Ilorin Kwara state

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said the next APC government under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will dredge the River Niger to curtail the annual flooding and deaths in its tributary states like Kwara, Niger, and others.

The Governor therefore asked the people of Lafiagi in Edu local government of the state to vote for Tinubu at the 2023 polls, saying his victory will benefit the northern and other parts of the state.

He listed the dredging of the River Niger as one of the top projects the state government will pursue with Asiwaju when he emerges as President.

He said Kwara will also press for federal interventions on many road and other capital projects within the state, including the Chikanda-Kosubosu road project and the upgrading of the Lafiagi Technical College.

The Governor was speaking in Lafiagi where he was turbaned the Sadaukin Lafiagi by the Emir of Lafiagi Alhaji Muhammed Kudu Kawu. The turbaning held as the Emir celebrated his first year anniversary on the throne.

“A top priority we want our Presidential candidate Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu to pay attention to when he comes to power in 2023 is the dredging of River Niger. It will be a priority because we have seen the destruction caused by the annual flood,” the Governor said.

The Governor was turbaned alongside Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) who got the title of Dan-Amar of the Lafiagi Emirate.

He promised to consolidate on the gains of the administration in the Emirate by paying more attention to their welfare and infrastructural needs.

“We will not relent in paying due respect and attention to this Emirate, as we do to others. As you know, and as the Emir has said in his speech, we have made a lot of progress in this Emirate. In 2019, the situation was very sad in terms of education, human capital development; general infrastructure across board. It is now a different story,” he said.

“Edu local government remains one of the strongest and progressive local governments in Nigeria, essentially for hosting two sugar refinery projects, and our own investment in Gbugbu International market.”

He said efforts are being made by his administration and Senator Sadiq Umar to ensure that the construction of Chikanda-Kosubosu road project see the light of the day, explaining that the matter has already been raised at the Federal Executive Council.

AbdulRazaq, who was impressed by the level of development and peace in Lafiagi, attributed the feats to the brilliant efforts of the Emir and the Emirate Advisory Council he had constituted describing the Emir as highly intelligent.

He also congratulated the monarch on the first year anniversary on the throne and wished him more rewarding years.

At the event were Senator Sadiq Umar; cabinet members and top government officials; first class traditional rulers from Kwara North and South; and thousands people of Lafiagi town and environs.

Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, for his part, said they deemed it fit to confer the Governor with such title in appreciation of his government’s strides in the Emirate.

He said the Emirate has witnessed significant progress during the present administration and promised that the people of the Lafiagi will reward him with their vote in the coming election.

“Most inspiring for me is the support I have received by those that have adopted Lafiagi as their second home. And in order to show our appreciation I put to them (Lafiagi Emirate Advisory Council) the need for us to recognise them today for the services and support they have rendered to our community,” the Emir said.

“Those who are honoured today with the conferment of traditional titles have, since my ascension to the throne, shown uncommon love for our community, especially in initiating and siting various developmental projects in our domain. Leading them is His Excellency the Governor of Kwara State, who has transformed our local market at Gbugbu into an international one.

“The government also constructed the Lafiagi Township road, and more importantly that it secured approval of the federal government to construct a highway from Lafiagi through Tsonga, Bode Saadu to Kaiama under the Tax Exception programme,” he added.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 23, 2022

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had his speech punctuated by applauses and affirmation on Sunday as he narrated how the capital city Ilorin is wearing new looks following government’s delivery of new roads and execution of many giant projects that the public could easily relate with.

Speaking at the 57th Annual National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) at the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Governor commended the traditional ruler and the IEDPU for keeping the flag flying and said a lot needs to be done to make the capital city the number one positive reference point in Nigeria.

“I especially commend the Emir and the leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union for keeping the flag flying every year. We thank you for keeping the legacy of Sheikh Alimi evergreen. Distinguished elders, brothers and sisters, our administration remains committed to inclusive growth. Our goal is to make Ilorin one of the most celebrated capital cities in Nigeria and beyond. This is what informs the focus of our projects,” he said.

