Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has said that his administration would build an independent power plant (IPP) in the North Senatorial district of the state that would generate 100 megawatts of eletricty.

Ahmed said this on Tuesday during an interactive session with former political office holders in the state.

The governor said the power plant would drive both small and medium scale enterprises (SME) when become operational.

It would also improve the state economy in the face of dwindling federal allocations, he said.

He said that the IPP would also improve power supply to other essential services, such as hospitals, government offices and the educational institutions in the area.

The governor promised to strengthen urban electrification programme with solar streetlights on the major roads in Omu-Aran, Patigi, Kaiama, Lafiagi, Offa, Share and Tsaragi.

Ahmed stressed the desire of his administration to reduce the cost of governance and block various financial leakages in the system.

The governor also said that he would soon sign a new tax collection system bill into law.

"We need more efficiency in tax collection, improve process of tax administration and management in order to create more funds to drive infrastructural development in the State", he said.

Ahmed assured the citizens of the state that the policies and programmes of his administration would be premised on good governance, political stability and improved security.

He also promised to reduce the menace of hoodlums and tackling insecurity in the state through job creation and entrepreneurship development.

Ahmed said the International Vocational Centre located at Ajasse-Ipo would be fully equipped and become operational this year.

He thanked the people of the state for the confidence reposed in him and promised to have regular interactions with the various segments of the society in order to bridge information gap.

"This government is about the people and we must continue to carry everybody along", he said. (NAN)