The immediate past Chairman, House Committee on Justice in the House of Representatives, Dr Ahmad Ali, yesterday, emerged the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

The 24 members of the 8th Kwara Assembly unanimously elected Ali, who succeeds Abdulrazaq Atunwa, who is now in the House of Representatives.

Ahmad, who represent Ilorin East/South constituency under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, was nominated by Hasan Oyeleke, representing Ojomu/Shao constituency of Offa Local Government Area.

Ali was unanimously elected by other members of the House.

Speaking after his inauguration, Ahmad said he was honoured to be elected as Speaker considering the status of Kwara State in Nigerian political history.

Ali, who said the tasks ahead were daunting, added that economic reality in the country was frightening as youth unemployment remains high.

"We must be creative in finding short and long term solutions to the challenges, including security of lives and property. We should not be complacent just because there was no opposition or exhibit laid-back attitude. We must always encourage robust public hearing to get confidence of people and be close to them."

The speaker promised to carry out legislative assignment so that the people would be proud of the House.