“We need to commend the focus of the IEDPU. We used to come annually for the launch of calendar. But this year has changed and we are proud of that. The main focus for this year is the ICT centre. I dare say that we must support the IEDPU to make sure that by this time next year the ICT project is completed.

“I was in Kwara South yesterday to launch a hospital project by Offa Metropolitan Club. Let’s also make Ilorin greater; we should take the lead. By this time next year, IEDPU should be launching another project. It is a challenge for all of us. We are all members of the IEDPU and we should support them to achieve the set goals.

“By now we should be pointing to numerous community-sponsored projects in Ilorin. I am glad this has started already. On our part, we are trying to change the face of Ilorin. You can see interlocking pavements taking place all over the town under our urban renewal programme. We are dualising the Yebumot/Oloje road; we are fixing Adeta/Pakata road; and Pakata/Oja-Oba road project; Old and New Yidi road. We will keep doing our best to make sure we transform Ilorin.

“In terms of infrastructure, we are renovating different parts of the state stadium; and we are building a new Squash Court. The Ilorin International Conference Centre will be the best of its kind in northern Nigeria outside Abuja. In terms of industrialisation and employment, we have just awarded a contract for industrial pack in Eiyenkorin. There will be another pack in Malete. And you know, the state is building its own Innovation Hub, which will run along with IEDPU’s Innovation Hub in order to empower our youths to achieve greater heights.

“Let us commend the Chief of Staff to the President Prof Ibrahim Gambari. He hardly has time to come to Ilorin but he has been doing a yeoman’s job in Abuja. One of the projects, which has not been announced properly, is the protocol we signed which work will begin soon. It is a brand new diagnostic center worth $7million which will be located in Ilorin here. You have seen that during Maimartaba’s reign God is doing Ilorin favours. All Ilorin indigenes are progressing dutifully and rightfully.”

The Governor meanwhile donated a sum of N25m as a support for the IEDPU’s ICT hub and promised to ensure quick completion of the project.

Among other donors, Turaki Ilorin and APC Kwara Central Senatorial Candidate Mallam Saliu Mustapha also donated N20m, while Hajia Bola Shagaya donated N10m in support of the IEDPU project.

At the event were the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Interior and Chairman of the occasion Dr. Shuaib Belgore; Ilorin Emirate Council of Chiefs; Chief Imam Ilorin Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Soliu; and other Imams and Islamic scholars; Grand Mufti of Ilorin Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa; Turakin Ilorin Mallam Saliu Mustapha; National President for IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman; Registrar of JAMB, Prof Is-haq Oloyede; Vice Chancellor University of Abuja, Prof Abdulrosheed Na’Allah; businesswoman and Zaraniya Ilorin Hajia Muina Sagaya; former Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem; Executive Director for National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) Engr. A. R Kamal; guest speaker Sheikh Abdulwahab Banni Afonta; and dozens of dignitaries and sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate.

The Emir of Ilorin, for his part, appealed to the descendants of the Emirate to remain peaceful and united, and be committed to the course of growth and progress of the Emirate.

He congratulated the leadership of IEDPU and the entire people of the Emirate for devoting their time and resources for the overall development of the city.

The monarch hailed Governor AbdulRazaq for taking a lead in the projects that continue to change the face of the ancient city.

Belgore, for his part, said Ilorin is fast becoming a choice destination for tourism because of the proliferation of state-of-the-art facilities, which he noted has continued to promote development and bring about economic benefits to the residents and entire citizens.

He commended the leadership qualities of Governor AbdulRazaq and how he uniquely contributed to the growth of the Emirate and turned the city to a tourism and economic hub.

“I would like to say that it is encouraging that Ilorin city is fast becoming a choice destination for tourism, thanks to the proliferation of state-of-the-art facilities in hotels, resorts, other public facilities and chiefly the drive of the state Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq,” he said.

