Kwara and Niger are to strengthen existing collaboration to ensure adequate protection of lives and properties in the two states.

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced this on Wednesday evening at the State Executive Council meeting.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who expressed grave concern with reports of degradation of Multi-Billion Naira natural endowments by some criminal elements in parts of Baruten Local Government, said he would reach out to his Niger state counterpart for maximum security collaboration to put an end to such criminal activities.

The Governor disclosed that Kwara and Niger accounted for 60 percent of Shea butter production in the country, regretting that deforestation activities by some of the criminal elements in parts of the state constituted serious danger to preservation of natural endowments.

He lamented the increasing exportation of firewood and charcoal from the state, stressing that the state government will deepen mass enlightenment on the use of gas in place of firewood and charcoal to protect the forest.

He also said the Governors’ Forum may also need to work to bring down the cost of cooking gas to make it more affordable to the people as a sustainable alternative to fire wood.

The Governor, meanwhile charged the newly sworn in members of the State Executive Council to team up with their colleagues in the council in strengthening governance and working towards meeting the expectations of the people of the state inspite of dwindling resources.

“It is not yet time for full-blown party politics. Let’s concentrate on governance, full blown politics will come later”, the Governor said.

He called on all the Council members to be proactive on Security and developmental issues in their respective local government areas and communities.

Alhaji Bashir Adigun
Special Adviser Political Communication
August 4, 2021

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday said the administration has achieved a lot in the area of fixing basic infrastructure and bringing governance closer to the people, adding however that the government still has a lot of grounds to cover.

“We have delivered quite much, particularly in basic amenities and social infrastructure that were hitherto lacking. But we still have huge grounds to cover. So, it is no time for full blown politics. We must keep our eyes on the ball, which is service to the people of Kwara State who have entrusted us with their mandate,” the Governor told three new commissioners after their inauguration Wednesday evening,

The commissioners are Hajia Saadatu Modibbo Kawu (Education and Human Capital Development); Mrs Bosede Olaitan (Communications); and Sabbah Yisa Gideon (Agriculture and Rural Development).

The Governor tasked the cabinet members on prudence, team work, and sacrifice to achieve a greater Kwara State.

“You are coming on board at a crucial time in the life of this administration and our state. Kwara state is undergoing a rebuilding process. Prudence, discipline, team work, and sacrifice have been our watchwords,” he said.

“Revenue is drying up. Yet our administration is confronted with huge challenges of human capital and infrastructural development, and an urgent need to lift as many people as possible out of poverty. Every penny is being channeled to tackle this. The administration has a duty to chart a sustainable course for our state. That is why we can’t afford to be flamboyant or wasteful.”

Secretary to the State Government Prof. Mamman Saba Jubril, for his part, said:  “I urge the honourable commissioner to be dedicated to their duties. They should be tolerant and completely loyal to the government. We acknowledged the honour for the swearing in ceremony. May God continue to honour you to serve the state.”

Modibbo Kawu, who spoke on behalf of the new commissioners, said they would join other stakeholders to succeed in the task before them.

“This moment means a lot to us. So, on behalf of my colleagues, I will like to express our appreciation to His Excellency the Governor. We know this is a trying period for the state. The resources we have cannot do a lot of things we intend to do. We will think outside the box and be innovative as much as possible to manage the little that we have to do much we can in our different ministries,” she said.

“We shall work with other critical stakeholders to achieve the goals of this administration.”

The brief swearing in was attended by Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi; Chief Judge Suleiman Kawu; Grand Kadi Ola AbdulKadir; Head of Service Mrs Modupe Oluwole Susan; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Salman Jawondo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy Sa’adu Salau; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Communication Bashiru Adigun.

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
August 4, 2021

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated the Central Bank Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele as he turns 60th today, August 4, 2021.

In a statement on Wednesday in Ilorin, the state capital, the Governor commended the determination and commitment of the CBN chief in this time of global economic crisis to evolve monetary policies to manage and stabilize the emerging economy that Nigeria is.

“I join our compatriots to congratulate the CBN Governor on his birthday. He is without doubt a patriot whose wholesome commitment to the service of our fatherland is not in doubt . I commend his resourcefulness and determined efforts to stabilise the economy in this time of global financial crisis, which is compounded by unprecedented issues and challenges of the increasingly linked, yet fragile global economy,” according to the statement.

“On behalf my family, the people and government of Kwara State, I beseech the Almighty God to continue to bless the CBN Governor and grant him long life and good health in the service of our country.”

Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
August 4, 2021

The Kwara State Government has said the views of the -KWSG*people form the bedrock of its fiscal proposals and budgeting .

