By Femi Akorede (SA Media)

For his decision to engage with demonstrators during the recent anti-fuel subsidy protests in the state, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been applauded for showing exemplary leadership during the crisis. The commendation was made by US Ambassador, Mr Terence McCulley during a courtesy call on Governor Ahmed at Government House, Ilorin on Tuesday.

"I applaud your leadership during the strike, you took the initiative to go out and talk to them, to find out what is on their mind. This an example of forward-looking leadership this country needs. That to me, demonstrates why Kwara is a model for other parts of this great country", said McCulley.

The Ambassador pledged his country's support to the Kwara State Government in the areas of agricultural development and policies implementation for the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) goals. He said the US will also explore other ways of assisting the government in its efforts to move the state forward. According to him, agriculture remains a vital weapon for driving the economy forward and commended the governor for his giant strides in transforming agriculture in the State, especially commercial agriculture. Speaking on the issue of security, the US Ambassador said security is very important in the economy of any nation, noting that only under a peaceful atmosphere that any prospective investor will be willing to invest his money. 

Responding, Governor Ahmed thanked the envoy for the visit, saying the visit is a great opportunity for the State especially at a time the State government is consolidating on making the State as a prime investment destination. Outlining the benefits of the state government's N70b joint venture with a Spanish Consortium for rice cultivation and processing, Ahmed said the project will generate about 12, 000 jobs when fully operational.

The State government, he said, is already partnering with Cornell University, New York to establish an Agric-city in the State for commercial farming and Agro-processing. According to the governor, the Agric-city when fully operational is expected to serve the local, national and International markets, adding that government is also putting the International Airport in the State capital into functional level to support export of agro related activities from the proposed agric-city. Ahmed solicited the US government's support in the area of foreign investment, security and capacity building for civil servants. He therefore promised to create an enabling environment for investment to thrive in the State and to strengthen the relationship between Kwara State and the US.