Belgore charged the people of the Emirate to continue to exist in peace and unity, and forge ahead in the area of career development.

National President for IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, said the cultural activity was organised to converse, consult and harvest thoughts on issues of local, national and International dimensions for the good of the Ilorin community and the nation at large.

The President, who clarified that the Union is apolitical, called on political parties in the state to make their campaigns issue-based and devoid of violence, asking politicians to always caution their followers against what could threaten the existing peace in the city and the entire state.

Otta praised AbdulRazaq for his government’s investments in road and school infrastructure, and waste management system, including the flyover at Tanke and expansion of Yebumot/Ita-Ama/Oloje road project, asking the government to do more.

“Crime and criminality are reducible if the youth are engaged in any sector of our economy or offered the opportunity to run their own enterprises. We owe our youth the duty of making a living and surviving notwithstanding the condition of our economy by drawing them away from political thuggery, cybercrime, scam of any sort,” he added.

One of the highlights of the programme was the Emir announcing Hajia Bola Shagaya as the Zaraniya of Ilorin.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 25, 2022

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has felicitated Christians on the occasion of Christmas, calling it a unique moment to celebrate and reflect upon God’s mercies and the birth of Jesus Christ.

In a statement on the eve of the Christmas celebration, the Governor commended the Christian community for being great partners of his administration in the development of Kwara State.

“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, I join the Christian community to share in the happiness of the moment. I wish every family a joyous and safe celebration of the reason for the season,” the statement.

Kwara State on Friday night honoured a galaxy of its great and the good, deceased or alive, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq saying the awards underline his administration’s efforts to promote excellence, hard work, patriotism, inclusion, and sustainable development.

The awards came under various categories, atop of which are the Lifetime Achievements’ Awards and Posthumous Awards that featured some of Kwara’s finest breeds and legends of all time from different walks of life: law, politics, economy, academics, arts and culture, security agencies, trade and commerce, media, and sports, among others.

Winners in some other categories got mouth-watering prizes, including brand-new exotic cars presented to six winners like the overall best teacher, overall best worker in the health sector, best supporting officer in security sector, best para-athlete, and best athlete. Overall Best Student got N500,000, while a few others in some other categories got varying monetary prizes.

The stars of the Lifetime Achievements and Posthumous awards’ categories included Nigeria’s former Chief Justice Alfa Salihu Modibbo Belgore; former head of Nigeria’s secret police General Abdullahi Adangba; Dr. Amuda Aluko; late Chief Josiah Olawoyin; founder of Okin Biscuit and foremost educationist Emmanuel Adesoye; former Senate Leader Olusola Saraki; first lawyer in Northern Nigeria AbdulGaniyu Folorunsho Abdul-Razaq, SAN; living music legend Jayegbade Alao; former Central Bank Governor and Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters Dr. Sarah Alade; the late Ahman Patigi; the late Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice Mahmud Babatunde Belgore; the late Governor Mohammed Alabi Lawal; the late Gen. Tunde Idiagbon; late General Abdulkareem Adisa; late Gen. Lasisi Bamigboye; first Professor of Geology in Africa Prof. Mosobalaje Oyawoye; the late former Minister of Health Alhaji Yahya Madawaki Orioko; former Governor Shaaba Lafiagi; former Governor Cornelius Adebayo; winner of an international academic award Prof. Abdulrazaq Abdulmajeed Alaro; founder of Kam Holdings Alhaji Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf; founder of Al-Hikmah University Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji; former Vice Chancellor of FUT Minna Prof. Suleiman Adeyemi; Prof. David Babalola; former Minister Amina Ndalolo; Ambassador Zara Omar; and the late football legend Rashidi Yekini; amongst many others.

The two categories had at least 50 great recipients honoured for their impacts in Kwara, Nigeria, and the world.