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made the statement today at the end of citizens’ engagement on the 2022 budget at Owu Isin, Isin Local Government Area.

Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, the Governor added that the democratisation of the budget preparation process is in line with global best practices of transparency, participatory and impactful budget performance.

“We are making sure the budgeting is participatory so that what the people need is captured and actioned within the limits of funding”
said the Governor.

He, therefore, appealed to the people to state their preferences which government will implement within the limits of available resources.

In his welcome remarks, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Folorunsho, said the gathering is to harvest inputs from citizens into the 2022 state budget preparation.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Arc. Aliyu Saifudeen implored Kwarans to be robust in their contributions saying that this program put together by the State government is an integral part of the fiscal document against next year.

He announced that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the Ministry of Finance to release all monies directly to Local Government directly without any reduction.

Modupe Joel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
August 3rd, 2021

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State on Friday agreed to adopt consensus candidates for ward congresses slated for Saturday across the 16 local government areas of the state.

This comes as the chairman of the Kwara APC Ward congress Prof Jonathan Ayuba urged all the stakeholders to ensure that the process is peaceful and orderly.

“The national secretariat of APC has taken these congresses very seriously because the foundation of the success of the party at the national level depends on the foundation that we laid that the construction will continue,” he said.

“I was given a list of stakeholders and I personally made contacts with some of your critical stakeholders. With what I have done I feel confident that I can convey the message which I am brought here to do.

“The congresses are supposed to be done tomorrow and the party says you have to decide either you go for consensus or election. So, mine is not to decide for you but to listen to you and take your decision. So, your decision is what I will work with.

“I have held meetings with security agencies and I will hold any of the stakeholders in various wards responsible for any misconduct. I will hold any of the stakeholders responsible for any breach of the peace. I will also include in my report to the headquarters of any misbehaviour. Let the interest of the party and not any individual interest supercede our decision in these congresses.”

At the end of the stakeholders’ meeting called by the APC National Headquarters’ Congress Planning Committee in Ilorin, members of the party unanimously settled for consensus candidates across the 193 wards.

The pre-congress stakeholders’ meeting was attended by top party chieftains from the state, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Speaker of the House of Assembly Yakubu Danladi Salihu; Senators Yahya Oloriegbe (Central); Lola Ashiru (South); House of Representatives members; House of Assembly members; Kwara APC Caretaker committee chairman Abdullahi Samari; and many others.

Governor AbdulRazaq said the party congress is a democratic process designed to ensure smooth running of the party.

He reiterated the commitment of the APC administration to serve the masses.

“We are here only for Kwarans. They voted for us and we must continue to think about our people. We must not disappoint our people. We know what we are doing tomorrow. Speakers have spoken and I wish everyone safe journey to our respective places. May we have a successful outing tomorrow,” according to the Governor who was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi.

Senator Oloriegbe said: “We are a united family as a party in Kwara. APC in Kwara is the party in government and no king will constitute an enemy against himself. What brought (to the people of) Kwara is ‘Otoge’ and change that we promised our people. And what we said Otoge for is bad governance. We promised good governance and that is what the governor and all of us elected under the party have been delivering.

“There is no household or community without a leader and only God appoints leaders. Anybody God has appointed, we should all cooperate with him. That is the person’s time. We should all cooperate as one family. What we want and what we need is unity of purpose. We shouldn’t be fighting ourselves. We should come together to deliver what we promised the people of Kwara State.

“I want to assure the chairman (congress committee) that we are known for peace because Kwara is not known for thuggery. The congress will go peacefully tomorrow. It is through dialogue and consensus that we will arrive at conclusion.”

Chairman APC caretaker committee in the state Abdullahi Samari said: “The purpose of this meeting is to take briefings on the ward congresses that will take place tomorrow. The national secretariat of our great party has sent a team to conduct the ward congresses and that team is led by Prof Jonathan Ayuba. I want all members here (as representatives of various communities) to take back the correct position of how the exercise is going to be conducted.

“With the collation of ideas we have this evening it is agreed that we are going home for consensus candidates.”

The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker Raphael Adetiba, said members of the House have agreed to consensus arrangement.

“What we are saying is that we have only one leader per term. God has given us Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at this time and if anybody has a dissenting voice, may be he is not a citizen of this state. As far as we all know from the leadership of the party in the state, we are prepared for discussion and dialogue. That is consensus. Our assurance to the national headquarters of APC is that it is consensus for Kwara,” he added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Congresses to elect party executives will hold across the country on Saturday, July 31st 2021 as scheduled.

To this end, ward Congress Committees of the Party have already been inaugurated and delegated with the responsibility of conducting, supervising, monitoring the scheduled Ward Congresses.

