GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State in Ilorin offered explanation as to why the state government renewed its focus on revenue generation through natural resources that were not initially tapped.

Of the resources is solid minerals, which he said, the present administration placed high premium on, as a way of diversifying the mono-economy the country was being run. Ahmed spoke weekend at the inauguration of the state chapter of Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria held at the state Township Stadium in Ilorin.

He said the fall in revenue accrued to the state from the federation accounts consequent upon fall in price and production of oil, necessitated the government's action to tap hitherto untapped revenue sources and plug leakages. The governor, noted that the state was blessed with lots of mineral deposits while efforts were ongoing to harness them to improve revenue generation.

He urged the newly inaugurated state chapter of tippers and quarry union and other related associations to double their commitment in partnering with government to deliver dividend of democracy to the people through renewed revenue drive.

"In Kwara State, this administration in its bid to transform the lives of the people has placed high premium on the development of the solid minerals as a way of diversifying our mono economy, which is majorly dependent on oil resources. "To this effect, the Ministry of Industry and Solid Minerals Development was created to oversee the solid mineral potentials of the state. As you might be aware, the state is blessed with lots of mineral deposits among which are, tantalite, tourmaline, mica, feldspar, gold, cassiterite, kaoline, granite and marble among others.