Date: 2009-08-28

The Federal Government has approved a sum of N1.5billion Agricultural Export Handling Centre for Kwara State to complement the new Cargo Terminal Building constructed by the Kwara State Government at the Ilorin International Airport.

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua disclosed this at Ganmo on Monday while commissioning the Multi-billion Naira Ganmo Power Sub-station under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

The President, who announced that the Federal Executive Council has approved the award of contract for the construction of the 1,500 Tada-Shonga irrigation project in Edu Local Government Council of the State at a cost of N2.3 billion, further disclosed that one of the ten rice processing centres being established across the country at a total cost of N10billion will be sited also in the State.

He explained that what the Federal Government has done for Kwara State was in line with its commitment to support development initiatives embarked upon by State Governments to complement such efforts and encourage them to do more for their people.

Alhaji Yar’Adua commended the State Government for the construction of the Cargo Shed, describing it as a catalyst for effective movement of goods outside the traditional ports and would also help to broaden and diversify the economic base of the State.

According to him, Governor Saraki has demonstrated sincere commitment to good leadership over the people of the State. “This is purely service to the people,” he said.

“We at the Federal level are proud of the excellent work which your Governor, Dr. Bukola is doing to transform Kwara State and bring development to the people”. Yar’Adua told the score of people who trooped out enmass to give him a rousing welcome to the State.

The elated host Governor, Dr. Saraki, who was short of words, could not say anything than to thank President Yar’Adua for his commitment and moral support, which he said, had seen his administration through all the laudable projects embarked upon to bring development to the people.

He congratulated the President for seeing to the completion and commissioning of Ganmo power project which has considerably improved power supply in the State and other neighbouring States.

He, however, reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to align with the policies and programmes of the Federal Government under the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua, in the task of making Nigeria one of the world’s largest economies by the year 2020. 

Mas’ud Adebimpe

Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

July 28, 2009