Several of the awardees were present at the maiden stately event, while many others were represented by their children, wives, families, and friends. The Governor personally presented the two major categories, while other dignitaries presented the others amid interludes of short videos featuring the strides of the administration across various sectors, especially health, education, and safety nets for the poor.

The night saw Kwara honour many of its development partners (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, ActionAid Nigeria, etc), firms and individuals, who have done so well for themselves and for the state for many years — a category which the First Lady Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq presented.

The Radio Kwara, long known for its quality broadcast and its being a longstanding legacy of the state, won the medal in the media category that had the NTA and TVC as contestants.

The award ceremony had quality attendance. The hall was filled to the brim, with guests ranging from Senators, members of the House of Representatives, judges, cabinet members, royal fathers, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil servants, security commanders, politicians across the aisles, and many more.

Speaking at the colourful stately event, Governor AbdulRazaq said the calibre of the awardees speaks to the quality of manpower with which the state is blessed.

“On behalf of the government and people of this state, I congratulate all our awardees. The award is our token of appreciation for what you have done and continue to do make Kwara proud. This award is a strategy to promote excellence and patriotism in our state. It is also a dutiful effort to interrogate and put history in proper perspective,” he said.

“Kwara is a land of great people with impressive footprints, dead or alive; so the list of recipients of this award will widen in the next editions, God willing.

“Senior citizens, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this administration represents the collective aspirations of our people for progress, development, equitable governance, and respect for the dignity of the human person. This has guided our steps through the past three and half years. Our programmes, projects, and policies have been conceived to give everyone a fair shot.

“We are as focused on infrastructural and human capital development as we are on giving every segment of our state a fair share of what our resources can afford. We are also building a new political culture that respects self-reliance, industry, and healthy competition.

“Over the past three and half years, we have invested so much to refocus the developmental priorities of our state. This has been tough in the face of global economic challenges. Regardless, we are proud of our strides across sectors. Measured against where we are coming from, indices of human capital development have never been so bright, verifiable, and relatable across Kwara State. Even so, we acknowledge the existing gaps and we are committed to beat our own records.

“We are not perfect. We therefore need you to continue to engage us in good faith so that we can continue to improve.”

In his response to the award, former CJN Alfa Belgore said it was a great moment for him and the state.

“I am indeed proud of what we are witnessing in our state and I really wish to see the Governor at the national level after he completes his second term,” he said, himself narrating his strides as a judge who had risen through the ranks to the zenith at the Nigerian bench.

Belgore said: “There are so many things happening, but what is happening that has pleased me too much for this state (Kwara) is Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. His family has served this state so much, and I kept on wondering what all of them would become. When they said the next gubernatorial candidate would come from the family (AbdulRazaq’s), that I knew very well since 1955, I was very happy.

“I voted for him (the Governor). And when it was announced that he won the election and became the Governor I was equally happy. And I do pray for him and will continue to pray to almighty God to lead him right for the whole country to benefit from him. When he finishes the second term in office, I pray he will come to Abuja to be the head of state, because he comes from a family that has always served Nigeria well and he is doing very well. May you continue to succeed, and may Kwara and Nigeria grow very strongly.”

Rafiu Ajakaye

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

December 24, 2022

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday joined officers drafted for a security operation codenamed Exercise Apejopo Idi in Ilorin-Ogbomoso Expressway, Asa.

The operation which is being coordinated by the Nigerian Air Force 3030 Medium Airlift Group (MAG) Ilorin commenced on Saturday December 16, in collaboration with other sister security agencies.

The aim is to smoke out and eliminate criminal gangs operating along Eiyenkorin-Peke-Okolowo Axis.

Governor AbdulRazaq paid a visit to the officers to boost their morale and express the full support of the state government for the exercise.

The governor’s visit is also a reassurance that peace would be restored in the area, as law-abiding citizens can carry on with their normal activities during the period.

Kwara State Government has always cooperated with security agencies, in addition to supporting them with relevant materials, including patrol vehicles.

