Date: 2016-09-15

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara said, Wednesday, that the state government will not sack workers in spite of the economic challenges in the country. He gave the assurance when he received the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, who paid him the traditional Sallah visit at the Government House in Ilorin.

The governor appealed to the people of the state to show understanding and cooperate with his administration in the bid to overcome the economic challenges. "I'm concerned; I'm touched. I feel more than you feel because I'm supposed to make you happy and comfortable, even if it means making myself uncomfortable".

Mr. Ahmed told the emir that contractors had received N1.7 billion to enhance infrastructure development in the state in line with government's resolve to cushion effects of the economic recession.

The governor assured the people that the state government's newly introduced Kwara Infrastructure Fund would ensure that contractors were paid quarterly upon certification of their works. According to him, newly procured asphalt plants by the government will soon be inaugurated. He said that all bad roads across the state would be fixed while new ones would be constructed.

On mass transportation, Mr. Ahmed said 12 luxury buses would be procured to ply major routes across the state. He also said that the government would obtain N700 million from the World Bank to boost primary health care.

Mr. Ahmed attributed the increase in the execution of projects to reduction in the cost of governance by 40 per cent. Earlier, Mr. Gambari called for intensified prayer for the success of the country's leaders as their actions or inactions would impact on the wellbeing of the citizenry.

He advised government to invest more on agriculture so as to ensure sustainable food security in the country. (NAN)