The government of Kwara State has intensified the search for crude oil as it hopes that substances extracted for examination to ascertain whether or not they contain traces of crude will turn out positive.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, who spoke in Ilorin at a town hall meeting which marked the end of the National Good Governance Tour in the state, said the examination is at an advanced stage and findings will be made available to the public once concluded.

"Our team of experts are currently assessing the products we have extracted to ascertain if they are crude oil products. At the appropriate time, we will inform the public of the results of our findings," he said.

Speaking on the administration's efforts to empower youths in the state, Ahmed said the sum of N500 million would be set aside in 2013 to support youths who have demonstrated capacity in management of small and medium enterprise.

In his remarks, Information Minister Labaran Maku said the Federal Government has a programme that would create 10, 000 jobs in the state.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of Kwara State Assembly, Mohammed Gana Yisa, has urged the Federal Government to revisit the Hydro Electric Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) project.

He made the call in Ilorin at a town hall meeting which marked the end of the National Good Governance Tour in the state.

Yisa said the project will spur development in hydro power producing communities. The HYPADEC amendment bill was passed early this year.