The governor’s visit was witnessed by Commander 303 Medium Airlift Group Air Commodore Ibrahim Garba Jibia; Senior Special Assistant on Security Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; TIC Chairman Asa LGA AbdulGaniyu Saad Atebishe; and Baale of Eyenkorin AbdulWaheed Raji.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday asked the people of the state to see the comeback bid of a PDP government as another plot to draw back the state after it has been placed on a right footing by the APC-led government.

The Governor spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the commissioning of an office donated by the former KWASSIP General Manager Mohammed Brimah for the use of APC Campaign Council in the state.

“As you could all notice, those selfish politicians who ruined this state are plotting their comeback. Don’t mind them, they are shameless. Kwarans should not give them a chance to come back because their mission to regain power is nothing but to reverse the progress of the state,” he said.

“Like I once said, the PDP’s comeback bid can be likened to the people who, after abusing a rented apartment and another occupant had cleansed their mess, now attempt to occupy the same house again. Will you allow them to come back?, ” AbdulRazaq queried, drawing a thundering “no” from the large crowd.

“These people have nothing substantive to offer the state after ruling for 20 years with little or nothing to show for it. Some of the projects they even claimed to have executed are not theirs. We found out that those projects were rather funded by the federal government. As at last month, one of the contractors that they owed money wrote to us to remind the state government of the outstanding debt.”

AbdulRazaq asked citizens to disregard the purported innocence of the dislodged sarakites on the Offa bank robbery, saying the lingering delay in getting justice does not represent their being vindicated.

AbdulRazaq said the PDP’s government in the state was dubious in the handling of the matter, saying his administration had to review and re-file the case in court to get justice for families of the victims and Offa descendants.

“They said they had no hands in the Offa bank robbery. We are surprised. They thought Kwarans are fools. When we came in and discovered that the case enjoyed no progress in Court, we had to re-file it. The case they earlier filed in court could not have convicted anyone. They tried to protect their boys. They never included in their exhibits what is called corona report, and that was fatal to the case. Without corona report, the Court cannot convict anyone for murder. So, we had to hire a team of lawyers who reviewed and re-presented the case in Court, ” he added.

He commended Brimah for his loyalty and support for the party despite his initial bid to represent his constituents at the House of Representatives at the last primaries.

AbdulRazaq acknowledged Brimah’s brilliance and how he pioneered the state safety nets (KWASSIP), whose excellent contributions he said account for the successes the state has continued to record.

He also commended Yahaya Seriki for being loyal to the party and his present leadership role, adding that other members of the campaign council will soon be announced.

The event was well-attended by cabinet members and other officials of government; APC candidates and leaders from Ilorin East and South; and party supporters.

Director General State APC Campaign Council Alhaji Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, for his part, said Governor AbdulRazaq was a sincere leader who not only leads by example but also gives everyone their due.

He urged all party stalwarts and the entire citizens to always reflect on the systemic failure of the PDP-led government in the state, and what is obtainable at the present, asking them to give AbdulRazaq another four years in the saddle.

Brimah, in his remarks, said he donated the office to further refute his rumored defection from APC and to reiterate that he was solidly behind Governor AbdulRazaq at all time.

He tasked APC supporters to work hard in their door to door campaigns and ensure that the re-election bid of Governor AbdulRazaq and other APC candidates is realised.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 20, 2022

The Kwara State Government has paid workers’ salaries for the month of December 2022 ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The government also approved 100% payment of 2009 and 2010 arrears of pensions and gratuities for retirees in the local government from the SURE-P refund to states.

Kwara State under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has never defaulted in the payment of workers’ salaries, a clear departure from what was obtained in the past where months of salaries were owed to workers under the previous administrations.

AbdulRazaq also implemented the N30,000 minimum wage for workers which is paid by few states in the country.

The Governor has made it a standing tradition to pay workers earlier during festive periods for them to make adequate preparations and provisions for their families.