The clarification is against the backdrop of personal opinions being expressed by some individuals on the status of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC ) and its capacity to conduct the Congresses.

While it is not our intention to join issues with these comentators, the Supreme Court’s Wednesday judgement affirming the Election victory of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN had no bearing on the CECPC’s status and its membership.

Party members and aspirants should therefore come out enmasse and peacefully to participate in the ward Congresses, come Saturday.

SIGNED:
*Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Ph.D*
National Secretary
Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC)
All Progressives Congress (APC)

The Inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Congress Committees for all the States of the Federation, held today at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

The Party’s Congress Committees were represented by their respective State Committee Chairmen.

The Congress Committees of the Party are delegated with the responsibility of conducting, supervising, monitoring and giving feedbacks to the Party on the outcome of the Ward Congresses in all States of the Federation.

National Secretary of APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, performed the inauguration on behalf of the Party’s National Chairman, H.E. (Hon) Mai Mala Buni.

Senator Akpanudoedehe also gave this brief Address, before inaugurating the Committees.

“On behalf of the National Chairman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of our Party, and Governor of Yobe State H.E. (Hon) Mai Mala Buni, I welcome you all to the National Secretariat of our great Party, and thank you for coming, despite the short notice.

“In continuation of the rebuilding and repositioning processes of our Party, our Ward Congresses to produce the Ward Executive Committees and the delegates at that level, will take place this Saturday, 31st July 2021 and you’ve been chosen to superintend over that Exercise.

“There’s no doubt that within this room are the crème-de-la-crème of our Party; our first team for any competition .

“Therefore I urge you to keep the interest of the Party first and foremost within your hearts.

“The success of this Exercise depends so much on you.

“The unity of our Party also depends on the outcome; and the outcome essentially depends on your supervision of the issues and the overall conduct of the Exercise.

“Do not forget that the CECPC reserves the power to recall the team, or any of its members whose conduct is below expectation; afrerall, he who hires, can also fire.

“You’ve been urged to encourage concensus arrangements, where possible .

“Article 20 of our Party’s Constitution and the Guidelines for the Congresses shall be your guide.

“Gentlemen and Ladies, let me state once again that your loyalty is to the Party; and you should be at your very best.

“You’ll be given the necessary briefing and materials for the conduct of the Exercise

“I wish you the very best in this endeavour.

“May I also offer some words from our National Chairman and Governor of Yobe State, HE.Hon.Mai Mala Buni, for our Party faithfuls.

“He said that I should remind our Party members through this avenue, that a political Party is an organisation of persons who have subscribed to the ideals and rules of the group.

“Such rules include internal mechanisms for handling and solving disputes.

“Therefore the practice of running to the public space without exploring the internal mechanisms of conflict resolution is not available; and not only unhealthy, but an affront on the Constitution of the Party.

“So going forward, it should be stopped.

“This is a good place to end my address.

“On this note, may I please ask that you rise for inauguration.

“On behalf of the National Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of our great Party, I hereby inaugurate these Congress Committees for the good of our Party.

The Kwara State Government has said the views of its people form the bedrock of its fiscal proposals and budget preparation.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made the statement on Tuesday at the flag-off of the phased citizens’ engagement on the 2022 budget at Afon, Asa Local Government Area.

Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, the Governor added that the democratisation of the budget preparation process is in line with the global best practices of transparency and impactful budget performance as citizens contribute to budgeting.

“Indeed, we are making sure that the budget is implemented efficiently for positive impacts on the lives of the people, “ said the Governor.

He, therefore, appealed to the people to state their preferences which government will implement within the limits of available resources.

In his welcome remarks, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Folorunsho, said the gathering is to harvest inputs from citizens into the 2022 state budget preparation.

Also speaking, Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Kwara State House of Assembly, Honorable Ambali Olatunji Ibrahim, noted that town hall meetings held in strategic locations would keep legislators informed on public needs and priorities.

Modupe Joel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
July 27, 2021

• Commissions inspection vehicles, electronic gadgets, library books for schools
• Says govt restoring confidence in public education

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the implementation of promotion arrears for tens of thousands of teachers and staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), effectively ending years of career stagnation that brought workers’ morale to an all-time low.

The announcement, made by SUBEB chairman Prof Shehu Raheem Adaramaja at the commissioning of operational vehicles, motorcycles, electronic gadgets, and instructional materials for basic schools, triggered widespread applause from teachers and other workers of SUBEB who hailed the decision as timely and fitting for the administration’s record of hearkening to the  yearnings of the people.

