...says proud of CELF initiative for youths

Makes personal gift to Fellows

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday said his administration is committed to spreading development to every part of the state and ensuring that no part is deprived of government presence at various levels.

The Governor made the remarks while addressing fellows of the path-finding Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF) programme — a brainchild of the Lawal Olohungbebe-led Hassim Initiative for Community Advancement and supported by the Hannis Institute for Development Studies.

Represented by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor said the CELF aligns with his vision to create an environment that allows for talents to thrive, and commended the initiators for their foresight and commitment to the growth of young people.

"We are committed to bringing development to every part of Kwara State rather than focusing attention in just the urban areas,” he said, urging the fellows to be determined to attain greatness in life and not see their backgrounds or place of birth as a barrier to succeed in any human endeavour.

"The fact that you are from rural communities must not be a barrier to attaining greatness in life. What you have learnt from this fellowship programme should inspire you to achieve success anywhere you are. Be ready to break barriers anywhere you find yourself,” he added.

The governor announced a personal donation of N1m for purchase of a smart phone to each of the 32 fellows to aid their online mentoring programmes and connections with one another.

"We recognise what you are doing for the fellows and, by extension, for the state,” AbdulRazaq added, referring to the organisers of the Fellowship. “This will be well documented in the history of the state because it aligns with the vision of the government in building the capacity of our youths particularly those in the hinterlands to be the best that they can be.”

CELF Convener, Mr Lawal Olohungbebe, commended the Governor for identifying with the programme and the gesture which he said will enable the Fellows to continue with their online mentorship training.

CELF, which brings together A-grade 32 final year secondary school students from across rural communities of the state, attracted facilitators from within and outside Kwara who took turns to mentor the fellows.

At least 11 of the Fellows are to bag CELF scholarships to study in any public higher institution of their choice in Nigeria.