AbdulRazaq upon assumption of office also cleared backlogs of salaries owed to workers by the previous administrations across MDAs.

He has also restored funding of MDAs with running costs to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness in their day-to-day operations and administration.

The Governor has over time been commended for his commitment to workers’ welfare by stakeholders in the state and country.

The APC campaign council for the re-election of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara State has expressed confidence that the people of the state are resolute in their decision to re-elect the governor based on his outstanding performance, total revamp of government’s processes, and prioritisation of people’s needs.

In a statement issued by the campaign spokesperson and Commissioner for Finance Olasumbo Florence Oyeyemi, the council said Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has delivered on its promise to make the people and their needs the “heart and centrepiece of government’s plans and operations”, contrary to what previously obtained.

“There is no doubt, God willing, that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will be returned by the people of Kwara State for another term in office. He has delivered on his central promise to make the masses the focus of government’s plans and actions, contrary to what was witnessed in the dark years of the PDP when only a few people sat on our common patrimony and awarded exclusive privileges to themselves and their cronies,” the statement said.

“The Otoge revolution in 2019 was a total rejection and complete break from an era where the destiny of the people lied in the hands of the privileged few who gave out patronage only to their cronies and friends. Although they are gathering again because of their unhealthy addiction to the public treasury, their efforts will end in a resounding failure because the people can see through their lies and pretensions. The memories of their arrogance and iron-fist rule are still there.

“This administration has shown what is possible when the government is sincere and forthright about its duty to the people, particularly the prioritisation of people’s welfare alongside the right socioeconomic conditions for self-sustenance and dignified life.

“We have given a new life to infrastructure in every part of the state so that our people can do business and receive crucial support from investors who now consider our state a safe and conducive place for their investments. “We have invested in education, rebuilt schools, improved teachers’ welfare, provision of water, and provided educational materials for our kids to learn effectively in friendly environments and become drivers of future growth.

Florence said the people would not neglect all of these and fall for the “empty grandstanding of those who made Kwara the butt of national joke and are still mourning their loss of access to the public treasury which they lived on for many years and have become addicted to”.

She advised the opposition, particularly the PDP, to quit the white noise it is making and not bother expending efforts on its purported plan to regain lost prominence through lies and distortions because “the evidence of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s success is felt daily by the people in the most personal area of their lives, and that trumps whatever falsehood these purveyors of fake news who were rejected for their mendacity and dubious nature plan to sell.”

“We have delivered quality healthcare, renovating and expanding PHCs in the state so that women and children, for example, are no longer made to travel several kilometres just to see a doctor”, Oyeyemi concluded.

Long-standing pension and gratuity arrears covering years 2009 and 2010 for local government retirees will be paid 100% from the SURE-P refund recently received from the Federal Government, according to a statement by the Kwara State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development.

Commissioner for the Ministry Hon. Lafia Aliyu Kora-Sabi said in the statement that the payment will begin on Wednesday December 21 at 10a.m.

“Also, all categories of workers under the payroll of 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State have received part of the arrears inherited from the previous administration from the release of N3.5 billion Sure-P refund,” the statement added.

“The gesture further demonstrates the transparency of the present administration and non-interference with any accruals to the Local Government Council in the State.”

The statement said provisions were also made for payments of arrears of allowances to Traditional Rulers, while money was also allocated to capital projects across the local council areas in the refund.

He disclosed that the sums of One Billion (N1bn) was allocated for payments of Local Government Workers and SUBEB workers’ arrears, while another One Billion (N1bn) was provided for payment of Pension and Gratuity.

Kora-Sabi disclosed that the sum of three hundred and twenty million (N320m) went into paying outstanding allowances to the Traditional Rulers across the State, another Five hundred and seventy -four million (N574m) was allocated for capital projects among the Sixteen Local Government Councils, while some Fifteen percent of the total sum was paid to the consultant as agreed at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

Oba Azeez,
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Local Government
Chieftaincy Affairs and Community
Development.