Date: 2014-08-12

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been given an award by Kwarans in the Diaspora at the weekend at their national convention in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.

Ahmed was awarded with the "2014 KSANG Merit of Honours Award" at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Schaumburg, Chicago, by the Kwara State Association of Nigeria, North American Chapter (KSANG).

He is the second person in the 13-year history of the association to receive this honour. The pioneer winner was former Governor Bukola Saraki , in 2010 at Seattle in Washington State.

The ceremony, which climaxed a three-day 7th national convention, was witnessed by the Lt. Governor of the State if Illinois, Sheila Simon, among prominent American and Nigerian dignitaries.

KSANG cited Governor Ahmed's "exemplary and unprecedented collaboration with KSANG in developing Kwara and the governor's "proactive and productive engagement of youths "as reasons for its award to him.

Lt. Gov Simon, who watched a video clip of the governor's activities in Kwara State, hailed KSANG "for recognising competence in governance".

She promised that the State of Illinois would collaborate with Kwara.

Governor Ahmed, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Communication Strategy, Alh. Abdulraheem Adedoyin, accepted the honour "with humility" and praised KSANG for partnering his administration, especially in the area of healthcare.

The governor acknowledged the series of medical missions undertaken to Kwara by KSANG, citing the mission to Ilorin where over 4,00kwarans were screened and treated for diabetes and blood pressure.

He urged Kwara indigenes in the diaspora to "come home and invest", stressing that Kwara needs their talent, expertise and global experience. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and ex-KSANG President Alh. Lateef Amolegbe were also honoured.