In recent times the Kwara state government has been trying hard to convince Kwarans about the true ownership and management of major projects executed by the state government in the last 10 years. The impression of many citizens about these projects, most of which were executed under PPP arrangements, was that they were being funded with public funds. While the government had always maintained that it initiated the projects under a PPP arrangement for the good of the state, the impression of many Kwarans is that the projects in questions were executed to satisfy the interests of key political office holders in the state.

From the Shonga Farms Holdings to Ilorin Ultra-modern Diagnostic Centre; International Aviation College ,Ilorin to the coming of Shoprite, Kwara Mall to the proposed Hub, the state government had come under attacks from citizens and public commentators about the true ownership and management of these projects. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some stakeholders in the state have at different times asked questions about the ownership of these projects, an issue for which the state government had equally provided answers. Whether the people are convinced or satisfied with the explanations and answers provided by the government is another issue. While the issues continue to generate debate amongst stakeholders in the state, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed's administration established Harmony Holdings Limited to manage the assets of state.

With the establishment of this entity, virtually all state investments and assets including moribund property came under the direct supervision and management of harmony holdings. A development which attracted criticisms from members of the public including the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). IEDPU, an umbrella body of all socio-cultural organisations of Ilorin indigenes at its recent 50th anniversary of its annual general conference, warned the state government against imposition of non-indigenes to manage the state-owned investment company- Harmony Holdings. Bearing in mind public perceptions about state government projects, Governor Ahmed at the recent ground breaking ceremony of The Hub in Ilorin, appealed to all citizens and public commentators to refrain from creating a negative perception about ownership and management of state assets.

He said "We are a government guided by the constitution and the rule of law. But we are also mindful of the need to convert dormant or non performing government assets into productive use for public benefit. This property and the one across the road, for example, will benefit no one unless we add value to it by putting it to use. "We have subsequently brought these assets under Harmony Holdings Limited or other statutory bodies which are fully government-owned but have the capacity to turn these assets into profit and generate revenue from them. "While the debate about the appropriateness of the private-sector style management of these government assets is welcome, we must be careful to ensure that such analysis is not unnecessarily-politicized and personalized as the attendant controversy discourages fresh investment"

Ahmed who had earlier taken his time to explain the concept of the new project ,explained that the "The Hub is a project of the Harmony Investment and Property Development Company Ltd (HIPD), a subsidiary of Harmony Holdings Limited. "It is a landmark ultra-modern shopping and office complex; one of the State governments' initiatives to transform the landscape of Ilorin, stimulate commerce and attract investors to the State. "With 64 outlets subdivided into different dimensions of office suites, and multi-use stalls and coupled with its strategic location along the dualized Fate road, the Hub, no doubt, presents great economic opportunities for Kwara State in terms of job creation, business growth and enhanced Internal Revenue.

It will also provide trade-enabling services that will increase Kwara State's competitive advantage. "Additionally, the presence of the Hub along Fate Road will further establish Fate as Ilorin's Shopping Haven as we already have the Kwara Mall situated along this area. It will also address the increasing demand by businesses and investors in the State for outlet spaces. "In view of these, it is safe to say that greater prosperity is coming to Kwara State because, when investment and opportunities converge, prosperity is imminent and a brighter and rewarding future is assured".

Speaking further on the expected benefits the state is looking forward to derive from the project, the governor said the target of his administration " is to attract investments worth N30 billion through public private partnerships in key sectors such as manufacturing, power, health, energy and aviation between now and 2019. "We also estimate about N1.5b worth of new investments in our solid mineral sector within the same period". He was however, quick to say that such dreams can only be realised provided there is "consistency in federal government policies a stable monetary climate and the appropriate incentive regime. "On our part, we will continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State through business-friendly policies, and sustained infrastructure development".

Ahmed who commended Board of Harmony Holdings "for driving the company towards profitability and delivering economic benefits to the State, through private sector-style management and strategic re-engineering. "I, therefore, encourage you to look into and invest in other sectors of the economy such as Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Housing and Financial Services to increase the State's revenue base and create jobs". To further clear rumour and doubts that might continue to trail the execution of government projects in the state, the government must always ensure transparency in its dealings particularly on the issue of PPP.