Public basic school teachers in Kwara State were last promoted in 2017.

“Conduct of years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 promotion examination and oral interview has been expressly approved by His Excellency to hold between the 2nd and 5th August, 2021,” Adaramaja said.

“Outstanding salary arrears of staff is also not left out as the process is at its peak. We say a big thank you to His Excellency for considering the plight of our staff and finding a solution to the agitation of our staff.”

AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, said the administration has unlocked the goldmine of opportunities to revitalise basic education in the state with the renewed relationship with the Universal Basic Education Commission –  after seven years of official blacklist of Kwara.

“Except for the 12-seater bus which has been donated to us by Unity Bank Plc all these facilities are some of the gains of our renewed relationship with the Universal Basic Education Commission,” he said.

AbdulRazaq also acknowledged the prudent management of scarce resources by the leadership of KWSUBEB, leading to procurement of 1,500 cartoons of white chalks from Kwara State College of Education ( Technical), Lafiagi.

“The interesting thing is that these facilities are what Kwara should have been enjoying if the last administration had played its own roles. It is a confirmation of our position that the last administration opted to kill basic education in the state. Our efforts have been to restore quality, dignity, and citizens’ confidence to public basic education in the state,” the Governor said.

“These tools will not only improve the standard of basic education in the state, they will also provide an enabling environment for adequate monitoring and supervision of teaching and learning activities across our schools. These new infrastructures will complement the ongoing renovation and remodelling of classrooms across over 600 schools in the state.

“When you add that to the recent recruitment of 4,701 teachers through a process that was the best of its kind in the recent history of Kwara State, you will see that our vision is comprehensive and clear. On August 5, we will bring stakeholders together to a summit to evolve a holistic strategy for the future of our education sector.”

AbdulRazaq applauded the Unity Bank PLC for the donation of 12-seater Hyundai bus and the UBEC management for their support to the State Government and Kwara SUBEB in providing the materials/equipments needed in the schools.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry ofEducation Mrs Adeoshun Mary Kemi applauded the Governor for his giant strides in the education sector.

“You cannot appreciate the magnitude of the contributions of this administration without being reminded of the pathetic situation of the education sector before the advent of the Otoge mantra. The previous administrations left educational system to a near collapse. The infrastructures were dilapidated and abandoned, there were acute shortages of facilities in the schools, irregularity in the remuneration of teachers and lack of adequate office equipment to monitor schools’ activities,” she said.

The state chairman NUT in Kwara State Comrade Olu Adewara commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his interest in promoting the welfare of teachers and development of education sector in the state.

“This is a good development. It is a good news to us, coming at a very good time. I believe everyone hearing this will appreciate the Governor for being so good to us. We want to appreciate him in all respects, particularly on this promotion exercise so pronounced,” he said.

“The beauty of this is that these promotion exercises (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020), going by the good understanding we have with the government, will come with cashbacking.

“I can say that this administration from inception brought permanent end to salaries being paid on percentages. On the account of salaries being paid on percentages, we have salaries arrears of about three months and 43%. We want to plead with His Excellency to further look at our direction and clear the outstanding salaries arrears of about three months and 43%.”

The items commissioned are: 1 (nos) of 18 p-seater hummer bus for Quality Assurance Department; 5 (nos) of 2020 Model Hilux Van for project monitoring; 45 Bajaj boxers motorcycles for schools supervision; 40 (nos) of Samsung galaxy tab A for e-quality assurance for the Quality Assurance Officers; 10 sets of computer system for project monitoring; 20 digital calipers for project unit; 1 projector for Quality Assurance Department; and instructional materials for schools and library books and shelves for basic schools to encourage reading culture.

Modupe Joel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
July 26, 2021

The Kwara State Government has reinstated its commitment to sports and youths development in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, made this known at the closing ceremony of Igbaja Sports Carnival, held at ECWA Secondary School Field, Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government of the state on Thursday.

Mr Alabi encouraged youths to make hard work and discipline their watchword. He said sports has brought many from grass to grace and has united people irrespective of religion and ethnicity.

He explained that sport would help youths become better contributors to society, increase their confidence, and improve their social skills. Participation in sport, he added, is linked to higher grades, lower dropout rates, reduced truancy and lower crime rates.

He implored the youths to give back to the community that has encouraged and given them avenues to showcase their talents.

The Jagunmolu of Igbajaland, Alhaji Dr Abdulraheem Amoo Oladimeji, appreciated the Government for its youth-driven programs and encouraged it not to relent.

Chairman of the occasion, Hon Raphael Adetiba, the Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, said talented youths remain the heart without which no community can function.

Modupe Joel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
July 22, 2021